Christmas Gifts - Sewing Groups

Just like Birthday gifts - we seem to get a bucket load of gifts at Christmas time 

from our sewing groups.

(Warning  - a long post and lots of pictures.)

First group to enjoy a Christmas end of year meeting was Loose Threads.
Early in the year we had decided on pincushions for the gift.  We do a random draw on the day to see which present we receive.  This is my cute owl  - it's quite heavy - so perfect for using near my machine - and the cat can't knock it off the table!!

This is the one I made.   Anni Downs fabrics and full of walnut shells.

We also each received a little Christmas hanging bag - (with lollies...but they disappeared before I took the photo!)

I made an angel for everyone (as I do every year and now its a tradition so I can't stop!!!)  This year I made angels in two different sizes.

The second Group - KQ Girls - met the day after.  Again we did a random draw on the day.  This year we each made a drawstring bag and added a fat quarter, buttons and a sewing surprise.

This is my lovely bag and goodies inside:

This is the one I made:  I added a fat quarter, matching buttons, a scrap bucket, a pincushion and a bookmark in the shape of a sewing machine.  I must have forgotten to photograph the extras - but here is the bag.

We also received a covered ball, a book mark with some pictures of our group and a mug rug in the shape of a leaf.

I gave everyone an angel and a coaster. - like these:

Third group - Sunday Stitchers.
For this group we draw names during the year and make for that person.  This year we could each suggest what we would like from a list of "possibles".

I received this absolutely fabulous block holder - I have wanted a flat block holder for ages and have just never got around to making one - plenty of plans - but this one is just what I need - it has plenty of space to put blocks in - and it has a hanger - perfect for hanging in the wardrobe along with the other project bags etc.
Noela made it for me and I am so happy with it.

I made a water bottle cover, scrap bucket and coaster for my recipient.

I had planned on making the bottle holder with a circle at the base - but at a recent craft event I saw a thermos holder made in strips with the joins underneath - so I copied that idea.  I feel its much easier.

This group is also quite prolific in giving small gifts - some hand made.  As we had the party to beat all parties at Sandi's house we also collected some little gifts from her throughout the day.  Here is the collection:

I gave everyone an angel and a coaster.

I also meet (usually) monthly with a small informal group - we call ourselves SIMS (from the initials of our names).  There is nothing structured here - we brought cold meat & salads for lunch to share - but we made small gifts for each other.
I received:

An accordion bag - (free pattern & video - DIY Accordion Pouch | with Jennifer Bosworth of Shabby Fabrics), a cute needle case in the shape of a cupcake and a beautiful hanging thingy...it's very pretty and perfect colours for me but I'm not sure what to call it. 

I made these tuffet pin cushions.

I also joined in the No Fuss Christmas Swap - this is the present I received very early from Anthea - I was very good and took it away with me to Townsville, so I could open it on Christmas day.

This is what was inside - a lovely needle case, a Christmassy Tea towel, 50cm pretty lace, a gorgeous bird button and a treat - the Santa Spreader - he is wearing sunglasses - very cute!

My parcel was hand delivered to Sandi.

I also received two Christmas gifts in the mail - a gorgeous decoration and card from Fiona 

and this cute tree from Maria

And finally - while in Townsville, I was able to catch up with Wendy Bertello - and she gave me a surprise present - a tea towel, a treat which had to be eaten to beat the heat up there, a pencil with the words - "Full bobbins are a girl's best friend",  a tiny quilt hanger, a decorative thimble and some very pretty notebooks.   

It was so good to see Wendy - we chatted non stop eating lunch and visiting a couple of patchwork shops.  Thanks Wendy - I had a ball - hope to see you again in March!  Sorry I forgot about FNSI!!

All in all I feel very spoilt.

I still have one more Christmas present to share, but it will wait for another post.