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:
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.
