Santa Sack Swap 2014

I had the pleasure of swapping with Shez of Enjoying Life.  And for the first time ever, it was a swap with someone I'd actually been blessed with meeting face to face - what fun that was Shez!!  (Psssttt .... Can't wait to see you again in March!!!)

First up, the items she blessed me with ...

Since we've both previously received/have sacks and stockings we decided we'd make a bag each and she made this gorgeous little bag to hold the rest in.

A set of her darling kitchen towels (t'was my one request - can you blame me?!!! *wink*) 

 A darling 'Life is Beautiful' stitchery wall hanger which works perfectly with the pink walls we have in our bedroom (oh, yes, I still share a bedroom with my little one *smiles*)

A beautiful necklace that I've already worn out twice. I don't normally wear silver-toned jewellery but this is just gorgeous - and not heavy in the least!!

A fun little snowman to hang up next Christmas season

Such a charming face ...

And a Christmas mug with some yummy drinks and candy canes to warm my belly

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!!!  Me was muchly blessed!!! ... Oh, and she also blessed my daughter with a delightful book and a few little sweeties (both which elicited some delighted cries!!).

Though I seemed to have forgotten to take a photo of the items I sent to Shez, she shared a photo of them on FB and her blog, so I thought I'd borrow one with everything in it to share here ...

• A bag which combined an extended version of the 'Tis The Season' bag with one of Jenny Reynold's free stitchery patterns; 
• A gorgeously soft cream scarf using a new-to-me stitch 'broomstick lace' (pattern link can be found HERE); 
• A necklace made with blue river stones (I believe ... can't quite remember, it was so long ago I bought them); 
• Some gorgeous 'French lavendar' scented soap made by one of my favourite handmade soap makers up here in Darwin 'Sari soap' (she's online HERE);
• A set of two darling little doilies (pattern found in an old 1980s crochet magazine I was lovingly gifted by one of my old music teachers recently; and
• A couple of lovely thick (I have two layers between the fabric sandwich - one of heat resistant Insul-Bright  and one of a normal quilt batting) pot holders.  The first uses a paper pieced (my first) Circle of Geese quilt block (I can't remember where I downloaded my pattern from but you can find a pattern HERE on the Craftsy platform).  The second was a Snowman block, minus his arms, eyes and buttons, for which I followed Lori Holt's directions, shared on her IG account  (directions began from this post).
• The sweeties you must always have (in my opinion, lol) in a swap - this time, malteasers and a large candy cane).
• And I wrapped the gifties (apart from the bag) in fat quarters of Shez's favourite Christmas fabric range by Annela Hoey, Cherry Christmas ... so 5 FQs with ribbon & ric rac to secure.

I've participated in this swap the past two (I think) years and enjoyed putting together the presents immensely ... though I must admit that my studies (I've been doing a Cert III in Education support which I should complete in April ... potentially followed by a Cert IV) got in the way of getting this swap together early enough to send on the appointed day.  Thankfully I managed to get it in the post and it arrived the day before unwrapping so phew!! BOY did the Lord answer my heartfelt prayers that week!!!!!!! ... I do so hope I will be able to participate again this year - it is such a fun swap to be a part of!!

Santa Sack Swap 2012 (part 1)

This year I was lucky enough to participate in Cheryll's Santa Sack Swap.  I remember seeing everyone posting about the sacks they received all through last year ... wishing I'd been able to join in the fun.  Well, this year was my year - yay!  

My partner was Ngaire of Up, Up & Away, and she sent me through this gorgeous sack - the colours, fabrics are gorgeous ... especially that delicious pale blue & white cord!!!

Over the last six months, Ngaire sent through several gifts at a time, beautifully wrapped in a combination of brown paper, fabric, doilies and thin red & white cord ...

Last week it was announced that the day we could open our sacks was Tuesday just gone.  Unfortunately for us, the last few days were quite busy and I wasn't able to find make the time to open them up.  As there was a gift included for my daughter, we I decided to open them up together (its more fun when you get to share it with an enthusiastic 4 year old!! *giggle*), and so we sat down and opened them up this afternoon.  

Lavender scented Moisturising Shower & Bath Gel

Lavender scented Wardrobe Sachets & "Fragrant Scent Sack"

Ah!  One of my favourite scents!!!  Always love me some lavender - really wish we could find a variety that grows well up here in the humidity!! ...

A gorgeous little photo/card album ... 2 x 3in pics will fit in here nicely!!

Gorgeous Memo Board Magnets ... SOOO cute!!  

A sweet little inspirational ___ with gorgeous quotes,
both biblical and not, to encourage me through my day

A gorgeous Baroque Address Book with matching pen.

A *GORGEOUS* 15cm plate.

Two candle holders ... they're actually supposed to go up
the other way according to my sister - for tea lights.  

Some yummy Macadamia Butter Shortbread ... already 1/2 consumed!!!  ;) 

A set of 3 delightful little knitted folk ornaments for the Christmas tree ... which is not yet up yet, lol! 

A set of cookie cutters which could be hung up on the tree if we add a ribbon tie
 ... and it didn't invite ants into the house - downside to living in the tropics!

A cute little Christmas felt pen ... which my daughter has already claimed ;)

A sweet little brooch ... she will probably also claim this one soon too, lol!

A roll of 5 x F8's (I believe) in Christmas fabrics by Moda ... gorgeous fabrics!!

Here they are, unrolled from the roll ;)
... the top white-based fabric has sweet deer all over it.

And a roll of sweet ribbon
... I'm going to have to find just the right pattern to use this in!!

She also included a beautiful table runner in bright fabrics ...  Not quite sure where I'll be placing this, but I *love* the fabric choices!!

Lol ... nearly as tall as the little person!! ;)

All of the items together ... Thankyou!!

And, because Ngaire included a gift for the little one ...

I'll include a rare photo of her ... she was mighty pleased with her gifts too!!

I need to thank Cheryll for allowing me to be a part of this fabulous swap!  I have enjoyed being a part of it, and hope to join in again next year!!