Saturday 19 January 2013

She's got mail.....

and I am one very relieved Christmas Angel indeed!

Yesterday the package of goodies I sent to Wendy in America finally arrived!   The snail is safe and well and not planning on heading home any time soon.   Can't say as I blame him.   Kidding aside... it seems the parcel was held up in customs.  Just shows that no matter how many delivery guarantees they give you at the post office hiccups happen!

Once I got the go ahead from Wendy I wasted no time at all........


Wendy's speciality is Crazy Quilting and she made me a really cute little snowman wall hanging.  Wish you could all see the beautiful stitching and beading.  It's amazing!   Love the stitchery, ornament and postcard too.  She stitched my initial and framed it in a really classy frame... very posh indeed.    Just how cute is that retractable tape measure in a crochet case with a flower on top....

Have to report that the chocolates have all ready been gobbled up!!   I promise I am not a piglet when it comes to chocs (much) I did share them with Mac.   Mind you... had I been alone when I opened the parcel it would have been a very different story.

There's more......


Mac is really taken with the candle mat and he's determined it's destined to be his.   I suppose it's alright for him to commandeer one gift.... when I have so many.  The pussies are intrigued by it too.... all those lovely bobbles to swat.... fun!     It's a shame the photo doesn't show the scallops of pearl beads stitched around the lace around the top of the stocking or the red fabric roses and pretty ribbon loop.  Lovely tag too.

That crazy quilting hexagon and the accompanying  bag of  bling (Wendy loves her bling) has me quaking in my boots.    Crazy quilting is one skill I really admire but am convinced I'll suck at!   How about that for a challenge.   Must book more therapy!


I'm in heaven!   What could be more perfect for a compulsive un-picker than a brilliant new seam ripper!  Believe me it really is brilliant.   It's made by Dritz and I've never seen the like before.  It has an ergonomically shaped handle which is big and so comfortable to hold   Of course I had to rush to test drive it...... reverse stitching is going to be even more fun from here on in.

My Purple Thang now has a twin so no matter where I am in the sewing room I'll be in arms reach of one of them.  It's a tool I just can't be without.   The dinky little cutting mat is going to be worth it's weight in gold too.

I've heard from Wendy that she likes her gifts... phew!  So I guess it's OK to show you what I made for her.....



Thank you so much for all your hard work and kindness Wendy.   Thanks to Karen  (aka Mrs Martin) for hosting the Christmas Angels swap too.   Hope she can now close the book on proceedings and relax till next time.

Well.... it's been a busy week here at Chez Dimple.   Not content with taking my rubbish on a tour of the countryside my Mum's has come along for the ride too.  Pity the new car hasn't arrived yet... it's bigger... with space for so much more dross.    I've been sorting Mum's kitchen cupboards.  Not a job for the feint hearted!     My mum owned  more packets of out of date biscuits than I have fat quarters (the fabric kind).
Persuading her to part with them was really quite a challenge.   I'm happy to report she is no longer in danger of food poisoning or any influx of sugar crazed mice.

Not much progress on the sewing front.....


This batch of basket liners all have fitting darts and stitched side seams.  They are just waiting to have their tops hemmed and their bottoms attached.  Tomorrow perhaps?   I'm desperate to get going... there are projects whizzing around in my head so fast I can't keep up with them and I'm loving the feeling.

Still counting sleeps till our little retreat.   Here's a sneak peak of where we'll be stitching the nights away....


how perfect is this place!  

Well.... hate to be a party pooper but it's time for my TV wind down before I head on up to bed.  Perchance to dream of fabric... thread... and lovely swaps.  Knowing my luck I'll have a nightmare.  That'll teach me to eat cheese at bedtime!

Sweet dreams....

See ya soon
Hugs
Josie

15 comments:

Leanne said...

Hello Josie.
What a relief for you to know Wendy finally has her package, such beautiful things made by both of you. The house you are going to for your retreat looks stunning, look at the views, its breath taking. I hope you have lots of fun and get lots of sewing done.

marina said...

what gorgeous gifts sent and received. Maybe your parcel really wanted to come to my house-all that bluey loveliness!
your retreat setting is amazing. Very conducive to lots of sewing.
hope you had sweet dreams!

Sharon - Lilabelle Lane said...

What beautiful gifts both sent and rec'd. Huge relief now. Just look at the retreat setting, stunning. hugs

Wendy said...

So glad you liked everything Josie, as it was fun to make this package for you.

Anonymous said...

god you are funny ,hope it was sweet dreams for you and not nightmares,what lovely gifts sent and received Josie,are you joining in on the new swap that Karen is taking names for now? i really love the parcel that you put together for Wendy,that wall hanging is stunning,enjoiy your day my friend.xx

Jeanette said...

All very wonderful gifts send & received. Hugs,xx.

Lynette said...

What a terrific package of gifts you sent to her! I'm so glad they were delayed and not lost. I just today got a packet from France that Nat mailed a whole month ago. I think the U.S. customs warehouses are backing everything up terribly over here. Extremely annoying! :P

Kindred Quilts said...

Such lovely gifts you and Wendy exchanged... Christmas all over again for the two of you! Dreamy location for a retreat... forgive me for being jealous!

Shirley said...

Well worth the wait for those gifts on both sides. Lucky ladies.

I might not want to go home from that place, it looks so beautiful. Can't wait to see more.

Perhaps you would like to come on a long detour and detox my cupboards? No! Oh! Have to do it myself then. Worth asking.

Unknown said...

Great to hear your parcel arrived at last - the US postage seems to be a law unto itself. At least it was just delayed.
Good to hear that you're keeping up the resolutions, all the baskets with their new liners will look great in the newly revamped sewing room.

Anthea said...

Yay Josie - the postie finally got things to where they should be!
The are amazing parcels of goodies both sent and received, such time and love gone into these parcels.
The pictured place for your retreat is just so cute, I wanna go there!!
x

Raewyn said...

So good that the parcel arrived - gorgeous gifts on both sides. What a lot of thought went into all the gifts. Your retreat spot looks fabulous, I'm sure you'll have a fabulously productive time.

Nicky said...

You and Wendy had a wonderful exchange, lots of neat gifts... that unpicker looks amazing, the amount of time I spend unpicking I need all the ergonomic help I can get.....
The place you will be staying at is amazing, how will you stitch with all that gorgeous scenery to enjoy??

Browndirtcottage said...

Oh yes, wonderful goody packages on both sides! Lucky girls!!

Wendy said...

Lovely Christmas gifts exchanged, the framed stitchery you made looks gorgeous - as does everything else! So good it finally arrived. Love the look of your sewing retreat - perfect!