It's been a while and I'm a year older!

I have been missing for quite a while.  I had to fly to Darwin at very short notice as my Brother was ill and then his wife also became ill.  Thankfully they are both now OK.  I have been back for two weeks but don't ask me where that time has gone to.  Life sometimes gets in the way of my hobbies.

While I was away I celebrated another Birthday and I returned home to some lovely gifts from my stitching friends.

This one from Marg was waiting on my doorstep:

aren't those scissors gorgeous?  and lots of new projects (maybe I will get an early start for next year).

Also waiting for me was this lovely gift from Sandra - all the way from England:

Two large pieces of Zweigart 40 count Newcastle linen - one in cream (my all time favourite colour) and one in Sand which I think may just be the exact size and colour for Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow, and the lovely Forget Me Not pattern from Ewe & Eye & Friends.  Can you see the lovely black and white tissue paper they were wrapped in?   Toile ??

Then this parcel of goodies arrived from Chrissie:

the very, very cute Olga and her mate Boris ......

... some card making supplies - Graphics 45 Christmas paper and a coffee themed stamp set .... AND .....

..this beautfiul material - "Mrs March's Collection" - it is quite beautiful with writing and postmarks all very vintage, and with it's own antique postmarked tag made by Chrissie.

Chrissie's parcels are always beautifully wrapped with everything matching - they are a joy to open and this one was no exception.  Her card was equally lovely:

Just look at the flower - it is made from very fine gauze material and it and the lace have obviously been hand dyed.  Beautiful.

Then just when I thought my belated celebrations were over look what I received from Rosalie this week:

it is a lovely canvas work needlecase - the front and back are covered in french knots and the back has been personalised.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my gifts - stitching has certainly enriched my life, not only by the enjoyment of the stitching but because of the wonderful friends I have made along the way.

Mary