Spoilt rotten....

.... that is me!

I have such lovely blogging friends, I am so very lucky and blessed.

First of all I was involved in this year's Santa Sack Swap run by the best swap mama ever - Cheryll - who paired me with the lovely Melanie who is a true kindred spirit.  As you all know, 2013 has been an astonishingly difficult year for me and my family, with many stresses across many areas of our lives, culminating in the passing of my Dear Mother on the 25th November.  Throughout these past few months both Melanie and Cheryll have been so understanding about my inability to cope with this swap properly with the marvellous Melanie even offering to send her gifts and for me not to bother. Well, as you can imagine, I was not comfortable with that idea and I did send her a parcel although, unfortunately, I had to "outsource" everything (as we say in the publishing industry) and nothing was made by my fair hands, which, of course, is what I really wanted to do.  But I know that Melanie understands and I hope that she loves all the gifts I chose for her.

Well, here is a blow by blow of my gifts from Melanie.

The parcel arrives:

Inside is this gorgeous tote (just right for work) with lots of parcels inside:

A lovely table runner in one of my favourite colourways - purple - just perfect for the "floor" of my natitivity set - it really ties it together.

A sweet Xmas ornie showing "naughty" Furio stealing a pressie!

 Two very special thimbles for my thimble collection.  Melanie wrote:

"The thimbles were mine (I'm a Yorkshire lass, my husband proposed under the clock tower in Thirsk). I thought maybe you might like them for your collection."  Now, how thoughtful and kind is that?  I will treasure them always, Mel.

A clever little sewing book with my name specially stitched on the inside:

and look Furio makes an appearance on the outside!

and these are the goodies inside - aren't the mini threads cute?

... and look at this special felt flower-covered change purse - so vibrant and pretty.

Here is Furio again - this time he is masquerading as a pincushion - trying to be helpful maybe?

A colourful Christmas bunting set:

... and there is more - a Christmas mug rug and matching teabag caddy (these will have pride of place on my desk at work):

... and some Lindt chocolates (they didn't last long, I can tell you!):

and lastly, this beautiful stitched card:

Thank you, Melanie, I could not have asked for a better or sweeter or more understanding swap partner.

Love you heaps, oh kindred spirit, Merry Xmas,

hugs,