Thursday, December 22, 2011

Gifts

Making good friends, through this wonderful craft I enjoy so much, has been the icing on the stitching cake, so to speak.
With so much going on this week, my head in a thousand places, and a magazine to publish in 7 days and not a word yet written, time to quietly sit and give thanks for my friends all over the world is cherished indeed.
Let me share with you today these photos of gifts I have received this week from beautiful and appreciated hearts. Every gift sent with love, kindness, and a knowing of what tickles my fancy; every gift so beautiful, so cherished...

From Peg in a private Six Item Swap....
(visit her blog to see in close-up every special gift!)
 From Joy, Shell and Vikki, these treasures...
From Melody....
From Carrie...
From Linda (no idea why there is an empty Turkish Delight wrapper - it wasn't when I opened the present)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear friends!!
~~~~~
Yesterday Mr E took us on a ride to Ayr so I could visit with my friend, Wendy! It was a long, hot ride via Townsville, but worth every minute to see my good mate.
Last year Wendy and I both spied a table runner pattern in an issue of Country Threads magazine that we wanted to make. With no time left before Christmas last year, we made a pact to make this design for each other as gifts to swap this Christmas time! 
The pattern is "Stars of Bethlehem" by Karen Gledhill, and this is the one that Wendy made for me....
This is our favourite block of all...
Wendy's stitching is beautiful, and she added little tiny beads along the ribbon trim. This will decorate our dining table on Christmas morn because I'm not taking the chance of putting it out now and dropping something on it. ;-)
I completely forgot to take a photo of the one I made Wendy, but it's obviously the same design, but I added 80 year old cream ric rac braid as my trim. 
~~~~~
One of the gifts Peg gave me was a journal, and so special is it that I have decided to use it for the next year to record one thing to be thankful for every day for 365 days. I started on Tuesday when it arrived...
~~~~~
If you're still feeling stitchy this pre-Christmas week, Wendy has designed the sweetest little stitchery design that she'd like to share with you for Christmas!
Just pop along HERE to her blog to download, and remember to leave her a comment and say thank you. :-)
~~~~~
Do you like the pretty prim stitchery that Annie designed? She has used it to embellish a needlebook, and the pattern for it will be in Issue 7 of Elefantz HOME (which I have to write in the next few days!!! eek!!)...
I really wanted to stitch this up before the next issue so I could show you how versatile this design is. I finished mine today, all in shabby pastels - 
I am using mine to make a pin cushion. It's such a cute stitchery - thanks Annie!
There is still time to subscribe. Just visit the magazine webpage HERE.
~~~~~
I may not post again until after Christmas, so may I wish each and every one of you the most joy-filled, and treasured Christmas ever!
 From our home to yours - be blessed as we have been blessed with the richest of all gifts, Jesus.
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

20 comments:

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

You are just so very special Jen.....thank you for all your kind words...all your gifts from the girls are priceless treasures...xx

Susan said...

And to you Jenny, I wish you a truly wonderful time with all your family, celebrating. May 2012 find you all happy and settled - somewhere and Mr E happy in his job!

Quilt Kitty said...

Good to see Elves of Christmas have been helping themselves to chocolate at your place too. Mine seems to be dissappearing fast. Lovely gifts for a lovely lady! Doesn't it feel nice to sit, reflect & give thanks? Sounds simple but I think it is very underrated. You, Mr E & family have a lovely Christmas & I hope 2012 brings special surprises. Love Tracee xx

Larissa said...

What a lovely selection of gifts that you've received lately!! ... I'm glad you've begun to feel better! Take your strength from Our Father and he will continue to light your way sweet Jenny!! ... Wishing you a fantastic Christmas season and an especially good day!!! Huge hugs!!!

Angela said...

Dear Jenny, Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas, enjoy all this special celebration with your family, and thank you for allowing us to share in your life, and all the best for 2012.

Robin in New Jersey said...

Merry Christmas to a special lady and her family.

Your gifts are lovely!

Lida said...

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year for you and all your loved ones! Hugs
Lida

quiltercaroline said...

Happy Christmas! Have a very blessed and relaxing time. Gb C

Christine M said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family Jenny.

Carrie P. said...

You are loved. such sweet gifts from your friends. So glad mine arrived in time for Christmas.
blessings to you and your family and may God richly bless you all in 2012.
Hugs, Carrie P.

Andra Gayle said...

Jenny, I really just want to show you the pillow I made from your pattern.Follow this link to my blog to see it. Hope you like it-it is very different from yours.

http://simplifyandquilt.blogspot.com/2011/12/love-pillow-completed.html

RobynLouise said...

Wishing you and your family a Happy Christmas Jen!
Cheers,
Robyn

Stitched With Prayer said...

Hi Jenny! Just had to take a minute while I have a little computer time this evening to wish you and your family a most joyous and blessed Christmas. I also want to tell you how special the gift of your friendship is to me. It is a true blessing to have a friend to share ourselves with. You have such a beautiful heart, full of kindness and love for everyone and I count myself so fortunate to call you my
'friend'. Can't wait for the this months magazine to arrive, it is always a blessing to me.. Big hugs n love and may God Bless.

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Jenny,
I popped in to wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas.
Have a happy, safe, fun filled festive season.

Wow, you lucky gal receiving all those wonderful handmade gifts to treasure.
Festive hugs,
Anna

Annie Bee said...

What beautiful gifts you have been given. What a lovely idea to write what you are thankful for every day. Sometimes we don't stop and think of these things.

Have a wonderful Christmas. Hugs

Gabriela said...

Jenny, merry cristmas, for you,and your family.Thanks for show us every yours beautifull creations.Kisses

Karen said...

Merry Christmas, Jenny, and may you and yours have a Blessed and Joyous New Year.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Merry Christmas dear friend! You are a blessing to so many and a treasure to me!
Hugs!

Annie Beez said...

Jenny what wonderful gifts and best of all what wonderful friends! I love your shabby version of the needlebook stitchery-so pretty! Merry Christmas!-Annie

Chocolate Cat said...

What beautiful gifts you received, the blogging community is certainly very special.