Santa Visited Yesterday

Such a lovely surprise on my verandah when I arrived home from work - a parcel had been delivered and I have no idea who sent it.  The only details in the return address were an unknown mobile number and North Pole and I can't decipher the town it was sent from because the ink on the stamp is smudged.  All I know is that it's from someone or a group of someones from our on-line stitching group.

Each year we have a small Advent and Secret Santa swap.  For a couple of reasons I thought it would be best not to participate this year but someone decided to send this wonderful surprise.

See, there really is a Santa Claus - he came to my house yesterday.

Heads Up No 2

This little doll has been a long time in the making - received her head as one of my Christmas presents last year from Helen (along with 3 other heads)

 

"Angel Gatherings" is designed by Annie Smith from Country Keepsakes.  All of her patterns are so gorgeous and very easy to follow.

A friend in Tasmania called her "Little Puddin'"  and I think that suits her very well.

Last Christmas I stitched a few "Jingly Dangly Things" also designed by Annie Smith.  Actually got around to finishing them off last night.

The tablerunner in the background was a Christmas present from Christine a couple of years ago - it is so lovely.

Yesterday I had an appointment in Randwick, so took Mum with me, picked up Elizabeth and we went to Peter's of Kensington for lunch and a bit of shopping.

A few things are ticked off the Christmas list.

Fun Few Days

On Saturday I went to a party to celebrate my friend's Dad's 90th birthday - it was a lovely afternoon and so nice to catch up with so many people I've known forever.

After the party Mum helped me finish off the Christmas decorating - 

Family Room

Family Room

"Christmas Belles" - my favourite Christmas quilt

Loungeroom

Loungeroom

The following day Robyn, Lynell and I went to IKEA - we were hoping to buy a couple of Christmas presents but came away with a bagful of shopping each and no Christmas presents.

 

Always a good day out with these girls.

Last Christmas I received one of the best presents ever from Helen.

 

A bagful of beautifully painted heads.

I made up one of the dolls straight after Christmas

Wishs Do Come True

and that was as far as I got till last night.  "Angel Gatherings" is finally underway

and I'm hoping to finish her off tonight.  She is so sweet and will look wonderful with all the other angels and santas in the loungeroom.

The Lori Holt Instagram SAL wallhanging is together - hoping that my backing will arrive this week so the wallhanging can be quilted and hung in the family room - there is a space waiting for it.

Last Night

I love these photo of Barbara, Diann and me - they were taken at Michael and Peta's wedding.  Just wish I could remember what we were talking about - obviously it was hilarious and I'm positive Diann was behind it - she looks too innocent.

 

Had dinner with Barbara last night - always enjoy her company and I'm sorry that life has got in our way too many times this year for us to meet up as often as we would like.

Wasn't tired at all when I arrived home last night after dinner - maybe it was the two coffees I had - so finished off the last of my Lori Holt Instagram SAL blocks and made replacement blocks for the two I wasn't happy with.

 

The blocks ready to be sewn together:

The only fabric I have bought for this walhanging is for backing and I'm hoping it will arrive in the next day or so.  Only one fabric is used twice (turquoise spot on white).  Great project for using up lots of tiny pieces of fabric.  The borders will be very cute 4 patches and squares so I'll be able to use up lots more little scraps.

Today is Mum's 87th birthday - she's an absolute star!