Finally, with no further delay, the Christmas post.

I was the very fortunate recipient of a Christmas parcel from Ilene.

I have used her picture as a) my camera is still on strike, it will take images but refuses to download them and b) CK packed all the decs up before I remembered my 'new' phone has a whizzy camera. But you can see she made an amazing origami tree all decorated with bells and beads. I examined it hanging in the window several times over Christmas and I still can't figure out which bits are folded to where. A very clever piece of sewing magic.

Ilene also made a napkin holder, placing inside some Australian floral napkins which brought a smile to my Antipodean face as did the mahoosive bag of Snickers which I got to enjoy all to myself as no one else up here has the good taste I do ;-)

Do you see the lil angel beside the tree? This was the ornament I got to open before Christmas. And finally there was a calendar. An Australian calendar. Funny how it always works out that I get to open a calendar on the 25th. And this year I shall definitely be needing one to keep track of my Christmas present from CK.

What is it?

Oh, it would be a whole blog of its own given the chance but it will settle for an introductory post all to itself. Stay tuned.

Hooray! 2010 will end with at least one finish!!

Wooohooo I did it!


Remember back here I said I was working on something with the fabrics from my SSCS swapper Pam? Remember how I said it was a Christmas table runner? Wanna see it?

There were nine 6 inch squares so even taking into account seam allowance it was always going to be a long old piece of amazing creative artistic endeavour. I had the the green and the backing red and purchased the gold script after falling in love with it when I sent some to Joy in the SSCS. Ignoring the possibly odd angle and slight curvature of some of those straight lines it really is something I am rather pleased with.

And the thing that I have discovered that has forever changed my quilty/sewy ability and plans? Yay for pullthrough finshing. How come no-one ever told me about the whole 'no need for binding if you sew it all together in the first place' thing? Oh how deliriously happy I have become!

A Christmas journey

With the festivities over for the first part Bertram decided there was time for a little mystery tour adventure before the hoopla of New Year's Eve so he caught a bus.

Jumping off at Bank he made his way to Liverpool Street station and caught the first train he saw.

Woohoo! Bertram found himself in Salisbury.

It was a bit damp and chilly but he tightened his bow and wandered off to explore.

First stop - Waitrose/John Lewis. Oh the delights that lay instore. Books, bedding, toys and tellys. Cakes, crisps, chardonnay and champers. It was a very pleasant hour wandering around examining just what it is the Brits buy.

Not quite a nice cup of tea but definitely time to stop for drink to boost the energy levels.

Unfortunately the people at the next table were making a terrible racket with that drum and bass noise young folk call music.

On reflection Bertram decided he quite liked this funky sound.

Within seconds he was busting some smokin' moves.

Go funky brown bear, go!

----------------------------------------------------------

This post today was made possible by the fabulous efforts of my lovely Swapper in Chookyblue's Secret Santa Swap 2009.

Not only did Pam actually make Bertram but she sent me these fabulous handmade delights as well.

A mahoosive bag that held all the loot I scored on Christmas Day. Pam's work is so beautifully pieced I am in awe. And then there was this gorgeous postcard. All made by her own fair hands. So talented.

As well as the three pieces pictured there was a whizzy piece of ric rac, a sweet Christmas ceramic box and nine 6" squares of seasonal fabric. I can't show you these right now because if I wasn't typing this I would be quilting the tablerunner I have made with them. Yay me!!!! Perhaps next post it will all be done and then you can see. If you get a second go visit Pam, she does beautiful work.