Santa Sack Swap 2016

I don't think I've quite mastered the getting more organsied thing yet which means I'm a bit behind with my blog posts, also being adopted by a cat has meant that my evenings have become kitty cuddle time and there isn't enough room on my lap for the cat and the iPad.

Tonight the cat has chosen the arm of the sofa instead of my lap so I'm able catch up on a little blogging time.

Towards the end of last year I took part in some super swaps, one of which was the Santa Sack Swap organised by Cheryll over at Gone Stitchin' in my cubbyhole and I was partnered with Mary from Trundling Through Life, Mary's blog was new to me and I really enjoyed getting to know her more through our emails and her blog. 

This is what Mary sent to me, a beautiful patchwork stocking in my favourite Christmas colours of red, green and gold.  

I hung the stocking crammed full of prettily wrapped parcels on the door to my orangery and it was really difficult not to have a little squidge every time I went past. 

I left opening my swap gifts until after lunch as I wanted to be able to take my time opening them, so whilst everyone else was relaxing in front of the TV, or playing on a gadget or two I sat myself down on the floor in the orangery and started unwrapping.

Mary made me a lovely Christmas card and there was a sugar mouse, which Rachel thought was a candle, I didn't tell her otherwise until after I had eaten it. 

In her emails Mary had told me about her trips to Brussells and the delicious chocolates made by Mary, chocolatiers to the Belgium royal family, so you can imagine how pleased I was when I saw my very own box of Mary chocolates. These were absolutely delicious and I was very good as I shared the chocolates coins with the children! 

My first package revealed this pretty hanging flower which will look fabulous in my sewing room.

Next there was this lovely scissors keeper, how cute is that button! 

Inside were the most perfect spotty scissors in my favourite turquoise blue. 

Last year I used a notebook to record all my makes during 2016 and I was looking for a notebook to do the same in 2017. Mary made me a covered notebook which means I can use it again and again.

Although I sew and have made several zippered pouches I never seem to get around to making myself one, so it's alway lovely to receive one as part of a swap. 

I love the yo-yo embellishments and the heart quilting.

Finally, the last package contained this gorgeous purple fluffy scarf, ideal for the colder days. I do love a scarf so I'm looking forward to wearing this one.

Here are all my gifts, together with my stocking.

Thank you Mary, I've really enjoyed getting to know you over the past few months and look forward to our continued friendship, and thank you Cheryll for organising, this is one of my favourite swaps of the year.