Christmas in July........

a swap by Karen Martin, was so much fun. Marsha over at Everybody Loves Clark and I had each other, but we didn't know it 'til our packages arrived at each other's houses, lol. Marsha made me a gorgeous stocking made from a felted sweater and filled it with wonderful gifts. A felted ice cream cone that hides a tape measure, some frosted purple fabric, purple buttons, and a purple tassel (can you guess purple is my favorite color?) A fantastic cross-stitched kitty ornament that looks just like Katie (who thinks it's pretty cool, too). A wonderful scrap catcher that is now sitting on the arm of my chair so it can hold my embroidery thread scraps.
A pattern to make a quilt and a tote bag, a handmade card, and a yummy recipe for lemon cake. Plus, some gingerbread cookies and a wonderful candle wallhanging that will be perfect for the real Christmas season.
What a super package to receive!

My package to Marsha included a Mary Engelbritt journal (M for Marsha), notepad, and tissues, some doll and quilt patterns, a package of Santa Claus gift cards,
specialty coffee made in New York State, buttons, a recipe for Mary's pear salad, a flag rubber stamp, a tapestry Christmas patch, a blue fat quarter (her favorite color), a fabric panel with Christmas labels, Christmas tissues, Christmas pin, and a hand stitched Christmas ornament.

After I wrapped everything, I put them all in a quilted tote bag with a Christmas sowman on the front and mittens on the back.


I was really pleased with how well my ornament turned out, since it was the first one I've made. I just started stitching again after a 20-year break.

I'm finding a lot more satisfaction in embroidery stitching than I ever did in cross-stitch or crewel. Of course, it could be the time of my life, too. When I was younger and working, I never had the time to sit and stitch. Now, I can relax with my friends and chat and stitch. It's a lot more fun now.

I'll leave you with one more image from Christmas in July: Katie snooping to see if she's missed out on anything.


Until next time...
Happy Quilting from Sharon and Katie