Swap gifts

I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas!

We have had a nice few days, enjoying each other's company and enjoying being in slow-down, holiday mode. The food's been fabulous and the weather perfect .... lovely summery days without the humidity... even some Christmas rain for the farm! Mum is still here which is nice, ED is enjoying being out of the city and is making the most of the beaches and enjoying some watersports. YD and her fiance were up for 24 hours only (the crazy hours you have to work in retail are not always sociable..... hopefully they had enough Christmas ham and pavlova to keep their energy levels up for the Boxing Day sales!)
Missing was our son and dil but they will be in NZ in February so we will enjoy having them here then.
We have some more family visiting again today so that will be great too. I'm sure we can find some leftovers to feed them with!!

***

I thought I would quickly share the gifts I received in the two swaps I took part in this year.
Michell, another kiwi, was my partner for Cheryll's Santa Swap.
Earlier on, I posted a picture of the gorgeous sack she sent me —

We were allowed to open it on the 18th but I chose to wait until Christmas Day. Here are the gifties that were inside it —

Lots of yumminess. Plenty of fabrics for my stash, hangings, soap and a
cute perpetual calendar (how did you guess Michell that I had been thinking
one of those would be a good idea!)
And can you see the Christmas runner it is all sitting on...?

...here it is again. Perfect, Michell, thank you again!

(And to step sideways for a moment; I was delighted to win a $25 gift voucher from the Fat Quarter Shop from the SewCalGal FMQ challenge I took part in this year. I've been trying to decide on which jelly roll to choose.... one of the 2.5"square packs Michell gifted me was a range I'd been looking at... Vin du Jour by 3 Sisters.....and I love it so will order that one!! Thanks Michell!!) 

And thank you to Cheryll for organising this fun swap!

***

The second swap I took part in was a Secret Santa Christmas Swap run by Chookyblue and GoogyGirl. This was fun as the person we sent to and recieved from were competely different, and many of us managed to keep our identities secret until the last minute.
My secret Santa sent me two very cute tree decorations —

From Lynette Anderson's Stitch it for Christmas book

Then this table topper to be opened before Christmas —

Her own design! Around the World Christmas style

 And on Christmas Day, she revealed herself to me when I opened this gorgeous bag —

(Gail Pan design.)

And it was Anthea, of Hibiscus Stitches - thank you so much Anthea! Your stitching is beautiful and I love the generous gifts you have made.
And again., thank you to Chookyblue and Googy Girl for organising this swap!

Time now to prepare for visitors!
Have fun everyone and happy stitching if you get a chance!