It has been totally brilliant, not to mention ridiculously exciting, to watch all your #stitchingsanta parcels coming together over the last couple of months.
I’ve loved seeing how thoughtful and creative everyone has been, really getting to know their recipient through their blog and sending the most appropriate gifts possible.
For those of you new to this concept, and for anyone considering joining in next year (yes, I’m going to organise another one!), here’s the link to show you what it’s all about – #stitchingsanta 2015.
I took part in both the knitting/crochet swap and the sewing swap but, before I show you all the amazing things I received, I thought I’d show you the final handmade gift that I included in my sewing swap parcel.
A hexagonal French ‘Cartonnage’ sewing box (pattern by Tialys on Etsy) which nearly didn’t get sent as I only finished it an hour before the deadline for Christmas post!
It took quite a few hours of construction over a week or so to complete, the glued parts needing overnight to dry before moving on to the next bit.
It’s a lovely pattern though, and I thoroughly enjoyed making it – I first saw it on Lucie’s blog as she was a tester for the pattern before its release and it is designed by the talented Lynn who blogs over at Tialys.
The box made it into the parcel along with the other things which I blogged about here and was posted to the loopy-but-lovely Ali, better known by many of you as THIMBERLINA.
Below is the bundle of presents (blogged about here) that went off to my knitting swap recipient, Pippa, from Beads & Barnacles.
The first I knew of Pippa was when she signed up for the swap, so I spent some time looking through her blog to see what kind of things she might like before deciding on a few. There are fewer handmade items obviously, as knitting takes so much longer than sewing.
I took a chance by not adding sender’s details on either parcel so they would be a surprise until the last moment, as I had blogged in detail about all the handmade elements in the run up to Christmas.
Ali, bless her, hadn’t even received my parcel but had already sent me these lush quilted coasters as a ‘thank you’ for organising the swap!
The fabric she used was ace and had funny, and perfectly apt, little quotes in speech bubbles all over it. Thanks Ali – I love them!!!
Now, onto the myriad of gorgeous things that I was gifted.
As the organiser, two people had to draw the short straw and have me as their swap partner, so neither were able to blog about their parcels.
I chose Joey, from Littleblackdogsa, to be my knitting partner as she lives in South Africa and the post can be notoriously unpredictable. It wouldn’t matter if her parcel didn’t reach me for a few months but, in fact, it arrived in plenty of time!
The outer bag was quite badly damaged when it arrived, but the contents were intact so I put everything in the bright red bag that she sent with it and it stayed under the tree until yesterday.
Yes, you read that correctly, yesterday – Boxing night to be exact. Why? Well, it certainly wasn’t because I have masses of will power or patience (quite the opposite, in fact) but because we host Christmas for the family and I spend two days cooking, tidying and making sure everyone is having a good time. I wanted to wait until lunch was over and they were all watching a festive film in the lounge so I could open and photograph my parcels at leisure.
And this is what Joey sent me!
Would you like to see them in more detail?
Firstly, there are two Indian cotton tea towels onto both of which Joey had crocheted a beautiful border. Far too nice to use, really, but I will.
A pretty pin cushion in the shape of a pear. Can you believe I only have one pin cushion which I keep in my sewing room? This one will be used on a daily basis by the children in my sewing classes – I think they’re going to love it.
Four fab cakes of organic cotton yarn, local to South Africa, which I am thrilled with and can’t wait to use – crochet hooks included!
A length of festive cotton tape featuring the music of “Jingle Bells”, some hand sewing needles and an atmospheric South African sunset disguised as a fridge magnet.
I love the little rustic angel that she included, too – I am guessing it is handmade from recycled materials?
Finally, there were some sweets, a project bag and a card with a lovely message inside. Thank you so much Joey – I am thrilled with all the thoughtful gifts that you obviously spent a lot of time putting together for me!
By the time I had finished opening and photographing Joey’s parcel, I was dying to open the one from my sewing swap gifter and almost forgot to take a picture of the parcels themselves!
Teresa, the smiley one who blogs over at Navybluethreads, sent her gifts in two separate packages which arrived a day apart – I only knew there was going to be another parcel when the first one arrived labelled ‘Part 2’!
Look at all this!
There were Christmas cards and a letter – Teresa, you should be a doctor with writing like that, beautiful but illegible!!! No.1 Son and I worked it out in the end though!
With the help of the newly-translated letter, this is what Teresa sent: –
Loads of amethyst-coloured knit fabric which WILL be made into the dress on the pattern that she included. She knows that I like strong colours and, being a lady of ample bosom herself, obviously knows that the wrap dress is perfect for that. I will make the long sleeved version and wear it with long boots during the Winter.
I simply cannot resist any pretty vintage lace, fabric or doilies that I come across in charity shops, so when I opened these I was beside myself with excitement! I believe most of these came from Teresa’s stash so I am doubly grateful – I wouldn’t be able to part with any of mine!
With my new sewing school, The Stitch Academy, in mind, she kindly sent me a publication that would be ideal for the children to use as their skills improve. The stocking pattern is brilliant, too, but I already have it so I hope she won’t mind if I pass it forward to somebody else to enjoy?
Teresa even thought of The Boys – they will absolutely LOVE making these fox brooches and fishy keyrings!!
So many generous and thoughtful gifts but my favourite from Teresa has to be this one – a beautifully soft infinity scarf, handknitted by the lovely lady herself, in a self-striping yarn of various jewel shades which looks exactly like it does in the photo. I just love it!
What more can I say, except a huge ‘Thank You’ to Joey and Teresa for all the fabulous gifts, and a massive pat on the back to all the #stitchingsantas that signed up for this swap and made it so successful and enjoyable.
I hope you all had as much fun as I did – judging by the blog posts I have seen so far, you did and I wasn’t the only one who was more excited about this present under my tree than any of the others!
Look out for the swap again next year when I get the feeling we’ll have an even longer list of participants than the thirty-five that took part this time.
Happy New Year to you all!
December 27, 2015 at 8:19 pm
What wonderful gifts! Thanks once again for organising this and certainly I would love to join in again next year.
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December 27, 2015 at 8:21 pm
You’re welcome – glad you enjoyed it:)
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December 27, 2015 at 9:07 pm
So relieved you liked then Sheila! Wasn’t sure about the knit, but linens (which I know you love) were hard to come by at this time of year so I took a gamble! And I’m so glad my stashed, vintage finds have found a new home: will be great to see what use you put them too 🙂 I’d guessed that you’d got Thimberlina, from your clues. I bet she’ll love the whole parcel! Will be blogging about my lovely items soon 🙂
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December 27, 2015 at 9:13 pm
You won’t believe it but, when I was in TKMax doing some last minute Christmas shopping, I almost bought a purple jersey wrap dress but decided I couldn’t justify it right now! How on earth did you guess Thimberlina – I thought I hadn’t given any clues at all?!
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December 27, 2015 at 9:58 pm
🙂 Perfect then, so glad you like it. Something about a lively, fun-loving lady I think it was! I guess I just narrowed it down from the names on the list that I knew…
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December 27, 2015 at 9:08 pm
That sewing box is fabulous! #stitchingsanta has been great fun, I’ll be blogging about my gifts – sent and received – very soon. Thanks for organising everything.
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December 27, 2015 at 9:14 pm
Thank you – I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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December 27, 2015 at 9:09 pm
Whoops, almost forgot… Thanks so much for organising, will definitely be signing up next year🎄
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December 27, 2015 at 9:53 pm
What wonderful gifts you received and sent. I’ve really enjoyed this swap, thank you for organising it and I look forward to taking part again next year. My blog post will be going up over the next few days. Next year I will read the rules properly as I forgot to post updates on my makes and use the #stitchingsanta on my parcel! But I did remember to use the #stitchingsanta on Instagram!!
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December 29, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Thanks, I’m really pleased you enjoyed it and are up for another swap next year too! Updates were not essential, just fun to read and get excited about, so don’t feel bad about that:)
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December 27, 2015 at 9:56 pm
That is a beautiful sewing box. We’ll done!
You’ve hosted such a wonderful activity. I’d love to participate next year! I follow some of the people who participated so look forward to seeing the other #stitchingsanta reveals!!
A belated merry Christmas to you! Happy new year 🙂
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December 27, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Whoops, sorry, autocorrect. Meant to say well done! 🙂
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December 29, 2015 at 8:15 pm
Thanks Danielle – it would be great if you joined in next year, it’s such fun! Hope you enjoy all the reveals and that they spur you on to participate next Christmas:)
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December 27, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Loopy but lovely!! Haha!! That made me proper chuckle! I must come across on my blog quite true to life as I’m sure that’s just how my mum would describe me. I must admit that it runs in the family, as that is how most people would describe my mum!!
Your post is a fab round up! I too am so glad you finished the sewing box in time, I remember drooling over Lucie’s.
Both of your parcels are crammed full of thoughtful gifts! I’m looking forward to seeing your wrap dress, i have that patten and keep meaning to make it up.
Thanks for arranging the Secret Santa! It’s been a huge success and i can’t wait until next year! ✂️🎉🎊🌲😀✂️
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December 29, 2015 at 8:22 pm
I’ve got you sussed then?! You sound just like me! So glad you enjoyed the whole stitching Santa process – I’ve loved every minute of it and it’s so satisfying to see all these bloggers get excited about it. The reveals have been brilliant reading. I can’t get over the quality of the gifts sent and received. Everyone has really entered the spirit of it and made it as good as it could possibly be:)
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December 27, 2015 at 11:04 pm
What lovely gifts to and from each other! So much love, thought and care going into each parcel. It’s lovely to read about the excitement all the recipients had before and during opening their presents:-) Hopefully, in the future, I will get to join in, great to know you will be doing it again, just caught up in so many commissions at the end of this year
Wishing You and All Yours a Very Happy New Year xx
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December 29, 2015 at 8:24 pm
Thanks Caren, I hope you can find time to join in next year – you can’t fail to have noticed how over excited everyone has been to get a sewing related pressie under the tree! Happy New Year to you too!
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December 27, 2015 at 11:38 pm
Oh my goodness! What fabulousness you have given and received! Thank you so much for getting his wonderful project organized. Yes please, I’ll be in again next year! My recipient has happily opened and blogged about her parcel. My parcel is in NY awaiting my arrival tomorrow morning (oh yes, it’s the red eye for me tonight) and I cannot wait to open it and share with everyone. Love seeing all the goodies unfold before our very eyes. Happy New Year to One and All! 😀
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December 29, 2015 at 8:30 pm
I read Abi’s big reveal – she certainly was thrilled with her parcel. Thank you so much for persevering with all the stress you have had going on in your life. I’m so glad you enjoyed being involved and even more glad that you want to participate again next year. Happy New Year!
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December 27, 2015 at 11:57 pm
I’ve had so much fun reading your posts, learning about this project and then seeing all the fabulous makes and thoughtful gifts. I would love to join in next year.
That sewing box with vintage sewing patterns no less is fantastic. What a charming gift. I’m off to explore some of the other posts. It looks like you’ve had a fabulous Christmas celebration.
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December 29, 2015 at 8:35 pm
Thanks Alys, it would be fab if you joined in next year – the more the merrier! I’m a little overwhelmed with the way everyone has thrown themselves into the swap wholeheartedly, if I’m honest. I couldn’t have hoped for a better effort by all these wonderful bloggers and the response has been incredible. It seems numbers may increase significantly for next year! Enjoy all the rest of the posts:)
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December 29, 2015 at 10:16 pm
I hope it doesn’t become too overwhelming for you. It looked like so much fun. Really a nice idea and a great community builder doing something you love.
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December 28, 2015 at 12:17 am
Fabulous week for you, and many many congratulations on such a successful Santa swap! Am enjoying reading everyone’s posts, and trying not to be envious! After all, I’m now in an area that makes creative crafting much easier. Can I sign up now for next year?! xx
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December 29, 2015 at 8:36 pm
Ha ha! So many new bloggers have expressed an interest in joining in next year – the parcels have been quite incredible, haven’t they? Put the date in your diary now:)
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December 30, 2015 at 3:54 am
Done!
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December 28, 2015 at 12:26 am
How lovely and you are just wonderful for organising all this fun for everyone else! I’ve certainly enjoyed seeing all your gifts.
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December 29, 2015 at 8:39 pm
The ‘reveal’ posts have been fantastic, haven’t they? So many generous and talented crafters out there putting together the most thoughtful parcels to complete strangers – unbelievable!
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December 28, 2015 at 12:39 am
I have really enjoyed following the many post I have seen involving the StitchingSanta. I had not caught on to what it was all about but, next year! I want to play along too!!
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December 29, 2015 at 8:39 pm
Yay, put the date in your diary and we’d love you to join the party!
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December 28, 2015 at 2:40 am
You got lovely things! I cannot wait for the next year StichingSanta…
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December 29, 2015 at 8:41 pm
You enjoyed it then? So pleased – it has been very rewarding reading all the happy posts. Crafters are such a generous bunch:)
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December 28, 2015 at 9:08 am
What a beautiful box you made – I know how much work goes into them and I’m sure Ali will be a very appreciative recipient. Would you like me to put the photo on the gallery of hexagonal boxes on my blog sidebar?
Thanks so much for organising this and I would definitely be interested in doing it again next year.
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December 29, 2015 at 8:43 pm
Thanks Lynn, and by all means add a photo to your gallery – it was this that made me buy the pattern! I shall probably make another box for my swap partner next year but, shh, don’t tell anyone!
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December 28, 2015 at 9:52 am
fantastic, what lovely surprises! Your box is gorgeous too. Thanks so much for organising this Sheila. I shall be blogging about my parcels soon 🙂
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December 29, 2015 at 8:45 pm
I’m really pleased that everyone has been so pleased with their parcels. As far as I can tell, only one hasn’t yet arrived but should be there any day. Happy New Year!
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December 28, 2015 at 10:14 am
What a wonderful project you organised, it has provided so much creativity and has been a joy to read so many blog posts relating to the production and receipt of the gifts. Well done! I wasn’t part of it but have thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless.
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December 29, 2015 at 8:46 pm
I’m glad you were able to enjoy the posts as a ‘bystander’ too – I think the excitement came across pretty well!
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December 28, 2015 at 2:56 pm
What lovely lovely gifts. You must have had so much fun opening them all. And what a lovely Christmas with such a big family too. Glad you’ve had a good one. Thanks again for organising the swap xx
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December 29, 2015 at 8:47 pm
Thanks Bekki, it was you talented and generous lot that made the swap such a resounding success. Who knew we’d all get so excited?!
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December 30, 2015 at 10:35 am
Yep, couldn’t believe how excited I got. Thanks again 🙂
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December 29, 2015 at 9:36 am
What gorgeous gifts, Sheila! Aren’t you wonderful for organizing this swap?
I’m in love with the more than awesome sewing box you made: wow! I know there’s basically nothing you can’t do, but this is quite something!
Oh, and to see you were gifted “Moya” – I’ve had the pleasure of crocheting with it, and I’m sure you’ll love it too! Happy Holidays, Marianne xx
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December 29, 2015 at 8:49 pm
Thanks Marianne, your faith in my talents may be a little misplaced though!! I’m looking forward to crocheting with the Moyà but just need to find the right project first. Happy New Year!
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December 30, 2015 at 9:36 am
Amazing gifts you got – both sewing and knitting related! I’m going to echo what everyone else has said – I LOVE that sewing box! Thanks so much for organising!
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December 30, 2015 at 4:40 pm
Wow what an amazing post, you did do very well! As has everyone else by the looks of it (what I’ve seen so far!) 🙂
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January 3, 2016 at 5:55 am
Sunday ~
Sheila, hope you’re feeling like your usual self real soon – take care & get some rest!
xx
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May 23, 2023 at 7:05 pm
This was lovely to reead
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