Christmas runners completed & cross stitch patterns

As I've already mentioned in my previous post I haven't done much quilting for the last weeks, but I did complete the two Christmas table runners. All the seams are pressed open - I like to do that on tablecloths/runners so that it doesn't become too bulky when quilting. I've stitched in the ditch on both. I think they turned out very nice - I like the pattern. :)

SSD (strict stash diet) doesn't count on cross stitching patterns, fabrics and floss - does it?! At least not for me! I'm in love with LHN! They have the cutest designs one can dream of! How on earth could I resist "Through the Woods" and "Winter Wonderland"?! Aren't they cute?! OOOPS!!! The pattern to the left is from Kit & Bixby; "Merry Wool". It's supposed to be a Christmas gift to a friend who collects everything sheep. "Fortunate" she doesn't have a computer at home and I know she doesn't follow or read my blog, so I don't think I've done a mistake by showing the pattern! :) As you can see I bought some linen and floss too. The flosses are hand dyed from Crescent Colors and Gentle Art. I love these flosses - just sooo yummy!

Wonderful gifts from wonderful friends

As you dear followers and readers might have noticed, I have been quiet for a very long time. Due to some health issues (nothing serious) and other issues I have had a terrible "dry spell" with my crafting, especially quilting. It's not that I have done nothing - actually I have cross-stitched two pincushions - but have yet to complete them. I need lace, which I haven't bought yet. I will post a photo of the pincushion when it is done. I have quite some problems with blogger today; it doesn't do spell checking, preview nor auto save. I hope it behaves properly so I'm able to publish this post!

In this post I want to share with you some gifts I have received recently.

Here is a gift from Margaret (NNC). We were talking about needles for cross-stitching and she offered to send me a few John James needles to try out. That Margaret!!! :)) She didn't only send me the needles! Have a look what she sent me; a piece of 28ct natural raw linen, a piece of 16ct mottled linen, a piece of beautiful fabric and 3 skeins of variegated red DMC floss! I didn't believe my eyes when I opened the parcel! Dear Margaret - once again - thank you so very much! I do appreciate your kindness!

At the same day I received another surprise gift from my Australian penfriend Tracy. It's a belated birthday gift; two pieces of Australian fabric and a wonderful card. (I guess you all have noticed I love cats!) Once again - thank you so very, very much Tracy!

These days my dear German penfriend for the last 4 years - Grit - is visiting. She is not into any crafting at all, but look what she gifted me! The crocheted doily is made by her 89-years old grandmother - isn't it lovely?!

Then there's a book; "Creative Quilts" by Sandra Meech. She is an award winning quilt artist, originally from Canada, who works with quilting, embroidery and textile groups in the UK and around the world. I do wonder when I will be that creative?! :)

The other book she gifted me is "Cross stitch Antique Style Samplers" by Jane Greenoff. The book has over 30 cross stitch designs inspired by traditional samplers. Wonderful!

Thank you so very, very much Grit! I love the gifts you gave me!