Jealousy is an Ugly Emotion

But you need to prepare yourself for a little ugliness here, because I have received a package from Shetland that is going to have you green with envy. Sorry, I don't mean to gloat but, OMG, I am such a lucky cow!

I always knew who my partner was for the Modern Christmas Tablerunner Swap because, well, because I assigned the partners. That's the way it works. If you assign yourself to someone like Sarah - Narcoleptic in a Cupboard - you know two things, (1) she will make you something amazing, and (2) she will make you laugh in the process.

When I started the swap Sarah complained that I liked too many of the ideas that people were coming up with. Well, I did like them. I was amazed at the creativity that the swap members produced in their designs. I also understood Sarah's frustration with me though so I sent her an email narrowing down my likes and dislikes a bit more for her, and ended it with a request for 'no freaking headless reindeer'. And then she proceeded to make for me in secret. Until the package arrived I had no idea what I was getting.

I snatched the package out of the hands of the postman today - managing a quick thank you before shutting the door and attacking the box. No time for photos until after!

Sarah listened to my request and there is not one headless reindeer on my runner. It is just gorgeous! Look and see for yourself.

I love the colours, perfect for me, bright and cheerful and Christmasy without being in your face about it.

I got scrappy trees. I love scrappy trees! And I also got something no one else got. Sarah went for a play on my Canadian side and gave me a black bear. This just makes me grin. I have a runner like no one else in the world and that is so special! And check out the quilting. How cool is this runner?!

How on earth she managed to piece this bear is beyond me. You can imagine how small the bits for the ears and the tail are. You would think that this was enough then. But wait, you haven't seem the back of runner yet. It is equally as fabulous in an entirely different way. I think every time I go past I will be flipping it, incapable of making up my mind which side I want up that day.

That big box didn't just contain the runner though. No, Sarah made me a hot pad for the Christmas table too.

Those little squares are only 3/4" finished! Emily likened this pattern to pixels. I liken it to someone who has way more patience than I do! I also think it may be way too nice to ever think about putting one of my grubby pots or pans near it. Maybe something delicate like a bowl of brussel sprouts, but anything messy - no chance! (Emily chose this hot pad as her favourite thing in the box.)

In case I went into shock over all the goodness she sent me Sarah helpfully included some sugar to use as a medicinal aid.

I've told Emily there is alcohol in it and therefore should only be consumed by me. Finally, for the Christmas Swap Sarah included a decoration. Going with my constant theme of no freaking headless reindeer - she sent me one! This had Emily and I rolling on the floor with belly laughter. (Emily stayed home today. Life became a bit too much and that's okay because I feel like that sometimes too.)

That is just about the funniest Christmas ornament I have ever seen! Contrary to Sarah's worry that the girls would find this upsetting, Emily thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread and I fully expect the same reaction from Helen when we bring her home from school.

That should be enough excitement for a middle aged housewife in one day. But I am not done. Sarah did a giveaway recently and I won! She included the prize in the box as well. Honestly, I probably got more today than I will find under the tree in two and a half weeks time. (That is not a complaint by the way, I am not actually wishing for lots this year as I am quite happy with what I have.)

The giveaway prize was unspecified. So imagine my joy to receive this amazing zippy purse. I love the hot pinks with the dark grey.

Inside is an extra zippy compartment, and room to fill with enough make up to make me look thirty again - in the right lighting!

And hidden away at the very bottom is one of Sarah's great labels.

Emily got to open the next package, mostly because she was so excited she could barely speak and apparently it was not fair that I had opened them all to that moment. She only had one corner pulled away before she was shrieking 'Fabric!'

Sarah chose some solids, working on Lynne's Dead Simple Quilt palette challenge. I love them. What isn't to love, after all. Bright, warm, solids. It's all good, and then some.

The final parcel to open brought tears to my eyes. No, not in an over emotional wussy way. In a funny way again. Have you ever seen a book like this before?

Ever wonder what to do with your old tights? Well you have a use for them now. You can make things like this.

Haven't you always wanted a full sized replica of your granny to adorn your sitting room? Be honest, please.

So I have had a great day today. I won't even bother talking about the fact that I have done some quilting. That can wait. I am very, very lucky. Not just because Sarah made me some wonderful things, but because I am so blessed to have her as a friend. A huge thank you, Sarah. You are the best!

Susan