Wednesday 7 December 2011

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

30 comments:

  1. Ok yes it worked - I know I like green as a colour - didn't expect to turn that shade - think Shrek!

    Cannot say lucky you as you chose who would make for you! And did she ever come good - Well done Sarah!

    Sorry but I am thinking Psycho when I look at the granny doll so be careful in the shower!

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  2. I am laughing so hard here! You did super well!! Love it all :-) the reindeer is, to quote my 5year old "clAssic"

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  3. oooooh happy happy happy! LOVE that you like it all :-) Nevermind Granny, who knows someone they could make a "shady lady" for?.... LMFAO
    Massive big hugs x

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  4. wonderful package for you how thought full of sarah she is a great friend to you !!

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  5. and the winnings continue. You are having a wonderful early Christmas. Love that table runner.

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  6. What an emazing package Sarah sent you! What a great mail-day!

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  7. Lucky cow indeed!! Sarah is amazing and all those gifts are fantastic, hilarious and thoughtful!! The tablerunner is so cute and I love that bear! The reindeer made me laugh out loud :)

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  8. Clearly Sarah is talented and the package is wonderful, yet still, there is the matter of the headless reindeer....
    You deserved a wonderful package for all your work organizing such a fun swap!

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  9. Oh my gosh!!! What a GREAT package and the runner & hot pad...WOW!!!! And I have to say that the ornament totally cracked me up!! Add to that the giveaway...you made out like a bandit! :o) And I LOVE the book. LOL!!!!!

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  10. Aw Suz what a lovely post about a truly lovely lass! So glad she was making for you, and her runner and hotpad are flippin amazing! I love the reindeer head too - hilarious! You given her a real lift with such a positive reaction! Hope Em feels more like herself soon, Jxo

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  11. ROFLMAO, okay, I laughed so hard it brought on another coughing fit, and I'm meant to be back at work tomorrow!

    Anywho, I do love all the nicey wee bits, but the bodyless reindeer (cos really, that's his head, he's not headless ;o) ) and the book really make it for me! I'm thinking granny looks a tad pished though...

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  12. You done well girl!! Good for you! Looks like things are looked up this week with that load of goodies! And a giveaway win too! Enjoy!

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  13. No freakin reindeers. Let's face it, it was always going to happen!
    What a fantastic parcel. lUCKY OLD YOU.

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  14. I don't know where to start - it's all brilliant! Love the runner and hot pad and the reindeer is inspired! Sarah's so talented and lovely! The make up bag is wonderful - all those zips! I love 'Shady Lady' and the fact that the author thinks it's a selling point that Granny will watch over your home and scare off any unwanted guests...burglars will be running down the street screaming as loud as they can!! I think you should make one...

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  15. What an amazing package from Sarah - I just commented on her blog that I wouldn`t be able to choose between the front or the other front - the modern `front` will do all year! the reindeer is hilarious - you chose well! Also love those warm solids and am I the only one to find that book incredibly creepy??

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  16. Wow, wow, wow! What a great day!

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  17. OMG what a fantastic parcel - did you actually open it with your teeth as that's what it looks like!!

    Brilliant work Sarah, you daft doubting bint!

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  18. wow, what an amazing package: Sarahs gifts and runner are fantastic. Lucky you

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  19. I needed a laugh today and you and Sarah gave it to me! This is hilarious. First off what a flippin' fab table runner! and everything else was so carefully thought out and funny or beautiful or both. Well done Sarah, and lucky ducky you! Enjoy!

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  20. Oh how lucky you are - what a great mail day! That pantyhose granny is a hoot!

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  21. Geez that's a fabulous package. Love all of it, you did very well. Sarah is one talented girl.
    I think you should make a Granny too.

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  22. I laughed till I almost lost control of my bladder over that Reindeer!

    What an amazing swap package. Yes Im totally jealous !

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  23. Oh Susan, You are so funny, as you know, I love your runner, hot pad, wow - zippy pouch, how could I be green with envy when Sarah made such a beuatiful package just for you! She's a very clever lady and I love you both to bits :) Now we all need a tute so we can make our own 'shady lady' !

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  24. fantastic package susan - and for being the swap mama extraordinaire, no less deserved. Sarah did an amazing job - talent, skill and humour - what a combo!

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  25. Oh yes, I am SOOOOO envious of that package! I love the zippy pouch, I love the table runner, I love it all! (except maybe the granny, that would have been freaky if Sarah had made that too and sent it in the mail, all the way from the Shetlands!) x

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  26. Well, I'm glad you warned that I would be green with envy! lol

    What a lovely parcel of handmade goodness, Susan. Lucky you! I'm truly in love with that runner and the hotpad and zippy pouch.

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  27. You are such a cow!!!! Or should I say a hefer!!! I am especially jealous of the granny book. I think you should make me a granny!!!!

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  28. OMG - Such cool stuff! But Oh my that book. That would make me cry with laughter. But now you mention it a crafty mum of a neighbour had these figures - one of which was a granny in her living room way back in the 1980's so I reckon she'd come across this book! There were a tad freakish to tell the truth!

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  29. As green with envy as the rest of them! I absolutely love the bear on your new tablerunner! And that reindeer ornament... I wish I'd thought of it!

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