Secrets and pies...

Only one more morning at work, then I will be free to catch up with myself, my blog, a giveaway, oh and Christmas!

Today I mailed my Secret Santa gift for the Brit Bee ornament swap and despite having received mine on Saturday, I thought it only right and proper not to open it until I had been to the post office and fulfilled my side of the deal!

So I ripped into the wrapping the minute I got home today, and here's what was inside…

Thank you so much Secret Santa, you spoilt me, and I know who you are, (what's with all the questions!?).

I'm sorry my picture doesn't do sparkly justice to the tiny cross-stitched Santa; and I am not going to mention the treats in the foil!  I have realised that this Christmas-time I am not going to be able to show you any secret stitching or anything, what with the now highly-teched up small-folk in the house!

I am so lucky to be in this amazing Bee, I love all that we do, especially our newest member, mwah!

Secrets...

Brit Bee Secret Santa is always fun, and this year was no exception and we all made cushion covers for each other.

I was secretly making for Ceri.  Back when I was first feeling poorly I needed an EPP project, so I pulled some Oakshotts, white Essex Linen and Boo Crew fly-screen, and set myself up for a bit of Triangle City-building.  When Ceri posted her 'Dear Santa' wish list, it couldn't have been more serendipitous!

A nice bright cut of Joel Dewberry home dec for the back, and a concealed zip(!), and this Santa's work was done.

That last little keyfob went in the parcel for Felix too, and both, I am relieved to report, went down well.

And what did I receive?  Jackpot joy!

Santa-Pops made this perfect beauty for me.

Please excuse the ill-fitting cushion pad, but I wanted to use it before getting an insert that actually fits!

So that was a bit of the secret making that was going on here undetected; I'll get a snap of the last of the secret Christmas makes to show you tomorrow.

My parents will be taking the kids to the Saturday morning Panto, and hubby and I will get a couple of hours to regain our sanity!  I haven't been more than 500m from the house in over a week, which, given the conditions out there, is not a bad thing, so a little non-family interaction will be a novelty.  I better go find something to wear other than slippers!

Santa strikes again!

Well not the real Santa, obviously, we all know he is bubble-wrapped up for the next 11 months, but Secret Santa has struck again!

I was responsible for allocating out all the partners for the Brit Bee Secret Santa this last year and today, my lovely partner Jo's parcel arrived for me. 

A beautiful mug rug which includes some of my favourite fabrics, and I love it.  Thank you so much missus xxx

As for my sewing today, I pieced 20 churn dash blocks for a Sizzix commission, finished another 6 for the #scrappytripalong and also spent a couple of hours at the park with the kids.  

Now I am watching Celebrity Big Brother - forgive me xxx

Bad Stripper!

Yesterday I was meant to blog about my fantastic Secret Santa presents as part of the Stitch Tease Bee; I think all the others did, although I haven't had time to catch up with their blog posts yet, but I was so chocolate-fuelled I just went ahead and did my own thing... oops, sorry Strippers.

Well you may have been able to add two and two together, but if not, I was one of the lucky recipients of Susan's 2012 stiffy-fest and star mug-ruggery...

I could have sworn there was chocolate there, for a split second!

All have been residing in their respective festive positions around the house for all to see, admire and assume were made by my fair hand; I'm saying nothing to shatter any illusions!

What I did make though was for the Bee Mama herself, Di.  As soon as I saw Anna-Noodlehead's Liberty tree garland, I knew this was what I wanted to make in lieu of 'bunting'.

I think we can say Di was happy!

I missed out on my work's Secret Santa this year, BECAUSE I FINISHED WORK AT MIDDAY TODAY AND AM NOT GOING BACK UNTIL JANUARY 7TH, so I am not complaining.

Nor am I complaining at how empty Sainsburys was at 12.15 when I bought 95% of the remaining Christmas shopping... a trip into the village on the weekend will fill the gaps in the fridge, and so I am free to crack on with the remaining Christmas sewing... I am not even contemplating the lurgy!

Bee-ing Santa!

The Brit Bee indulged in a spot of Secret Santa makery this December.

Earlier this week we all received our presents within a day or so of each other, and agreed to blog or upload flickr pictures of all our lovelies today.

I was so excited when I received mine, wouldn't you be...

Lovely Laurie Wisbrun fabric...

Cute Crochet!  I can't do that :(

 And....

Aqua and orange needle case!!!!

Super pin toppers and FMF hexies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't got the words to describe how excited and happy this lovely parcel made me, but I have been sporting a wide grin every time I've looked at them.

I thought I had narrowed my Secret Mrs Santa down to two lovely ladies, then I changed my mind and couldn't decide between four, and so here, I have to say someone, so... I thought it could be...

Judith (Rags to Bags) 

...but I am so so wrong!    

Miss Lolly Pops you are a star!

(Edited to say - I am cheating and have updated this!!)

Thank you so much to my 'Santa-lady', I love everything, you know me well xxx

So if you want, check out the others and see if you can match the makes to the makers too.  It's only Christmas Eve, you are bound to have time!

Sarah, Fiona, Judith, Laura, Jennie, Susan, Trudi, Judith, Terri, Jo and Ceri.

My posts over the next few days have been pre-recorded in front of a live audience all bar some photos and reactions I am hoping to catch 'on the day'; so I'll be pretty quiet on the commenting and replying front, but then I guess you will be too!

That only leaves me to say have a wonderful Christmas my friends xxx

I've Felt Better...

Last night I successfully made two more baubles for teachers...

...but this evening I have had a few fails when trying to sew felt with my machine - I think perhaps, well no perhaps about it really, that small circles just aren't going to turn out nicely, which is a shame.

I had more 'sophisticated' aspirations, but I think I am destined to dwell in the truly 'handmade' zone this Christmas.  Oh well, back to the drawing board.

In happier news, I have just made part of my Brit Bee Secret Santa gift - and it's a corker; I wish I could show you, but the rules say 'not yet'...  I am resisting the temptation to keep it, I really am, but the great thing is, I still could, and you'd never know!