crazyexchangegroup

American-Netherlands adventures

2011-02-28T18:00:00.003+01:00

Caroline is visiting Marne in Seattle. The weather has been very cold but bright. This is on a ferry boat on our way to Port Gamble. Be sure to look at our blogs and you can follow along with our adventures.

M & C

Christmas Exchanging

2010-12-26T06:00:00.000+01:00

Aren't these so cute. Margaret in New Zealand was my partner for the exchange. These are red crochet, which has been stiffened so that they stand up. So cute. She sent along a bag of Christmas candies (which are difficult to see in the right hand corner of this picture) And then she also sent me

[As you can see, I'm having great difficulty with photos and Google tonight.] So you will have to turn the screen a bit sideways to see N O E L on my little tree. But my photographic skills are not a reflection of Margaret's wonderful work. Thanks, Margaret, I love them.

Xmas

2010-12-25T19:29:00.002+01:00

This lovely little bag I received from Caroline with a notebook,so I can't forget the importent things in live.I become older,not wiser.Thanks a lot,Caroline.

Ladies,a Happy Christmas and a Stitchy New Year.

Groetjes,Ina.

X-mas Exchange

2010-12-12T07:47:00.003+01:00

Look what Marne sent me for the X-mas exchange. And yes, she allowed me to open the present before X-mas so I can use this lovely tablerunner on my table, and that's where it is now. And look how special it is. Handquilting by Marne ; ).

Thanks Marne I love your X-mas present.

The post man has brought me a package from Simone

2010-12-11T08:59:00.000+01:00

Sorry no photographs (my Christmas tree is not up yet) but the package has arrived safely,
Many thanks Simone.
Merry Christmas to all of you.

Christmas exchange

2010-12-09T03:29:00.000+01:00

What a lovely surprise today from the post lady,

Thank you, Margaret. I have the parcel under my tree. Very exciting. Just over 2 weeks away. Ho Ho Ho.
Marne

From Jacqueline

2010-12-08T09:59:00.003+01:00

I always forgot to post a picture, but I got a wonderful birthdaypresent fom Jacqueline....

We are not very busy with postings

2010-12-06T18:40:00.000+01:00

I just looked at how long it has been since we posted here. So to get you all in the spirit of the holidays, here is our little tree. It is an artificial tree, as we go to my daughter's for the actual holiday, but it nice to have this little one at home,

Happy Holidays to you all.
Marne

Edda's birthday gift arrived in Iceland.

2010-11-05T20:33:00.003+01:00

Here is a picture of the birthday gift I send to Edda, she had her birthday in october.

Wonderful gift from Caroline

2010-10-05T10:27:00.000+02:00

Hello all, me again! Caroline sent me a small book with wonderful illustrations about Holland. I had such fun looking at it all - my younger brother and his family spent a year in Appeldorn when he worked for Philips so I could see some of the sights he had described to me. What an interesting way to introduce your country Caroline. Thank you so very very much.

And so you can all see what I mean here is a collage of some of the pages - I didn't include the wonderful story that went with it. You will need to get your own book for that!

Spring Flowers fron New Zealand

2010-10-03T04:25:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone - it's Spring here and today is a beautiful clear, warm day so I went around my garden taking photos of the flowers to show you. I know it is Autumn for most of you so thought you might appreciate some added warmth!!

Hope you are all well and busy stitching, quilting and generally enjoying life.

Birthday

2010-09-13T17:17:00.002+02:00

This wonderful present I received from Edda.She spoiled me!Thanks a lot.

Groetjes,Ina.

What are you doing this summer?

2010-07-27T21:40:00.002+02:00

Well I was working on some antique quilts by handquilting them. But last sunday I followed a masterclass from Kaffe Fassett, that really was fantastic. Caro's blog. So my summerproject turned into a wild brightfull modern quilt. I use the wall in our diningroom temporarily to make the design.

Caroline asked what I have been stitching

2010-07-25T05:16:00.000+02:00

Good afternoon all of you - it is cold in Auckland, New Zealand and I have been busy stitching.
This small bag was made as a gift and will be mailed tomorrow so before sending it I took a photo.

Lined with a bright red Japanese silk that shows well through the holes of the Ukranian Whitework stitching, I am pleased with this and inspired now to try other objects in this type of stitching.

Christmas in July for Anita

2010-07-20T08:52:00.001+02:00

Thanks for letting me know this arrived safely Pascale. Here is the ornament I sent to Anita - I didn't take a picture of the other goodies I included. You can click the picture to see it in bigger size I hope.
Christmas in July is fun isn't it?

Xmas

2010-07-18T15:44:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I received this wonderful heart made by Pascale.And look at the other stuff,didn't she spoiled me?Thanks a lot and a White Xmas to you all(LOL).This summer is to hot,I'm looking out to the Winter.

Groetjes,Ina.

New Zealand, winter time ........

2010-07-02T14:04:00.006+02:00

........... here in the Netherlands we've got a very warm day, about 33 Celsius. So I worked in the morning, and then came home around 13.00 p.m. and found a lovely package in my mailbox. I really was a suprise I didn't expect anything. But it travelled from down under all the way to The Hague. Thank you Margaret, I really love it what you made, you do such beautiful work, lovely colours, and I'm very fond of chocolate, and I love little silver jewelry. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. Oke here some details, I don't know much about embroidery. The needle case is Wessex Stitchery, wich was revived from Britain by New-Zeland embroiderer. For the colours she choose the colours of the NZ Pua Shell, a shell fish. That makes it very special.

Random Surprise

2010-06-28T12:04:00.000+02:00

Hello to all you lovely ladies. I randomly drew a name from the Database and made a surprise stitched item and sent that by mail today. Who will be the lucky recipient I wonder? Watch your mail box - the Postman should come to see you in 4 to 10 days.

Christmas in July

2010-06-28T12:02:00.000+02:00

It is almost July and as my package has a loooooong way to travel it was taken to the Post Office today.

Antique and Brocante in Deventer

2010-06-27T21:11:00.002+02:00

Just to let you know, when you're hanging around in the Netherlands, this really something worthwile. http://www.brocanteaandeijssel.nl/

Saturday: 10, 24 and 31 july, 14 and 28 august, 11 september. My favorite street is de Walstraat, where you also have a lovely quiltshop "100 Rozen/Roses". Have fun, maybe we see each other, looking for little bargains.

bye bye Caro

Friendship

2010-06-15T21:50:00.003+02:00

Marne stitched and patched this wunderful mini-quilt,it's marvellous.She also mailed me in Dutch,homage to this American women!Thanks a lot,mijn hartelijke dank.

Groetjes,Ina.

Return exchange from Vania

2010-06-15T07:58:00.002+02:00

Vania sent me this pinkeep stitched in the colours of the Italian Flag - now isn't that a wonderful way to keep the exchange international! In her letter she told me she had dyed the fabric herself. How very clever. I am looking forward to using the hank of red thread - perhaps for some Japanese Kogin Darning???

Many many thanks Vania

Now I am working on my Christmas in July Exchange - what do you think that will be? Watch this space.

Vriendscap

2010-06-12T00:17:00.002+02:00

My lovely friendship exchange from Ina arrived today. So very sweet!

This really is wonderful. Thank you Ina - it is beautiful.

Friendship begins with kindness.......

2010-06-05T06:59:00.006+02:00

....a and a good cup of tea : ).

As I already told you, look what a lovely friendship Exchange Joke sent to me. I love boxes, and especially this one, it so beautiful, I think it's perfect for my Sashiko project. THANKS JOKE. I really love it.

Friendship exchange

2010-05-19T18:26:00.005+02:00

Caroline made me this wonderful embroidered little bag. It says : the road fo a friends house is never too long I think she colored the fabric with tea or something, to get that old look, is that right Caroline?
She also stitched me a lovely needlebook and added a (handmade?) notebook. I'm very pleased with the exchange, thanks Caroline!

Thanks to our favorite Kiwi

2010-05-18T01:09:00.005+02:00

Thanks Margaret for your marvelous exchange which my postal lady brought today. Just lovely as well as considerate items -

An exquisite lavender colored tassel. The workmanship is so very fine and beautifully done.

Two fabrics with Maori inspired designs. [Did you know I adore brown?]

And also a New Zealand spoon (I love using these for little jam dishes with scones), some fine embroidery scissors, some New Zealand chocolate and a Christmas ornament pattern.

It's really too bad that some folks don't feel inspired to keep participating in the Crazy Exchange. I think it is such fun. I hope that everyone keeps signing up for the special exchanges, at least.

Thanks Margaret. I love everything!
Marne

Thank you Margharet!

2010-05-16T11:53:00.003+02:00

Thank you soooo much for the marvellous needlecase and the funny kiwi coaters! Here it is a picture of all the things that Margaret sent me.

Thank you again from Italy!

All the Way to Italy

2010-05-15T08:48:00.002+02:00

This needlebook was a surprise exchange to Vania in Florence, Italy. I sent with it two NZ Kiwi coasters but somehow forgot to take a snapshot of those. Hopefully Vania will put up a photo. It is exciting to have such "international contact" - many thanks to all you wonderful ladies.

The needlebook is one I did in a class with an embroidery teacher in 2001 and it was great to stitch another. In linen with DMC perle thread it combines many different types of stitches and has two flannel pads for needles inside. Here's shots of front and back.

Birthday present from Iceland

2010-04-25T20:14:00.002+02:00

Today I found my birthday present in the mailbox from Edda. Something went wrong with the adress, so she had to post it again. I thought it would take a while because of the ash cloud, but it already arrived on my door mat. Isn't it lovely, I like the scarf (I'm always cold), so I like to wrap something around me when I'm sitting on my sofa, and I love the colours, blue, green brown are my favorites. And she also put 4 pieces of fabrics as well inside. I consider myself as a very lucky girl. THANK YOU VERY MUCH EDDA!!!!!!

To put on your agenda ......

2010-04-25T13:45:00.000+02:00

......... when you're in the Netherlands in Mai. (Spareroom avaible in my house!!!)

In the Castle Cannenburg in Vaassen is an exposition about "Merklappen en Antiek Textiel" (Needlework samplers and antique textile) from thursday 13 until sunday 16 Mai (10.00 a.m till 17.00 p.m).

A week later you can go to Hennie Oosterbaans housewarmingparty. On friday, saturday and sunday (19, 20,21 Mai, 10.00 a.m. until 17.00 p.m) her little shop is open, and there will be an little quilt exposition as well. (Location: Koudhoornseweg 31, Garderen).

With kind regards, Caroline

An American Surprise

2010-04-07T10:01:00.003+02:00

Look at what dear Marne sent me. It's wonderful and looks perfect on my dining room table. Marne, my half deaf half blind elderly Mother ( she's not really but she doesn't like her photo on a blog!) says you are the best!!!

I am so so pleased with my surprise and because of you had a really great day. Thank you thank you.

Caro asked 'What are you working on?'

2010-04-02T19:40:00.003+02:00

I posted a reply on my blog, but even more fun news -
Yesterday the mail lady brought me a little parcel from Belgium. It was Happy Easter greetings from Pascale and these very sweet Easter decorations for my table,

ei kuikentje en ei konijntje, as well as onderzetters.

Gelukkig me (Lucky me!)

Big thanks Pascale and Happy Easter to all of you!

Marne

Winter Exchange from Edda

2010-03-07T14:14:00.008+01:00

As we know Edda and her family are going through a difficult time and yet she found time and energy to make me this wonderful Winter Exchange.

She stitched me two lovely items, a biscornu and a fob (or little ornament)

and she knitted the perfect shawl for me, in a bright orange/yellow. It makes me feel sunny and it's warm and cozy on my shoulders.

Edda also added a little booklet in Icelandic and English (as I don't read Icelandic, I am happy to be able to read in in English). It is about thirteen Icelandic Christmas lads, a Christmas Rhyme.

Thank you, Edda!

winter exchange from Marne

2010-02-28T11:06:00.003+01:00

I'm a very lucky girl !

I recieved a wallhanger,some postcards and 2 magnets from Marne.

thanks Marne i love it.

Guess what came to my house today

2010-02-18T08:21:00.004+01:00

The postman brought me a fantastic box today. All the way from ......?

Can you guess where from this bag?

And inside were all these goodies. A tulip , a notebook, some small flagged toothpicks, some wonderful stickers and some licorice Dutch clogs. Oh I am soooooooo happy.

The Needleroll by expert stitcher Ina is fantastic.

Look at it. It has icicles and snowmen and is so winter looking but today in Auckland it is 29 degrees and 98% humidity. But thank you to Ina the cool of winter has come to me. This wonderful needleroll is in my cupboard where I can look at it always.

Thank you very very much Ina

Exchange return gift

2010-02-17T00:53:00.002+01:00

Jacqueline has sent me a lovely table runner in wonderful, cheerful spring colors. Thank you Jacqueline, very much. And I am very proud of you - I can see that you used your sewing machine! Hurrah!
Knuffles,
Marne

winterexchange

2010-02-14T20:06:00.002+01:00

Yesterday this beautiful exchange arrived.It's a cold man,but it warms my heart,I'm in love.

It's made by Jacqueline,she really spoiled me.Thanks a lot.

Groetjes,Ina.

winter exchange from Joke

2010-02-13T11:58:00.002+01:00

This is the winter exchange from Joke .

A beautiful wallhanger and ribbons with the dutch colors.

It's very nice thank you Joke

Anita

Winter Exchange from Caroline

2010-02-13T09:34:00.002+01:00

Hi everybody! This is the wonderfull stitchery panel I recieved for the winther Exchange from Caroline. Thank you sooooo much! I really love it! :) She also sent me a dutch ribbon and a very nice calendar of Holland :) Everything is soooo lovely! In the picture you can also see the perfect owl hanger that I had! hope to year you soon Vania

Winter exchange from Margaret

2010-02-08T14:14:00.000+01:00

Just a minute ago the mailman brought me a package from New Zealand. It contained the most wonderful stitched piece I've ever received! It's the winter-exchange from Margaret!

Margaret enclosed also a "Kiwi" bird.

Isn't it gorgeous??? And to think that it's hot Summer in New Zealand... (she could have done a bit of nice weather in the box!). I've read on Margarets blog that she had a hard time finishing this box. I surely can imagine that, but it turned out great after all! Thank you so much Margaret!

Hugs, Simone

winter exchange from Pascale

2010-02-02T19:56:00.003+01:00

Hi girls, looks what a beautiful winter exchange I got from Pascale, her own design, isn't it great!

Thanks Pascale I realy Love it!

Winter Exchange

2010-02-02T06:26:00.003+01:00

Just to let you know that today I went to the Post Office and mailed my winter exchange firmly packed in a medium sized white box. It is going all the way to ................oops sorry - must keep that a surprise!

Exchange from Anita arrived

2010-01-31T10:58:00.002+01:00

Thanks Anita, it's a lovely gift, you can see more pictures on my blog:

http://www.caro-en-rob.blogspot.com/

I'm still busy with my exchange, I hope to finish it today, so it will be still in time before the 15th februar.

Winter Exchange from Vania

2010-01-23T01:47:00.003+01:00

I have received a really lovely pinkeep, as well as a traditional holiday treat from Vania. She also included some cards of Florence (Firenze) which I know is considered by some as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Thank you so much Vania for thinking of me.
Best wishes
Marne

Xmas

2009-12-17T20:23:00.002+01:00

Ronda send me this beautiful ornament and goodies.Look at these snow men,they keep me warm during the winter time.Thanks a lot.
Groetjes,Ina.

From Edda...

2009-12-14T19:16:00.003+01:00

a lovely X-mas gift was delivered by the mailman. Thank you so much Edda. Lovely embroidery. I really love it. The ornament will be hanging in my X-mas tree. groetjes Caroline

O my gracious!

2009-11-20T22:33:00.004+01:00

Joke, for some reason I cannot remember, thought she 'owed' me a return exchange and one arrived today. Oh my goodness gracious - I am just overwhelmed. That girl does some exquisite needlework. Such patience and precision,

A Chatelaine Design, with silk and beads. The Alphabet in Fraktur. [Luckily she sent along an explanation, too.] Is it not just fabulous?

And because she knew that I am completely crazy for Christmas decorating, you can see the Christmas decorations included in her stitching and it's backed with a georgous fabric. Oh lucky, lucky me. Joke, my dear friend, thank you so very much. It's just beautiful.
Liefs, Marne

Exchange return from Anita in Belgium

2009-11-18T08:11:00.001+01:00

Look at what Anita sent me - it was a delightful package. I love the handmade biscornu, flower pincushion, needle book and also there was a cute Belgian Chocolate tapemeasure. What a fun parcel. I am delighted. I love these international exchanges. Anita thank you for your generosity.

gift from Margaret

2009-10-27T16:09:00.002+01:00

Hello, this is the gift my mom recieved from Margaret from New Zealand.

She loved it a lot and started right away to make a return gift.

The scissorfob is gorgeous.

Gift from Taija

2009-10-23T07:42:00.003+02:00

I met Taija from Finland through this exchange and she has enriched my life in many ways. This week a birthday gift arrived but I couldn't wait until next week so have opened it already.Many many thanks Taija. I love all the gifts.

I especially love the licorice - here's a close up of that. The wedgewood plate was a gift on my 21st ( a special celebration in New Zealand) and the licorice a gift for my 55th birthday!!!

Marne's exchange

2009-10-22T21:49:00.002+02:00

Look what Marne made for Me.And she spoiled me with gifts, Marne thank you so much I realy apreciate it!

and now I have to start thinking what I shall make for you.

Birthday exchange from Ina

2009-10-18T23:01:00.001+02:00

I was in a private birthday exchange with Ina from the Crazy Exchange group. Ina had already had her birthday in August so I had sent her a birthday gift. Ina sent me a beautiful birthday gift. Her stitching is so beautiful and the finishing is just perfect. Here is a picture of the stitched ball.

And another picture of the whole exchange.

Thank you ever so much for this beautiful gift Ina. I really love it.

An Exchange

2009-10-11T05:05:00.001+02:00

Tomorrow I will go to the post office with a small package exchange to go to ........ It has a long way to travel so I do hope it will arrive safely. Bye Bye!

Birthday echange

2009-10-08T15:54:00.004+02:00

Look what I got from Ina, isn't it beautiful! Ina thank you so much I love it. You realy spoiled me.

Ina hartstikke bedank voor dit geweldige kistje, mijn jongens vinden hem ook helmaal geweldig! die zeiden jee dat ze zoiets moois zomer weg geeft, en dat is voor 2 jongens van 11 en 12 heel wat hoor! ene gefeliciteerd met je man

An exchange will be on its way soon

2009-10-03T08:24:00.002+02:00

These cookies are to show you what I have been doing part of the time today. I also did some stitching on a ....... which is for an exchange with ?????? You will all have to wait a week or two to see who gets what:-)

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend

Hello all

2009-09-02T10:37:00.002+02:00

Just to show what I am working on at the moment - ABECEDAIRE from here

I wanted to stitch the squirrel and the peacock so in my stitching K L M comes before D E F :-)

Hope you are all well. My mother has just been admitted to hospital today and I can see that my stitching time will be restricted while I am visiting her. But I will be back to visit you all again.

My work in progress (WIP)

2009-08-26T09:47:00.003+02:00

Hello ladies.

At the moment I am knitting like crazy. I have started working on some Christmas presents. We have some little children in our families that we give gifts at christmas and I thought it would be nice to make something for them out of wool. So this is what I am doing.

I am working on finishing the knitting on the green pullover. When that is done I am doing to do the finishing on the pullovers over the weekend. I am going to put a zipper in them both which will be a challenge for me as I have never done it before. So wish me luck.

I will hopefully be stitching and knitting during this autumn and winter. I want to make more knitted christmas gifts for the little ones and will keep you updated. I am really looking forward to being part of the group making exhanges with all you wonderful ladies.

All the best,
Edda

I tried something new :)

2009-08-25T19:18:00.002+02:00

This is block one of nine, it's called a Kittens Tale and I thought I might give it a try ...

What am I doing

2009-08-25T11:40:00.003+02:00

I am working on a sampler, It's for a block of the month, I do it for magdaleentje a online quiltshop here in the netherlands

Yesterday I had some help

And I am quilting this 1, my own design, I wrote the pattern( only in Dutch), and you can buy it magdaleentje as a kit (when you buy it this month the pattern is for free) she allready sold 9 kitts. so I am so proud.

Jacqueline

quilting

Birthday present Ina

2009-08-25T11:35:00.003+02:00

I Filles it with some writting paper, and some other stuff, but forgot to take a picture. I realy enjoyed making it, and hop to make 1 for myself real soon.

Jacqueline

return exchange for Pascale

2009-07-19T10:08:00.002+02:00

I gave Pascale her return exchange yesterday. Here's what I made her :

This is what I got last December ... I know, shame on me it took me so long to make a return one .....

Return exchange from Pascale

2009-06-28T11:07:00.002+02:00

Last week I received a beautiful return exchange from Pascale. Words really can't desribe how I felt when I opened the package. Pascale made me a stitcher's wallet and it is so beautifully stitched and finished - a real gem. I will enclose some pictures but the pictures really don't do this beautiful piece any justice. Pascale also enclosed for me 2 patterns from my wishlist and the threads the patterns call for. Again, thank you ever so much for the beautiful return exchange, I will cherish it a lot.

First a picture of the outside of the stitcher's wallet

And then a picture of the inside. Look at all the details, everything is so well planned and thought of. I love it.

And a picture of the whole exchange.

Hope you are having a great day!

All the best
Edda

Birthday present from Taija

2009-05-22T19:24:00.006+02:00

Today the birthday present Taija sent me, arrived. Her package was so carefully and thoughtful wrapped, I have to show you! She made me (what a skilled lady!) a selfmade notebook, and wrote she made it from begin to the end, all by herself.
She added some nice goodies, a piece of lovely fabric, two flossrings and pins. It was such a nice feeling, getting a birthday present after your birthday, it's like an extended birthday. Taija, thank you so much!

I haven't fallen into a hole

2009-05-21T17:02:00.003+02:00

Life has been full, but wanted to assure you that I'm still busy and doing "stuff". Here's a photo to prove it:

In fact, this little item went into the mail on Monday. So in perhaps a few more days it should arrive. For the up-coming Memorial Day week-end (American holiday remembering those who served in the military) our RV group is going away for the week-end. I'm sure there will be photos to follow. Hugs, Marne

Birthday exchange from simone

2009-05-17T16:08:00.004+02:00

Simone sent me the lovely package shown above. She made me a pincushion and used a pattern of Blackbird Designs. She changes the colours to my favorites (blue) and finished it lovely with the perfect backing and beautiful pins, which she placed in small groups. Also she has been going through my wishlist and sent me some lightblue fabric (great!!), Madeira floss, pins, a cute little pair of scissors (embellishment), a pair of socks with Stitching Girl on it (I never saw these before!), some ribbon, and last but not least a large piece of Chinese fabric. She knows about my China-madness and told me she had it for some time now, but thought it would be perfect for me. And how right can she be?!
To show you how beautiful the pincushion is, I need a seperate picture, and I also took one of the Chinese fabric. It is such a large piece I can use it to make a pillow, I guess, so next weeks I am going to search through my Chinese related charts :)

exchange from Edda

2009-05-14T16:55:00.002+02:00

This is what I recieved, a beautiful needlemap ,pins in it,ribbon and needles.

Thank you so much Edda.

Birthday exchange from Joke

2009-05-05T17:00:00.000+02:00

So yesterday, I could finally open up my presents! Here's my exchange from Joke for the Crazy exchange group:

She must have known my favourite colours are Autumn colors! I've got some quiltfabrics, a package with felt and threads and this gorgeous set of floss tag and needlebook:

Isn't that pretty? Thank you so much Joke!

Hugs, Simone

Pictures of the return exchange from Stephanie.

2009-04-26T12:28:00.002+02:00

I've been meaning to post pictures of the return exchange that I received from Stephanie since before Easter. Here are the pictures finally. Stephanie really spoiled me with her beautiful stitching and finishing. I love the box she made for me. I am enclosing one picture here and you can see some more pictures on my blog.

Thank you ever so much for this beautiful exchange Stephanie. I will treasure it for the rest of my life.

All the best,
Edda

It's me! It's me!

2009-04-18T23:15:00.004+02:00

Today the postal lady brought me a very special gift from Janaina. I wondered when I read her post, but thought "no" - but it was me! Hurrah! She was thinking of me when I was wandering around the Netherlands and stitched this beautiful bath towel and hand towel. So georgous and how very special to know that you were thinking so kindly of me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. [the photo on the bottom is the back side - not a wayward thread to be seen. I wish I could do that kind of work.]

Now what? I must ponder this one for a bit. . . . . . . .
Big, big hugs and thanks.
Marne

My return exchange from Ina

2009-03-25T14:44:00.003+01:00

Ina stitched me a beautiful biscournu in my favorite color of red! Its just gorgeous! She also included some lovely goodies!

Thanks so much for a lovely exchange Ina!

Here is my exchange from Caroline

2009-03-06T14:39:00.003+01:00

Caroline sent me a cute lunchbag made from reproduction dutch fabrics from a town called Hindeloopen. I just love it! Now I have something to carry my snacks and drink in for stitch group.

Thanks so much Caroline!

Hugs,
Wendy Jo

My exchange from Taija!

2009-03-02T15:29:00.003+01:00

I got a lovely exchange from Taija on Saturday. She sent a cute little pillow and some wonderful extras! I just love the twine she used for the pillow, it goes so perfect with the pillow.

Here is a pic of what Taija sent. More are on my blog. Thanks so much for a wonderful excchange Taija...I am going to start working on yours later today :)

Hugs,
Wendy Jo

return gift from Taija

2009-02-22T16:26:00.003+01:00

This came from Finland a lovely bag ,a lot off candy and several nice things.

thank you Taija.

Pascale

gift from Rita

2009-02-22T16:23:00.003+01:00

Friday the mailman brought me this package.

Thank you very much Rita, I just love it.

Pascale

gift from Vania

2009-02-22T16:21:00.002+01:00

My return gift from Vania .

Thank you for the nice things.

Pascale B

Birthday package from Rita arrives in Iowa

2009-02-20T14:48:00.003+01:00

My package arrived yesterday and Rita sent me the cutest pinkeep and some wonderful goodies too! She said this was her first pinkeep and boy...did she ever do a lovely job! What a cute saying too!

Thanks so much Rita :)

A Surprise!

2009-02-16T21:29:00.002+01:00

We came home from Dublin on Sunday evening – we’d been to see H’s family and help his brother celebrate his 30th birthday. I was very tired and…maybe even a bit cranky…until I found that a mysterious package had been delivered over the weekend. I wasn’t expecting anything, so was delighted to find this:

Edda had sent me a Crazy Exchange, and I love the bourse that she sent – it’s a lovely pattern (I think it’s Three Emblems freebie by Papillon Designs which can be found here) and Edda’s stitching and finishing is really lovely. Thanks to Edda also for including some lovely well-chosen extras for me. Now to get my head down and work out what to stitch back for Edda – by the Crazy Exchange rules, I have 30 days to ponder, stitch, finish and send something back to her. Needle to the ready!

Happy stitching

Stephanie

Thank you Jen

2009-02-12T22:47:00.003+01:00

Jen in North Carolina sent me a lovely return exchange. Such a cute, blue denim little bag with sweet stitching on the front. And, she sent a very lovely bookmark with paisley shaped teardrops - all stitched one over one. Terrific. Thank you Jen, very much. You've made my day!

Marne

Thank you Wendy Jo......

2009-02-10T17:16:00.003+01:00

This is what I found in my mailbox. A lovely snowman from Wendy Jo. So this snowman travelled all the way from the USA to the Netherlands. I think she did a wonderful job, and especially because I'm not good at all in crosstitch. So now it's my turn to make a gift for her. Suprise suprise, Wendy Jo you have to wait for a few weeks. groetjes Caroline

Thank you Marne!

2009-02-04T20:32:00.004+01:00

Hi girls, just look at the gorgeous quilt I received from Marne today! I just don't know how to thank her, so I'll save a big hug until she visits the Netherlands and we will meet :) I will post some more pictures on my blog tomorrow. Marne added some lovely goodies as well, and I will make some brighter pictures tomorrow, I hope.

Received from Marne

2009-02-01T15:00:00.004+01:00

Sorry that I haven't posted this sooner. I absolutely love the exchange pieces. I have completed the return and will be mailing that out as soon as I get paid. Thanks Marne!

Crazy exchange from Taija

2009-01-24T18:08:00.000+01:00

Today I received this great exchange from Taija from Finland. She sent me a crazy exchange already before Christmas, but it came back to her house. So she sent another one, and this time it arrived safely on my doorstep. Taija sent me a little purse made from lovely heart fabrics, 2 quilt fabrics and a pair of scissors with the cutest Matrushka as a fob. This exchange is so perfect! I'm having a weakness for hearts at the moment, my large scissors weren't cutting probably anymore and I've stitched a floss tag for an exchange that matches perfectly with the brown/pink fabric. (I'll show you when it's received by it's new owner).

Thank you, Taija! I'm very happy with your exchange!!!

Hugs, Simone

My birthday package from Simone!

2009-01-21T14:55:00.005+01:00

My birthday package from Simone arrived last night and once again..I am tickled by what I got!

Simone stitched me a lovely Bent Creek design which I love and I can display it either as a wall hanging or as a pillow. I was going to do display it as a wall hanging but my DH, Rex said we don't have any pillows so I am going to display this as a pillow.

Simone also sent some fabric, pins and a great pattern.

Thank you so much Simone I love my birthday package!

Here is a pic. More are on my blog.

My birthday package from Ina

2009-01-17T16:28:00.003+01:00

Ina's package arrived on Thursday and I just love everything she sent! The wall hanging Ina made is just precious. Its hanging up now in the entry way. I put my dovos away and started using the scissors Ina sent and boy are they a joy to use! I am having fun looking through the magazine and love all the other goodies too! Thanks so much Ina.

Hugs,
Wendy Jo

Here is a pic:

Thank you Margaret

2009-01-06T03:54:00.002+01:00

I have received this super "sweet" return exchange from Margaret - and I just love it. She stitched the cutest sunshiny Hershey kiss by Cricket Collection - so pretty, and perfect. And she sent a package of Hershey kisses, which DH snagged because they are dark chocolate ;-) And a Clover cutter - my first one! Thank you so much for such a lovely exchange!!

Hugs,
Carol

Thank you Katrien

2008-12-31T07:28:00.001+01:00

I received this beautiful return exchange from Katrien this morning - such a pretty wall quilt! Once I give it a good press, I will hang it right up. I really love it - so beautifully made! Thank you also for the pretty autumnal DMC flosses and the chocolates (which DH already confiscated!).

Happy New Year to all!
Hugs,
Carol

Exchanges

2008-12-29T12:59:00.004+01:00

Hi all, girls!

Finally I got around to posting (our Xmas was a bit busy, with guests coming every day...)

So, first of all, the ornie I received from Margaret:

The most beautiful quaker strawberry I have ever seen, I just love it, it is hanging in our living room (and will not be packed away after xmas!)

Next, I have received an exchange from Pascale, which I just love!

A gingerbread man ornie, pins, a beaded fob, and some small felt ornies, which will be of use, I am sure! And also a cross stitched card kit!
Thanks, Pascale!

And, lastly, our Christmas tree.
We only put it up on 23 Dec, so the kids only see it on Xmas Eve (they are spending 23 night and 24 day at grandma), as they still think that Angels are bringing the tree and the presents...

Rita from Hungary

Christmas Ornament from Janien!

2008-12-26T22:55:00.004+01:00

Just in time for Christmas, I received this exchange Janien made for me. It is such a lovely package, even more dearly to me since I know Janien is ill, yet she did a wonderful job.
she stitched me a bookmark, and a lovely tabecloth.
She added some great goodies to her package, such as chocolate (yummie!) and a scented bag, smells great, even wrapped in plastic I can smell it. I think it's cinnamon, fits perfect to this time of year. Also a nice piece of backing fabric. Thanks so much, Janien!

Santa came on Christmas Eve

2008-12-25T06:42:00.003+01:00

"Santa" Carol's return exchange arrived this afternoon - just in time. It is marvelous. See the wonderful raindeer surrounded with gold beads:

It's perfect in our tree. And she kindly sent along two lovely Christmas fabrics.
Thank you very much Carol. These are terrific!

Happy holidays to you!
Marne

December in Seattle

2008-12-15T05:58:00.003+01:00

I couldn't see how to insert a photo into a regular post for crazy exchange so I'll put it over here. Hope that's alright with everyone.

Saturday night while we were having some friends over for dinner, look what happened outside:

Seattle is a very hilly city so snow and ice can cause quite a few problems for driving, but gosh it sure is pretty. I know the Netherlands had snow once (at least,) and I suspect some of you northern girls (Iceland, Finland) probably have some snow. Why not take us a picture of what's happening now. (Janaina - no teasing about trips to the beach!)

Marne

gift for Taija

2008-12-13T22:09:00.002+01:00

This is what I send to Taija in Finland, I hope see likes it.

Pascale B

Exchange from Carol has come

2008-12-11T21:04:00.004+01:00

Last night I found a surprise package from Carol. A most beautiful ornament, a Prairie Schooler Santa chart and a really neat Christmas Card. Of course the ornament went directly on to my tree! Many many thanks Carol. I will try and get a return to you in a month.

Birthdayexchange from Jacqueline

2008-12-09T19:21:00.003+01:00

Here is the lovely birthdayexchange I received from Jacqueline for my birthday.

Jacqueline I love it very much. Thanks so much.

picture of eden

2008-12-08T23:49:00.003+01:00

Marne asked for a picture of eden, so here she is:

pssst...Eden is getting a little brother or sister in juli 2009....

Christmas Exchange from Taija

2008-12-04T21:19:00.004+01:00

Taija you are so amazingly generous. Your wonderful parcel arrived yesterday. I LOVE IT!

Best wishes for a happy Christmas to you and your family. You can see it all in more detail here.

Edda's return exchange

2008-12-04T15:57:00.002+01:00

This is Edda's return exchange and what a lovely exchange it is. I just love Prairie Schooler and this ornament is so nice. Thanks heaps Edda.

Return Exchange from Taija

2008-12-03T19:35:00.001+01:00

A few days ago I received this lovely return exchange from Taija. I put it on my blog, mailed Taija it arrived, but forgot to post if here, sorry girls! The sweets are all eaten by now, I hope you forgive me LOL

Return Exchange from Iris

2008-12-03T01:08:00.003+01:00

I just received this return exchange from Iris today - I absolutely love it! I adore LHN, and this pinkeep is made so beautifully! And the scissors are simply adorable... did you figure out I collect scissors? How thoughtful of you! And the door hanger... will be fun to decorate that :-) Thank you so much! {{{HUGS}}}

It´s Xmas in Brasil already!

2008-12-01T16:00:00.005+01:00

Hey people!
Take a look on the sweetest Xmas ornie I had already got from Ina!
I am in love! I L.O.V.E Tilda´s patterns and Ina overdid herself this time!
I thank you so much, dear!

The detail of the small bell on the bottom part of the piece is darling!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! =)

Max has come to Marne's house

2008-11-29T20:34:00.003+01:00

Isn't he sooooooo cute! I just love him. He arrived today - a return exchange from Simone. I have loved the sheep she has made, so now I have one too. Max! Notice his wonderful tail with a heart button and his "feet". It is just very clever and I am delighted. Simone also sent a kit for a little "Welcome" hanger as well as some cute Debbie Mumm fabric with the 12 days of Christmas. (which is coming soon) Fabulous - thank you very much.