Swaps and Surprises

I enjoyed my craft group's Christmas meeting today although we were low on numbers due to illness and probably the persisting icy roads.  Those of us who made it enjoyed very little stitching, lots of lovely chatting and some very yummy things to eat.  I'd been idle and bought a tin of Italian biscuits from John Lewis (but they were delicious and now I have a pretty festive tin for putting things in) but have to congratulate Anne who made the most wonderful meringues, sandwiched together with fresh cream.  Crisp on the outside, soft and sticky on the inside and no calories in them at all. In the little time we did spend with needles in our hands instead of sweet, sticky things I worked on bonnets.
I haven't made many new Christmas decorations this year although there are lots of lovely ideas on the blogs I follow.  I've added to last year's, which you can see at Christmas decoration tutorial , with the festive fabric postcards I've been receiving from BQLPC members.  The theme is "A Touch of Bling" and all these glittering, sparkling cards are making a wonderful display over the fireplace.
Today I was tempted by Catherine's button wreath and so I thought I'd make one, it's working out well and when I've added the bows I'm going to hang above the mirror in the sitting room.  Thanks Catherine.
I've been enjoying receiving fabric postcards, Christmas swap blocks and some wonderful goody bags from quilting friends, what wonderful gifts from people with the same affliction addiction obsession as me, thank you, you lovely people.  In parcels I send I also like to include something I've made.  Last year my friends received a fabric Christmas decoration, this year I've been creating kanzashi.  These are folded fabric flowers and are a delight to make - although mine are a little uneven - still, practice will make perfect.
It's Friday Night Sew In part 2 this week and I'm planning to be quilting.  I keep putting off starting on quilting my daughter's quilt and really must do it.  I'm telling you so that you can nag me!  It's not too late to join in on Friday, sign up by clicking in the logo on the right, you'll be very welcome.