Christmas - that is. It seems I go for weeks and weeks with Christmas a distant idea on the horizon. Half-heartedly thinking maybe I should get a little organised soon. And then, suddenly, it's crept up behind me and is rudely whacking me on the shoulder. It is not desperate times yet. But it is time to start thinking about Chrsitmas a bit more serioously and organising gifts, especially if like me you are keen to go 'handmade' this year. I intend taking it a little further and not only going 'handmade' but adding a dash of 'recycled' to the recipe as well. This whole thrifty lark makes me feel SO self-satisfied.
The advert in the Homespun magazine has come out so I am expecting quite a few more stitchers jumping on board in the next couple of weeks and I will also be recruiting more global participants to make matches. It is so cool to get this opportunity to make a lifetime stitching friend, and even nicer to establish a tradition of receiving little gifts at Christmas from like-minded stitchers. I know many of you have been lucky enough to really 'click' with your partners over the years and have choosen to continue swapping Christmas gifts, and emails throughout the year, which is a lovely side effect of your Great Global Christmas Swap experience.
I have to confess. I keep getting sidetracked and haven't finished my Bronwyn Hayes designed Sweet Box yet. If you have, send me a picture. I promise I won't spoil the surprise and will keep your name secret for now.
I do have a gift wallet ready to go though featuring Rosalie Quinlan's stitchery design. Now all I have to decide is what to put in it...Hmmm.

Happy stitching!
