Treasures from Swaps and Giveaways

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My mailbox has been fairly bursting at the seams with loot these days.  I wanted to show you all the wonderful gifts I've received in the past couple of days.  It helps me to remember why I'm suffering through all the word verifications on the giveaways currently going on in blogland, my own blog being no exception.

First, I won a giveaway over at Karin's blog called Lovin' Life At the End of the Dusty Road.  Karin sent me a Mighty Bright lighted seam ripper with a magnifying glass. 

I don't know about you, but my eyes aren't what they once were.  (In fact, I could go on at length about all the body parts I possess that aren't what they once were.  Don't even get me started on my boobs!  Ahem.  I know.  TMI.)  This will be great for those times when you're trying to pick at a single thread and trying not to catch the fabric.  Does that ever happen to you?  I was planning to purchase one of these, but I showed great restraint.  Now I'm glad I did. 

Karin also sent me these Christmas fat quarters.  I was thrilled to receive these because, with all the sewing I've been doing, I've just about used up all my Christmas fabric.  These will give me some "fresh meat" to work with.

Next, my swap block arrived from the Block Swap Adventure.  My partner this month was Pam, and even without receiving the blocks, it would have been worth the participation just to get acquainted with Pam.  She was just about the sweetest person throughout our correspondence.  Pam sent me these two blocks.

Aren't these lovely?  I love the cozy fabrics and warm colors.  Now, in all honesty, I couldn't care less what I receive in the way of blocks.  The fun is in the exchange, in my view, and in stretching my own imagination trying to create something my partner will like.  That being said, part of the deal is that we give our partner some sort of instruction so that they can make a block to our liking.  Now, what do you suppose I ask for?  Hmmmmmm?  I'll write a $1 million dollar check off my personal checking account to the person who can guess.  Just leave your comment below.  (Tapping my foot and waiting while you think about it.)  Are you ready for the answer?

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Well, cats, of course!  Honestly, what else would someone whose blog is named Cat Patches, and whose home is called the Three Cats Ranch ask for?

So, given that I had asked for cats, I couldn't help studying the fabrics in these blocks looking for the cats.  Do you see any?  I didn't either.  Not to worry, however, because Pam included these adorable fabrics with the blocks

along with this note that was absolutely the best part of the whole package.

Pam, you are the most precious swap partner I've ever had, and (as a person who absolutely hates reading directions) your advice is well taken.  I will not forget it as long as I live, and I will pass it along to my children and my grandchildren, along with the admonishment to always wear their helmets, no matter what.    Thank you so much for a delightful exchange.  It really brightened my day.

Finally, I received the handmade gift from my handmade gift exchange partner, Bethany in Wisconsin.  Bethany sent me this beautiful quilled Christmas tree ornament.

I can't even imagine the patience it must take to do this.  The ornament looks beautiful on my tree.  I just love it.  And how she found the time to do both of these things in a month I'll never know because Bethany also included this gorgeous crocheted scarf.

These colors are so pretty.  And, in an always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride fashion, I do not own a scarf.  I've crocheted plenty for other people, but never made one for myself.  With our temperatures hovering in the 20's and 30's for the past couple of weeks, this will definitely come in handy.  In fact, I have a doctor's appointment (just routine), and I am looking forward to heading out the door wearing it this very day.  Thank you, Bethany, for your thoughtfulness and the obvious effort you put into these gifts.

So that's what I've been enjoying this week in between giveaway entries.  The swap and giveaway universe has been smiling on me.