A Little Something Different...

Okay, I need to deviate from the trip photos and stories a little bit to share some other things with you.  Stitching friends are truly the best and some of them gifted me with some wonderful things for my birthday.  (Please note, I've decided to stop celebrating my birthday....well at least that was my thinking until one of my co-workers said that our age we need celebrate that we are still having birthdays!  She made a good point.)

Anyway, without further ado...

This wooden scissor keeper and needle minder (see the little magnet?) were a gift from my friend Judy.  And the pin pillow made out of BBD fabric came from Diana.  This pillow was made by Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs!  Thanks Judy and Diana!

This lovely set of stitching smalls was made especially for me by my friend Chris.  The design is from Jackie du Plessis...love it!

She also stitched up this hardanger pumpkin...

And last but not least, a gift from Suzanne in Australia.  Suzanne and I were partners this year in a birthday exchange.  Sadly, I was late in sending Suzanne's gift; but she was gracious about it and we both agreed that it's sometime nice to extend the birthday as long as possible (especially when gifts are involved!)  Suzanne's gift arrived right on time.  Look at the lovely goodies she sent:

The items in the second photo where all made by Suzanne!  All beautiful but I am somewhat partial to the strawberry!  The pillows/pincushions are beautifully stitched and meticulously finished.  Thank you so much Suzanne!

Many of you extended birthday wishes on Facebook -- thank you so much!  Looking forward to the year ahead!