Swap Gifts

Last night was the annual LQS Christmas party, and I can tell you, it was a wonderful event, LQS owner, class teachers, shop workers all in attendance, and so much fun. There was a gift exchange, theme: pin cushion, sewing roll, or other sewing accessory. It was so much fun to see what everybody made and I wish I could have taken a picture of everything to show you. There was an exquisite Hardanger miniature needle book, a Renee Plains work apron (I had considered making an apron like this and still want to make one), the most extraordinary Primitive Doll by Barbara Barnes (I don't think she'll mind my using her name), a great large primitive crow on a candlestick who looked wonderfully ornery, a needlepunch needlework bag, and much more.

Here is what I made, a sewing roll. My idea is that it belonged to a nineteenth-century child, who sewed together two old stained samplers for the cover, and did various types of needlework for the inside sections. There is a stamped bit of beeswax for thread, a little journal for needlework planning, a pocket for tape measure, a broderie perse rose, etc.:

Now just look at what I received!! This certainly went to the right person, because this is me all over and I just adore it!!! Look at the flob and wabble (I don't have time to look up the right names for the topknot and chin thing) made out of pretty dark red beads....and the tailfeathers. And isn't the fabric perfect? Also love the holder for the spool. I said earlier in the day that I hoped I would get this person's swap gift. She was sitting next to me at dinner, picked her own number, and switched numbers with me, so I DID get hers and you will agree I was very lucky!