Friday, December 7, 2012

Happy mail

Having the mail arrive has always been one of the highlights of my day. It goes back many years. Now that I have relegated most of the bills to arrive via computer, and tried to get myself off as many junk mail lists as possible, the mail that does arrive is mostly happy mail. Sometimes it is fabric that I have ordered (Should I be worried that the mailman once thanked me for helping to keep them in business? Do I wish he would not have mentioned that with Mark standing right there....?)
Just kidding--this is NOT my stack of mail...
Sometimes it is something fabulous, made by someone else. This arrived a few days ago, one of the blocks from the Stash Trad Bee, made by the fabulous Corey of Little Miss Shabby. Aren't those little green martians in the center the best?
Also in the mail that day was something from Helen in the U.K. I just love it that the package says Royal Mail. That just elevates it a whole different level, doesn't it?

Inside, was a Union Jack, with Helen's tiny careful piecing. I think Helen uses hers for a thread catcher but I plan on using it as a needle book. It is SO cute! She also added some very British-inspired fat quarters and a little Pantone notebook--in ORANGE!!  She knows me well, I think.I hope you stop by and say hi to Helen and Archie (you'll see his sweet face in her blog header).

I can't remember how long ago it was that Carly and I became friends. It's been awhile. I just love everything about her--her writing, her creativity. She is even part of an improv group. That would freak me out, but I sure would love to see her perform some time. So months ago I asked if she would be interested in a private pouch swap. She said yes (I was so excited). We never decided on a firm completion date. That's a bad judgment call on my part, being an active member in the Procrastination Club. So one hot day in August, a package arrived from Canada. Oh.My.Goodness!!!

First there were the snackies--she knows we think Old Dutch potato chips are the best. Ever.
She also included some honey, jam and Saskatoon berry chocolates that come from her region.Yum!
And some postcards, selvages, two Canadian maple leaf patches,a note pad and a little Canadian license plate with my name on it.
While I was completely wowed by her generosity, that was nothing compared to the pouch she made. Isn't this gorgeous? Those are little pieces that finish at 1/2"!!! I'm calling this the back.
This is the inside (she also knows I adore orange--we have that in common too.)

And now look at this side!
Isn't it utterly amazing? A rainbow of teensy tiny pieces with a cathedral window effect. I have been wanting to post pictures of this for ages. Well, since August! But I just couldn't do it until I had completed my part of the swap (feeling a little guilty for taking so very long to get it done!). It went into the mail a couple of days ago and I could hardly wait to share this treasure. You all will probably be beating Carly's door down now, wanting to do a private swap with her, right?

My heart just warms each time I look at the beauties that have come in the mail from far and wide, from women whose connections have enriched my life in so many ways.

I'm linking up at Friday Felicities.

19 comments:

05 08
Ginette said... #

I find us Canadians to be a pretty generous bunch but I must say you definitely lucked out!! What a great bunch of loot! And that pouch is amazing! What a great friend!

Carla said... #

Gorgeous pouch. Enjoy it. Carly is lovely : )

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

That pouch is wonderful! I got such a surprise when I saw the dotty flag - I had a brief moment of 'Oh, that's like the one I made...' before I got a grip of myself ;o) So glad you like it! I love the aliens in the centre of the granny block - what a great idea!
P.S. I know someone else who was slow at their end of a swap and couldn't blog about what they'd received until they'd posted something off *wink* In fact, that person still hasn't blogged about it - bad blogger!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said... #

Very cute block from Corey and wowza that pouch from Carly!! Very special indeed.

Needled Mom said... #

Those are fun mails to receive. Love the British cabs fabrics and the pouch is just beautiful too.

Little Lady Patchwork said... #

I love all of it...but...the rainbow cathedral make my heart sing!
Stefanie

Amy Friend said... #

The tiny piecing on that pouch is just amazing. It's very beautiful.

Heather D. said... #

Is Old Dutch a Canadian thing??? Who knew?!

The pouch is beautiful. Just amazing.

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

Beautiful goodies x

Katy Cameron said... #

Fab parcels, and love that teeny, tiny piecing!

Susan said... #

Such wonderful surprises in the mail! Love the granny square, the union jack and the pouch! All treasures in their own right!!

kat129 said... #

That rainbow pouch is absolutely incredible.

Chase said... #

oH.. the tiny square pouch is amazing!! Parcels are always the best and open it is the best of best!

Mama Pea said... #

Happy mail is awesome. Those tiny squares are awesome! And the color selection and organization is truly special!

felicity said... #

That pouch literally gave me goosebumps, it is so incredible! Thanks for sharing and linking up to Friday Felicities!

Sarah said... #

For the second time tonight I have laughed out loud at bloggers comments about husbands! Yours about him being their when the postie thanked you. Yes, I would cringe if mine said that in front of My husband. Another blog comment said her husband would lay an egg if he saw her spread sheet inventory of fabric in and out for a year. Lay an egg would be a polite way to describe the reaction! OMG THE POUCH IS GORGEOUS,! I love rainbows.

Christals Creations said... #

I want your mail. I get the German free local paper which I can't read, the German TV guide, also free but I don't have German TV the local shop promotions and the odd bill.
My son did get some socks from our friend recently though. :o)

Salley said... #

Archie is a hoot...already addicted to her funny blog. I can NOT believe she pieced that flag. It is exquisite.
Those teensy squares are also luscious.

CitricSugar said... #

Aw, shucks! I'm just so happy you like it. :-)