Friday, July 27, 2007

Exchange stitching

I really like getting things in the post. When I was much younger, I had quite a few penpals. Sadly I've lost touch with them now for a variety of reasons. Since joining various online communites, I've been taking part in variety of exchanges and at times, I've even run a few of them. In the first online group I joined on what is now yahoogroups, I ran quite a few but after a while, there were problems in the group so I stopped.

Most of my exchange stitching today is as part of the Stitching Bloggers exchange board. I really enjoy taking part and sometimes the best bit is that I stitch things that I wouldn't normally. My last exchange parcel has arrived at is destination just as I received mine in return.

In a strange twist of fate Leena and I stitched for each other.

Leena sent me a lovely bourse using a design by Long dog

Lil critter exchange from Leena

The outside looks like this

Lil critter exchange from Leena outside


Leena chose Cats as her critter in this exchange. I'm not really a cat person so I've not stitched any before. I ended up stitching a Sweetheart tree design, Catnip kitty fob

This is the front

Cat nipt kitty fob front

And this is the back

Cat nip kitty fob back

I had a lot of fun stitching it and I'm happy as it turned out that Leena had been wanting to stitch the design for a while so it worked out well.

The exchange stitching isn't finished though. I've got a SB exchange piece to finish off for mailing on Monday and then after that, I've signed up for a Halloween exchange and my favourite exchange of the year - The TWBB Christmas ornament exchange.

Thanks for everyone's comments during my recent time off work. I'm pleased to say that my back and foot are back to normal finally and I'm starting back at work next week. I have a few extra days off at first as the two weeks annual leave that I should have took whilst I was off gets returned to me unused. Its going to come in handy as my physio has signed me up for a gym based program of exercise, which I started last week. The aim to attend the gym and follow an exercise program at least twice a week. In the past, I've not really been much of an exercise fan. I've swum a bit and walked a lot but I'm not very well coordinated when it comes to sports. This program appears to have changed that and I'm very surprised to find that I actually enjoy going to the gym and working out. The best effect so far is the reduction in back pain and I've been able to stop taking painkillers. I've got an assigned advisor to help make sure I'm doing everything right and to help tailor the program for me.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad you're feeling better Paula.

Both exchanges are lovely.

Edgar said...

That Kitty fob is really great, I am not a Kitty person either as I have three chihuahuas, but that fob is very sweet!!!!

stitcherw said...

Both exchanges, given and received, are beautiful, and what fun that you had each other as partners. I especially like the kitties and the cute kitty bead, but then with 3 cats (4 if you count my DD's that is staying with me) I might be a bit biased on that.

I'm glad the exercise is working so well for you. What type of exercises are you doing? Anything specific for your back? I'd love to find something that would help decrease the nasty back pain/aches I get.
Sue

Seahorse said...

Lovely stitched pieces. Glad to hear you're feeling so much better. Good luck with the gym routine, it's a great bonus that you're finding it enjoyable.

Lennu said...

Thank you once again Paula! I just love this fob, it's so cute and your stitching and finishing is great :) I'm happy that you like the bourse I stitched for you.

Chelle said...

Both exchange pieces are lovely! I'm glad to hear you are feeling better.

Stitcher S said...

Glad you're feeling better.

Glenda said...

Glad to hear you're feeling better.

And that Doctor Who exhibit looked pretty cool. Thanks for the pictures!!

Unknown said...

Gosh, you have been a busy knitter lately Paula. Glad to hear that you are feeling better.

Loved the wee bourse and fabs too...

MysteryKnitter said...

I'm happy your health is improving.