I took part in the 12 Days of Christmas Swap this year organised by Jo at Through the Keyhole. The idea was to send 12 gifts, one to be opened each day of the 12 days of Christmas.

I was partnered with Alcea Rosea and this is what I received.

A box full of beautifully wrapped and numbered gifts, I was very good and resisted the temptation to open them all the day they arrived!

My first gift was a notebook with a cat on the front. Two of my favourite things right there! Some scissors which have been getting lots of use as I sew my patchwork quilt. A handmade decoration that was immediately hung on my tree. And two scented pouches with cute kittens on.


Another beautiful tree decoration, I think this is called tatting, but I'm not sure, perhaps it's lacing? It's beautiful either way. A large bell that I put on the tree near the bottom so the cats could play with it. Some chocolate (so good!), and another scented item that now resides in my sock drawer.

Some soap that I've yet to start using, it just looks so pretty tied up and wrapped in lovely material. I'm intrigued to see if there is enough material for me to use it to make a flower for my quilt. Some tweezers that I've used when crafting (sometimes I find I need to glue together tiny items and these are perfect!). I also received a chocolate lovers recipe book, of which this chocolate fudge cake will be my first bake. And lastly some chocolate with my name on. I love things with my name on, when I was a child my name never appeared on anything. My best friend was called Karen and she was always showing me her latest pencil case with her name, or a cute mug. The only time I was ever given something with my name on was when Karen returned from a holiday in Wales with a blue mug and my name printed in white. I was delighted!! To receive something with my name on as an adult really pleases me.

I forgot to photograph the gifts I sent to Alcea Rosea, other than this one of them all wrapped up!


Many thanks to Jo for organising a fun swap, and huge thanks also to Alcea Rosea for such lovely and thoughtful gifts.

Did you join in any swaps this year?