The most lovely Christmas apron

Dec. 8
What a wonderful surprise I found in my mailbox today !     Mary, from Georgia sent the most beautiful quilted and reversible Christmas apron.   Her sewing skills put me to shame  ---- so beautifully done !    Tucked in, also, were labels, desk organizers, a charming Christmas mug rug --- even a new pincushion (How did she know I needed a new one?)    Thanks you, Mary.    Everyone will be envious about that apron !

Yeah!! My computer issues are resolved!! Only took 7 hours on the phone to India.

The picture above is my Secret Santa package that came from Teresa Adkins!! Thank you so much for all the lovely gifts!! Love my apron, and have used it several times already!!~

One more picture to post!!!

Now you have seen everything!! Yeah!!! I have control of my computer again!!

Christmas Apron {Giveaway}

Over on my other site, the Apronista, I will be giving away three Christmas aprons and a cool chalk cloth table runner this month.  All to promote my Holiday Gift Guide that is full of great gift ideas AND coupon codes.  Hope you'll check it out.  I'd love for one of my faithful swappers to win!!

First giveaway is for this cool "12 Joys of Christmas" Apron from Sassy Aprons - Lana, who was in our Secret Santa Swap!! Please share the picture and link it to the Gift Guide & Giveaway post.  Thanks, darlings!!

Last attempt!!

I have struggled for days to get pictures on this site!! My attempts have failed each time!!

And again, the Internet Explorer has shut down the webpage for Shawnee's Blog! Sorry everyone, but I just can't spend anymore time on this!!

Hope everyone has a joyous holiday!!! I will be thinking of you while I sew all my gifts to my sweet Grandkids!!

Wonderful package!

I received a most wonderful package from Grace. It sat at the post office for nearly a week before I was able to pick it up. No pictures from me because I've hardly been home at all. The apron is just lovely and a had no idea there was such a thing as peanut butter and jelly filled chocolate!! Amazing!

Packages mailed?

Hi gals,

I know lots of us were mailing a bit late this year, even me, but I haven't heard from everyone yet.  PLEASE drop a quick email and let me know your apron status.  My goal was for everyone to have your packages out (and hopefully in hand) before the rush of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the general hustle and bustle of Christmas. 

Love ya all!
Shawnee

It's a Neon Christmas

My partner loves non-traditional Christmas colors and I had so much fun!  Here's a peek of the apron I made:

The word I chose is CHRISTMAS!!   Can't wait until it arrives.  =)

Secret Santa came in the Mail!!

Time to show what was in my Secret Santa Package!!

OKAY !! Internet Explorer is not working Can't seem to pull up any pictures from my computer! Soon as I figure this out , I will post pictures of the very nice Apron and bundle of goodies that came with it!!

Sorry!!

Jennifer robin!

WHoot Whoot & HoHoHo!

Oh My Stars!  it's here!   My apron is here,,, can you see me doing the Holiday Happy dance?
I had to run up to the Post and to my surprise, I found a package waiting for me!  :>)

 here it is!

 I can hardly wait to peek inside...

 look at all my lovely goodies... ummm, the M&M's didn't last 5 min... I am a M&M addict! lol!

TaDa!  is this cute or what????   my secrete swap partner read that I love my Gluhwine during the Holidays and found the perfect sweet fabric to make my apron from....
I have peeked into 'Sassy Apron's' etsy shop several times... and all I can say is... she makes the cutest aprons...... and I am thrilled to be the recipient of one of her sweet aprons...
Thank you soooo very much! and Happy Holidays to you all!

Package On the Way!

Got my package out on Monday to my Secret Santa Partner...Hope she likes it! Happy Turkey Day and Christmas Gals! Teresa A

It's on it's way...

Dear swap partner.... your apron is on it's way! Wahoo!
Although I choose the word JOY,,, there are more than 3 goodies on their way...

 J-O-Y.... is what I hope this will bring to you...

 I am an avid recycler/re-purposer so I repurposed a pre-quilted flannel to make your apron... then machine embroidered HoHoHo on the pocket and added some sweet yoyos for festiveness.
I included a lot of goodies for you as well.... so, watch your mailbox... it should arrive Friday.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas....

A teaser!

This is a quick look at the fabrics I used! I love this fabric!

I didn't have a model so it's tied to my Newell post lol

My Sweet Secret Santa SPOILED me!

As I was sewing away this morning, I look up as a car comes flying up my driveway..Honking its horn. I didn't know what was going on.. then I realized it was the Mail lady:)  Woot Woot!

I wasn't expecting anything in the mail so I just knew it was my Secret Santa package!  I ran down the stairs..Pj's & no makeup...Lol.  I haven't done a Flirty apron swap in a couple of years & was So excited for this one!

Well, as you can see in the photos Not so Secret Santa MaryLea really Spoiled me!!  I tried to get everything in the picture but, it just doesn't do justice to All my Goodies:)

A Lovely card that allowed me to get to know MaryLea a little bit
A Beautiful Ruffled apron
A Martha Stewart Living magazine
The word "Joy" spelled out in Pink festive frames
A Gorgeous teal scarf with a cross on it & a Dragonfly pin(J is for Jewelry)
A handmade Fox ornament for my tree(O is for Ornament)
A Festive pair of knitted slippers with Fur(Y is for Yarn)
Bath and Body Shower gel & scrubber
Ceramic Red Bird salt & pepper shakers
A Darling Snowman fragrance holder & refill for the visor of my car
A Tin of my Favorite candy...Almond Roca
A holiday notepad
A pedicure set
& A Neat magnet from Wyoming!

I'm telling you... She Spoiled me!   I can't wait to see Everyones packages & Aprons:)

I wish Each & Everyone of you a Blessed & Safe Holiday season!

 

 

Time to Mail!

Hi Lovely Swappers,

It's time to get those packages in the mail!!  Secret Santa boxes are done up all pretty, don't forget.  Be sure it contains:

One Handmade APRON
Something to Read (book, magazine, poem)
Something for the Tree (garland, ornament, topper, skirt)
Holiday Goody (candy, cocoa, tea, coffee, chocolate)
Challenge: Include one gift for each letter needed to spell out a word from the season (SNOW, JOY, FAITH, LOVE, HOPE, GIFT, TREE, JESUS, STAR, SANTA, etc). We've done this the last several years and it is SO MUCH FUN!

EMAIL me your tracking number when you get back from the post office, and I will update your status to SENT.  EMAIL me when you receive your box so I know you're good -- and POST PICTURES and THANKS to your partner, pretty please.

Let's kick off the season right!!

-Swap Mama Shawnee

Here are the wrapped Gifts for my Swap Partner!! They went in the mail today!! The USPS says delivery is for this Saturday!! Happy Holidays to All!!

Sew my apron for the Secret Santa Swap has been finished for more than a week!! Here it is!!!

I am having trouble figuring out the tuck-ins this time around!! Don't know what Christmas Season word to use for the tuck-ins. Santa please help!!!

Dear Secrete Apron Swappee...

You don't know who you are,,, but I do!  :>)

I am still working on your package..... and my kitty want's to help (keeps knocking the spool of thread off the table)... I am hoping to be finished and at the P.O. by next weekend.....
I recently just moved from Spokane WA., down to Central California,,, so I am still hunting for my stuff... but I did find my Christmas cards and gift wrap! So as long as I stay on track I should be ready to get your package out!

So secrete swap partner...  I hope you are getting excited!

apron hugz

Time to Reply

Hi gals,

So, I've just sent each swapper that registered an email with your partner information.  Your SECRET partner information.  =)  Feel free to start stalking.  I've added the links to everyone's blogs on the right side bar.  IF you haven't posted your questionnaire answers, NOW is the time.

PLEASE REPLY to my email so I know you got it.  Then let's get crafting and shopping!

Hugs,
Shawnee

Watch your inboxes

Partner emails going out tonight --- sorry for the delay!!

Dear Santa, All I Want for Christmas ...

is a Secret Santa Swap!

Now, before we get started, I DO have to apologize.  I really DO NOT LIKE seeing all the Christmas displays that are out in stores already.  I mean, Costco started filling their Christmas aisle when I was doing back to school shopping!  Annoying.  I regularly avert my eyes and give the Christmas aisles a wide berth until around Veterans Day.  BUT ... crafting packages and mailing them out takes a bit of lead time.  So, I gotta open up registrations earlier than I would like to on a normal basis.
 
For the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW, I'm excited to host SHAWNEE'S SECRET SANTA SWAP

Register by: October 26

Mail between: November 5 and November 15

Your Secret Santa Swap package should be a minimum of $20 in value before postage, and include the following:

One Handmade APRON

Something to Read (book, magazine, poem)

Something for the Tree (garland, ornament, topper, skirt)

Holiday Goody (candy, cocoa, tea, coffee, chocolate)

Challenge: Include one gift for each letter needed to spell out a word from the season (SNOW, JOY, FAITH, LOVE, HOPE, GIFT, TREE, JESUS, STAR, SANTA, etc). We've done this the last several years and it is SO MUCH FUN!

Then, make this a special box -- gift wrapping, bows, the whole nine yards! Include a note identifying yourself with your email and blog address so your partner can contact you with her grateful thanks.   

Once again, I would like you to please copy the following questionnaire and post the answers on your blog for all other participants to see.  Include the badge picture with your post.  This is a great way to add traffic to your blog and make new friends!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
then leave a comment below and post this questionnaire on your blog 

Shawnee's Secret Santa Apron Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your hobbies?
2. What are your favorite colors?
3. Do you collect anything?
4. Are you allergic to any fibers or animals?
5. Do you have any pets?
6. Coffee, Tea, or Chocolate?
7. What do you like to read?
8. Do you prefer Cookies or Candies as a sweet?
9. What is your favorite holiday treat?
10. Describe your favorite holiday tradition.
11. Did you believe in Santa as a child?
12. When do you open presents?
13. Do you put up a tree and when?  If not, how do you celebrate?
14. Does your tree have a theme?
15. What has been your favorite gift to give?  to receive?

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO BRIGHTEN UP SOMEONE ELSE'S HOLIDAY, let me know.  I have a small list of gals who cannot participate that I would like to bless with a package this season.  Or, I encourage you to send an extra Secret Santa box to someone you know that needs some cheer this season and then tell us about your experience.

NEW SWAPPERS:  We all love making new friends, but swapping can be risky business.  I've tried various ways in the past to minimize the risk and one of the best ways I have found is to have new swappers send their first package to me and include postage so I can forward it to your partner.  This ends up costing you about $13 in postage (flat rate w/delivery confirmation) but is the fairest to all. If you're an experienced swapper but just not with me, just include some references when you register to forego the extra expense.

P.S. Those people who have signed up for swaps and HAVE NOT completed them or if you have been consistently late, then you are not able to participate this time. There are some exceptions to this rule (I mean, I've had a pro make my aprons before when I got overwhelmed, so I get it), such as the person contacting both me and her partner with their extenuating circumstances or someone dropping out early and my ability to fill their spot in time. I understand that things come up but I don't want anyone disappointed, especially at this time of year. If you owe someone a package and REALLY want to participate, you would need to send me your overdue package to forward in order to be eligible to sign up this year.

Cupcake Provocateur Apron Giveaway --- WOW

Oh girls, I just posted the Week 2 CROCK-tober Giveaway over at Apronista.  And it's to die for-- the lovely Cynthia from Cupcake Provocateur has donated a sexy Parisian Tapestry apron.  Click on the image below to go to the post to enter!

Here's another shot of the apron from the Cupcake Provocateur site - what a fun pin-up picture.

Carolyns Kitchen Apron Set Giveaway at Apronista

Hi ladies,

I'm giving away the cutest Apron and Gloves Set from Carolyn's Kitchen this week.  I hope you drop over to enter -- good luck!!

-Shawnee

PS -- I'm working on the next swap -- Christmas!!

Thank you so much Shawnee!!!

A big thank you to Shawnee for a splendid Favorite Things package!  After being away for the past few weeks, I was very excited to pick up my "held" mail from the post office and tear into this package.  Needless to say, I have been anticipating this for a while now.  And was the wait ever worth it!  I got a very nice wallet from 31- I have heard a lot about this company but have never seen any of their items up close.  Very nice indeed.  If you want some of their products- contact Shawnee-she sells them!  Also, a cute address book, a packet of postcards from Oregon, a really cool mousepad/notepad combo, a package of assorted bakers twine (thank you- I had this on my list to get at the store the next time I was out....how did you know???)  A very frilly see-thru fire engine red hostess apron that my husband is bugging me to try on.....and what has to be the most traveled bag of rolos around- since I live minutes from Hershey, PA where they are made, and Shawnee is in Oregon- these suckers went coast to coast and back again!  Now- no judging on the half eaten bag of rolos in the picture.  I was hungry!  And of course, and beautiful card with explanations and hymns.  Thank you so much Shawnee!  I can't wait for the next swap.   

Colorful goodies!

I received an awesome package from Jennifer O!

Love the bright colorful half apron! Included 101 Slow Cooker Recipe Book, colorful sharpies, note sheets, and colorful tape!

Thanks Jennifer for such a colorful package! Love it!

Let's Wrap Up Strong

Okay ladies,

I show everyone as having SENT off their package.  Partners, please let me know, and preferably post your thanks, as soon as you receive your box.  If your status on the sidebar -------------> isn't correct, email me directly and I'll fix it lickety-split.

Thanks for playing!  I'm thinking about a Christmas swap next!!

Shawnee

Beautiful package from Nadine!

Where do I start to thank you Nadine?  Ladies, look at all the nice things I got from Nadine!  She made me the cutest take-along bag with "hexes" on the front and inside!  Enclosed I found 5, count 'em, 5 fat quarters of matching fabric, a pair of Singer scissors and a pack of pins with buttons on the end!  How great is that!!  I love buttons in any form and collect them! Then I was also the lucky recipient of one of her "Shoop-Shoop" bags with hexie and sewing decor on the outside and a velcro closure! This will hold a lot of my hand sewing notions!  Continuing, Nadine sent me a point turner and very coincidentally, my dog had decided to turn mine into a chew toy very recently so this was a very big and welcomed surprise.....(how does she know my dog?)  Then she included in this package a bag of the most delicious chocolate salted caramels I have ever eaten, from Trader Joes.  I only got to have a few and then the bag went missing.  I believe my hubby absconded with it but he won't say!!!  Notice there isn't a bag of caramels in the picture!  Nadine also made a travel sewing kit out of an Altoids tin and in a second tin she gave me a big head start on making my own Hexies complete with already cut out templates and directions on how to make them!  Isn't that sweet of her!!  She also sent me....yes there is still more....a box of clips to use when binding a quilt!  I can't wait to use them!!  And she even included the mints from the 2 tins she emptied!  I was so spoiled ladies and to think I was ready to give up on swaps altogether.  Thank you Nadine for a very thoughtful package and I will use everything in it and think of you while sewing!  Your swap sister, Jeanie

Got my Package from Connie

It's GREAT!!

Thanks Connie...

Look at all my goodies

Handmade basket, tool apron,notepads and sharpie pen

Fall leaves for the holiday table and some mysterious letters Hmmm

Thank you Connie for going to so much effort for me.

What I Sent and Received

This is what I sent my partner.

My package included...
My favorite candy - twizzlers
My favorite tea - Tazo Refresh
My favorite soap - local "homemade" lavender
The best seam ripper I've ever used and a favorite apron pattern.
I also included a couple of other items.
I hope my partner enjoys my favorites as much as I do.

This is what I received.

Mindy is an AWESOME partner and sent me all sorts of goodies including a BEAUTIFUL apron and a lovely stamp set.  I can't wait to make some cards with it. 
Thank you so much Mindy!!!

And thank you Shawnee for another great swap!

Far in Miles but Close in Heart

This is my amazing far away friend Jen Sue and her husband Dale.  They are a power couple with seven children!  I myself am one of seven, second in line.  Jen is nothing like my mother, as my mum lost her identity, but not Jen!  Take notes ladies, always find time to be true to who you are.

Now, Jen and I couldn't be more different, lol.  Oh where do I begin.  The above photo shows Jen and Dale in  hiking attire because, well they were hiking but I am sure if she could she would have worn high heels with a matching purse.

I wear jeans and flats everyday and all of my cloths have rips and bleach stains from potting plants and cleaning flower buckets.  My business partner and I lovingly call each other ' Bucket Bitches'.  I could stand on the street corner and pass for homeless.  Thank goodness for aprons!

  

When I saw that my package was from Jen a very warm feeling that I was about to be spoiled came over me (not to mention it was also my birthday) and I was right!

My package looked like it had been hit by a bus but I didn't care.  It was here!  Yeah!

Oh my goodness!

The note says "open . . .  wet ink stain 

so I opened it first and found a wonderful paper pouch full of Jen's favorite things.

each of the wrapped packages was a true expression of Jen's style.

I just so happen to love baubles and beads.  If you have ever seen the movie "Labyrinth" (A Jim Henson film) you would know the character Hoggle.  I like his style!  When I saw this set of jewelry I just had to take a picture of my shoes.  I know Jen will appreciate that I do have heels even though they are all black or neutral but heels non the less.  Amazing!

What Jen and I do have most in common is the love of our families and friends and I am honored to have this inspirational woman as my friend.  Sending hugs your way girl!

better late than never!

My family experienced a tragedy on the 19th which delayed my participation in this swap. Now, thank goodness, we're getting back into the swing of things and I FINALLY have my package in the mail to California.  Here's a little sneak peek into the stack of what I'm sending...

all wrapped up in my favorite brights with baker's twine.  

I hope she likes what's comin'!

My Wonderful Package!

It has been a rough couple of weeks and I was glad to get Jenny's package (Jen S.)  in the mail. I only wish I could have had the pics posted sooner. It cheered me up after a few days of bad starts, one of which I knocked something into my eye while cleaning and had an emergency visit to the eye doc. (I put safety glasses on my favorite things list now)

 Fabric and apron pattern, cards, a recipe journal, a fun book, a cute sweatshirt to sew and more. I think she loves color, cooking, humor and has a sweet and generous heart. We share some of the same interests. Thanks so much! I feel extra special.

Wrapped so cute too. Here I'm only about half done unwrapping.

A Last Minute Peak

Just a glimpse of some of my favorite things for my swap partner. There are a few things that didn't fit in the picture, some that are more fall looking since this looks a little more spring. Will be going out today and later I'll put in some pics of the neat package that I got from Jenny.