Late birthday post... (2)

See that beautiful present I received from Mylene!! I was doubly thrilled because I have never done neither received a biscornu before... It's my first and it's GORGEOUS! I was soooo happy to discover it after opening the envelope. Mylene does such beautiful work (and beware, I hear that she's joined the quilting world recently!). I think the cording is made with the same thread as used for the pattern on thebiscornu. And you know what? The little button has "For You" written on it. How suiting!! And the giftie was accompanied by one of Mylene's worlwide famous hand-made cards, which I am now lucky to have more than one! :)

Now, my birthday surprise from Irene for the 2007 exchange within the Stitching Bloggers Birthday/Christmas Club ran by Becky. See all the neat goodies I received! Irene sent it to me directly to Norway and was it a lovely package to unpack! She sent me the cat/mouse Workbasket chart (from my wishlist, thanks so much, Irene!), the Norway heart from The Victoria Sampler, and here is a decription from their website:

Norway - "Tweed Stitch and Hardangersom"

Official Flower: Purple Heather

National Animal: Elk

National Bird: The Dipper

National Symbol: Milk

The Tweed Stitch, right under the Dipper bird, symbolizes dark green trees and deep fjords this country is known for. The Hardanger Heart, represents the specialty stitch technique we know and love, which has it's origins in this northern country. This geometrical drawn thread work takes its name from a town on the southwestern coast of Norway on the Hardanger Fjord. The technique is still used for parts of the festive folk costumes, and bridal wear, as well as household linens.

What else? A beautiful needle minder from Kelmscott Designs, which I always wanted to have, three different skeins in pink, my favorite color! and an extremely cute little tin box with Canadian chocolates, that vanished in a short time! They were delicious.

Irene took such visible care in picking the right items for me that I was particularly touched... thanks so much!

Again, Mylene and Irene, I am sorry for taking so long to show off these wonderful presents!