Grateful for the gifts of an artist!

I'm lucky to have been the swap recipient in our "Secret Admirer Swap" in AAPG from Debbie St. Germaine who is known to the rug hooking and needlepunch world as Woolen Sails. She designs patterns, and creates the most wonderful work. I've long been an admirer of her work, and have some of her patterns. But this was the first time I was lucky enough to handle her work. Pictures could never do it justice, although you'll be able to understand my delight with her finishing, design, and worksmanship even from my photos. The needlepunch items are as plush as velvet, and the coloration so subtle! The Angel would be my favorite piece, except that the needlebook and nametag are all tied for 1st place! Debbie also created a precious cat from ticking, and a lovely red wool. The hand button in the center of the heart is kind of the reverse of one of my favorite "primitive or country" symbols ~ the heart in hand. Traditionally, a sign of gratitude. I just recently did my own variation on that symbol in a quilt for our AAPG organizer Kanknchester.

I just realized that the beautiful piece of hand dyed wool is not obvious in the picture, as it was under the other fabrics. If you look at the red heart on the needle book, you'll be able to see its depth of color. I had opened it in the second photo, which shows a large piece of the wonderful red wool she sent.

Which brings us to the other picture.

This picture shows all the other things Debbie sent, except for 3. I Know! But the red wool is hidden under the other fabric and the Home Sweet Home Tart and bath gel just didn't get into the picture. All of these treasures would have been great in any swap,and she sent all the lovely handmades as well. I'll be wearing the nametag next weekend, when I'm at Discovery Green! It will also be awesome to have for hookins and at Texas Star Tyler in May...

Under the pile of treats is a book filled with patterns for toys just right for a childs hands. I'll be making some of these for Livvie who has a birthday right around the corner. So more likely these will be lovely Easter surprises...

Thank you Debbie, for your generosity and even more for your friendship. :)