Sigh.

Why the overwhelming need to whine? It must be the gloomy, wants-to-rain-but-won't, weather that's got me in the dumps today. But what's the use of having a blog if you can't occasionally post a good snivel.

Here's my problem: I recently participated in my first "real" exchange. The lady who set it up did a great job - she was really on the ball. And, if you read below you know, I was pretty excited about it. I ran around getting the bits and pieces to send to my partner, packaged it up pretty and even mailed it before the deadline.

So, it has been doubley disappointing that my partner didn't come through - poor communication and no reciprocal package . I couldn't get her to respond to my email correcting my address and, when I did hear from her, she didn't give me any guidance on her likes and dislikes.

I mailed the package and waited expectantly. The mailing date passes (Jan. 31) and I don't hear from her that she mailed her exchange. She emails me the following week that she received min (actually "got it") and "liked it" and that she would mail hers at the end of that week. Then, about ten days later, the lady running the asks that we mail her if we haven't received our end. So I do. And I get a ten word email from my partner saying to expect an envelope.

Two weeks later, nothing. So I'm kind of bummed. Maybe exchanges aren't for me. It would be nice to receive SOMETHING or at least a response more than got it and liked it. Oh well. I'll write this one off as an unfortunate episode. I guess this is a common problem in exchanges. (And I did email the lady in charge to let her know that my partner didn't come through but that I just writing it off).

But I'm still bummed.

I need chocolate.

Sigh.

I was bad - but I have a finish!

Ok - I wasn't good last week. I just couldn't face another weekend of BAP stitching.

La-D-Da Polly Wolly Doodle - GAST 1 x 2 on 40ct Sand Linen

I didn't start anything new - well not at first. I finished a band sampler I had started last year (HDF on 30ct Legacy Dower Linen - a dream to stitch). It's very long so I'll post a picture when I have sunshine and someone to hold it up for the photo! I was really pleased with the finish.

So, to celebrate, I had a new start! And a new finish! What a wonderful quick little stitch!

I kitted up La-D-Da's Polly Wolly Doodle last summer at a LNS in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Its bright colors and happy little picture was just the thing for winter blahs!

I might even frame this one. (Yeah right).

On another note - I purchased and downloaded Anagram Diffusion's Four Seasons Sampler last week. All their patterns have been discontinued but are available at 1/4 the cost for download. Quite a deal. I'm also expecting another load of Annie's Keepers so I can get all my new silks into storage.

Until I have sunshine for a picture - stay warm!

Chele