Have I enticed you with the title of this blog post?! LOL!  I enjoy the company of a group of fellow stitchers called the Sew 'n Sew Sisters. Each year we decide on a gift exchange during the Christmas holiday.  2019 is the year of the door hangers!  But, 2018 was the year of the candle mat.



Yes, we have an entire year to plan but if you are like me you are going to wait until the last 3 months and then freak out!!!  2019 is going to be the year I turn over a new leaf and actually try...as in TRY...to plan and stitch early on so I won't feel panic come October.

You might wonder why would you even join a group that had such requirements...but, wait till you see these candle mats!  There is a warm fuzzy feeling that comes with a gift that is made by someone who understands the love that goes into homemade gifts.  Some stitchers chose the same candle mat for everyone and some mixed it up a bit.  I chose a mat that embraced quilters and  quilt blocks but wanting to make it special to each recipient I attached a charm with their initial.

 

I decided at the beginning of 2018 that it was the year of handmade gifts and I think I am going to keep on keeping on in 2019.  With each mat I received I felt the love from the stitcher...the time and thoughtfulness.  And, isn't that what quilting/stitching culture is all about! I hope this thought will be contagious and you will want to pass on your stitching love...in the meantime here is some encouraging candle mat photos!!

 

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