Wonderful Surprise and feeling very lucky!

When I got home from work today, Colin had left the post piled on the kitchen table for me to open.  There was one interesting looking package that had Shirlee's return address on the front but when it comes to post opening, I subscribe to the best til last theory so I first opened a bill, followed by a cute Christmas card from Shannon and only then allowed myself to fondle Shirlee's envelope.  The conversation between me and Rachael then went like this...
R - Wow, how many stamps do you need on a letter.
Me - A lot these days, especially when it is international postage.
R - Who's it from?
Me - Shirlee
R - Oh that's the lady that made our quilts.

So I am sorry Shirlee but in Rachael's eyes you are known as 'the lady who made our quilts'!

Anyway as I was talking, I opened the envelope and found a gorgeous, glittery Christmas card inside.  I also found a beautifully wrapped package.  First, I carefully opened the wrapping paper, then the bubble wrap that was protecting it.  As I got this off, I stood there saying 'Oh my word, oh my...' with Rachael laughing at me!!  You see, through the plastic bag that was then protecting the gift, I could see what was coming.

It was is beautiful!  Gorgeous stitching and finishing.  Stunning...and all for me!!!  Look at this!

And look at this backing fabric too...isn't it the perfect fabric for the design?  I love it.

Shirlee...it is gorgeous.  Everyone loves it and it now has pride of place at the front of the tree.  Thank you so, so much for thinking of me.  I was admiring this very design on someone's blog fairly recently and now I have my own!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!