It’s that time of the year when all the end of year functions happen. We gathered at The Emporium for our last Sew Wot get-together of the year, our Christmas Lunch and gift swap. The Emporium has a pretty little gift shop in front of the café, so we all had a browse around, looking for a bargain or two.
Lots of gift items on display
It was so nice that everyone could make it on the day, and we also welcomed former member Moira who joined us for lunch. The menu was studied, we made our choices, and there was plenty of chatter going on while we waited for our meals. Helen had brought along some Show and Tell, made from a kits she purchased at Symposium. These clever little race tracks had pockets for little cars and rolled up for ease of carrying. She had made two, one blue and one green, just the thing for the little boys to take on a car journey, Helen declared.
Helen’s race track and cars
Then the food arrived – as usual I had dithered long and hard over what to order, should I have the hot cakes, macaroni cheese, or maybe the quiche? Why oh why is it so difficult for me to decide? In the end I chose something completely different, leek and potato soup, plus a piece of chocolate cake. My reasoning was if I was “only” having soup, I really needed a piece of cake too! As it happened, my soup was so nice and thick, and served with toast, I didn't have any room for the cake at all. That came home with me to share with Robin after dinner.
My lunch, soup and toast
Not so Jude, she had no trouble at all eating her ice-cream sundae.She didn't let it beat her!
Just look at that!
With our meals over, it was time for the gifts. The basket was passed around ad we each chose a parcel, how exciting! The theme this year was to make a serviette holder.
Pass the parcel
And this was in my parcel, made by Sandra, thanks so much.
Thank you Sandra
Heather picked my parcel, I made the little pouch from a black batik fabric and found some pretty floral serviettes to pop inside, plus a little chocolate, just because.
For Heather
Most of us used the same pattern, but with our individual fabric choices, they all looked quite different. I gathered them up and put them on a side table for a photo op.
All beautiful
Our friendly café owner came and took our photo for us, I always appreciate café and restaurant staff doing this request for me.
Standing – Carol, Sandra, Helen, Heather, Jenny
Seated – Mary, Jude, Moira
Mary handed us each a calendar of our Sew Wot meeting for next year, starting again in late January. Robin and I will be on a long South Island holiday so I won’t be joining the ladies till some time in March. We have all enjoyed a great year of friendship, show and tell, and tasty morning teas, thanks so much ladies.