UK-Dart Friendship Quilters planned a marvelous surprise for the US-California chapters in December 2004. They prepared 18 beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts for the members of the US chapters. Each package had lovely holiday-theme hand crafts and decorations inside. The delighted smiles on the lucky recipients above tell the whole story!

In October the US-California Friendship Quilters chapter sent Halloween theme exchange gifts to the UK group. Since then the California group split into two chapters, the US-Santa Monica FQ and the US-LA South Bay FQ. Because of the chapter split and the fact that that everyone was widely scattered for the holidays distributing the packages was a bit of a challenge. But Friendship Quilters are nothing if not persistent and everyone eventually received their package! Digital cameras helped record the reactions seen in the collage at the top.

Each package included a hand made Christmas decoration such as a stocking, wall hanging, wreath, etc. There were also little "extras" peppered inside. These objects included candy, thimbles, gift cards, ribbons and more! Each FQ member commented on how much fun it was to open these charming bundles.

Most of the packages had no sender's name included, so the California chapters decided that a big Thank You here was in order. Maureen Forster, who is the chapter leader of the US-LA South Bay FQ, sent in a photo with the following message:

"Attached is a photo of me holding the very innovative and lovely Christmas Tree hanging (I think it must be paper-pieced) I received from a member in England. Also enclosed was some fabric with trees on it (different fabrics) and three Tree ornaments which were different from any I have seen in USA. So I was very touched and pleased and wish to thank whoever sent such a thoughtful and beautiful gift. I'll think of her whenever the Christmas season comes around. Thanks and blessings..."

So from sunny California to merry England, all the way across the pond, we send our THANKS!

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