UPDATE BELOW

A few days ago I received notification that my Santa had marked my incoming exchange gift as sent.

Cue much excitement

THEN it updated a few days later to say they had mailed a 2nd shipment!

The 2nd one arrived today (and is super cute and awesome and thoughtful and made me go SQUEEEE)

My Santa included a lovely chatty letter (I love finding out a bit more about the people I 'meet' through swaps & exchanges :-D ) along with THE most adorable knitted mouse in a jester's outfit <3 <3 <3 I had mentioned that if I could be any character from history, fictional or otherwise, I would probably be a travelling minstrel. My Santa put lots of time & effort into 1. finding the minstrel-ey-ist pattern they could find and 2. knitting the cute little guy, ESPECIALLY FOR ME!!!

Now, I pride myself in bring pretty crafty; I can make most anything from some paper or some scraps; but knitting is truly the devil's work!! I am in awe of anyone who can take what is essentially a couple of sticks and a ball of string and (through some sort of metaphysical alchemy) weave such wonderous creations....

I will treasure my lil mouse-dude forever <3

And, I'll come back and update when the next bit arrives, but in the meantime: Thank you, thank you, thank you Dear Medieval Santa xx

UPDATE

Well, I promised to return when my other parcel arrived, so; judging by the fact that I am here; you have probably deduced that it has ;-) and what a gift it is too!!

I returned home from work today to find a large Amazon mailer sitting on the sofa Happy Dance happened here I quickly tore it opened and inside found the most gorgeous book, entitled "HISTORICAL FASHION, IN DETAIL, The 17th & 18th Centuries". It is a beautiful book; full of detailed descriptions, clear illustrations & breathtaking photography. It is both drool-enducing eye candy and inspiring sourcebook in equal measure.

If I remember correctly, in my notes to Santa, I wasn't very specific in terms of wishes; but mentioned a love of the aesthetics of the medieval period, particularly architecture, art, clothes, manuscripts etc. My Santa was absolutely spot on with their choices and I am certain to while away many an hour perusing my gorgeous book (perhaps with my little mouse perched on the shoulder of my Renaissance style dress)

Thank you once again Santa, I love both gifts so very much! I hope the parcel you receive brings you as much joy as I have enjoyed from mine xx