Speaking of Missing Exchanges

Have you ever had an exchange go astray?

A few years back, I did on an Holiday Ornament Exchange.

A quick note on the quality of these pics - I did not have a digital camera in 2005 - so these were taken with my flat bed scanner!

This is the ornament I originally stitched:

Front

And back

I don't know about you, but I seldom stitch the same chart twice, so when this ornament didn't arrive Down Under, I stitched this replacement:

Front

And Back

I was rather proud of using a cinnamon stick for the trunk of the tree, and thank goodness, this one arrived safely, although it took three weeks! As far as I know, the original ornament never showed up.

And I'm sorry - I've had a quick browse thru several hundred of the free designs I have saved - but I haven't spotted either of the above, altho my faulty memory says they were both freebies. If anyone recognizes them, would you let me know so I can give proper credit?

Almost complete change of subject -

Do you remember the Kerstballen designs submitted last year to Miriam's blog? Lots and lots of creative ideas (in case you need some - lol!). I submitted several, but had designed a few more that I never got around to sending to Miriam.
Pictures are clickable for a larger printable view. All the usual legal bla-bla-bla applies - but if you stitch one or the other, please do send me a photo.

And here's a pic of the plaid calico cat framed with a canning jar lid. I did submit this design (along with a plaid stitched back chart) to Miriam - have a look at her blog if you'd like to get the chart.
Do you have an exchange gone astray story?
Or a free ornament you designed?

Thanks for visiting today.

PS - I haven't forgotten about my promised giveaways - one will be coming real soon now.