The day after - birthday gifts from Internet friends

Thank you for your birthday wishes!

I can't believe I turned 25 yesterday, though! I know most of you are in their thirties or more, but I hope you'll understand what I mean... 25 sets you into a new "category", somehow, and really marks the passing of time.
I had a nice and simple birthday, just as I like them. It was a true summer day in Paris. I stopped working earlier than usual, at 5 pm, and finally opened the presents my Internet friends Sylvie, Laure et Becky (my Adopt a Stitcher sender, but first and foremost my friend!) had sent me. Sylvie's and Becky's presents came on my very birthday!

From Laure :

A kitty cushion, which she designed herself; a delicate little doily, in those shaded blues which she knows I am so fond of; and napkins for Seb and I. (I had been planning to make some for so long... Laure finally did it for me!) Thank you Laure! I can't wait to see you again. (Laure lives just outside of Paris. She is one of my rare friends who are younger than me! Actually, the only one, except for my little sister )

From Becky and Sylvie :
I really had to photograph their stitched presents together - their colours matched so perfectly I thought they had planned it together!

Becky stitched the Spring cushion, and Sylvie the sewing case...
But haven't you noticed anything else in the picture? Take a closer look...

Yep, Violette of course, who never misses a chance to be part of the picture.

She's such a show-off!

I am very, very lucky and honoured - both Becky and Sylvie stitch so finely... Do click and enlarge the pictures to see the detail of their work! Both understood my fondness for everything Spring. Sylvie actually used (unknowingly) the very same linen colour that I used for my Petal Fairy. Talking of fairies, isn't that one charming? Aerial and impish...
**Edited for Ann: The design is by French designer Nimue.
By the way, Sylvie, how did you know that poppies were my favourite flower? You really are incredible!!

Here's the interior and back - the whole is simply exquisite:

(Amitiés = "In Friendship")

Sylvie also included Six Strands Sweets threads (I didn't have any yet), and a cute Amish design by Diane Graebner, which would be just perfect for our countryhouse near Montreuil.

I hardly knew that designer, but this really tempts me!

And Becky... sent me many, many more gifts... The list would be actually to long! I just couldn't believe my eyes. Kitty-themed items, bath luxuries, a sweet Birthday book with lots of quotes about friendship, a diary in which I plan to keep my spiritual journal... And the list goes on and on. Becky, this was way too much, as I told you! But thank you...

Do let me show you this amazing fold-out sewing box:

This is indeed perfect for my limited space! (Seriously friends, I'm really having a hard time finding room to display your gifts as they deserve! Seb and I are actually planning new storage solutions, partly so I can finally display all my stitched gifts properly. OK, this is perhaps not Seb's priority, but it is certainly one of mine!).
Becky also included two charts: Spring Forget me Nots by Patricia Ann Designs (with lovely specialty stitches), and the Stitching Treasures Collection by Twisted Oaks Designs, which I absolutely adore and want to start stitching straight away!

Thank you so very, very much, Laure, Sylvie and Becky, for your thoughtfulness!!
And I'm not even mentioning the precious words that went with the gifts...

Sébastien really treated me as well... As much through his presents as through the delightful and memorable evening we spent together. I never want to forget this! But then he is always so very kind... Not only on my birthday! Seb, if you ever come read this... THANK YOU! You are just the sweetest and most loving guy I know.