Follow The Mystery

Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.
 ~Arnold H. Glasow

I really felt like sewing yesterday!  What a nice change compared to last week.  I attacked my project with a purpose.  The rotary cutter sliced through the fabric.  The sewing machine hummed along.  And all with only one miscut and two seams that had to be ripped out.  I even accomplished more than the goal I set for myself.  I think I'm finally coming out of the January rut.  Took most of the month but I'm well on my way to seeing the sunshine - well, not literally as we were socked in with the old grey stuff today.  The weight is lifting and I feel productive once again!  Hooray!!!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Hershey Kiss

In keeping with the question for my giveaway, I thought a little history on another candy was fitting.

Hershey's Kisses were introduced in 1907. While it's not known exactly how Kisses got their name, it is a popular theory that the candy was named for the sound or motion of the chocolate being deposited during the manufacturing process.  Hershey's Kisses were originally wrapped by hand. Automated wrapping began in 1921. The same automatic wrapping process allowed for the insertion of the distinctive paper "plume", also called a Niggly Wiggly, that the company used to guarantee that consumers were getting the genuine Hershey product, rather than an imitation.  Hershey's Kisses were originally wrapped in silver-colored foil, and were only available in this color for decades. 1962 marked the first year that Kisses were available in different colored foil wrappers: red, green, and silver-wrapped candies were manufactured to coincide with the Christmas season.  I allow myself two Special Dark Chocolate Kisses every afternoon.

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IT'S MYSTERY TIME

Yesterday I worked on the latest block from the Designer Mystery BOM from Fat Quarter Shop.  Won't you try to guess what it will be as I go along?

These were all of the cuts that needed to be made.  One block had to be re-cut as I made it too big the first time around.

Here are the first four blocks assembled.  I don't think you probably have a guess just yet.

Here are the next two blocks assembled.  Sort of looks like a skirt and legs, doesn't it.

Another block assembled.  No clue yet.

Now those last three blocks are made into one big block.  Looks sort of like a steamship on the ocean - but it isn't.......

Made these two with fussy cuts........

And one more set with a fussy cut.  Why is the bird standing on his nose?

Had to make two of these.......

Do you think you might know what it is now.  See, the bird is no longer on his nose but flying high above.....

I bet you had already figured it out.  This is block 8 in the series and is called "Welcome To Our House".  I had fun with all of the fussy cutting for the windows.  Did you notice that I even fussy cut the roof and have Santa with his reindeer front and center?

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ROAD TO CALIFORNIA PURCHASES

I just couldn't resist making a few purchases at the quilt show on Saturday.  I saw so many things that I would have loved to have.  A long arm machine......an Accuquilt GO! Cutter.....quilting kits.......thread kits......and so much more.  I ended up buying......

This little pattern called Garden Fancies by Nutmeg Hare.  It is a table runner to be made out of wool.  I ordered the wool yesterday and can't wait for it to get here.  For those of you who work with wool, where do you purchase your wool online?

I couldn't resist this darling little wool table runner pattern either.  This one is called An Autumn Mood - also my Nutmeg Hare.  I will order the wool for this project in a few months. 

And then I purchased this little fabric packet to make a miniature wall hanging.  They were out of the pattern but I have it on back order and should be receiving it in the next couple of weeks.  The packet comes complete with the buttons and fabric you need to complete the top as well as the backing & binding.  This fabric goes with........

Isn't it just too precious?  It works up to a 12" square.  I love this little block.  Oh, and I bought the metal stand too!  The kit and pattern come from The Wooden Bear Co.  I guess I'll be ready for Halloween when I get this and the table runner made.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will be making the 2nd mug rug for my secret swap partner.  And, if I have time,  I will finish up my little February snowman stitchery (ran out of time yesterday).

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GIVEAWAYS

Not too many new giveaways.  If you have a giveaway you would like me to include on my blog, please contact me and I will put in on the next posting.

Housewife Eclectic is having a giveaway.  How would you like to win a $25 gift certificate to CSN stores?  If you would, you must enter by Sunday, January 30, at midnight.

The Quilty Home is giving away 2 charm packs!  And not just any charm packs but 2 charm pack of Hoopla by moda.  Jen will draw the winner on Monday, January 31st.

Blushing Rose is having a beautiful giveaway.  She is giving away a wonderful tea cup, a gorgeous insulated tea cozy, and a sachet of gold tea sugar.  To win this lovely set you must enter by Sunday, January 30th.

400+ FOLLOWERS THANK YOU GIVEAWAY is still happening!  You could win.....

6 1/2 yards of fabric.  Doesn't it look luscious?  Just click on the link above and follow the instructions to enter.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Do you ever feel like you need more hours in the day?  I've finally decided that there are just enough to keep me from getting into trouble.  I find that if I work too long then that is when I start making mistakes.  Too much pressure can cause those mistakes to happen too.  Well, so can lack of concentration - which is usually the case for me.  If we had more hours in the day then just think how long the work week would be.  Our weekends would be longer but do you really think you would be that much more productive?  Would you use those hours to sleep?  I will keep my 24 hours in the day and use what hours I can to create.

Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.

~Life's Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Today is Tuesday - make it YOUR terrific day!!