Thursday, February 3, 2011

A Few Stitches

A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!
~Author Unknown


Yesterday I enjoyed the sunshine and a big blue sky.  Our high temp for the day was 61 degrees and there was a light breeze.  I'm almost embarrassed with what Mother Nature provided for me compared to what she did to the majority of the country.  The frigid temperatures, the ice storms, and the dumping of tons of snow was just not nice - Ms. MN must have really been mad at someone.  But the good news was that it won't last but a few weeks longer - at least according to the poor ol' groundhog that didn't see his shadow.  Did they have to use a pick and shovel to pull him out of his cozy little den?  Poor thing.  And to think with all of the technology and the science of meteorology that we still put a lot of faith in that one grumpy, little furry creature to tell us how much longer winter will last.  Old habits die hard!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Toothpaste
Everyone has a tube of toothpaste sitting in the bathroom (hopefully!) Well while you're standing over your sink in the morning, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep and your first cup of coffee, think about a few of the following things you can do with that powerful little tube! **-Dingy sneakers?  Using a damp cloth and a blob of white toothpaste can brighten dirty white sneakers quickly!  **-Scratched CD?  Use a soft cloth and rub some white toothpaste onto the scratched surface of your disc.  **-Acne?  Place a dab of white toothpaste over that zit before you head off to bed and let dry.  **-Gum on your clothes or hair?  Rub gently at the sticky patch with a generous amount of white toothpaste, and watch it come up!  **-Lipstick Stain?  Rub white toothpaste on makeup stains that get into clothing.   **-Strong Smell?  Apply a generous amount of white toothpaste into the palm of your hands and then use both hands to work it over the skin. Rub your hands together as if you were dry-washing them. Once coated, rinse your hands in warm water.   **-Did your Little Artist Draw on your Walls Again?  Rub a dab of white toothpaste over it with a rag and the crayon should come right off!
See? There are some pretty interesting things you can do with a boring tube of toothpaste!

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A LITTLE STITCHING

Yesterday I traced and assembled the second block in the Birdie Stitches BOM.  On Tuesday, Little Miss Shabby released the pattern for this block and it is just as cute as the first one.

As  you can see, it definitely needs some pressing and I've not finished the stitching.  That little boy bird is so trying to impress his little lady birdie with flowers - isn't it cute?

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CANDLE MATS

The other day I decided to make a couple more candle mats.

I cut out this bright, cheery fabric from 2 sets of charm packs from Connecting Threads.  This line of fabric is called Sip of Summer. 

Then those two turned into finished candle mat tops......



I still have to quilt them and bind them, but once they are done they will be going out to friends.  I hope the candle mats will put some cheer and happiness into what may be a very dark and dreary winter for them.

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TODAY'S GOAL

I would like to finish the Birdie Stitches and maybe start cutting out the parts to the spring wool table runner pattern that I have.
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GIVEAWAYS

Pigtails and Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway!  They are giving away one of Florine's Fabulous Boards - great for applique assembly.  This giveaway will end February 9th at noon EST.

Qubee Quilts is having a book giveaway.  If you have ever wanted to learn to foundation piece then you have to enter this giveaway for a copy of Learn to Make a Foundation-Pieced Quilt.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, February 8th, at 11:59 PM CST.

Cut To Pieces is having a fabulous giveaway to celebrate a new sponsor.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to The Fat Quarter Shop!  The giveaway will be open until the end of the week (no specific date given) and the winner will be announced on Monday.

Flotsam is having a giveaway.  Debra is giving away some of her beautiful crochet work.  This giveaway will be open for one week.

Lucky Duck Dreams is having a giveaway.  She is giving away an assortment of fabrics that would be great for any Valentine Day project.  This giveaway will end Monday, February 7th, at 5:00 PM.

My daughter, Megan, over at Kitschy Suburbia is having a giveaway!  Would you like to have pretty hands and face while you are busy quilting away?  Megan is giving away several nail and facial items that you might enjoy.  This giveaway will remain open until Wednesday, February 16th, at midnight MST.

Texas Freckles is having a giveaway to celebrate opening her online store.  She is giving away about 45, 2.5" squares from the original Cheater Friday print ready to become 1" hexagons.  A winner will be chosen on Sunday night.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Mother is still in the hospital.  In fact, she's in a different hospital.  It is one of those insurance things.  The doctors are stymied at why she has so much blockage (90% blockage in the right side artery and 70% blockage in the left).  She had surgery to open the left side just this past September and had the right side cleaned out and a stent put in about 3 years ago.  All that blockage is not supposed to be happening.  Yesterday she had a MRI with dye injected.  Tomorrow she may have an angiogram.  Hopefully we'll have some answers soon.  I'm think she may be in for another surgery.  That's a little rough on a petite 82 year old lady that ways just over 100 pounds.  So, if you could send some kind thoughts and maybe include her in your prayers, I would certainly appreciate it, my friends.

It's important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle.
 ~Author Unknown
It's Thursday - let it be thoughtful!!

25 comments:

Mary Lou Casada said...

Toothpaste!?! Who knew!? It makes me think of the greek Dad in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" who says, "Put some windex on it!" Funny!
Your candle mats are just darling; such lovely bright colors!!
I'll be keeping your momma in my prayers!
Blessings,
Mary Lou

Angie said...

Thanks bunches for the toothpaste tips. Love your candle mats and birdie block. Those fabrics from CT is really pretty---I may 'need' some of that line. :) Sending prayers for your Mom.

Maria said...

Great colours in the candle mats Linda and Your stitchery is so cutetoo.

Jodi said...

I just said a prayer for your mom! I hope she recovers soon! And your candle mats are so pretty!

Maria McCabe said...

Your poor little mother! She will be in my prayers. Love the toothpaste trivia and I am enjoying the Birdie Stitches too! HAve you see the Retro 9 Patch at Bluebird Quilts - love it!
Maria

Anonymous said...

I love your candlemat Linda, and will keep your mom in our prayers!

nono said...

Sending prayers out to your mom and you. I love all the toothpaste ideas. Thanks for all the wonderful information you always include on your blog.

Jocelyn said...

Oh I hope your Mother is doing better. Thanks for the great hints using toothpaste.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Your toothpast trivia reminded me of "Ask Heloise". Your Mom is on the prayer list and I will update. I love CT's lines (sorry Moda people)- great color. That pattern works up so quickly and looks great with any line of fabric and/or colors. I had to put your closing quote up on the computer for the day - on my sticky note!

Unknown said...

Key Word in the toothpaste tips is
WHITE or really the paste type not the gel. It works on minor burns too! I pray the doctors can quickly and safely help your mom. I pray for her full recovery.

Impera Magna said...

I'll be praying for your mom... and for the drs to figure out what's going on.

I love the candle mats... what a great idea!

Scrappy quilter said...

Hope the doctors figure out what is going on with your mom. As to the toothpaste...you can also use it to cover a small crack in your ceiling if you have stippled ceilings. It's a great coverup.
Love your candle mat. Hugs

Miss Hillbilly said...

I have been praying for you and your mother. Hopefully there will be answers soon as I am sure the unknown is a bit scary.

Megan Harmeyer said...

I really like your candle mats. Thanks for listing my giveaway on my blog - your entry has been added to the list!

elizabeth said...

Another great blog : ) I will remember your mom in my prayers.

Lana said...

Oh, wow! Where do I start today? The Candle Mats are BEAUTIFUL...luckly lucky friends!
Toothpaste? I did know it cleans my wedding ring really well...makes the little diamonds really shine...and since I am allergic to the cleaner jewelers usually use, that is a big deal!
As for you mom, I will be really praying for her and you...If she's 80, she's a survivor for sure!
Love,
Lana

Staci said...

Hey Linda! Glad you've got some pretty weather to enjoy. Your Sip of Summer blocks are so CUTE, as is the Birdie Stitchery. Cute and cheerful! Hope they get to the bottom of the issues with your mom soon, and I'll remember her and your family in my prayers.

Anita said...

Love the candle mats and embroidery! My thoughts are with your mother. I wish her the best.

Cheryl said...

Our prayers are with you and your mother! And thanks for the tips for using toothpaste!

Talin's Corner said...

Wow, I did not know that white toothpaste could do all that. Hope it's all good news to come for your Mom.

Sarah Craig said...

Here's a little piece of toothpaste trivia for you - did you know that the cute little flip top on your toothpaste came about as the result of an "Invent America" project by a gradeschooler? He came up with the idea because he was tired of his mom giving him grief about losing the toothpaste cap all the time.

Sending up some special prayers for you and your mom....

Shannon said...

That is acually kind of scary all the things that toothpaste can do. If it can breakdown crayon then what is it doing to my teeth. LOL! I love those candle mats.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Your candle mats are turning out adorable. I love how you added those little yellow triangles in the corners. It gives the mats that little bit extra to catch your eye.

I try to keep a plain tube of toothpaste around for all those little types of things you mentioned. We watched a show (maybe How they do that or something similar) about the making of toothpaste. I was surprised to see that there is actually little bits of gravel in most toothpaste. The gravel is the abrasive that helps clean the tartar off our teeth.

Erica said...

I use toothpaste to polish my silver. Just rub it on with your finger and use a paper towel or something soft to buff it, then rinse and dry. :-) No harsh chemicals and it's cheaper than tarnish remover!

Pokey said...

I'm praying for your Mom, Linda, and hoping there is better news soon. Don't get discouraged. hugs, pokey

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