Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Two Swaps

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.
 ~Benjamin Franklin

I think the fabric gods and retailers are out to get me!  Ever since my promise not to buy any fabric for a month, I have been bombarded with amazing deals.  First, one of my LQS decided it would no longer carry fabric and would be selling only machines, furniture, etc.  As a result, they were having a clearance sale with all fabric at $3.95 a yard and all fat quarters at 50 cents a piece.  I persevered and stayed away from the store.  Then, today I receive an email informing me that with a coupon code I could have 20% off Bella Solids and Kona Cotton from an online store!  It's like they are taunting me...."Let's make Linda break her promise!".  Oh, it's a cruel, cruel world out there :)

===================================

PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY


National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates small business owners. These individuals spend countless hours nurturing and growing their young enterprises. The workload demands, and lack of a hired staff, often translates into long and late hours, and many missed family and personal events. But, all in all, they love what they do. After all, they are their own boss.
New businesses have always been a vital, yet not fully appreciated, part of the U.S. economy. On they retail side, they bring different and unique products to the marketplace. They provide stellar and personal service support. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person. And unlike big national chains, they know their products. They are outstanding performers in niche markets. In manufacturing, they create many new concepts and ideas, making them creators of new products.
Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day by showing your support....shop their stores today, and everyday.

=================================

BLOCK SWAP ADVENTURE

Yesterday I was able to complete one of the two blocks I am swapping this month for Block Swap Adventure.

This block is for Charlene.  She requested greens and teals for her block.  I really wish I had some sunshine to take this picture in because the colors are so pretty and the photo doesn't do it justice.  I used the Disappearing 4 Patch but enlarged it to make it a 12 inch block.  You can visit Charlene at Geema's Wonderings.

===============================

QUILTING BLOCKS SWAP AUSTRALIA

I also had time to make my swap block for Quilting Blocks Swap Australia - #1

Doris wanted a block that started with D made with black and white and one color.  The name of this block is Dewey's Victory.  This block was fun to make and I think fit Doris' request all the way around.  Doris doesn't have a blog so you can't visit her :(

I was able to finish both of these blocks with no interruptions as my house cleaner had to cancel for the day.  So continuous sewing was possible but my house remains dirty.  Guess that means I should at least sweep the kitchen floor.

===================================

TODAY'S GOAL

Today I would like to make one hexie flower and complete another bee block.

================================

GIVEAWAYS

The Confused Quilter is having a used book giveaway.  You could be the lucky winner of one of five books.  The giveaway ends Friday, April 1st. 

The Plaid Scottie is having her Blogiversary Giveaway #4.  Kaelin is giving away a Ta Dot Fat Quarter Bundle and a darling doll quilt.  This giveaway ends ?

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway to celebrate the opening of her new online shop.  You could win a $20 gift certificate to Jewel's new store.  This giveaway ends ?

A Quilting Life is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop.  Sherri will select a winner Wednesday night.

Jona & Lili is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway will end Friday, April 1st.

Oh, Frasson is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Modern Log Cabin Quilting.  This giveaway ends Thursday night.

Em Celebrates is having a giveaway.  She is starting off with a selection of fabric.  Em will announce the winners next Monday.

=================================

FINAL THOUGHT

My sewing room/office had little piles all over it when I was through sewing yesterday.  There was a  little pile on my sewing table, a smaller pile on the little table I use for cutting by much sewing machine.  There was another little pile on DH's desk (my pile, not his) and a big pile on my cutting table.  Lot of scraps that needed to be sorted, folded and put away.  I have an endless pile of papers on top of my printer.  Pages that I'm sure I must need but never seem to have time to go through.  And then there are the little stacks on my desk of things to do, recipes to file and a list of books to add to my "to read" list on the computer.  Believe it or not, I do not like clutter.  I have gotten real good at turning a blind eye to this stacks - except when it comes to fabric.  If it's not put away by the end of the day it drives me nuts - unless it's on the spare bed and then it can sit for weeks on end.  That is my sorting station and my place for WIP (a couple have been sitting there for months!).  Do you have stacks that you ignore?

If the shelves are dusty and the pots don't shine, it's because I have better things to do with my time.
~Author Unknown

22 comments:

Kasey said...

We moved in December- there are still three boxes of stuff to be unpacked and they're hogging floor space in my sewing room! I finally got a piece of furniture to store them in, but just can't find the motivation to sort through them and put them away. I keep telling myself I'll get to it... eventually!!!

Linda said...

My sewing room is also cluttered with stacks. I've been getting prepared for the Shop Hop around this area and I have cluttered up my nice clean room! UGH!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Great blocks - just love that teal fabric, how it pops. I clear one pile and then create another - maybe I just can't see that space as a 'clearing' area. I knew if I piled those 'to-be-quilted' tops on that chair I would start one, and if i put away that pile of new fabrics I would be tempted to take one of them and start something new. *and my rugs need a good vac*

Sallie said...

Those blocks are beautiful!

Julia said...

Your blocks are amazing! I don't understand how you quilters can get those straight lines and points just "so"! That green and teal is gorgeous!

Mommarock said...

I'm trying not to ignore the piles.. it is time for spring cleaning.. my addiction to quilting has made me let the house go..too much.. and so it is time to get things back in order.. and still find time to quilt a bit. No one thing can overtake the other. I cant be embarassed to have someone stop over.. yikes..

Maria said...

So did you break your promise??? I would LOL

Love both blocks Linda.

Wendy said...

Oh I hate clutter too but after a day of sewing and with so many different projects going I end up with piles of fabric and other things all over. I usually get it all put away soon after but some piles I can ignore for a very long time.

Btw, I love your disappearing 4 patch. It's so pretty. And the pinwheel block is so well done. Nice job!!

Kathryn said...

I've never met a stack of anything that bothered me! I have them everywhere, books, magazines, paper and fabric. It keeps the counters from getting dusty! Kathie L in Allentown

Needled Mom said...

I saw that great sale on solids too!! Pure torment for you.

Today is errand day so I will pay special attention to the Mom and Pop places.

Your blocks look fabulous.

Jessica said...

Love the blocks, and I totally know what you mean being bombarded with good deals when you are avoiding buying fabric - it sucks! Good for you for avoiding, though :) I don't know if I could stay away from 50 cent FQs.

Jodi said...

Great post as usual! I just picked up my piles this a.m. before work - good feeling! Would you mind posting about my giveaway on your blog tomorrow? Deadline is April 4 - I would so appreciate it! It's through "All Things Vintage" also. (And you can enter, too, if you're interested!)
Have a wonderful day!

Cheryl said...

Confess...did you buy? I tend to just toss fabric everywhere while I create and then once a week pick it all up, organize and clean up. It is a danger zone about mid-week!

Anonymous said...

Your blocks are beautiful!! Over the years I have turned from being a real neatnik into a "I'll look over here instead" person! LOL It still drives me nuts, though...love to do my spring cleaning. And fall cleaning. And winter cleaning. :) Summer is just too fun to interrupt with cleaning!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Joanna said...

Pretty blocks. I love the teal and green fabrics.

The Vegetarian Hunter said...

You are so much stronger then me! I would have gotten that notice about the 3.95 a yard and 50 cent fat quarters and bought as much as my two arms could carry out of there! Damn, I wish things like that could happen to me. Its like dreaming about winning the lottery. ha ha

GP said...

Does it count if your DH buys fabric?

Barbara said...

What pretty blocks. Love the green one, especially. Whenever I see those colors together, it makes me want to make a quilt in those colors. One more to add to the list.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I don't think I could've passed up those 50 cent FQs... but good for you. Now... what about that online sale, hmmmm?
Love your blocks... the teal is such a beautiful color!
Yes, I have stacks I am ignoring at the moment. And there they shall stay for at least a few more weeks.

...Karen

quiltzyx said...

Awesome blocks! I especially like the teal one (she said, glancing at her teal shirt & teal bracelet)!!

Are there piles I ignore? No, I just posted signs "Please do not step off the path. There are no search & rescue services available in this area". Yes, I believe I have 'clutter blindness'. Please don't call Peter Walsh....

Melissa ;-) said...

I hate when the camera won't play nice!!! And I love Dewey's Victory. Your points are so perfect. Some of these swappers have been so original in their requests!

Kim D. said...

I had to laugh at the shops taunting you. It certainly feels that way sometimes doesn't it. I went on a fabric diet of sorts last year and it didn't last very long. Your blocks turned out lovely Linda. I always love star blocks. Good luck on your goals and yes I have stacks that I don't touch for long periods of time. You are not alone. LOL

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...