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