Lots Of Blocks

A day patched with quilting seldom unravels.
~author unknown

Yesterday was quiet except for the whir of my sewing machine.  There was a bunch of repetitive sewing of blocks and it was a little mind numbing.  However, I did get most of the way through another audio book.  Both pups slept the day away while Mom sewed.  I had to stop a couple of times to give the requested hugs and kisses during the day - but I don't mind those kind of interruptions.  The weather did cool down just the tiniest little bit and we were able to have the windows open for a couple of hours before the heat started seeping in.  All in all, until the main computer crashed.  I was prepping today's post and all of a sudden I was getting 'Critical System' notifications.  Why does this happen to me?  So today the main computer goes into the shop and I have to work from the laptop.  I guess I shouldn't complain, at least I have a backup device to work on.  How about you?  Did your week start out the way you had hoped? 

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Pecan Pie

Today, July 12, is National Pecan Pie Day.  Tradition holds that the French created pecan pie soon after settling in New Orleans, after being introduced to the nut by Native Americans. But attempts to trace the origin of this dessert have not found any recipes earlier than 1925, and well-known cookbooks such as Fannie Farmer and The Joy of Cooking did not include it before 1940.

Pecans have their origins in prehistory. The discovery of fossil remains along with millions of native pecan trees found along most major streams and irrigation canals in Texas and the northern part of Mexico showing that this is the original home of the pecan, and that it spread north and east from this area. This also indicates that the pecan was here and producing long before Native Americans came there.

Pecan pie is considered a southern dish, and while it is still more popular in the south, it is also commonly eaten throughout the United States. The southern states produce over 250 million pounds of pecans each year, with Texas and Georgia pecan groves comprising the majority of that amount. Since pecan trees are native to the south and fresh pecans are readily available throughout the region, pecan pie and other pecan desserts have always been more prevalent, and thus more popular, in the southern United States.

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BLOCKS, BLOCKS AND MORE BLOCKS

Yesterday I sat at my sewing machine making blocks.........

82 blocks to be exact.  I'm making a variation of a quilt called Dora from the book, 3 Times the Charm!  I am using 2 charm packs of Hoopla by moda.  Today comes the laying out of the blocks into some soft of random prettiness.  Wish me luck.

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BREAD BASKET SWAP

Last week we found out who our swap partners were in the Bread Basket Swap.  This swap was organized by Cheryll over at Gone Stitchin'.  Yesterday the mailman brought me a squishy....

This wonderful bread basket was made by my friend, Sharon.  She is the author of the fun and interesting blog known as Vrooman's Quilts.  If you haven't checked out her blog, then please take the time to see all of the beautiful work that Sharon creates.  Anyway......Sharon also included some great extras.....

Along with the darling little note card, Sharon included two great fat quarters and lots of little teapot and teacup embellishments.  I can see a mug rug decorated with those darling little blue creations.  Thank you so very much, Sharon for the beautiful bread basket and all of the little extras!!

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FMQ PRACTICE

Yesterday I cut out and sandwiched four 12" squares to begin free motion quilting practice.

I am going to use the website The Free Motion Quilting Project by Leah Day.  I plan on trying a different block each day starting with her Beginner Filler Designs.  I hope starting off easy with one block a day will help me get started in the right direction.  I will also be checking out a couple of other recommendations for learning to fmq by some of my blogger friends.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will start my day with a fmq block as I plan to do each day (well, five days a week) and then layout and hopefully start sewing together the blocks for the Dora quilt.

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GIVEAWAYS

Fort Worth Fabric Studio is having a giveaway.  You could win a banner kit featuring Darlene Zimmerman's 2011 Clothesline Club Prints or two back-issues of Australian Patchwork & Quilting.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 15, at 9:00 pm CST.

The Noble Wife is having a giveaway.  Jacquelynne is giving away an autographed copy of her new book, Fruitful Hands.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 13, at noon EDT.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a five spool pack of Auriful thread.  Lynne will announce 10 winners on Monday, July 18.

Spotted Stone is having a giveaway. You have a chance to win a GO! Baby Cutter and your choice of 3 dies. This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 13, Alaska time.
Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her Mystery Monday fun and giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters in your favorite colors.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 13, at midnight mountain time.

Ellison Lane Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter and your choice of 3 dies.  This giveaway ends Thursday, July 14.
Happy Quilting is celebrating their one year anniversary with a giveaway.  You could win a stunning Fat Quarter Pack of Wrenly.  This giveaway ends Sunday, July 17.

Scraps A Plenty is ready to send the Traveling Stash on it's way.  The box includes a quilt kit, patterns galore, and cute fabrics and so much more.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 15, at midnight.

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FINAL THOUGHT

My fingers are on the keys but there's nothing going from my brain to the keyboard.  I guess I didn't have enough brain stimulation today.  Lots of randomness but nothing worthwhile to write amount.  Let's see......I wonder how long the main computer will be in the shop........DH got a Wii Fit - we'll see how long before he injures himself......nothing, nothing, nothing.......hmmmm, I hear the police helicopter going in circles nearby - probably won't ever hear what that's about.......nothing more.  Guess that means it's time for me to get going on my day.  Hopefully tomorrow I will have some thoughts for you :)

The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.
~ Abraham Lincoln