I'm Ready For October!

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. 
~Edwin Way Teale

It's the last day of September!  Are you ready for October?  I would be if the weather would ever cool down.  I'm hoping that Mother Nature will take another look at the calender and send a cooling trend our way.  I'm tired of it being in the 90's every day.  Not a single leaf is changing color and I believe the birds are all staying around waiting for it to cool before heading south.  It's time for sweatshirts and hands in pockets to stay warm.  It's wrong to be going to football games in shorts and light weight t-shirts.  I want cool weather - darn it!  Have the temps dropped in your area to welcome it the fall?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Sticks of chewing gum

Today, September 30, is Chewing Gum Day.  I haven't chewed gum in years - it messes with my dental work.  But I thought it would be fun to share some facts about that little wad of gooey goodness.

* During WWII, U.S. military personnel spread the popularity of chewing gum by trading it and giving it as gifts to people in Europe, Africa, Asia and around the world.

* Chewing on gum while cutting onions can help a person from producing tears

* The largest bubble ever blown was 23 inches in diameter. The record was set July 19, 1994 by Susan Montgomery Williams of Fresno, CA

* Singapore has tried to completely forbid gum, with heavy fines of over $6,000 for possession or use without a prescription.

* Chewing gum burns around 11 calories per hour.

* In the U.S. alone, the total amount of chewing gum sold in one year would make a stick 3.5 million miles (5.6 million km) long. That’s long enough to reach the moon and back seven times or to circle the earth’s equator 150 times

* The largest piece of bubble gum ever was the size and weight of 10,000 regular pieces and was presented to baseball player Willie Mays by the Topps Chewing Gum Company in June 1974.

* Back in the 1920’s, prohibition increased gum sales because people needed to mask the alcohol on their breath. When prohibition was enacted, Adam’s Clove gum hit the market with the slogan: “It takes your breath away!”

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OCTOBER TABLE RUNNER

For just over a week I worked on the wool table runner for my side board.....

First I worked on the ends creating the scene for fall....

And, of course, I had to add a little owl sitting in the tree.....

Here's one end of the runner.  I just love the falling leaves....

(oh my, I just realized I put Stitched on the photo instead of Stitches - stupid me!)

And here is the entire runner.  It was actually supposed to be two inches longer (36 inches) making more space in the center but when I washed the wool it shrank much more than expected.  It actually fits my sideboard a little better with the 2 inches missing.  The table runner pattern is by Nutmeg Hare and is called #48 An Autumn Mood.  One fall project completed!

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OCTOBER MINI QUILT

Earlier this week I finished the little mini quilt for October.....

I had bought this pattern back at the Long Beach Quilt Show in July.  When I saw it I knew I had to have it.  It is already hanging on its stand in the entryway ready to greet all who enter.

Here is a close-up of the tiny meandering I did.  There's only a couple of pointy spots and one or two places where I stitched over previous stitching.  Luckily it's small enough that most people won't notice the mistakes.  This little pattern is by The Wooden Bear Quilt Designs and is called October Scare.

Woohoo!  I'm all ready for October with one day to spare!!

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FREE MOTION PRACTICE

Since I forgot to share any of my FMQ with you on Wednesday, you now have to suffer through 3.....

Peppermint Candy showed me that I need to practice my circles.  Can you tell where I sneezed twice during this practice?  Second and fourth row right in the center.  LOL!  Allergies are a real pain when you are concentrating and then sneeze without warning.  It also made me want some peppermint candy :)

I really enjoyed this practice.  Flame Flower didn't require as much precision and  you could make the petals fit as you went.  I can see using this in a quilt somewhere.

Thursday's practice looks much better at a distance.  I liked the effect of Pointy Paisley but I'm not sure where I would use it on a quilt.  Some of lines could have been straighter and the corner points a bit pointier.

Now that I will be taking a week off from sewing, I hope my fmq skills don't get too rusty.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I'm going to enjoy my DD#1 and GS#2!!!!!!  I think I can achieve today's goal without  any difficulty.

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GIVEAWAYS

Sunshower Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win all the fabric you'll need for your own fall table-runner.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2.

Make Life Sweet is having a giveaway.  You could win some pre-cuts of Hometown.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 3.

World of Charity Stitching is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificates from Vee at VeeandCo Cross Stitch Designs.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 7.

Craizee Corners is having a giveaway.  You could win 4 fat quarters of breast cancer awareness fabric and 4 appliqued ribbons cut with the Accuquilt die.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.


Quilting by the River is having a giveaway.  You could win Maple Leaf Centerpiece kit created by Connie.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a Lizzy House Outfoxed charm pack.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 5.

Lavender Ridge is having a giveaway.  You could win the very first edition of Primitive Quilts and Projects, summer 2011, and maybe some extra fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 10.

Cotton Cocktails is having a giveaway.  You could win a Moda Summer House charm pack.  This giveaway ends Thursday, October 6.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win forty 5" charm squares, a Granny's Flower Patch Charm Template, a Pyramid Charm Template, thread, 3/4 yard of fabric, and quilters pins with a cute little tin to keep them in.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2.


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FINAL THOUGHT

As you head into October you will be doing it without me.  I will be taking a brief break from blogging to enjoy the time with my DD#1 and GS#2.  I will return on Monday, October 10.  I will miss sharing my life with you but I'm sure you understand if I plan on very little computer time.  Enjoy the first third of the month and I will be back with you soon.

Laughter is an instant vacation. 
~Milton Berle

Flowers and Swaps

Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway. 
~Emory Austin

"Low bridge, everybody down.  Low bridge for we're comin' to a town.  And you always know your neighbor, You'll always know your pal, If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal."  Those are the words I woke up thinking at least four times last night.  I haven't heard this song for several days but it seems as though every time I'm in the car with DH, that is the song playing.  And it wasn't playing in our bedroom last night - it was all in my mind!  Why that song was going through my mind?  I have no idea.  Hmmmmm - maybe DH was singing it in his sleep.  I guess there could have been worse things going through my mind in the wee hours of the morning - lol!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Rosh Hashana

I am not Jewish and have always wondered what Rosh Hashana is.  It was time to do some research and this is what I discovered. 

Rosh HaShanah literally means “Head of the Year” in Hebrew. It falls in the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar. The reason for this is because the Hebrew calendar begins with the month of Nissan (when it's believed the Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt) but the month of Tishrei is believed to be the month in which God created the world. Hence, another way to think about Rosh HaShanah is as the birthday of the world.

Rosh HaShanah is observed on the first two days of Tishrei. Jewish tradition teaches that during the High Holy Days God decides who will live and who will die during the coming year. As a result, during Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (and in the days leading up to them) Jews embark upon the serious task of examining their lives and repenting for any wrongs they have committed during the previous year. This process of repentance is called teshuvah. Jews are encouraged to make amends with anyone they have wronged and to make plans for improving during the coming year. In this way, Rosh HaShanah is all about making peace in the community and striving to be a better person.
Even though the theme of Rosh HaShanah is life and death, it is a holiday filled with hope for the New Year. Jews believe that God is compassionate and just, and that God will accept their prayers for forgiveness.
I always enjoy exploring other cultures and histories.  If any of the above facts are incorrect, please feel free to correct me.

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SWAP BLOCKS ARE ARRIVING

In the mail this week I have received a couple of squishies with blocks in them......

Doesn't the dark blue in this block really make a statement?  This wonderful block was sent to me by Tarnyia and came all the way from Australia.  Tarnyia did a beautiful job with all the points on this Blazing Arrows block and was my September swap partner for Quilting Block Swaps Australia.  Thank you so very much, Tarnyia!

Leena was my swap partner in the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.  I really like the fabrics and design used to make these two blocks.  Leena also included a fun fat quarter filled with tiny, little dots of red and blue on white.  Thank you so very much, Leena.

And while I'm at it, I might as well share the blocks that I made for Leena with you.....

Leena requested the block The Little Cedar Tree made with red, black, and white but only using two of the colors in a block.  These definitely fit her request.  I hope Leena likes them. 

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FLOWERS FOR WEDNESDAY

Hey, everyone!  Bet you couldn't guess it's Wednesday with all of the hexies flowers out there in blogland, now could you - lol!  Karen makes it so easy to skip around to all the other blogs with the linky tool she posts every week.  Just click on the link on my right sidebar and away you'll go.

My swap partner for October in The Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap is Jane K.  Jane requested pastel petals with a small floral print and a white center.  Pink and yellow certainly fit those requirements.  These will be heading to Indiana in today's mail.

With October so close, I couldn't resist making some flowers of Halloween fun.....

Happy little ghosts with golden boos.  And it looks like they brought their own pumpkins too.  The lettering is a sparkly gold - maybe to help them see into the night.

This poor little bat with his glowing eyes is surrounded by golden spiderwebs and the spiders that created them.  The center blue isn't really that bright - much more muted and dull.  And that was even without a flash.  I always find in interesting how the camera picks up colors differently.  For more hexie flowers, check out One Flower Wednesday.  Or, better yet, join in the addiction fun!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan on starting the next stitchery block in a Gardener's Journal.

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GIVEAWAYS

Jan Patek Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a Fat 1/4 bundle and a Jelly Roll of Linda or Pat's latest line "Together".  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2.

L + J Blog is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle of Flora.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1. 

Lily Ashbury is having a giveaway.  You could win either a charm pack or layer cake of Moda Summer House fabric.  This giveaway ends ?

Sew 4 Home is having a giveaway.  You could win a wonderful bundle of gifts from Moda.  This giveaway ends October 21 at midnight PT.

Jackie's Art Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a cute charm pack of 'Hoo's in the Forest' by Riley Blake fabrics.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 30.

Mama Spark's World is celebrating 900 posts with a giveaway.  You could win a layer cake of Little Apples.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 30, at midnight.

Quilt-n-Queen is having a giveaway.  You could win pattern from Bird Brain Designs called Christmas & New Year Runner - 304.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 5, at midnight.

The Drawing Board is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat eighth bundle, or a jelly roll or one of  10 mini charms of Terrain.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 30.

JulieKQuilts is having a giveaway.  You could win precut pieces already to sew or a table runner kit.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

Sew Bittersweet Designs is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of either Still Crazy for Baby or So Fun, So Colorful Quilts.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 30.

The Veggie Hunter is having a giveaway.  You could win a whole bunch of great Halloween stuff.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2, at 4:00 pm MST.

Smashed Peas and Carrots is having a giveaway.  You could win a jelly roll of Circa 1934 by Cosmo Cricket from Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

Hobbies on a Budget is having a giveaway.  You could win a fabric stack of Spice Blossoms from Connecting Threads.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 23, at 12:01 am EST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I'm making it through the projects I wanted to complete before the end of the month.  Woohoo!  Good thing since Friday is the last of September.  And, yes, I have continued to practice my FMQ (free motion quilting) but will show you those on Friday.  Once I get some cleaning done and those sharp objects put away, I will even be ready for my DD#1 and GS#2 to arrive in less than 48 hours.  Yes, I'm down to counting the hours - lol!  Little will be done sewing wise while they are here but that's okay.  The sewing will wait but my time with them is short and I want to spend it ALL with them.  I know, I'm getting ahead of myself.  One more full day of sewing (today) and another half if I get my cleaning done before lunch on Thursday.  Got to keep busy or I'll just be waiting for those texts telling me where they are on the road.  Can you tell I'm getting excited?

Life is short, God's way of encouraging a bit of focus. 

~Robert Brault

Two Shows In Two Days (Photo HEAVY)

Heat, ma'am! it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones. 
~Sydney Smith

We had a wonderful weekend - hot and humid - but still great.  It actually started Friday when DH took some time off of work and we were able to visit the local county fair on Senior Day.  Free admission AND free parking.  Certainly couldn't pass up that bargain.  We were able to enjoy the needlecraft, FFA & 4H, collections, photography, and flora displays.  We avoided the commercial buildings as they are always so overly packed with people and you get stuck in aisles where you don't really want to be.  We both had some great fair food and came home with 5 (yes, FIVE) bags of caramel  corn.  Friday evening Mother Nature blessed me with a small lightening and thunder storm and another small one later in the night.  This time only 20 fires were started throughout the county from dry strikes but they were able to contain them all quickly.  Saturday we took a drive up the valley to the small town of Reedley to check out their quilt show.  The show was at the local high school in the gym where there were evap coolers.  Those don't work too well when the humidity is high.  The second half of the show was in the old gym where there was no cooling except two large fans.  Talk about uncomfortable!  But we persevered and enjoyed looking at all of the quilts.  It wasn't a judged show, just an exhibit.  So after two days of melting, it was nice to be at home on Sunday.  I'm still recuperating!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed Day honors one of America's great legends. Johnny Appleseed was a real person. John Chapman was among the American settlers who were captivated by the movement west across the continent. As Johnny Appleseed travelled west, he planted apple trees along the way, and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew.
A Little About the Legend:
* John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) was born on September 26, 1774.

* He was a nurseryman who started out planting trees in western New York and Pennsylvania.

* During the life of John Chapman, the "West" was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. * John Chapman was a deeply religious person He was known to preach during his travels.

* According to legend, Johny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little. He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received.

* It is believed that he died on March 11, 1845, from what was referred to as the "winter plague". The actual date of his death has been disputed.

There is a lot of "legend" in stories written about Johny Appleseed. By it's definition, over the years, legends grow bigger than life. It also appears that there is some link between Johny Appleseed and very early Arbor Day celebrations.

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KERN COUNTY FAIR

As most of you know, I entered two of my quilts and a counted cross stitch picture in the local fair.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that my  Designer Mystery BOM quilt won an Honorable Mention and my counted cross stitch picture won a 3rd place ribbon.  Here are some of the quilts I fancied at the fair this year.......

Here's my quilt.  Yes, I know, I'm shameless.  I was quite surprised how washed out the turquoise was under the fluorescent lighting.

I really liked all of these patriotic quilts.  I would like to know the name of the bottom center quilt block if anyone knows.

This little quilt was made my one of my fellow guild members, James Rupp.  This was his first attempt at this kind of quilting and was based off of a picture of his grandfather.  I would say this was an excellent first attempt since he one a first place ribbon!

This darling quilt was made by another guild member, Janneal.  She had shared it at our previous guild meeting and received lots of ooohs and aaaahs there.  Another blue ribbon winner!

I thought this was a darling little applique quilt.  Just love all the Red Hat birds in their red high heeled shoes.

The red, black, and grey quilt is the Best In Show winner.  I was very, very disappointed at how it was displayed.  I couldn't believe they didn't have it opened up and hanging proudly for everyone to see.

This was just a sampling of all the wonderful quilts at the Kern County Fair this year.

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Kings River Quilt Festival

Saturday we drove north (and a little east) for 1 1/2 hours to the town of Reedley, CA.  We were not disappointed when we were able to view so many beautiful quilts.......

The color and organization of this quilt really appealed to me.  It is called Trail Mix and was made by Bonnie Pius of Shaver Lake, CA

Isn't this little quilt just full of fun?  It's called Ants At My Picnic and was created by Barbara Coddington, of Dinuba, CA.

I have seen this quilt before but made with a brighter red.  I really liked the deep, dark red accents in this one.  Dee Patrick of Sanger, CA called this Black, White With A Little Bit of Red.

Moon Glow for Sheryl was made by Sue Nylander of Sanger, CA.  The colors in this quilt were so calming and I loved all the different star blocks that were used.

This was a fun quilt made by several different people with their own color schemes and variations.  It was their guild's theme quilt project for 2010.  This one was our favorite and was created by Juanita Adams of Orosi, CA.

Reedley, CA.  She had several quilts that I would consider as my favorites at this show.

You can never go wrong with a Double Wedding Ring quilt and this one was beautiful.  I usually am not fond of 30's type prints but they worked up perfectly in this quilt, To Have and To Hold by Bonnie Pius.

Stack The Stars Brightly was even more beautiful in person.  One of the things that really appealed to me was the use of the flowers in the border.  Another beauty by Pat Robertson.

Here is a black and white quilt that had just a small burst of color in each block - so effective.  Mod Quads is a pattern from Blue Underground Studios and was made by Helen Astiansuain of Reedley, CA.

I wasn't unable to get the full quilt into the picture.  French Braid was made by Denise Sisco of Visalia, CA.  After viewing this quilt, DH said to me "I really like batiks."  Me - "Really?  You never told me that before".  Who knew?  Learn something new everyday.

Thanks to the Kings River Quilt Guild for putting on such a wonderful show.

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TODAY'S GOAL

 Today I hope to mostly complete my little mini quilt for October.  After all, I need it for the end of the week.

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GIVEAWAYS

(Sorry if I missed some giveaways but I was away from the computer most of the weekend)

My Patchwork Life is having a giveaway.  You could win two beautiful half yard cuts of each of batiks that Erin  picked up in New Orleans at a store that sells fabric and goods produced by women in Ghana.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, September 28.

Sew BitterSweet Designs is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle of Robert Kaufman’s Pooches and Pickups by Laurie Wisbrun or a charm pack of Retro Thirties Prints..  But hurry because this giveaway ends tonight, Monday, September 25, at midnight.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Sew Sunny Homestyle and some lovely lavender fabric.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, September 26.

Cat Patches is having her Fun Friday Freebie giveaway.  You could win fat quarter.  The winner will be announced Friday, September 30.

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win a charm pack of Chrysalis by Sanae for Moda Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, September 26, at midday AEST.

QuiltMaker blog is having a giveaway.  You could win an art print from Susan Kendrick of Sweetwater.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, October 11.

Lavender Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win charm pack of moda's Collection for a Cause - Comfort.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Here we are at Monday again.  I'm ready to get back to my sewing machine since it has been on a four day vacation.  After seeing all of those amazing quilts, I am ready to do some creating of my own.   Time to hear that humming again.  I hope to get a couple of things completed this week before my DD#1 and GS#2 arrive Thursday evening.  I do have to leave a little time for cleaning, well, at least in my sewing room.  That is where my grandson will be sleeping and I can't leave out little dangerous things like the rotary cutter, scissors, pins, needles, etc.  Luckily, the week doesn't have a bunch of other obligations stuck in there, just the biweekly grocery shopping trip.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are now ready to start your week.  Welcome Monday!!

Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. 
~Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

Blocks and Practice X Three

Silence is more musical than any song. 
~Christina Rossetti

Thumpa, thumpa, thumpa is what I heard most of the day yesterday.  The teenage boy next door was home playing his music almost the entire day.  He must not have school on Thursdays.  This was one time I was glad not to have the windows opened.  I was actually glad to hear the A/C running.  Unfortunately, I couldn't drown out the noise with my sewing machine as it was a day spent on the computer prepping for October's swap group, paying bills, and other miscellaneous.  There were two definite bright spots in my day.  First, a friend that had moved away over a year ago surprised me at lunch with a visit!  How fun to catch up and hear what's been going on in her life.  And the brightest spot of all was learning that my DD#1 and GS#2 will be coming out for a almost a week at the end of the month.  WOW! That's next week.  I'm already counting the days.  Happy dance being done by me!!!!!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Pasta

Sunday, September 25, is World Pasta Day.  Will you be fixing spaghetti or lasagne?  How about some mac 'n cheese or just a heaping bowl of angel hair smothered in cheese and your favorite sauce?  While you are deciding, here are some fun pasta facts:

* There are more than 600 pasta shapes produced worldwide

* In 18th century England, macaroni was a synonym for perfection and excellence. That's why, for example, the feather in Yankee Doodle's cap was called "macaroni." In fact, the word "macaroni" means "dearest darlings" in Italian.

* The Chinese are on record as having eaten pasta as early as 5,000 B.C.

* In Italian, fettucine means ribbons; stelline means little stars; and capelli d'angelo means angel's hair.

* Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing macaroni to the United States. It seems that he fell in love with a certain dish he sampled in Naples while serving as the U.S. Ambassador to France. In fact, he promptly ordered crates of "maccaroni," along with a pasta-making machine, sent back to the States

* America’s first large pasta factory was built in Brooklyn, New York in 1848 by a Frenchman who would spread out his spaghetti strands on the roof to dry in the sunshine.
* "Pasta" is Italian for "dough."
* Approximately 2.75 million tons of pasta is made in Italy each year.

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FINAL BLOCKS

I had finished all of my swap blocks for September earlier in the month but just realized I hadn't shared them all......

This was the first of three blocks I made for Block Swap Adventure members.  I had my own swap partner and then made two more for members whose swap partners failed to produce blocks of their own.  This block is called Go Along Star #2.  It was made for Susan Mc. 

This block is called Friendship Scrap Block and was made for Robyn.  Her color preferences were burgundy and cream.  What looks like white is really cream.

And, finally, this block was made for Carolyn.  Her preferences were for civil war prints/colors.  What appears to be turquoise was actually a bit more green.  This block is called A Dandy.

All of these blocks can be found at Quilter's Cache.

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FREE MOTION QUILTING X 3

I realized after I posted on Wednesday, that I forgot to include my FMQ practices from Monday and Tuesday.  Now I have three to share as I also have Wednesday's.

This practice was fun!  And it even looks like its name - Fern & Stem.

Pebbles in the Stream was more challenging.  I had some trouble tracing over the stones.  Thank goodness all stones are perfect circles because my stones were anything but.

Now I probably won't use this pattern on any of my quilts but it was a lot of fun to do.  And my circles were closer to actually being round.  This one is called Fiery Comet.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to complete a table runner........maybe

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GIVEAWAYS

Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, September 27, at 8:00 pm MST.

Tea Rose Home is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter stack of Indian Summer and a layer cake of Wanna be a Cowboy2.  This giveaway ends tonight, Friday, September 23, at midnight.

Mariliz's Musings is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of the book, The Harvest of Grace.  This giveaway ends Sunday, September 25.

Cloth Stitched is having a giveaway to celebrate her daughter's birthday.  You could win a 1/2  yard piece of Denyse Schmidt’s Fairgrounds dots blue and 5 colors of DMC embroidery floss.  This giveaway ends tonight, Friday, September 23, at midnight EST.

Life's Rich Patterns is having a giveaway.  You could win a FQ bundle of Moroccan Mirage in the Marrakech colourway.  This giveaway ends Thursday, September 29, at 5:00 pm GMT.

Inside The Studio is having a giveaway.  You could win Boy and Girl Fat Quarter Bundles from "Meadow Friends" or a Fat Quarter bundle of "Coming Home" fabric and Deb Strain's 2012 "Coming Home" calendar.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

The Average Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win two books, Quilter's Complete Guide and Skillbuilder Companion, or a box full of embroidery floss.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

Quilt Story is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fashionable Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 26.

Leona's Quilting Adventure is celebrating her 200th post with a giveaway.  You could win 10 fat quarters of Free Spirit Fabric by Annette Tatum's Lifestyle collection, one package of Timtex Interfacing 13.5" X 22", one Quilt in a Day Large Flying Geese ruler, and one copy of The Startooth Quilt by Jean Wells.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1, at midnight EST.

Rogue Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Patchwork-Play Quilts by Lynn Roddy Brown.  This giveaway ends ?

Heirlooms by Ashton House is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Stitches from the Schoolhouse by Renée Plains of Liberty Star.  This giveaway ends Thursday, September 29.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Today and tomorrow I will be enjoying a breather from the daily normal.  We will be doing a little bit of running around but we will also be enjoying some different sights and sounds.  I will share them with you on Monday.  I'm still enjoying the fact that my DD#1 and GS#2 will be here in less than a week.  Plus, during that time we will be visited by DD#2 and SILALS Walk to Defeat with me and DH on October 1.  This may not be a fun disease but it does bring my family together.  Fun will be had, laughter shared, and probably some food consumed during that time too - lol!  I'm not wishing my days away but I sure wish next week would get here in a hurry!

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

~Abraham Lincoln

The Award

I WAS AWARDED

Earlier in the week, Erica, of Vicrace Designs, and Sue B, of Quilted Hugs, awarded me with the Versatile Blogger Award. I'm very honored to receive this award. 

There are rules to this award...
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share seven things about yourself on the post.
3. Pass the award to fifteen bloggers that you think deserve it.
4. Lastly, contact all of the bloggers that you've picked for the award.

Here are seven things about me...

1.  I love classical music

2.  I am easily distracted by the birds that visit my yard.

3.  Weather fascinates me

4. I am extremely shy - so much so that many people think I'm just being a snob

5. I have an acute sense of smell that sometimes drives my DH crazy

6.  I wish I could paint or draw

7.  If I don't have something to keep my hands busy while watching TV I will fall asleep almost instantly - unfortunately this doesn't happen in bed.

Now I have to pass this on to 15 other bloggers.  How can I pick just 15?  I ended up with 16.  I think I will award this to smaller bloggers in hopes that you will pay them a visit:

1. A Quilting Southpaw's Thoughts 
2. Armchair Quilter 
3. Baily and the Boys 
4. BillieBee's Blog 
5. Calculating Quilter 
6.  Farm Girl Transplanted 
7.  Hilachas 
8. Living The Dream 
9. Needle, Thread, Happiness  
10. Suemacseeds 
11. The Quilty Home 
12. The Veggie Hunter 
13. My Patchwork Life 
14. One More Quilt 
15. Quilting By The River
16. Nunu's Quilt World



Thank you again, to Erica and Sue B.  I hope you will take the time to visit the above blogs!

Hugs,

So Many Flowers!

One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it. 
~Sidney Howard

I have so many projects I want to work on.  So many that it's almost putting me into a funk because I know that I can't work on all of them.  I really do like what I'm working on but for some reason my mind keeps going to all of those projects waiting in the wings.  Some are waiting for me to get back to them and others are waiting to get started.  Why can't I be happy just working on what is currently at my sewing machine or on the hand stitching project I have going?  Why do I always have to be thinking ahead.......what if.......?  How do you handle these urges?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  I'm keeping to the current projects so far but.........

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Chicken

Did you know September is designated as National Chicken Month?  Neither did I!  In honor of this domestic fowl, here are few facts you might find interesting:

* There are over 150 varieties of domestic chickens

 * A rooster takes 18-20 breaths a minute, a hen takes 30-35.
* It takes a hen 24-26 hours to lay an egg.
* A chicken can have 4 or 5 toes on each foot.
* Grocery store chickens are 5-8 weeks old.
* In 1979, the World Record was set by a White Leghorn who laid 371 eggs in 364 days!!!
* Chickens are not capable of sustained flight.
* A chicken takes 21 days to hatch.

* "Alektorophobia" is the fear of chickens.

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SWAP BLOCK RECEIVED

Yesterday I received a wonderful block in the mail......

Susan is a new member of Block Swap Adventure and was my swap partner this month.  I just love the red, white and blue double star she made for me!  This will go so well with the other blocks I've received.  Thank you so very much, Susan!!

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FLOWERS IN THE MAIL

I received two squishy packages this week that contained hexie flowers from the Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap......

These adorable flowers came all the way from Croatia!  Simona made these fun flowers for the August swap.  She included a beautiful lace flower and a postcard.  Thanks so very much, Simona!!

These two happy flowers were made for me by Kristina for the September swap.  I couldn't help but smile at the cute center of the pink flower :)  The colors of the flowers just pop on the other one with the black background.  Kris also included two squares that I can't wait to incorporate into something - perhaps a mug rug.  Does the card remind you of yourself and some quilting friends?  Thank you so much for the fantastic flowers, Kris!

All four of these flowers are going to fit so well into my Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt! 

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MY FLOWERS FOR THE WEEK

I was only able to make two flowers this week for my GFG.  Unfortunately, my Aunt Sarah quilt did not grow at all.

Now I'm sure you all recognize this fabric.  Remember?  I used it to make a Loving Hands little quilt.  How could I pass up using this John Deere Fabric in a flower?  Doesn't the center sort of look like a badly plowed field?

Then I found the cutest frog fabric when looking through my multitudes of fat quarters I have stashed away out of sight under the bed (in a storage unit, of course).  My first thought was "Those frogs are just too big to work into a flower."  But I pulled the fat quarter out and started playing with it and made it work.  Looks like they are all trying to escape - lol!  Can you tell I had little boys on my mind when I made my flowers this week?

If you would like to see more hexagon flowers out in blogland, Karen, of Journey Of A Quilter, created One Flower Wednesday and has provided a linky where lots of us connect.  Thanks to Karen for keeping my garden growing!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to make a Loving Hands quilt.

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GIVEAWAYS

Comfortstitching is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter set of Little Apples.  This giveaway ends later this week (no specific date given).

Two More Seconds is having a giveaway.  You could win two charm packs of Countdown to Christmas or Ready Set Snow.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 23.

Love Affair With My Brother is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a jelly roll of Ruby by Bonnie & Camille from Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 26.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her weekly Monday Mystery giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Saturday, September 24.

Crap I've Made is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a Kona Cotton bundle from Canton Village Quilt Works.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 23, at 10:00 pm MST.

A Quilting Life is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle of Tea Time Garden.  This giveaway ends ?

Fiber of All Sorts if having a giveaway.  You could win  some DS Quilts fabric, or Square it Up a pattern by Sew Happy Geek, or $25 gift certificate at the Intrepid Thread.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 23, at 22:00 PST.

Tilda's Twisted Life is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, September 27, at midnight EST.

Blackbird Designs is having a giveaway.  You could win a bundle of Blueberry Crumb Cake.  This giveaway ends Sunday, September 25.

Cotton Way Blog is having a giveaway.  You could win some RUBY fabric and Moda goodies.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 26.

The Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win Kate Spain’s Designer Select Fat Quarter Bundle.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 26.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Ta-ta for today.  More thoughts on Friday (maybe).

Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain. 
~Carl G. Jung

Hugs,