Catching Up

Autumn arrives in early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day.
~Elizabeth Bowen

Finally I can say we felt just a touch of the fall weather that will be here permanently in the not too distant future.  Both Friday and Saturday nights we were able to sleep with the windows thrown open.  We were finally able to enjoy some fresh (albeit smog laden) air.  We didn't have to listen to the sound of the A/C or the neighbors evap cooler.  We've even had crickets chirping in the yard at night - something we haven't heard in a very long time.  I know this was just a hint of things to come as we are to warm up again starting today.  This comes as no surprise as our county fair starts Wednesday and we ALWAYS have a heat wave for at least half of those 10 days.  But one can hope that autumn is just around the corner.  Maybe as soon as October 1.

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

The Constitution

Saturday, September 17, was Constitution Day.  Previously known as Citizenship Day, this holiday was dubbed Constitution Day when it was established by Congress in 2004. Before that, it was I am an American Day in the 1940s.  Here are a few more facts about our Constitution:

* One state did not attend the Constitutional Convention. That state was Rhode Island. They did eventually sign it in 1790.

* Benjamin Franklin was 81 when he signed the constitution, and was the oldest delegate to sign. Jonathan Dayton was the youngest delegate, at age 26.

* The word “democracy” does not appear once in the Constitution

*Established on November 26, 1789, the first national "Thanksgiving Day" was originally created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the Constitution.

* More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty three have gone to the states to be ratified and twenty seven have received the necessary approval from the states to actually become amendments to the Constitution.

*When the Constitution was signed, America's population was approximately 4 million.

* The Constitution was written in Pennsylvania State House, now known as the Independence Hall.

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BLOCK FROM LAST MONTH

I completed the August Designer Mystery BOM shortly after I received it in the middle of August.  I had forgotten about sharing it until I received the newest block in Thursday's mail.......

So far this group of blocks of blooms and blossoms for the Mystery have been a lot easier than a lot of the previous Mystery Christmas blocks.  But that's okay as it is nice to have 'easy' every once in awhile.  I do love the fabrics that Fat Quarter Shop is using this time around.

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PROGRESS

Last week I was able to work on my foundation paper piecing project for three days in a row.....

Block F

Block G

(the easiest block yet)

Block H

Blocks F, G, & H sewn together

And here are A through H.  As you can see, my tree on the right must have gone through some growing pains with the way the trunk sort of has a bend in the middle.  But that's okay.  This is a learning process and I'm learning A LOT!!!  Hopefully this week I'll be able to sew on it at least a few more days.

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FRIDAY'S FMQ

Friday, I think I should have walked away from the machine......

I enjoyed this practice but for some reason, I could not make a smooth arch.  Almost every one has a wriggle or a blip.  I did get the general concept down but jeeze.  Hopefully today's will go a little smoother.  Oh, this one is called Echo Shell.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will work on the most recent Mystery BOM I received in the mail on Thursday.

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GIVEAWAYS

Kansas Troubles Quilters is having a giveaway.  You could win  a Cattails and Clover Layer Cake, Jelly Roll or fat 1/16 bundle.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2, at 10 pm.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway for you knitters out there.  You could win a pair of Rosewood needles and two skeins of Sugar 'n Cream.  This giveaway ends at the end of the month.

Cat Patches is having her weekly Fun Fact Friday Freebie.  You could win a fat quarter for answering her question.  The winner will be announced Friday, September 23.

Hancock's of Paducah is having a giveaway.  You could win an Imari Plate quilt kit featuring Kaffe Fassett cotton fabric.   This giveaway ends Friday, October 14, at 4:01 pm EST.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a charm pack from the not yet released Meet the Gang line from Creative Thursday for Andover Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, September 21.

Pink Sweet Treats is having a giveaway.  You could win the software, MyMemories.  This giveaway ends Saturday, September 24.

cadamsCREATIONS is having a giveaway.  You could win $20 credit to Silly Mama Quilts.  This giveaway ends Friday morning, September 23. 

Blueberry Patch is having a giveaway to celebrate her birthday.  You could win 5 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 23, at 7:00 pm PST


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FINAL THOUGHT

I'm always glad when Monday roles around.  It seems as if it is my one full day of sewing.  I start the day and the week with a renewed interest.  I'm ready to get going - alone in my sewing room.  The weekends are usually busy with running and doing the wash.  Mondays are special - you either love 'em or hate 'em.  I like this day.  It just makes me take another look at how special life is.  You can decide what your week will be like.  Welcome Monday!  I'm glad you're here.

  
~Walt Disney