So Many Things

Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. 

~Mason Cooley

Today is Halloween!  Are you ready for all those little ghosts and goblins to come knocking on your door?  Our porch light will be off and we will not be answering the door.  So many of the kids that come knocking are in high school and not wearing costumes that it has taken the fun out of Halloween for us.  I used to love answering the door to the little kids in their darling costumes but so few of those come calling any more.  I think there parents have gotten smart and are participating in the group parties where it is safe and the candy isn't tainted by weidos.  So, no, we won't be smiling at little devils and divas this year.  What is your experience with trick or treaters?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Jack-O-Lantern

The term jack-o-lantern comes from an old Irish folktale about "a stingy drunkard of an Irish blacksmith named Jack" who outwits the devil. 

At the end of the rather involved tale, Jack is deinied entrance into heaven and hell and doomed to walk the earth until Judgement Day with only a turnip housing a burning coal to light his way (hence the name Jack's lantern, later changed to jack-o-lantern).

The upshot of the tale was that people would dress up in costumes, leave treats, and carve turnip lanterns to both appease and scare away wandering spirits on All Hallow's Eve.

When the Irish Potato Famine devasted Ireland, over 700,000 fled to America, bringing the carved-turnip custom with them.  Unfortunately, turnips were not as readily available in their new home.  Pumpkins, however, could be found in abundance and were a whole lot bigger and easier to carve.

Have you carved your pumkin?

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SWAP BLOCKS SENT

I have gotten way behind on sharing some blocks I've made over the past month.  Let me start with......

This Antique Tile block was made for Shannon on of two hostesses for September's Let's Bee Together.  Everyone was supposed to sign their name in one of the white blocks, but as you can tell, I totally vegged and forgot.

Look!  One of my "favorite" blocks.  This mosaic was created with fabric sent by Bailey for the October Let's Bee Together.  I really like the fabrics she sent.  Making the block.....not so much.

I think I may have finally figured out how to make a decent log cabin block.......

Foundation Paper Piecing!  Using a foundation pattern and my Add A Quarter Inch ruler I was able to create.......

These two 6 inch blocks for Jen for this month's 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.  She requested log cabin blocks made from batiks.  As my batik stash is rather limited, this was the best I could do.  Definitely time to add to my baticks.  But at least the blocks came out true to size and are square even if the photo makes them look a bit wonky.

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WINNING SQUISHIES

Last week I received a few squishies in the mail for giveaways I had won.

Gene had a giveaway for this book.  I'm so looking forward to reading it but I have the previous one to read first.  Thank you, Gene!

Isn't this the cutest little needle case?  I won this over at Primitive Quilts and Projects.  The wool is so soft and will be a great place to store my embroidery needles.  Thank you, Leah!!

And remember when my little bugs quilt won the Quilting Gallery weekly contest?  Well.....

I have been neglectful in publicly thanking JoJo's Quilt and Gift Shoppe for their generous donation as the winning prize award.  I received this gorgeous double fat quarter bundle of Rural Jardin by French General.  It still sits in its stacks until I can find the absolute perfect quilt pattern to use these on.  Any suggestions?  Thank you so much to both Michele at the Quilting Gallery and to Jojo's!!!

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ANOTHER PRACTICE SQUARE

I have another free motion practice square to share with you.....

Graphic Flower gave me a few fits once I got past the first layer of petals.  But once I got into the flow it was really fun!  This sure used the thread but I really like the look.  I also noticed that it made the block shrink up a little but I don't think I  had my sandwich tight enough so things shifted just a bit.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to finish my little mini quilt for November - after all, tomorrow it the first!

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GIVEAWAYS

Crafty Imaginings By Jen is having a giveaway.  You could win 4 Fat Quarters of Ghastlie Fabric, 1 Fat Quarter of Pink Kona Cotton Fabric, 1 Spool of Grey Coats and Clark All Purpose Sewing Thread, 1 100 Pin Package of Dritz Straight Pins, 1 Package of Schmetz Universal Sewing Machine Needles, and 1 Hand Exercise Ball.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4.

Quilter In The Gap is having a giveaway.  You could win a ghastlie sewing machine cover.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4.

Bee In My Bonnet is having a giveaway.  You could win a Daisy Cottage fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 1.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win either Electric Quilt 7 software or Quilt Album software.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 2.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a So Sophie layer cake.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 2.

Vrooman's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win 7 pieces of Ghastly fabric (assorted sizes) and a wonderful but unfinished table runner.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4, at midnight.

Moose Stash Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 3.

Have you entered the giveaway for the Traveling Stash?  You still have time to enter HERE.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Happy Halloween!!

Make A Little, Give A Little and A Giveaway

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.
  ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I think giving back to the community is one of the most important things I can do with my life.  And I don't mean just locally.  I enjoy giving support where and when I can.  I can't do much physically but I enjoy giving things I make.  It always amazes me that the smallest things given can add up so quickly and become something grand.  Even saying a word of praise or a hug can be one of the most generous and least expensive ways to give, to show support.  Donating doesn't always mean money.  Just do what you feel is right and it usually is. 

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Statue of Liberty

Today is Statue of Liberty Dedication Day.  On this day in 1886, France gave the US the largest gift ever, the 22 story tall Statue of Liberty. To this day, it's one of New York City's top attractions, with tourists eager to test their leg strength on the 354 steps to the top.
* Total overall height from the base of the pedestal foundation to the tip of the torch is 305 feet, 6 inches
* The face on the Statue of Liberty measures more than 8 feet tall
* The Statue has a 35-foot waistline
* There are seven rays on her crown, one for each of the seven continents, each measuring up to 9 feet in length and weighing as much as 150 pounds
* During the restoration completed in 1986, the new torch was carefully covered with thin sheets of 24k gold

* There are 25 windows in Lady Liberty's crown.
* Winds of 50 miles per hour cause the Statue to sway up to 3 inches and the torch up to 6 inches.
* The Statue of Liberty has size 879 sandals that are each 25 feet (7.6m) long.

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4 PATCHES 4 HOPE

Regina  began 4Patches4Hope began as a desire to use her passion for quilting, and the power of social media and word of mouth, to create quilts to comfort those undergoing cancer treatments and at the same time raise money for cancer research.  It's so easy to help Regina with this wonderful cause.  The concept is simple - Make a 4 Patch... Make a Donation... Make a difference.
  All you have to do is make 4 Patch blocks and make a donation.  This week I send out 5 blocks and a donation.....

They took so little time to make but can be combined with other blocks to create something that might bring a little comfort to someone dealing with cancer.   Regina's goal is 1000 blocks and $4,000 by February 28, 2012.  Received blocks will be assembled into “comfort quilts” and donated to the Anderson Medical Center in Anderson, SC and the Pluta Cancer Center in Rochester, NY.  Each block donated will enter your name into a drawing for “participation prizes.”

If you would like to help Regina achieve her goal, please click on the link above or on the button in the right sidebar to find out all of the details.  I hope you will join me in helping Regina achieve her goal!

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TRAVELING STASH GIVEAWAY

Last week I won the Traveling Stash over at Mama Sparks World.  The Traveling Stash is ready to find a new home.  It has spent a few days with me as I enjoyed seeing and touching everything that was held in the box.  Here you can see some of what is in the box (after I took some out to keep).......

You wouldn't believe all of the pretties and useful items in this box.  And it's not a small box - it's a large flat rate priority mail box.  I'm not going to list or show you everything because then it wouldn't be a surprise.  There are lots of fabrics, some quilt blocks, patterns, tools, and more.   Here is what I took out........

3 Christmas fat quarters, a little pincushion kit, a pattern, some fabric samples and a yard of ABC fabric.   Then I added........

Even more stuff.  Lots of patterns, some Christmas fabric, a few fat quarters and some charm squares, plus some Pure fabric, and a Sew Wanderful!  I'm not showing all of the patterns because what fun would that be!  The box is so full that I almost had to sit on it to tape it closed.  And it weighs 13 pounds!!!!!

Here are the rules:

1.  You must have an active blog.

2.  You may take whatever you want from the stash but you must replenish the box

3.  You agree to host a giveaway on your blog and send the Traveling Stash on to the winner.

4.  U.S. friends only please due to the shipping costs.

So, if you are still interested in winning the Traveling Stash and then sending it on, just leave me a comment telling me that you would like the Traveling Stash to come to your house.  Easy enough!

I'll draw the winner with the help of random.org on Friday, November 4 at 8:00pm PST.  The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 5 and if I have their snail mail info, the box will be going out in the mail on the following Monday.  Good luck!!!!

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FMQ

Another fun day at free motion quilting practice.....

This was a fairly simple practice until my mind wondered and my circles became apples, hearts, or just plain odd shapes.  This Angles and Circles would be a great block filler.  How many of you noticed that I named it Angels and Circles.  Maybe I was thinking halos - lol!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to start my November mini quilt.

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GIVEAWAYS

FabricWorm5 Fat Quarters of Echino Fall 2011 Blue/Green.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31, at 8:30 am.

Live A Colorful Life is having a giveaway.  You could win a darling paper pieced pattern called Winter Woolies.  This giveaway ends Thursday, October 27, at noon PDT.

Jolly Jabber (Fat Quarter Shop) is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win  Bonnie & Camille’s Designer Select Fat Quarter Bundle.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

Diary of a Quilter is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a 1/2 yard bundle of 4 different Sarah Jane Children At Play fabrics  or a $30 Gift Certificate to JAQS Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 29, at midnight MST.

McCall's Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win a package of 12 Checker® Print N Fuse inkjet Iron-on Fusible Adhesive Sheets.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

Linen Closet Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31, at 6:00 pm.

Fresh Cut Quilts Pattern Co is having a giveaway.  You could win an AccuQuilt GO! Baby cutter and your choice of 2 dies.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 30, at 9:00pm MST.

Quilting In The South is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

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FINAL THOUGHT

My favorite time of year.......

Flowers Are Free

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.
  ~Mark Twain

Well, it's Wednesday.  The middle of the week and I'm in the middle of lots of projects.  But then that's nothing new.  Life has been pretty calm around here lately.  Not much happening - just day to day life.  So where am I going with this?  I'm really not sure.  So it's off to the sewing machine for a little mental therapy and hopefully get to get closer to the end of a project instead of stuck in the middle.  I think I need a little bit of the top quote today.   Hopefully Wednesday is where you want to be.

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Mules

Today is National Mule Day.  A mule is a hybrid animal, which is created by the mating of a jack (male donkey) with a mare (female horse). A female mule, known as hinny, is formed as the result of the breeding between a jennet (female donkey) and a stallion (male horse). Hinny is much rarer in comparison to a mule, owing to the fact that it is difficult to produce hinny. Though the breeding process is different, mule and hinny look similar in appearance. Since the prehistoric times, the mule is being used as a ‘pack and draft’ animal. It is also used for riding, farming and transportation of agricultural products. The animal finds great use in United States. It was George Washington who first bred a mule in the United States and now, it is mainly found in the southeastern states.

* A mule has hard skin, which is not much sensitive to sun and rain. It has hard hooves and can carry large weights on its back. It is naturally resistant to diseases and insects. Hence, it is more preferred to horses.
* Mule is similar to both donkey and horse, not only in terms of appearance, but also in nature and behavior. It is highly patient, sober and tolerant like a donkey and courageous, vigorous and strong like a horse.
* In comparison to its parents, mule is more intelligent. It is highly curious in nature and generally does not allow the rider to lead it into any dangerous path.

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SWAP FLOWERS

Last weekend I received late blooming flowers......

Lori was my July swap partner in the Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap and got a little behind in flower making.  To make it up to me, she made me a bouquet of flowers.  Aren't they great?!?  I especially like the cat flower in the lower right corner.  Those faces are just adorable and I like the way Lori fussy cut the names, too.  Thank you, Lori!!

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FINAL HALLOWEEN HEXIES

For One Flower Wednesday, I made two more Halloween flowers....

Bats, bats and more bats.  These are rather evil looking bats but they made up into a great flower. 

Here's Looking At You, Kid.....They Eyes Have It......sorry, I couldn't resist.  This is just a fun flower with eyes galore.  That's the end of my Halloween flowers.  I think my Grandmother's Flower Garden/I Spy quilt will have plenty of Halloween themed flowers in it.

Don't forget to give Karen a shout of thanks when you click on the link to see more hexie flowers out there in blogland.

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FREE MOTION QUILTING

Yes, I've been practicing.  For some reason I forgot to share one on Monday.  Didn't realize it until I hit the Publish Post button and then I was too lazy to go back and fix it.  So here is what I've been doing.....

Friday's practice piece is called Grapevine.  This was fun but some of my grapes look like they've already withered into raisins.

This practice called Heart Vine went rather quickly.  My hearts ended up being fatter than they should have been.  I wasn't at all happy with my tracing over the vine lines so I added lots and lots of thread lines, adding texture to the vine. 

Mitosis was my favorite practice of the three days.  Mine turned out a bit different than Leah's but I still like the effect.  I can see this pattern used in a sashing.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to get a little more organized.  I have mega piles once again and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

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GIVEAWAYS

A Crafty Fox is having a giveaway.  You could win a $30 gift certificate to WestWoodAcres on etsy.  This giveaway ends today, Wednesday, October 26.

Craft Buds is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to Mountain Of The Dragon.  This giveaway ends today, Wednesday, October 26.

A Stitch In Time is celebrating her first year blogiversary with a giveaway.  You could win a charm pack of Rose Parade by Moda.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31, at 7:00 am EST.

Love Affair With My Brother is having a giveaway.  You could win 4 charm packs of Etchings.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31, at 11:59 pm PST.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her weekly Mystery Monday giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters in your favorite color.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 29, at midnight MT.

The Pickledish Patch is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter and 3 dies of your choice.  This giveaway ends Sunday, November 6, AEST.

Quilty Habbit is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 30.

Jackie's Art Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of The Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

The Mad Quilting Librarian is having a giveaway.  You could win two charm packs of Chez Moi for Moda.  This giveaway ends later this week?

The White Weathered Hutch is having a giveaway.  You could win set of burlap placemats.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

I {heart} Nap Time is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to Poppy Seed Fabric.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5.

Living The Dream is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift voucher to Intrepid Thread.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 1.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Thought I would leave you with a chuckle today......



Continuing Stitches

How is it that our memory is good enough to retain the least triviality that happens to us, and yet not good enough to recollect how often we have told it to the same person? 
~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

Whew!  I'm glad that weekends over.  Friday night started out with dinner at Red Robin - we hadn't been there in a couple of years.  What a mad house but the burgers were good.  Next to Penny's for some new jeans.  I figured it would be a marathon try on event in the dressing room but the first pair I tried on fit well, were long enough and were very comfortable.  Score!!  Bought two pairs.  Then found two new nighties, too!  Next to Joann's to use my 50% and 40% off coupons.  Couldn't walk out of there without more fabrics for hexie flowers and found the little travel iron I had been looking for.  Finally made it home a little after 8:00pm.  Out the door the next morning at 9:00 to hit the farmer's market then onto Walmart and Costco.  Believe it or not Walmart was less crowded that Costco.  At Costco I felt like a pinball in my power chair.  Dodging carts and people and sample carts was a challenge - especially since everybody seemed to be going 90 mph oblivious of those around them.  Until you got to the sample carts where you couldn't go up the aisles you wanted to.  I think we may have to go back to week nights to do our Costco shopping.  After lunch and some more errands we finally made it home about 3:30.  Exhausted!!  Sunday was a slower paced day but still had to do wash and some general pick up around the house.  Thank goodness it's Monday!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Nuts

 

We missed a great day of celebration!  Saturday was National Nut Day.  Nuts are nutritious, delicious and versatile. They are used in everything from snacks to desserts to pesto sauce. They are a favorite food of many Americans. What do we really know about nuts? Here are some fun facts. Cashews area very popular nut, but did you know their shells are poisonous? Cashew nut shells contain urushiol. The nut of the cashew cannot be eaten until all the urushiol has been removed. This is done by steaming the shelled nuts. Don't touch the shell either. Touching the shell of the cashew can give you a nasty skin rash.
The Macadamia nut originated in Australia but 90% of all macadamia nuts are now grown in Hawaii. Macadamia nuts are not picked. They are harvested after they ripen and fall from the tree. The macadamia nut has the hardest of all nut shells. It takes 300 pounds of pressure to crack this nut.
Sunflower seeds are often considered to be a nut. They are actually the seed of the sunflower. The tallest sunflower ever grown was 25 feet 5 ½ inches. It was grown in the Netherlands in 1986. The sunflower is Russias' national flower and they grow the most sunflowers in the world. The sunflower got its' name because the flower always faces the sun.
Filberts and Hazelnuts are from the same family and often considered to be the same nut. The filbert is often ground up and used in baked goods, in other countries, when almond prices are too high. The filbert was named for St. Filberts day as this is when the filbert bush blooms. The majority of hazelnuts are grown in Oregon.

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STITCHERY

I finally finished two more stitchery blocks for A Gardeners' Journal quilt.....

This square is called Garden Tools.  Fitting name don't you think.  When cut down to size the block will measure 4 1/2" X 6 1/2".

This block is called Smell The Roses.  It reminds me of my own grandmother working with her rose bushes.  This block will measure 6 1/2" X 8 1/2" when cut down to size.  I don't know why the background fabric in either of these blocks didn't photograph correctly.  It is much creamier than it appears here.  Oh well.

Now a question for all of you stitchers out there.  What is the best way to get rid of the hoop ring creased into the fabric.  I always remove the hoop when I'm through stitching (never leave it on over night) and I press the heck out of (with steam) when I'm through with the block.  No matter what I do there always seems to be a faint hoop crease left in the fabric.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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BLOCK RECEIVED

Friday I received a block from one of my October partners in the Block Swap Adventure......

Jamie made this bright and cheery block for me.  Won't it look great in one of my Loving Hands little quilts?  Thank you so very much, Jamie!!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan on getting a couple of packages ready for mailing and then hopefully get some stitching in.

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GIVEAWAYS

Don't Call Me Betsy is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, October 26.

Cat Patches is having her Fun Fact Friday Freebie.  You could win a fat quarter.  The winner will be announce Friday, October 28.

Texas Freckles is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Thursday, October 27.

Possum Blossom Patchwork is having a giveaway.  You could win a pack of pre-cut fabric hexagons from either the Fa la la la la range or the Rounneries Deux range by Moda; or 5 pieces of Paris Flea Market by Moda in ballet slipper pink, or a pendant made from genuine vintage Republique Francaise postage stamps set behind glass tiles.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at 9:00 pm Sydney Australia time.

Thread Head is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 28. 

Confessions of a Fabric Addict is having a giveaway.  Sarah is ready to send the Traveling Stash on its way once again.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 29, at noon central time.

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FINAL THOUGHT

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. 
~Author unknown, commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin

Little Quilts

Sometimes I feel that life is passing me by, not slowly either, but with ropes of steam and spark-spattered wheels and a hoarse roar of power or terror. It's passing, yet I'm the one who's doing all the moving. 

~Martin Amis, Money

Gosh!  I can't believe it's Friday already.  Where did the week go?  Did I miss some days?  Travel through them in a fog?  It just amazes me how quickly the days pass at times.  One day it's Monday and you are just starting the week, and POOF!  Five days have disappeared and it's almost time to start the weekend.  I know I accomplished some things this week.  All I have to do is look back at the previous posts and there's proof.  But for the life of me I couldn't tell you what happened each day this week.  I guess that's what happens when I'm so busy trying to reach my different goals.  Hopefully I will get at least some hand sewing or stitchery in over the weekend.  Do you have any plans for the weekend?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Fall or Autumn

The season we call fall was once referred to simply as “harvest” to reflect the time when farmers gathered their crops for winter storage, roughly between August and November. Astronomically, the season lasts from the end of the September until December, between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The word harvest comes from the Old Norse word haust meaning “to gather or pluck.” In the early 1600s as more people started moving into cities, the word harvest fell out of use. Instead, city dwellers began to use the phrase “fall of the leaf” to refer to the third season of the year when trees lose their leaves. The word “fall” comes from the Old English word feallan which means “to fall or to die.” Over time, the phrase was shortened to fall.

Surprisingly, it's not really known where the word “autumn” comes from. It was used as far back at the 1300s (by Chaucer), and Shakespeare often used the word, as in Midsummer Night’s Dream when one character describes the cycle of the year, “The spring, the summer, the childing autumn, angry winter.” However, etymologists have not determined its precise origin.

As English spread to the New World, the common season names split as well. The use of the word “fall” fell out of favor in England. Today, American English uses the word “fall” while British English uses “autumn” almost exclusively. Fall provides a nice foil to its opposite season, spring, and gives us the helpful reminder, “Spring ahead, fall back,” when we get confused about our clocks on daylight savings.

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LOVING HANDS

Last night I turned in two little quilts to my guild's (Cotton Patch Quilters) Loving Hands coordinator......

First was this one made from squares I received in an I Spy square swap.  I selected fabrics that were more toward a girl.

And I used the fabric I won in a giveaway for the backing.  Sort of looks like a quilt all on its own with no work from me.

This is the challenge quilt I made.  The challenge fabric was used on the corner presents as the wrapping paper.  I was able to use leftover scraps from the Designer Mystery BOM from Fat Quarter Shop (2010-2011) to make the ribbons, bows and the green wrapping paper.  The block designs were from the newest Quiltmaker magazine.

The backing was mitten print that I have had around for years. 
And guess what?  After the vote was taken at the meeting last night.....I won first place!  And I didn't even vote for my own quilt.  I forgot my camera so I can't show you the competition - sorry.

I hope these two little quilts will brighten the life of a little preemie and their families.

 

 

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FMQ FLOWERS

The last two day's free motion quilting practice was centered around flowers. 

 

 

I like the way this one started out but I think I should have added some extra petals in as the flower grew.  This one is called Flower Ball. 

 

 

Super Daisy was fun, after I started it for a second time.  The first time only had five petals and looked odd after just the second row of petals.  I added extra stitching to the flower center just because I could.

I can see both of these patterns being used in a girls quilt and I just might be using them in a baby quilt I am going to make.  Oh, and just to clarify, there are those of you out there that thought I make up these sample blocks on a long arm machine.  Not so!  I sew these all on my domestic machine - and so can you!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan to make two 6" blocks for my swap partner.

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GIVEAWAYS

Sew Take a Hike is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26.

Jaybird Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a Melly quilt pattern by RGD & a 10 square of Veranda by Amanda Murphy for Robert Kaufman.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 22, at 10 pm PST.

From The Blue Chair is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26.

Nomes's Brag-A-Long is having a giveaway.  You could win a baggie of selvages.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 28.

Fabricworm is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win 6 lovely Fat Quarters of So Sophie by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake in Brown/Gold.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 24, at 8:30 am PST.

World Of Charity Stitching is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Crazy Annie's Stitchin n Stuff.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 1.

Silly Mama Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a bottlecap pincushion make-it-take-it kit and a charm pack of Delighted.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 24.

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway.  You could win a bottle cap pin cushion kit or a fat quarter pack of one of the colorways of Delighted of the winner's choosing.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 24.

Little PenPen is having a giveaway.  You could win 21 quilt blocks.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26.

To Everything There Is A Season is having a Fall Blessing giveaway.  You could win a lil-basket of pretty fall colors & a sweet cookie jar mix and spoon ,  a fall tea towel and 100% cotton dish cloth, and a  fall journal & sweet treats! This giveaway ends Saturday, October 22.

Birch Fabrics is having a giveaway.  You could win a darling market bag.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 23, at midnight.

The Pickledish Patch is having a giveaway.  You could win an EQ7 full program.  This giveaway ends Thursday, October 27.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a Free Spirit Color Card.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26.

Momloves2quilt is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of String Quilts.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 23.

Notions (Connecting Threads blog) is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Modern Mix or 2 yards of solid fabric.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 24.

Jaybird Quilts is having another giveaway.  This time you could win Silent Film pre-cuts.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 23, at 10:00 pm PST.


Freshly Pieced is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26.


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FINAL THOUGHT

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"



Flowers and Things That Spin

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically - to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside. The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.' 
~Stephen Covey

I started yesterday morning thinking I was pretty much caught up with all of my commitments.  And then I started thinking........still have to do a  Bee Block........and a pincushion.......and make a baby quilt.......and get scraps together for another swap.......and make a couple of 6" blocks.   So much for thinking the rest of the month was free - lol!  I did complete the Loving Hands challenge quilt (will share that on Friday) so that was a big load off of my shoulders.  I did make the Bee block yesterday so that's ones done and I even got the pincushion all cut out.  Little by little I'm whittling down my 'have to do's' so hopefully soon I will have a few days just for me.  There is a quilt I want to start but I better get these other things completed first.  Priorities have to be set and I've set them.  Better put the blinders on and keep  my head down to keep away from all distractions. 

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are one of my very favorite winged creatures to watch in my yard.  I have two feeders that are protected by several of the little birds.  Occasionally we are visited by Rufus hummingbirds as they migrate through in the spring and fall.  While I await their visit, I thought I'd share a few facts about these acrobatic artists:

* There are more than 325 hummingbird species in the world. Only 8 species regularly breed in the United States, though up to two dozen species may visit the country.

* A hummingbird’s brilliant throat color is not caused by feather pigmentation, but rather by iridescence in the arrangement of the feathers and the influence of light level, moisture and other factors.

* Hummingbirds cannot walk or hop, though their feet can be used to scoot sideways while they are perched.

* Hummingbirds have 1,000-1,500 feathers, the fewest number of feathers of any bird species in the world

* The average ruby-throated hummingbird weighs 3 grams. In comparison, a nickel weighs 4.5 grams. From 25-30 percent of a hummingbird’s weight is in its pectoral muscles, the muscles principally responsible for flight.

* A hummingbird must consume approximately 1/2 of its weight in sugar daily, and the average hummingbird feeds 5-8 times per hour.

* An average hummingbird’s heart rate is more than 1,200 beats per minute

* The Rufus hummingbird has the longest migration of any hummingbird species with a distance of more than 3,000 miles from the bird’s nesting grounds in Alaska and Canada to its winter habitat in Mexico

* Despite their small size, hummingbirds are one of the most aggressive bird species and will regularly attack jays, crows and hawks that infringe on their territory.

* Depending on the species, habitat conditions, predators and other factors, the average lifespan of a wild hummingbird is 3-12 years.

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FLOWERS FOR WEDNESDAY

On Monday I received hexie flowers from my swap partner in The Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap......

Hanne of Denmark made these adorable flowers. I just love the fabrics she fussy cut.  Won't these look great in my Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt?  Thank you so very much, Hanne!

I've had some petals made for my Aunt Sarah quilt but hadn't made flowers until over the weekend.....

These are the first two 3/4" flowers I've made in almost a month!

And, of course, I had to make two flowers for One Flower Wednesday......

My DD#1 really likes Sugar Skulls so this hexie flower was made with her in mind.  We found this fabric at Joann's while she was here earlier in the month.  She bought enough for a scrub top and there was just a remnant left so I bought that at a great savings.  Yes, I know, more Halloween flowers - lol!

And with my love of candy corn I just couldn't help making this one.  And, as I learned from your comments in the last giveaway, there are many of us candy corn lovers out there.  This way I can get my fix without the calories.

To see more hexie flowers around blogloand, just click on the link above to take you to Karen's linky page.  Thanks go to Karen for making it so easy to view more flowers.

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FORGOTTEN SQUISHY

When my daughter was here, I received a squishy that I put away for safe keeping.  I put it some place I knew I would find it once everything was back to normal.  Would you believe I just found it on Monday?

Last month I won Teresa's blogiversary giveaway.  In the squishy was a pattern from Clares Place, a fold over travel pouch, two fat quarters and a darling pincushion.  I'm so glad that I found the squishy so I could publicly thank Teresa.  Thank you, Teresa!!

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MY NEW SIDE KICK

On Monday I made reference to something I bought at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  I bought a Lazy Susan.  So what, you say?  Well, let me show you what I did with it.......

This sits just to the right of my sewing machine.  I attached the different plastic containers with Velcro dots, leaving the straight pin holder unattached.  I even made sure to have the right size container for my Diet 7-Up.  I can never have that too far away - lol!

susan but they come in a variety of sizes.  Something for you to consider to keep everything close at hand.

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FREE MOTION QUILTING RETURNS

As I said I would, I got back to FMQ......

After working on this one, I almost gave up on FMQ.  I was not at all pleased with the final results of this practice.  Leah made Space Star look so much better.  My petals ended up too fat and I managed to have a couple of areas not quilted at all.  Yuck!

Even thought I don't like the name of this practice, Frog Eggs, I did enjoy working on it.  As you can tell, the further I went into the block, the more tired my hands became.  The stippling is nice and small in the upper left corner and gets pretty spacey by the time I reached the bottom right.  I don't see how people can do a whole quilt with tiny stippling.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I  hope to get the pincushion made for the yahoo swap I'm in.

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GIVEAWAYS

Lots Of Pink Here! is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26.

Fresh Lemon Quilts is having a giveaway.   You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26.

Amy's Creative Side is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Modern Mix.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 21.

The Confused Quilter is having a giveaway.   You could win FIVE half yard pieces of Laura Gunn's Poppy Collection and a copy of  'Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee'.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 21.

A Stitcher's Heirlooms is having a giveaway.  You could win a whole bunch of stitch related stuff.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 28. 

Jackie's Art Quilts is having a giveaway to celebrate her 500th post.  You could win  4 fat quarters of her beautiful hand dyed fabric.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 21.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her Monday Mystery giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 22, at midnight Mountain Time.

Gen X Quilters is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of The Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 22 at midnight EST.

Blushing Rose is having a giveaway.  You could win one of two copies of The Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 22, at midnight.

Jaybird Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win your choice of jelly roll from Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 21, at 10:00 pm PST.

The Average Quilter is having a giveaway for her followers.  You could win a wonderful Dresden Plate clock.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 24.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending. 
~Author Unknown