Happy Blocks

Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone.
~Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie, I'd Kill for a Cookie

It's hard to believe it is Friday already.  I'm not sure I'm ready for the weekend.  I have a quilting class tomorrow that will take most of the day.  Then we have a 70th birthday party to attend in the evening.  Sunday we may do our weekly grocery shopping because I refuse to do it on our normal day, Wednesday.  Who wants to be in the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving when everyone is running around trying to pick up odds and ends for their big meal and the shelves would probably a mess and understocked.  I'm still working on the baby quilt that needs to be done by Monday.  I'm starting to feel like a chicken with its head cut off!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Bagpipe

Saturday, November 19, is National Blow Bagpipes Day.  When you think of bagpipes, it's likely that Scotland comes to mind. So you might be surprised to learn that the instrument does not have its origins in Scotland. There are some interesting and little-known facts about the bagpipes, including what they were made of, how they are played and even why they were once banned in Scotland.

Contrary to popular belief, the bagpipes did not originate in Scotland. However, it was Scotland that kept the instrument alive. As a result, it is Scotland that is most often associated with the instrument. While the exact origins of the bagpipes are disputed, the oldest reference to the now-famed instrument is from Asia Minor. The reference was carved on a stone slab dated back to 1000 BC. Bagpipes were eventually found in various countries all over the world, including India, Spain, France and even ancient Egypt. Historians are unsure as to whether the Scottish bagpipes were imported from Rome or if they were brought to the country from Ireland.

Each bagpipe consists of a chanter, a bag and one or more pipes, also known as drones. Today drones are typically made from hardwood, but in historic times they were constructed of bone or ivory. The bags were made from the skin of animals, including sheep, cows and goats.

A little-known fact about the history of bagpipes in Scotland is that the instrument was actually banned in the country -- once in 1560 and again in 1746. James Reid, a bagpipe musician, was executed for having a bagpipe during the ban. During 1746, bagpipes were considered war instruments. It is reported that during WWI more than 500 pipers were executed for playing the bagpipes

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BRIGHT BLOCKS

Over the last few days I have received two sets of beautiful and bright swap blocks......

These two 6" blocks came from Jenn in PA.  Jenn and I were swap partners for October in the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.  Aren't these bold and bright.  I love the fussy cuts she did in this Bird In The Air block.  Thank you so much, Jenn.

Linda from Australia (my November Block Swaps Australia swap partner) made this very fun block.  I just love the little monkeys and the bit of added rick rack.  This mosaic block is just full of humor.  Linda wasn't happy with this block - can you believe it ?!?  As a result she sent me a second block.....

Another adorable block!  This one has a bit more rick rack.  Both blocks are going to make a wonderful children's quilt one day for Loving Hands.  Linda also included a boomerang key chain.  Does that mean when I lose my keys they will automatically return to me?  Thank you so very much, Linda, for both of the wonderfully happy blocks.

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LOVING HANDS II

Last night I took both of the Loving Hands quilts I made this week to our guild meeting.  I already shared with you the green and yellow frog quilt so here is the second one I made......

Definitely little girl.  I made this with some left over scraps from the baby quilt I'm making.  I just did some simple line quilting along with stitch-in-the-ditch quilting.  The backing is a white heart on pink flannel (I forgot to take a picture of the back).  All Loving Hands quilts measure 32" X 32".

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FMQ

Only time for one free motion quilting practice again.......

Texture of Two is created by echo stitching the number 2.  Each time you just change the angle of the 2.  Not my favorite design but a good practice anyway.

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QUILTING GALLERY CONTEST

I have entered my little monthly mini quilt in the Quilting Gallery Contest this week.  The theme is Thanksgiving/Gratitude.  In case you forgot what mine looks like here is another look at Who Me.....

I would certainly appreciate your vote.  But make sure to look through all of the lovely entries first by going HERE.

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TODAY'S GOAL

To finish the baby quilt and to survive the weekend with a smile :D

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GIVEAWAYS

World of Charity is having a giveaway. You could win one of 6 Pine Mountain Pillow Cross Stitch Kits. This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 22.

The Barn Hollow is having a giveaway.  You could win a snow couple made by Kim from a Country Friends pattern.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Marcia's Crafty Sewing and Quilting is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway.  You could win a quilting gift certificate worth $54.00 off the quilting on a twin size quilt.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 24, at 6 pm.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win two boxes of Kona Bounty of Basics - one dark and one light.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 23.

Fabric Worm is having a giveaway.  You could win 10 french inspired Fat Quarters of J'Adore by Dear Stella.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21, at 8:30 am PST.

Smashed Peas and Carrots is having a giveaway.  You could win a pattern from Hadley Grace Designs.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 19, at 8 am.

The Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win  Bunny Hill’s Designer Select Fat Quarter Bundle.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 22.

The Confused Quilter is having a giveaway.  Staci is ready to send the other Traveling Stash on its way.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Out Numbered Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a special, beautiful, and unique bundle of fabric.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Craftaholics Anonymous is having a giveaway.  You could win  a Silhouette Cameo digital cutting tool.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 23, at 11:59 pm EST.

***Make sure to stop by on Monday as I'm having a giveaway sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop***

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FINAL THOUGHT

Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,
The days pass quickly when I am sewing.

~Author Unknown