Friday, November 4, 2011

Swaps Coming and Going


Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.
~Oprah Winfrey

It felt so good to get back to my sewing machine on Wednesday.  I spent part of the day machine sewing and part of it doing embroidery.  Quiet work.....satisfying work.  Yesterday I continued on along the same routine.  But today I'm starting to feel that old, ugly stress of having to get things done.  More Bee blocks, more swap blocks, two Loving Hands quilts, a baby quilt for the gal that cuts my hair, embroidery for the Gardener's Journal quilt, and the list goes on.  I just have to breath.  Big, deep, cleansing breaths.  Everybody do it with me.......breath in.......breath out......repeat.  Okay, are we ready to tackle the day?  I am!!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

King Tut

Today, November 4, is King Tut Day.  On this day in 1922, King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of Kings.  Did you know.......
* Tutankhamun was born in 1343 BC - his name at this time was Tutankhaten
* Tutankhamun changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun due to pressure from traditionalists, reflecting the growing acceptance of the old god Amun and decline in support of Aten
* His mother was Nefertiti
* He married his half-sister Ankhesenpaaten
* He was nine years old when he became Pharaoh
* He was just 18/19 years old when he died
* The famous gold mask that rested directly on top of the Pharaoh's mummy weighs ten kilos (22 pounds)
* The marriage of Tutankhamun and Ankhesenpaaten produced two daughters who were stillborn
* King Tut reigned for just 9 years and the cause of his death still remains a mystery

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PINCUSHION SWAP
Recently I signed up for a pincushion swap on flickr.  It was a secret partner swap and I received my pincushion yesterday.....

This wonderful pincushion came all the way from Sweden.  Karin made this for me and included the cute flathead pins and the two little bags of candy.  I really like how Karin used the Dala Horse ribbon around the base.  The pincushion measures 4" high by 5" wide.  I can stick a lot of pins in this one.  Thank you so very much, Karin!


This is the pincushion I made for my secret swap partner.  It's similar to one I've made before but I added more layers of petals.  My swap partner wanted a large pincushion as she does a lot of embroidery and silk ribbon embroidery and has between 6 and 8 needles threaded at a time.  This should easily hold that many needles and more as it is almost 5" across.  It is stuffed with crushed walnut shells and dried lavender so it has a nice weight and won't fly across the room when you remove needles or pins.  This pincushion is making its way across the country to Alabama as I write.  I hope she like it!

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SCRAPPY SWAP

I also signed up for a new swap group through flickr called Scrappy Swap.  In this swap you included scraps no smaller than 2 1/2" square and enough pieces to cover a fat quarter.  You could add little extras if you wished. 

My swap partner, Hilary, of Quilary - Take A Peak Over The Fence, was very generous.  Not only did she send me some wonderful scraps, she also included a great needle case with spots for needles, scissors, pins, pattern and a zip pocket plus it has a built in pincushion.  Hilary also sent along a fat quarter depicting Aboriginal dot painting.  I was so lucky to have Hilary as my partner.  Thank you, Hilary!

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FREE MOTION SQUARES

The last two days of sewing started as they were supposed to - with free motion practice.....

Swirling Petals was a great practice after being away from the sewing machine for six days.  Most of the time it flowed quite easily.  There were, of course, a couple of times when hands and brain were not on the same course - lol!

This was a rather interesting exercise.  I should have angled a couple of my paisleys in another direction but is still turned out okay.  And, believe it or not, I do know how to spell.  I seem to have trouble with V's when stitching.  It should read Paisley Division.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to whip out a couple of Bee or swap blocks.

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GIVEAWAYS
Want It, Need It, Quilt is having a giveaway. You could win 'A Walk in the Woods' Layer Cake. This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 30, AEST.

Quilting By Dawn is having a giveaway. You could win a pincushion or a small zippered bag. But hurry because this giveaway ends tonight, Friday, November 4, at 10pm CST.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway. You could win a Hurricane tonal solids fat quarter bundle. This giveaway ends ?
FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway. You could win Tina Givens, Lilliput, Sunset Morgan in 10 Fat Quarters. This giveaway ends Monday, November 7, at 8:30 am PST.
Hanging On By A Thread is having a giveaway. You could win MyMemories software or darling cross stitched snowman. This giveaway ends Thursday, November 24.

Just One More Stitch is having a sponsored giveaway. You could win a White Christmas fat quarter bundle from Fort Worth Fabric Studio. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight CST.

Quilting By The River is having a giveaway. You could win 8 fat quarters of Amelie and a Lil' Twister template. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight CST.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her weekly Monday Mystery giveaway. You could win 5 fat quarters. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight MT.

All About Applique is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Inspirational Appliqué. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at 6 pm PST.

A Legacy of Stitches is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue. This giveaway ends Sunday, November 6, at noon CST.

It's almost time to send the Traveling Stash on its way. Wouldn't you like to be the next one to receive it? If so, enter my giveaway HERE.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Really I don't dislike to cook, but what you cook is eaten so quickly. When you sew, you have something that will last to show for your efforts.
~Elizabeth Travis Johnson


20 comments:

Joanna said...

Both of the pincushions are unique and beautiful. You obviously put in alot of work to create your flower pincushion, and I love it. I can't say I envy the deadlines you have with the swaps and such, but you do receive some very neat and well made items in the mail, and the same goes for your recipients. Hope you have an enjoyable weekend.

krisgray said...

LOL - love the final thought! Maybe that is why I say I dont like to cook b/c I really do like to try new recipes.

Have a great weekend!

Gene Black said...

Ah yes, Tut, the boy king. I remember writing a paper on him in high school (many many years ago!) I didn't remember all of your facts but a couple of them really the memories pour forth. I suddenly remembered reading all about Howard Carter's team excavating the site.

Now where in Alabama is that pin cushion going? I may need to visit -hahaahaa

sunny said...

Cute pincushions! Do you really enjoy having so many swap obligations? I'm afraid if Idid that many, it might not be fun any more. Keep on stitching!!

Fiona said...

Lovely swaps.. I do like the floral pincushion you made... and the swirling petals design....
Hugz

Needled Mom said...

You always have such fun with your swaps! The needle case is so cute with that tiny pincushion. I am sure that your pincushion will be loved in Alabama. It is beautiful. The ribbon around the pincushion you received is such a good idea as well as cute.

LOVE todays FMQ projects!!!!! The first reminds me of ginko leaves.

Miss Hillbilly said...

Breathe my friend. Slow down. Enjoy your sewing. I understand. Been there and sure am happy now that I've cut myself away from commitments.

Amy said...

Cute pincushions! Your free motion quilting is really looking good.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Just love the pincushions - lucky you to have a Dala Horse! Really like the Swirling Petals pattern. Yes, tell a lot of quilters/sewers/crafters/ - just breathe.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Both pincushions are adorable! Your freemotion quilting just keeps getting better and better! My goodness you are so many swaps, that has to keep you very busy!

Raewyn said...

The petalled pincushion you made is gorgeous and I love your new pincushion - I could see me using the 'lower level' for needles and the top for pins :-) Your latest swap is a fun idea - but please remember to slow down, and enjoy!! Your latest fmq is really lovely - I can see stunning results on a quilt in the not too distant future!

quiltzyx said...

You did get some nice swap goodies! I love the flower pin cushion that you made to send to your partner. :D

Your FMQ is looking good, even if you did take a little break from it. Hooray!

quilterliz said...

G'day. Love those pin cushions. The one you made is so cute. I love it. Great story about King Tut. Take care. Liz...

Melody said...

Thank you for another informative and fascinating post.

Bev C said...

Hello Linda,

Love those pincushions. Bless you for finding that quote by Elizabeth. Very wise words.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Cheryl said...

Going to the King Tut exhibit in Houston today. Is the pincushion you made an original or pattern? I would love the pattern to make gifts for Xmas. Wow! You are really mastering your FMQ.

Staci said...

Your flower pincushion is just so sweet! What a lucky girl your partner is! I'm sure she was thrilled. I just love your final quote! So very true!

Barbara said...

Would love to have been your pincushion swap partner, a pincushion extraordinaire that you made! Is there such a thing as a FMQ swap? LOL Yours are worth swapping!

Lynda said...

Cute pincushions and looks like a fun exchange. Your FMQ becomes more and more intricate. Bull riding? Now that is a sport that seems really hard on the body. Once again, I love the hexie flowers. That turkey one is so cute.

Valspierssews said...

Lovely pincushions and fabrics. If you have to get lots of things done quick I find it helps to work 1/2 hour on 10 mins off or something similar. You sort of get into a rhythm. It is good for a day or so.

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