Lots Of Love

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught. 
~Winston Churchill

I learned something over the weekend.  I learned that there are as many colors of white as there are of black.  I always knew there were many various shades of blacks; some more red, some more purple, some more blue, etc.  Three weekends ago I bought 2 yards of Kona White at Beverly's.  The next weekend I bought 4 yards of Kona White at Joann's.  When I got home and compared the two purchases I was amazed to find that the Beverly's Kona White was noticeably grayer than the Kona I bought at Joann's.  Now I know that there are blue shades, gray shades and even pink shades of white even if they are all called white.  Luckily when I returned to Joann's on Saturday, I was able to buy 2 more yards of the same Kona White that I had previously purchased there.  Live and learn.  I guess this ol' gal can still learn something new.

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Sugar

How many of us love things with sugar on it.  I can't eat grapefruit without sugar no matter how sweet it is.  Okay, these days I use sugar substitutes but I still love that sweet taste.  Here are a few facts about sugar for your Monday:

* Sugar is one of the oldest ingredients, dating back to 326 BC.  In 327 BC, Alexander the Great discovered the sugar cane; it then spread through Persia and introduced it in the Mediterranean

* Sugar’s name originated from the Sanskrit word “Sharkara,” which means “material in a granule form

* Sugar was called “White Gold”: Until the late 1700's, sugar was a luxury that European nobility used to validate their rank and social power

* Sugar does help the medicine go down! It’s an important component of many modern medicines

* Some people say that one teaspoon of sugar swallowed “dry” can cure the hiccups

* Sweet is the only taste humans are born desiring (That explains a lot!)
* Sugar cane stalks can reach 30 feet high
* Some plants can make their own sugar— when a banana ripens, it changes starch into sugar, making it sweeter

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LITTLE QUILTS

Last week and over the weekend I completed two little quilts for Loving Hands.....

This is the first one.  Probably a little boys quilt.

I did a lot of heart shape free motion quilting on this one.  Thought it fit the fabric with the little hearts in the design. 

Here's the second one I made.  I had planned on making it all green and pink but the half yard of pink I had to work with was not quite a half yard.  So I improvised with some coordinating fabric.  All of the sides are actually straight but a breeze came up when I clicked the photo making it look all wonky.

I did some fmq large flowers all over this one.  Something different and a way to stretch my fmq a little.  The stitches are way too small but I will work on that over time.

A wonderful blogging friend emailed me a little over a week ago asking me if she could donate a couple of quilts to Loving Hands.  Lisa sent me.......

(breeze caught this one, too)

and

And look what arrived last week from Kentucky!!  Aren't they wonderful!!!  Lisa also sent me some fabric pieces that I can use for future quilts and also for some hexie flowers.  Thank you for your generosity, Lisa!!  I know that a preemie and his/her parents will love your quilts.  Isn't the blogging/quilting connection something when others take the time to donate their fabrics, time, and ability to help others without even being asked?  I certainly think it is!
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?QUESTION?

I have a question for those of you who do a lot of raw edge applique.  Do you use a polyester thread or cotton thread.  I don't know if I want the shine of the polyester or not.  I could use all of the information you wish to give me.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan to start something new :)


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GIVEAWAYS

Creative Confessions is having a giveaway.  You could win one of Jo Morton's newer books titled Coming Home, a selection of 4 co-coordinating fat quarters of Jo fabrics, and a collection of her Jo's Little Women Club patterns.  This giveaway ends Sunday, February 12, at midnight.

Quilt n Queen is having a giveaway.  You could win a new Bird Brain Design pattern.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, February 8, at midnight.

Paducah Convention is having a giveaway.  You could win a $100 Gift Certificate to the NationalQuilt Museum shop, or Honorary "Benefactor" Friend of the Museum Status, or fabric designed by Caryl Bryer Fallert for Benartex.  This giveaway ends April 25.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win an Anna Maria Horner Little Folks bundle.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, February 8.

Quilt Story is having a giveaway.  You could win a 1/2 yard bundle of Little Apples from Aneela Hooey.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, February 7.

Melissa Stramel is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Green Fairy Quilts.  This giveaway ends ?

Mountain Quiltfest is having a giveaway.  You could win a trip to a trip to the 18th Annual Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Ford, Tennessee.  This giveaway ends Thursday, February 23.

123Stitch is having a giveaway.  You could win a chart called "Chocolate Cake Sampler" by Casey Buonaugurio Designs.  This giveaway ends Thursday, March 1.

Jo's Country Junction is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Urban Country Quilts by Jeanne Large and Shelley Wicks.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, February 7.

Katie's Quilting Corner is having a giveaway.  You could win a Hoffman Fabrics Bali Pops – Key Lime.  This giveaway ends Friday, February 17, at midnight EST.

Cat Patches is having her Fun Fact Friday Freebie.  You could win a fat quarter.  The winner will be announced Friday, February 17.

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FINAL THOUGHT