Time Off Giveaway and A Little More

Springtime is the land awakening.  The March winds are the morning yawn.  
~Quoted by Lewis Grizzard inKathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You

March is here.  The month known for winds and kites.  We did have some wind yesterday but I certainly wasn't out flying a kite - lol!  It's also Friday and I'm looking forward to the weekend.  We don't have any big plans - just the normal visit to the Farmer's Market and a few errands to run.  I have decided that I will be taking the next week off from my blog.  I'm starting to feel a little stressed but for no particular reason.  And when I'm stressed I get cranky and my dear, sweet  husband ends up taking the brunt of it all.  I have found that's the time to just take a step back and relax.  I think I just need a week of sewing and stitching, a week of quiet.  But not to worry, I will be back on Monday, March 12.  And while I'm away, I'll hold a giveaway (details below).

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Pineapple

Pineapples are one of our favorite fruits.  We have bought some with spectacular flavor from the Farmer's Market over the last couple of months.  Here are a few facts about pineapples:

* The first written record of the word "pineapple" in English was in 1398 and it was used to refer to a pine cone. It comes from the Spanish word for pine cone, "piña."

* The pineapple is native to Brazil and Paraguay
* The Spanish introduced the first pineapples to Hawaii. The state is now one of the top pineapple producers in the world, producing one third of the world's pineapple crop and 60 percent of the world's canned pineapple.
* Pineapples take about 18 months to grow.
* When you cut up a pineapple at home, you normally chuck the skin, core and ends in the bin. The pineapple canning industry doesn't though, these bits are used for making alcohol, vinegar and animal feed.
* Each pineapple plant only produces just one pineapple per year.
* Unripe pineapples don’t just taste vile, but can actually be quite poisonous. Eating it causes serious throat irritation and it has a strong laxative effect.
* Traditionally pineapple juice was used as a diuretic and to induce labor.


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WEEKLY STITCHERY REPORT


I wasn't able to get in as much stitching as I would have liked to this week but I did make some progress...

You can compare this to last weeks report HERE.

Design: Summer Sampler

Designer: Sandy Orton for Kooler Design Studio

Fabric: 18 count cream Aida cloth

Fiber: 2 strands over 1 - DMC floss

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SMALL BLOCKS

This week I received blocks from my February swap partner in the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.

Kerry made these two darling blocks and included an adorable fat quarter.  I think the fussy cut butterfly center and the triangle wings are so bright and springy.  And the striped block with the multi colored bugs will be perfect addition to a little boy's quilt.  I can see a future hexie flower being made from the fat quarter.  Thank you so very much, Kerry!

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TIME OFF GIVEAWAY

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

While I'm taking the week off, I thought it might be nice to have a giveaway.  This will be a two part giveaway - one for quilters and one for those who like counted cross stitch.  What can you win?  Well, let's see....

For you quilters out there, I will be giving away a $10 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  I'm sure you already have plenty of ideas on how you could spend this.  

OR

For you counted cross stitch enthusiasts I'm giving away this Sunset Counted Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking  Kit called "Ribbon Stocking".  It finishes 14" high.  This kit has never been opened and has been hanging out in my closet so nothing has faded.  Here is a picture of the threads included:

This kit contains:  11 1/2" X 17 1/2" 100% cotton #14 Aida cloth, cotton fabric, six strand 100% cotton embroidery floss and yarn, color graph, needle, alphabet, full color print and complete instructions.  This kit has a 1985 date so that shows you how long it's been in my stash.

What do you have to do to enter?  Easy!  Just tell me where you live (you don't have to give me your address just which state or country you are visiting from) AND whether you would like to win the gift certificate or the ccs kit.  Put both responses in the same comment.  Only one comment per person.

Fine Print:

1.  This giveaway is open to everyone.  No matter where you live you may enter.

2.  Make sure that I have a way to reach you.  If you are a No-Reply blogger (see my left sidebar if you aren't sure) you must include your email in your comment.  If I can't reach you, you CAN NOT win.

3.  You may only win one of the two items.

4.  This giveaway will end Saturday, March 10, at 8:00 pm and the winners will be announced Monday, March 12 in my regular post.

5.  You do not have to be a follower but take a minute to look around, and if you like what you see just click on the "Join This Site" button on my right sidebar.

Good Luck, everyone!

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TODAY'S GOAL

I hope to make some swap blocks for my March swap partners

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GIVEAWAYS

(haven't had a lot of time to read blogs the last couple of days - sorry. )

Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Sunday, March 4, at midnight.

Hawthorne Threads is having a giveaway.  You could win a Heather Bailey Freshcut fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 7.


Paper Napkin Poetry is having a giveaway.  You could win 3 note cards.  This giveaway ends Monday, March 12.


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FINAL THOUGHT

I'll be back on Monday, March 12, 2012!