The Christmas Quilt Show

It's time for Sew Cal Gal's 2011 Christmas Quilt Show and I've decided to make an entry.  This year I would like to share my Christmas quilt .......

This quilt was so fun to make!  It was the Fat Quarter Shop's Designer Mystery BOM quilt 2010/2011.  With only working on one block a month there was absolutely no pressure to get it done.  Many of you made the journey with me through the blocks each month trying to guess what would appear as the blocks were made.  DH gave me the finishing kit and backing for Christmas so it all matches front to back (not many of my quilts do - lol).  I didn't do the quilting on this but took it to my local long arm quilter and she did a beautiful job.  As of this last Saturday, it is out on the couch for everyone to cuddle under. 

Here are a few of my favorite blocks I made over several months:

I so enjoyed working with all of the Kate Spain fabrics.  It was especially fun to fussy cut the pieces like the windows in the house.  Fat Quarter Shop always sends more than enough fabric with each block and the instructions were so easy to follow.

Many thanks to Darlene for organizing yet another fun event and for getting so many wonderful sponsors.  Make sure to check out the Christmas Quilt Show for many more beautiful Christmas and Winter creations.

Two Shows In Two Days (Photo HEAVY)

Heat, ma'am! it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones. 
~Sydney Smith

We had a wonderful weekend - hot and humid - but still great.  It actually started Friday when DH took some time off of work and we were able to visit the local county fair on Senior Day.  Free admission AND free parking.  Certainly couldn't pass up that bargain.  We were able to enjoy the needlecraft, FFA & 4H, collections, photography, and flora displays.  We avoided the commercial buildings as they are always so overly packed with people and you get stuck in aisles where you don't really want to be.  We both had some great fair food and came home with 5 (yes, FIVE) bags of caramel  corn.  Friday evening Mother Nature blessed me with a small lightening and thunder storm and another small one later in the night.  This time only 20 fires were started throughout the county from dry strikes but they were able to contain them all quickly.  Saturday we took a drive up the valley to the small town of Reedley to check out their quilt show.  The show was at the local high school in the gym where there were evap coolers.  Those don't work too well when the humidity is high.  The second half of the show was in the old gym where there was no cooling except two large fans.  Talk about uncomfortable!  But we persevered and enjoyed looking at all of the quilts.  It wasn't a judged show, just an exhibit.  So after two days of melting, it was nice to be at home on Sunday.  I'm still recuperating!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed Day honors one of America's great legends. Johnny Appleseed was a real person. John Chapman was among the American settlers who were captivated by the movement west across the continent. As Johnny Appleseed travelled west, he planted apple trees along the way, and sold trees to settlers. With every apple tree that was planted, the legend grew.
A Little About the Legend:
* John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) was born on September 26, 1774.

* He was a nurseryman who started out planting trees in western New York and Pennsylvania.

* During the life of John Chapman, the "West" was places like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. * John Chapman was a deeply religious person He was known to preach during his travels.

* According to legend, Johny Appleseed led a simple life and wanted little. He rarely accepted money and often donated any money he received.

* It is believed that he died on March 11, 1845, from what was referred to as the "winter plague". The actual date of his death has been disputed.

There is a lot of "legend" in stories written about Johny Appleseed. By it's definition, over the years, legends grow bigger than life. It also appears that there is some link between Johny Appleseed and very early Arbor Day celebrations.

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KERN COUNTY FAIR

As most of you know, I entered two of my quilts and a counted cross stitch picture in the local fair.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that my  Designer Mystery BOM quilt won an Honorable Mention and my counted cross stitch picture won a 3rd place ribbon.  Here are some of the quilts I fancied at the fair this year.......

Here's my quilt.  Yes, I know, I'm shameless.  I was quite surprised how washed out the turquoise was under the fluorescent lighting.

I really liked all of these patriotic quilts.  I would like to know the name of the bottom center quilt block if anyone knows.

This little quilt was made my one of my fellow guild members, James Rupp.  This was his first attempt at this kind of quilting and was based off of a picture of his grandfather.  I would say this was an excellent first attempt since he one a first place ribbon!

This darling quilt was made by another guild member, Janneal.  She had shared it at our previous guild meeting and received lots of ooohs and aaaahs there.  Another blue ribbon winner!

I thought this was a darling little applique quilt.  Just love all the Red Hat birds in their red high heeled shoes.

The red, black, and grey quilt is the Best In Show winner.  I was very, very disappointed at how it was displayed.  I couldn't believe they didn't have it opened up and hanging proudly for everyone to see.

This was just a sampling of all the wonderful quilts at the Kern County Fair this year.

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Kings River Quilt Festival

Saturday we drove north (and a little east) for 1 1/2 hours to the town of Reedley, CA.  We were not disappointed when we were able to view so many beautiful quilts.......

The color and organization of this quilt really appealed to me.  It is called Trail Mix and was made by Bonnie Pius of Shaver Lake, CA

Isn't this little quilt just full of fun?  It's called Ants At My Picnic and was created by Barbara Coddington, of Dinuba, CA.

I have seen this quilt before but made with a brighter red.  I really liked the deep, dark red accents in this one.  Dee Patrick of Sanger, CA called this Black, White With A Little Bit of Red.

Moon Glow for Sheryl was made by Sue Nylander of Sanger, CA.  The colors in this quilt were so calming and I loved all the different star blocks that were used.

This was a fun quilt made by several different people with their own color schemes and variations.  It was their guild's theme quilt project for 2010.  This one was our favorite and was created by Juanita Adams of Orosi, CA.

Reedley, CA.  She had several quilts that I would consider as my favorites at this show.

You can never go wrong with a Double Wedding Ring quilt and this one was beautiful.  I usually am not fond of 30's type prints but they worked up perfectly in this quilt, To Have and To Hold by Bonnie Pius.

Stack The Stars Brightly was even more beautiful in person.  One of the things that really appealed to me was the use of the flowers in the border.  Another beauty by Pat Robertson.

Here is a black and white quilt that had just a small burst of color in each block - so effective.  Mod Quads is a pattern from Blue Underground Studios and was made by Helen Astiansuain of Reedley, CA.

I wasn't unable to get the full quilt into the picture.  French Braid was made by Denise Sisco of Visalia, CA.  After viewing this quilt, DH said to me "I really like batiks."  Me - "Really?  You never told me that before".  Who knew?  Learn something new everyday.

Thanks to the Kings River Quilt Guild for putting on such a wonderful show.

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TODAY'S GOAL

 Today I hope to mostly complete my little mini quilt for October.  After all, I need it for the end of the week.

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GIVEAWAYS

(Sorry if I missed some giveaways but I was away from the computer most of the weekend)

My Patchwork Life is having a giveaway.  You could win two beautiful half yard cuts of each of batiks that Erin  picked up in New Orleans at a store that sells fabric and goods produced by women in Ghana.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, September 28.

Sew BitterSweet Designs is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle of Robert Kaufman’s Pooches and Pickups by Laurie Wisbrun or a charm pack of Retro Thirties Prints..  But hurry because this giveaway ends tonight, Monday, September 25, at midnight.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Sew Sunny Homestyle and some lovely lavender fabric.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, September 26.

Cat Patches is having her Fun Friday Freebie giveaway.  You could win fat quarter.  The winner will be announced Friday, September 30.

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win a charm pack of Chrysalis by Sanae for Moda Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, September 26, at midday AEST.

QuiltMaker blog is having a giveaway.  You could win an art print from Susan Kendrick of Sweetwater.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, October 11.

Lavender Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win charm pack of moda's Collection for a Cause - Comfort.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Here we are at Monday again.  I'm ready to get back to my sewing machine since it has been on a four day vacation.  After seeing all of those amazing quilts, I am ready to do some creating of my own.   Time to hear that humming again.  I hope to get a couple of things completed this week before my DD#1 and GS#2 arrive Thursday evening.  I do have to leave a little time for cleaning, well, at least in my sewing room.  That is where my grandson will be sleeping and I can't leave out little dangerous things like the rotary cutter, scissors, pins, needles, etc.  Luckily, the week doesn't have a bunch of other obligations stuck in there, just the biweekly grocery shopping trip.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are now ready to start your week.  Welcome Monday!!

Give thanks for what you are now, and keep fighting for what you want to be tomorrow. 
~Fernanda Miramontes-Landeros

A Completed Mystery

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.

~Lily Tomlin

What a relaxing weekend I had.  With DH gone, there were no errands to run or meals to fix.  I had a wonderful time visiting with my SIL.  We watched a few movies, caught up with each others lives, and just relaxed.  We even had dinner delivered to the door Saturday evening :)  I was able to get quite a bit of hand sewing in and spent very little time online.  DH and BIL arrived home around 3:00 Sunday happy and a little sunburned.  It was a great weekend all around.  Sometimes it's nice to have the regular routine of life interrupted, even if it's just for a couple of days.  I hope you all had a great weekend, too.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Blueberries

July is National Blueberry Month, unless you live in British Columbia - then National Blueberry Month is August.  Doesn't a blueberry muffin sound good right about now?  Or a fresh picked bowl of blueberries?  How about a warm out of the oven blueberry pie?  I'll take all three, thank you very much.  Here are a few facts about blueberries to help you celebrate:

* blueberries are related to azaleas, camellias, heathers, and rhododendrons

* Wild blueberries tend to contain more brain-saving bioflavonoids than the domestic ones

* blueberries are native to North America

* In Sweden, dried blueberries are used to treat childhood diarrhea.  This use is attributed to anthocyanosides, a natural substance found in blueberries which is believed to be lethal to E.Coli

* blueberries won't ripen once they are picked

* On January 12, 2004, Gov. James E. McGreevey of New Jersey signed a bill into law naming the blueberry the Garden State’s official fruit

* blueberries have more antioxidants than most other fruits and vegetables

* Blueberry Jelly Bellies were created especially for Ronald Reagan

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ONE MORE JOURNAL BLOCK

On Friday I finished up the second block for A Gardener's Journal quilt......


This block is called Watering The Garden.  It will end up being 4 1/2" X 6 1/2".  I don't really  like the way the blue thread shows through for the water lines but it called for a running stitch and I couldn't really figure out how to prevent this and still have the spaces in between the stitches.
 

Here is the back.  I had to use knots this time on the back because of the french knots (the flower buds on the large bush) and for the beginning and ends of the running stitches.  Two down and 22 more to go.  Of course, some of those 22 blocks are very small - thank goodness :)

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IT'S A WRAP!

Over the weekend I worked on hand stitching down the binding.....

It seemed like an endless binding.......but I finally finished!

This is the Designer Mystery BOM 2009/2010 that you watched me work on for almost a year.  One block a month, each with a Christmas theme. 

The beautiful quilting was done by my friend, Vera Watkins.  And, do you know, when it was time to pick up my quilt from Vera, she presented us with an absolutely delicious pan of homemade cinnamon breakfast rolls.  Thank you so very much, Vera, for the wonderful quilting job and for the scrumptious breakfast rolls!

This is my first, and probably last, Christmas quilt.  This was a fun quilt to make.  Fat Quarter Shop provided plenty of fabric for each block, so much so that I lots of scraps for future projects.  The finished size is 69" X 75".  It feels good to have another quilt finished this year!!!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will work on a the 'simple' quilt I started last week.

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GIVEAWAYS

Threadgatherer is having a giveaway.  Here is one more chance for you to win a GO! Baby Cutter and 3 dies.  Deb will select a winner on Thursday, July 14.

I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win some fabric from Robert Kaufman and/or some Amanda Murphy patterns.  Ryan will announce the winners on  Wednesday, July 13.

Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches is having a Thank You giveaway.  You could win a notebook cover made from a "Lizzy Kate" pattern and some other added surprises.  This giveaway ends Sunday, July 17, at midnight.

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway.  You could win 2 charm packs (76 charms total) of Kate Spain's new Terrain that is not yet available in the stores.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 15, at midnight.

My Quilt Diary is celebrating her blogiversary with a giveaway.  Julie is giving away a few things that are very Japanese.  She will draw a winner on her actual blogiversary, Monday, July 23.

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FINAL THOUGHT

It's a new week.  Monday brings all sorts of plans and wishes for the week to come.  I hope to get lots of sewing in this week.  I plan to finish a quilt top this week.  Perhaps I'll make a block or two of the WIP that is sitting on my sewing table that just recently moved from the UFO pile.  Maybe I can even get some stitchery time in too.  Oh, and I need to make some 12" blocks so I can start practicing fmq.  Of course there's reading blogs, emails, and preparing my own blog.  And I suppose I need to fix a dinner or two - DH sometimes likes to eat dinner when he gets home from a long day at work.  No shopping is planned for this week - that's definitely a good thing!!  And, of course, I have to stop numerous times a day to give doggy loves and hugs - therapy for both pups and me.  Do you have big plans this week?  Do you have a specific wish for this week?

I like to think of thoughts as living blossoms borne by the human tree.
~James Douglas

Quilt Top = Finished

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
~Abraham Lincoln

They say a picture paints a thousand words.  Well, I wish I had a painting right about now because I'm minus words.  My thought bank is empty.  The last couple of days have been rather humdrum days.  Nothing exciting except for a little package in the mail yesterday which I will share later in this blog.  Didn't listen to the radio so I don't even know if there is anything of interest happening in my area or out in the world.  I've been in the doldrums the last couple of days - experiencing a bit of melancholia.  My 'woohoo' has become 'meh'.....  That's it!  Snap out of it immediately!  Okay!  I'm better now.  I have a smile on my face and my fingers are flying again :)  Watch out world - here I come!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

June 3rd is Egg Day

Today is Egg Day.  Did you have an egg for breakfast this morning?  How about some egg facts:

* The average hen will lay about 245 eggs per year.

* The older a hen gets, the larger her eggs become

* Hens with white feathers and earlobes produce white eggs, and hens with red feathers and earlobes produce brown eggs.

* To see if an egg is raw or boiled, spin it. A raw egg will wobble and a cooked egg will spin freely

* Eggs age more in one day at room temperature than they do in a week if refrigerated.

* A hen requires 24-26 hours to produce one egg.

* Double-yolked eggs are produced by younger hens whose egg production cycles are not yet synchronized.

* Egg Yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D
* About 240 million laying hens produce approximately 5.5 billion dozen eggs per year in the United States .
* An egg shell is made of calcium carbonate, which is also the main ingredient in some antacids.
* Eggs are about 105 degrees Fahrenheit when laid

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THE TOP IS FINISHED!

Yesterday I finally sewed the borders on the Designer Mystery BOM 2010 quilt top.....

Unfortunately my quilt holder (aka my DH) wasn't home for picture time.  I had to lay this out on my bed, stand on a chair and try to get the entire quilt top in the picture.  As you can see, I was not successful.  But I think you can get the idea.  The bottom right corner matches the upper left corner with three stars.  Now to piece the backing together and then I'm taking it to a local long arm quilter on Monday!  Pretty soon I will  have another finish to post! 

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YESTERDAY'S MAIL

Today I received blocks from my partner in the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia......

Sally sent me these two wonderful little blocks in my requested colors of red, white, and blue.  Aren't they great?  Thank you so very much, Sally!

Also in the mail yesterday, I received an order I had placed with Connecting Threads......

Isn't this new line adorable?  It's called Bits & Bobbins by Jennie Calo.  I just couldn't pass up the bright colors and quilting related prints.  This is my first fabric splurge in several months so I figured I earned this little fat quarter bundle - lol!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will piece the backing together for the quilt top and then work on a little quilt for donation to the neonatal unit through my guild.

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GIVEAWAYS

Craftaholics Anonymous is having a giveaway.  You could win a $75 gift card to Target.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, June 8, at 11:59 pm.

Sew 4 Home is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Countryside Softies by Amy Adams.  This giveaway ends ?

Hancocks of Paducah is having a giveaway.  You could win a Tradewinds Quilt Kit.  Sweepstakes ends July 15.

Adventures In Oz has started the June Finish Your Project Challenge.  You could win a $30 shopping spree to Crazy Quilt Girl Fabric Shop.  You have until Thursday, June 30, to send a picture of your finished projects to Annie!

Sew Cal Gal is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a New Sewing Class at VirtueRadioNetwork.com.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, June 8, at midnight PST.

We Love Quilting is having a June giveaway.   They are giving away a surprise box and say "you WILL NOT be disappointed".  I am assuming this giveaway runs for the entire month.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Well!  This was a short week!  Friday is already here and I feel like the week has just begun.  Our weekend will be a busy one.  We will be heading out for my DH's worst nightmare "favorite" shopping adventure - our every four week run to Walmart and Costco.  As we approach the doors to Walmart I tell him to 'breath and think of your happy place'.  I can almost see his nerves knotting as we near the parking lot.  Hopefully it won't be too busy and maybe, just maybe, we can make it to Costco before they put out all of those little snacky stations - those places where entire families eat their noonday meal, blocking the entire aisle, and then throwing their trash on the floor.  Oh what fun we will have :D   What are your plans for the weekend?

A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need.
~Sidney Carroll

Slowly The Snail Escapes....

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Has anybody else had the dilemma of trying to decide between sewing and blog hopping?  With all of the giveaways currently going on at Sew, Mama, Sew's May Giveaway (see link below under GIVEAWAYS)  it's hard to stay away from the computer.  It would be different if the giveaways lasted a week, but most of them are only open for the next couple of days.  I've only had time to look at a handful of those participating.  Each blog is offering such wonderful prizes!  Maybe tomorrow I can squeeze a few more in.  Maybe next year they could extend the length of the giveaway.  Have you been hopping about?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

National Escargot Day

May 24 is considered National Escargot Day.  Escargot is a tasty appetizer made from cooked snails that has been consumed by humans for centuries.Escargot can be considered a healthy food because snails are high in protein and very low in fat. The ones that are edible have a lot of magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin B1, Vitamin E and many essential amino acids.  However, not all species of snails are edible and the taste of the snails vary among species.
To cook escargot, the snails are removed from their shells, gutted, and cooked with garlic butter. Once cooked, they are then poured back into the shells to be served. Did you know that the French consume 40,000 metric tons of snails annually? If you've never tried escargot, National Escargot Day is a great reason to give them a try! Of NOT!

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GIFTS

Yesterday's mail brought a couple of belated birthday gifts.  I like it when my birthday manages to encompass more than one day :)

My friend, Mary (Needled Mom), sent me this absolutely gorgeous fabric postcard.  I have never attempted thread painting and her flower is just amazing!  Thank you, Mary!

My friend, Annie (Adventures In Oz) sent me five fantastic batik fat quarters, some darling Post It notes, and a oh-so-cute magnetic note pad!  I have the project already picked out for the batiks for later in the year and you can never have enough sticky notes or note pads.  Thank you so very much, Annie!!

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A LITTLE MORE DESIGNER

In between blog hopping I did manage to get some sewing in......

I finished the bottom two rows including all of the sashing of the 2010 Designer Mystery BOM.  Now I just have to make the borders and it will be time to get it to the long arm quilter :)

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LOST POST

I guess I'm never going to get back my post from May 12.....lost in the Blogger malfunction of the year.  And since I use this blog as a sort of scrapbook/journal I need to re-post the picture of my finished quilt once again.....

Just in case you don't know, this is my finished quilt from the Layer Cake QAL hosted by Moose On The Porch.  It was quilted by Joanne Lendaro of Insanely Cheap Quilting and she did a beautiful job.  Sorry, I won't bore you with this one again!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Since tomorrow is One Flower Wednesday, I think I should probably get a hexie flower made :)

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GIVEAWAYS

The Intrepid Thread is having Market Giveaway #5.  This time you could win two fat quarter bundles:  either Prince Charming or Kumari Garden Holiday.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 28. 

Stitch Your Soul is having a giveaway.  You could win 6 fat quarters of hand dyed cottons all cold water resist dyed by myself, 5 fat quarters of some fab spotty cottons, hand dyed blue cotton with block printed butterflies and hearts in blue and metallic green, some of her stash of vintage buttons, and 9 x 12" butterfly patchwork blocks made by Alice, herself.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31.

KoolBeenz is having giveaway #9.  April is giving away a Dilly Dally charm pack by moda.  This giveaway ends Friday, May 27, at midnight.

Adventures in Oz is having her Mystery Monday giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters in your choice of color.  The winner will be announced Monday, May 30.

Mariliz's Musings is having a giveaway.  You could win 5 beautiful fat quarters from Mary's stash.  This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 8:00 pm.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a yard of Kona Cotton, color your choice and Five Balls of Finca Thread, colors also your choice!  The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 26.

Cottonwood Lane Primitives is having a giveaway.  You could win a Maggie Bononomi design penny rug.  The giveaway will happen when Roberta reaches 100 followers.

The Intrepid Thread is having a final Market giveaway.  You could win a fat eighth pack of Ruby.  This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at midnight.

Sew, Mama, Sew is having her Giveaway Day May 2011.  There are 3 categories with oodles of blogs participating - each having their own giveaway.

Do you like pin cushions?  I'm giving away a sunflower pincushion in conjunction with the May Day giveaway.  You can find the giveaway at GIVEAWAY DAY IS HERE!  This giveaway ends on Thursday, May 26, at 7:00 am PST.

Do you like fabric?  You could win 8 one half yards cuts of coordinated fabric at My Birthday Giveaway Celebration.   This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I have been thinking about entering a quilt in the local quilt show this coming January.  I'm just not sure if I meet the grade.  It's a quilt that I haven't even started yet.  Those of you who have entered quilts, what are some helpful hints you can pass on to me - and others thinking of making the same leap?  How do you decide which quilt(s) you might enter in a competition?  I'm really nervous about this.  And this isn't the same kind of nervous as attending the guild meeting.  I've never had my quilt work judged.  I have had counted cross stitch judged and won Best In Show two years running at the local county fair.  But for some reason this just has set my nerves on edge.  Maybe I should make the quilt and then decide.  I'm looking for any advice you experienced quilt show exhibitors care to share!

Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won't have time to make them all yourself.

 ~Alfred Sheinwold

My Birthday Celebration Giveaway!

Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.
 ~Larry Lorenzoni

Today should be a good day!  Today should be a happy day!  Why?  Today is MY birthday!!!!  Another year older and maybe a year wiser - but I can't promise the second apart.  It just seems like yesterday I was 20.  But the years have flown by and now I'm 56!  And, yes, I'm not afraid to say my age.  I have the gray hair to prove it and the proverbial crows feet.  But I've earned each and every one of those gray hairs and I hope I've earned the crows feet from smiles.  I'm happy to be celebrating another year.  What are my plans today?  Not sure.  Maybe some sewing, maybe some stitching.  I'm just going to go with the flow and see what happens.  Do you admit your age or are you the eternal 29 or 39?  Or have you started counting your birthdays backwards?  Be proud of your age and announce it to the world!

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PHOTO FACTS OF THE DAY

Birthday Cake

(It's not mine - but isn't it amazing!)

The birthday cake has been an integral part of the birthday celebrations in Western cultures since the middle of the 19th century.  That's really not a long time but thank goodness it's a tradition that caught on.  Here is some interesting birthday trivia to celebrate the day:

* More people celebrate their birthdays in August than in any other month (about 9% of all people). The two other months that rate high for birthdays are July and September.

* A recent survey suggests that more people are born on October 5 in the United States than any other day. October 5 holds a not-so-surprising significance, as conception would have fallen on New Year's Eve.

* Since your last birthday 31,536,000 seconds have passed.

* The melody for the Happy Birthday song was first penned by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill.

* A Golden Birthday happens only once in a person's lifetime. It happens when the person's age and the date of the day they were born is the same.
* The world's largest birthday cake was created in 1989 it weighed 128,238 pounds, 8 oz. and used 16,209 pounds of icing.
* The day of the week with the least birthdays is Sunday.
* Birthday parties were originally thought to keep evil spirits away.

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QUILT TOP GROWS

Yesterday I started assembling the Designer Mystery BOM quilt top.

First I had to cut out 31 red sashing pieces, 20 turquoise cornerstone pieces, and 80 white snowflake corner pieces.

And then I was able to start assembling the top.  I put the first two rows together before lunch.  So far I'm lovin' this quilt top!  Two more rows and and some border stars and sashing and I will have a completed top!!

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JOIN THE FUN

I don't know if you remember the post where I included the Finish The Project Challenge being hosted by Adventures In Oz.  Here's all you have to do:

1) finish a project (or 2 or 3...or more). It doesn't have to be a quilt. It can be a purse or other sewing or fiber project. It just needs to be finished.

2) send a picture of your finished project to rubyslipperz106@hotmail.com
(one picture per project please)

You could win a $30 shopping spree to Crazy Quilt Girl Fabric Shop.  But you have to be quick about it - your entries must be made by the end of the month.  For all of the information, just click on the link above or on the button on the right sidebar.  I have made a couple of entries and hope you will join me in this fun little challenge!

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A LITTLE MORE BALTIMORE

The last couple of evenings I have worked on my 4th Baltimore block......

I have now added folded rose bud tips.  The instructions say not to stitch these down - but I want to be able to use this quilt and am afraid that they would get ripped off if not anchored at the tips in some way.  So I stitched around the two sides and top.  Too bad the lighting wasn't better because you can't really see how the buds are folded.  Maybe next time I should take the picture in some sunlight.  Next is the green base of the flower bud.

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MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Are you ready to help me celebrate my birthday?  I am!!!  Since I can't have you all over for cake and ice cream, how about we celebrate with a GIVEAWAY!  Would you like to see what I am giving away?

Do you like the colors?  Are you intrigued?  I know, I can be such a tease......

This is 8 one half yard cuts of a fabric line called Jasmine by Pamela Mostek for Clothworks.  That's 4 yards of beautiful, coordinated fabric!!  I bought this fabric a few years back and it's just been sitting in it's plastic bag on my shelf looking lonely.  It's time for it to go to someone else - maybe you!

How can you enter my giveaway?

 

Leave me one comment stating your age and the month of your birth. 

 If I were leaving the comment I would write:

"I am 56 years old and was born in May"

And, if you would like a second chance in the giveaway...

Blog about my giveaway, and then come back and leave me a second comment with a link to where you posted it. (I will check for the link and make sure it works)

Rules:

* Maximum of two entries per person

* If you are a no-reply blogger, you must include your email address in your comment.

* If I can't contact you, you can not win!

* This giveaway is open to everyone.  And, yes, that means I will ship internationally.

* If you are selected as the winner, you must respond to my email within two days.  If you don't, I will draw another winner.

* This giveaway ends Monday, May 30, at 7:00 pm PST

* The winner will be announced no later than my regular post on Tuesday, May 31st.

Good luck everyone!!  I think this is a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday.  I will try to respond to each and every one of  your comments but please don't get upset if you don't hear from me. 

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will enjoy my birthday!!

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GIVEAWAYS

Sew Cal Gal is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a copy of My Design House Software by  Angie Padilla.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, May 25, at midnight PST.

The Spunky Diva is having a giveaway.  You could win an Accuquilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter and your choice of three dies.  This giveaway ends June 7th.

The Intrepid Thread is having giveaway #3. This time you could win a fat 1/8th bundle of Dazzle by Melissa Averinos.  This giveaway ends Thursday, May 26

Sarah Vedeler Designs is having a great giveaway.  You could win everything needed to make the GO! Bloom Quilt!  A winner will be chosen Wednesday, May 25, at 10:00 PST.

A Quilt Is Nice is having an ADORNit giveaway.  You could win One Buckaroo Fat Quarter Stack (includes 13 fat quarters) with a coordinating ADORNit Buckaroo Pattern Book or One Vintage Groove Fat Quarter Stack ( includes 14 fat quarters) with a coordinating ADORNit Vintage Groove Pattern Book.  A winner will be selected on Saturday, May 21.

Sew Sweetness if having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of  Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts by Pam and Nicky Lintott.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, May 25, at 11:00 pm CT.
 
Maureen Cracknell Handmade is having a sponsored giveaway.  The Fabric Farm is giving away Quilting Cotton fat quarter set of the Innocent Crush Charmed Palette.  This giveaway ends Sunday, May 22, at 8:00 pm EST.
 
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FINAL THOUGHT
 
May is a very expensive month in our household.  I don't care that "More people celebrate their birthdays in August than in any other month " - not so in our house.  This is how May goes in our home:  May 5th - SIL's birthday; Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May; May 20th is my birthday; May 21st is my Mother's birthday: and May 31st is DH's birthday.  It used to also include my FIL's birthday on the 15th.  And, after all that, it's quickly followed by our DGS#2's birthday on June 2; our anniversary on June 14, and then Father's Day.  When I was pregnant with DD#2, I informed the doctor that if he told me she was due in May that I would either have her early or cross my legs until June!  Luckily, she was born in the middle of April - lol!  So, as you can see, there is a celebration of one kind or another almost every weekend for almost two months.  So much to celebrate!  And so it continues :D
 
Artificial intelligence is a wonderful thing.
 I told my computer that today is my birthday,
and it said that I needed an upgrade.
~Author Unknown

Continue celebrating and have a glorious weekend!!!