DID I FINISH?

A woman can say more in a sigh than a man can say in a sermon.

~Arnold Haultain

My Monday was actually pretty darn good :)  I accomplished my goal for the day plus a little bit more.  I even wasted time on the computer (once again *sigh*) trying to figure out a couple of things and trying to locate a brown pigma pen that apparently no place in my town carries.  I did find one and instead went ahead and ordered a full assortment pack.  I also found a few other little tidbits that I will share with you when they have arrived and I have tested them out.  How was your Monday?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day is marked on the 8th of March every year.[1] It is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. 
The first IWD was observed on 19 March 1911 in Germany following a declaration by the Socialist Pary of America. The idea of having an international women's day was first put forward at the turn of the 20th century amid rapid world industrialization and economic expansion that led to protests over working conditions.
Today, many events are held by women's groups around the world. The UK-based marketing company Aurora hosts a free worldwide register of IWD local events so that women and the media can learn about local activity. Many governments and organizations around the world support IWD.

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ANOTHER DREADED LOG CABIN BLOCK

Yesterday I made the second log cabin block needed for a swap.

Cheryl M requested a log cabin block made from traditional Christmas colors.  She is my Christmas Quilting Block Swaps Australia swap partner for March.  Did you notice the snow flake in the middle of the gold center block?  I'm not so sure about the first strips around the center block on the red side but I couldn't find a lighter color red to go there.  I hope Cheryl likes the block.

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MY WINNINGS FROM WENDY

Saturday brought me a super great squishy package.  Last week I won a giveaway over at Why Knot?, Wendy's blog.  I opened the envelope and pulled out.....

This wonderful plastic bag with all sorts of goodies in it.  The postcard is a picture of the Bitterroot River in Montana.  Inside this plastic bag was......

A wonderful handmade bucket with the words "Make Life SIMPLE" on it.  I must remember to read that every morning - lol!  Wendy also included a Pure charm pack, lots of little and big Sweetwater iron on labels that will be fun to use, a beautiful mug rug and 1/2 yard Canvas Authentic.  Inside the bag and on the back of the mug rug was......

This cute little label that Wendy had made by Sweetwater.  I'm definitely going to be checking into those. 

Thank you so very much, Wendy, for all of the great goodies!!

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FINALLY FINISHED

Over the weekend I actually FINISHED a project!  Garden Fancies is completed!  Woohoo!  And it's my first ever wool project.

Here is one end of the table runner.  All of the stitching completed including the blanket stitch all the way around.

And here is the entire piece.  All finished and now holding court on our sideboard.  My DH says he really likes it alot but then if he knows what's smart, that is what he better say - lol!  I am happy with my work on this and look forward to my next wool project later this month.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will complete at least one hexagon flower for One Flower Wednesday.  Who knows, maybe I'll even start a new project, too.

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GIVEAWAYS

Gen X Quilters is having a Fresh Squeezed Fabrics giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter set of Cloud Nine's latest organic line, Nature Walk.  This giveaway ends Saturday, March 12, at 11:59 pm EST.

Gone Stitchin' is celebrating having 100 followers.  Cheryll is putting together a package of goodies to giveaway.  Not sure when Cheryll will draw a winner for this one.

The Sentimental Quilter is having a book giveaway.  You could win a copy of American Doll Quilts.  This giveaway will end Wednesday, March 9, at 10:00 pm CST.

The Quilting Pirate is having her Manic Monday giveaway.  This week Toni is giving away 5 different fabrics and about 40 squares....all 5".  Along with the charms she has a pattern she not longer needs called "Roll Out The Charm" by From the Nest Designs.  Toni will select and announce a winner next Monday, March 14.

Pins and Bobbins is having a giveaway.  You could win a Cutting Edge Ruler.  Chelsea will draw a winner on Sunday, March 13th. 

Don't forget about my giveaway - 2 B. Bumble and Company patterns.  You can enter HERE. 

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FINAL THOUGHT

Why is it that Monday can either start really great or set the pace for a really rotten week.  There just doesn't seem to be any in between.  Don't get me wrong, I have had a week start really well that suddenly takes a bad turn mid week but if it starts bad, it just seems to stay that way.  Maybe it's karma or the alignment of the sun, moon, and stars.  Maybe it's just plain fate.  I honestly think that there are times when it really doesn't matter what you do or plan, your ideals for the week just vanish. Poof!  I certainly wish I had the answer for it all.  A way to predict the future for just a week.  Wouldn't that be cool?  Then you could plan and be prepared for it all.  Oh well.  C'est la vie!  Live and let live!  We'll deal with it when it comes!

The future is always beginning now. 
 ~Mark Strand

Today is Tuesday!  Take the day and make it yours.

Blocks And Stitches

Happiness is never stopping to think if you are.
 ~Palmer Sondreal

Yesterday was a good day.  I finished both of the blocks I set as my goal.  I prepared several packages to put in the mail making me smile with so many completed monthly obligations out of the way.  I went to lunch with my BFF and we had a fun time discussing politics and the housing market (he is a real estate agent) with a little bit of gossip thrown in for good measure.  I found another charity to donate to (more on Monday) that will only take a block contribution and still make someone happy.  My dog, Weasley, was snoring loudly next to me which means he was also in a happy place.  The only mar to a perfectly good day was going grocery shopping, but, alas, it had to be done and unfortunately wouldn't do itself.  Yesterday brought me happiness :)

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

An Oreo Cookie

Though most of us have spent a lifetime cherishing Oreo cookies, did you know that since their introduction on March 6, 1912, the Oreo cookie has become the best selling cookie in the U.S.?   In 1912, Nabisco had a new idea for a cookie - two chocolate disks with a creme filling in between. The first Oreo cookie looked very similar to the Oreo cookie of today, with only a slight difference in the design on the chocolate disks.  The shape and design of the Oreo cookie didn't change much until Nabisco began selling various versions of the cookie. In 1975, Nabisco released their DOUBLE STUF Oreos.  So how did the Oreo get its name? The people at Nabisco aren't quite sure. Some believe that the cookie's name was taken from the French word for gold, "or" (the main color on early Oreo packages). Others claim the name stemmed from the shape of a hill-shaped test version; thus naming the cookie in Greek for mountain, "oreo." Still others believe the name is a combination of taking the "re" from "cream" and placing it between the two "o"s in "chocolate" - making "o-re-o." And still others believe that the cookie was named Oreo because it was short and easy to pronounce.  No matter how it got named, over 362 billion Oreo cookies have been sold since it was first introduced in 1912, making it the best selling cookie of the 20th century.

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SWAP BLOCKS

Yesterday I completed blocks for two different swaps.

This block was made for my swap partner, Caroline, in the Block Swap Adventure.  She requested a star block made in blue and white.  I think this fits the bill and hope that she will like it.  P.S.  We are always open for new members to join us in this fun monthly swap.  You can either click on the link above or on the button in the right sidebar for more info.

This block was made for Rosemary, one of my March partners in the Christmas Quilting Block Swaps Australia group.  I used the same pattern as before but traded places with the print fabrics.  Rosemary requested a block with traditional Christmas colors.  I hope she likes her block, too.

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A SQUISHY PACKAGE

As promised earlier in the week, here are the contents of one of the squishy envelopes I received on Monday.

Last month I was the winner of a giveaway over at Briarside Lane!  There is 3 1/2 yards of gorgeous fabric here.  Don't you just love the colors?  These will be very fun to create with.  Thank you, Karen!!

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GARDEN FANCIES UPDATE

I had a hard time coming up with a solution to marking the words I needed to stitch on my wool.  I had a couple of great suggestions from followers - thank you!  However, I came up with an idea of my own and probably one that many of you experienced in working with wool have already used.

I traced the words onto a tear away stabilizer and then pinned that to the wool.  I am able to stitch right through stabilizer with no problem.  I just have to be a little careful tearing it off so it doesn't pull the stitches out.  This is a medium weight stabilizer.  I think if I used a light weight piece next time it would be just that much easier to remove.  But the main thing....Problem Solved!  Now I'm almost ready to put on the backing and will soon be able to call this FINISHED!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to make a block for charity and maybe another block for a swap

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GIVEAWAYS

Diary of a Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a signed copy of Amy Ellis' new book, Modern Basics.  This giveaway ends on Sunday, March 5, at midnight MST.

There's a giveaway over at Quilt Story.  You could win 10 fat quarters of Fresh Squeezed Fabrics.  Don't know when this giveaway ends.

Quilt Taffy is having a giveaway.  You could win a charm pack of either not yet released Hullabaloo or Oh My!.  Another unknown end date.

The Knit Wit is having a CSN giveaway.  This time you could win a $45 gift certificate.  This ends March 17th at noon EST.

Creative Confessions is having a giveaway to celebrate her birthday!  Heather is giving away a set of 100 1/2" die cut hexagon papers, a set of 100 1" die cut hexagon papers, and a gorgeous book called, "Quilts from Grandmother's Garden".  This giveaway ends Sunday, March 6th, at midnight.

The Plaid Scotty is having a Blogiversary Giveaway.  Kaelin is giving away a fat quarter bundle of the Beach Mod Circa 60 line by Monaluna and a copy of Denyse Schmidt Quilts.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 9th, at midnight.

Clover and Violet are having a birthday giveaway.  Jennie is celebrating by giving away five lovely fat quarters of Tea Garden by Dena for Free Spirit and your own copy of the Jane bag pdf sewing pattern.  This giveaway ends Monday, March 14, at midnight EDT.

Sew Cal Gal is having a giveaway.  She is giving away a signed copy of Quilt Fiesta (a book I would love to have).  The winner will be drawn sometime in the evening of Tuesday, March 8th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

This weekend promises to bring in some beautiful weather.  Our high for tomorrow is supposed to be just shy of 70 degrees.  We will make our normal run to the Farmer's Market to start the day.  After we return home I think we will spend at least a few hours out in the yard.  The weeds are growing by leaps and bounds from all of the wet weather we have had.  We are almost embarrassed by the size of some of the milkweed out there.  Hopefully the front won't take too long because the back is a regular jungle of weeds, well at least if you are the size of Weasley and Snickerdoodle.  The weeds are covering some of the plants that should be starting to bloom!  Why do they grow so profusely when the plants I baby along just barely struggle to stay alive?  Strength in numbers, maybe?  I hope we can beat back some of the battalions and starting winning the war to get our flower beds back.  What are you plans this weekend?

Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. 
~Michael P. Garafalo

May your weekend be full of wonder and happiness!

It's An Animal Day!

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
~Mark Twain

How old am I?  Let me think.  Today I don't feel as old as I actually am.  If I don't look in the mirror I can actually believe that I am 15 years younger than I really am.  Take away the mirrors and I may never age.  Yesterday I felt every bit of my age.  Parts hurt, the mind was a bit slow and I just felt old.  Why is it our body has to age but our mind doesn't want to?  Why can't we just pick an age and stay there?  I don't want to be in my teens or twenties again - heaven forbid!  But the 40's would be nice.  I liked myself in the 40's.  Life wasn't necessarily easier but I moved with a lot more ease and it didn't take so long to bounce back from lack of sleep.  Youth is wasted on the young!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Dog Biscuits

February 23 is International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, one of many odd holidays set aside (ok, often overlooked) for dogs and their owners.  Dog biscuits have possibly been around since at least Roman times, though they were far from the kind of dog treats we pamper our furry friends with today. The earliest dog biscuits were actually very old, hard, stale bread. Back then "bad bread" was considered "dog's bread."  By the 19th century hunters would give sporting dogs hard barley meal biscuits for energy on a hunt. Grain-only biscuits were slowly upgraded to include vegetables, meat and bone meal. These were homemade and, of course, did not come in any fun shapes or flavors.  Dog biscuits were once classified in the same category as soap! Delicious! 

So, how do you celebrate International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day? There are probably as many ways as there are treats. Give your dog an old favorite or try something innovative and new. Teach a new trick. Or just enjoy watching your dog's body going on full alert in anticipation when you open the treat package! Yep, this is about the easiest holiday there is to celebrate!

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ONE FLOWER WEDNESDAY

Today is also One Flower Wednesday.

Today's flower is really much brighter than the picture shows.  Since I have already made a couple of hexie flowers with dogs, I thought it was only fair to make one with a cat.  He does have an awfully cute smile on his face :)

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LITTLE BLUE BIRD

Yesterday I was able to bind both of the little blue bird 6" mini quilts.

For some reason I made this binding wider than I normally do.  I think this happened because I used an old left over binding that was already pre-cut and I didn't think to measure it until it was already sewn on.  Lately I have been cutting my bindings 2" wide, especially for small items like this.  This one measured out at 2 1/4" when I measured one of the scraps.  It's amazing how much that little 1/8" can add to the width on one side of the fold.

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GARDEN FANCIES

Yesterday I was also able to work some on my Garden Fancies wool table runner.

I have the stems stitched on both ends and some of the leaves stitched on this end.  The stems were supposed to be stitched in a pearl cotton - one that could not be found in my town.  I didn't want to wait to order some so I just used 4 strands of DMC floss.  It looks okay but probably would have looked even better with the pearl cotton.  Just a few more leaves on this side and all on the other side.  Slowly but surely.

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ADVICE FOR A FRIEND

My new friend, Deborah, is looking for some advice on a quilt she has been working on for a number of years. 

She has added a narrow black border but wants to add another border with color.  If you will go to blog, Deborah's Test Blog, and give her your suggestions, she and I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks!

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TODAY'S GOAL

The next Layer Cake QAL block was released yesterday - I am going to make it today!

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GIVEAWAYS

Insights From SewCalGal is having a book giveaway.  You could win a personally signed copy of Amy Ellis' new book "Modern Basics".  The winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, February 27th.

Creative Chicks is having a 500th post (can you imagine 500 posts?) giveaway.  They are giving away 8 fat quarters of Vintage Sheets.  The winner will be announced on Friday, February 25th.

Sew Happy.Me is having a fabric giveaway.  They are giving away a bundle of fat quarters from Doll Babies by Henry Glass.  But hurry as this giveaway ends tonight at midnight!

Hilachas is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway.  She is giving away 9 fat quarters from Connecting Threads, an Olfa 45 mm refill blade, and a spool of 100% Egyptian Cotton Thread.  This giveaway ends March 8, at midnight.

Jaybird Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  The Fabric Quarter is going to give away a half yard bundle of Magnolia Lane from Michael Miller with a few companion fabrics... totaling 7 half yards of fabric!  This giveaway ends Thursday, February 24, at 10 pm EST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I'm the first to admit that my dogs are spoiled rotten.  They each have their special food and favorite treats.  They sleep with us at night and have their own beds - one in the kitchen and one in the sewing room - both piled high with blankets and afghans.  After all, I don't want them to get the least bit cold.  They sit in our laps when we watch TV or sleep on the couch while we eat our dinner.  I remember when the only time you took your dog to the vets was if he was sick or needed a shot to be licensed.  Now they go for their yearly check up and if they are over four years old, they get their annual teeth cleaning too.  Our dogs are definitely part of our family - they are our "babies".  I would feel lost without them.  Nothing else gives unconditional love like a dog.  Those big brown eyes and wagging tail; who could resist.  I just know that when I die I want to come back as a dog in the life of luxury.

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.
~Gilda Radner


May you spend your Wednesday wisely!!

Hearts, Blocks, & Fancies

Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men.

~Chinese Proverb

I didn't know that spring had decided to visit us already.  I knew the last two days had been warmer than normal.....but spring?  If it isn't spring, then someone forgot to let the trees and plants know.  When I was out yesterday afternoon, I noticed that a fruitless pear tree was beginning to honor us with its pretty little white flowers.  And joining the tree's little show was a flowering quince in all its salmon splendor.  Many of the trees are putting on leaf buds and the tulips are starting to stick their foliage above soil level.  And, of course, we have a bumper crop of weeds in the garden this year.  Mother Nature forgot to tell these wonders that winter is not yet over.  I will enjoy them while I can!  Is anything blooming in your area?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Candy Conversation Hearts

It's that time of the year again.  Heart shaped candy everywhere.  Creations out of chocolate, cakes, cookies, and just about anything else you can be eaten.  Have you ever wondered how the little conversation hearts came into being?  The concept of Sweethearts Conversation Hearts, originally called Motto Hearts, dates back to the late 1800’s when printed sayings on colored paper were placed in “Cockles,” small crisp candies formed in the shape of a scalloped shell. In 1866, Daniel Chase, brother of Oliver Chase, who founded NECCO in 1847, invented the process, which allows the sayings to be printed directly on the candy.  The modern Sweethearts Conversation Hearts dates back to the early 1900’s. Cut in various shapes, such as postcards, baseballs or horseshoes and embossed with curlicues, the original hearts had room for much longer sayings, enabling would-be lovers to send messages such as “Please send a lock of your hair by return mail,” or “How long shall I have to wait? Pray be considerate.” One thing Sweethearts lovers can count on each year is the candy’s simple formula. Since the hearts inception, the recipe has remained basically unchanged.  To meet the demand for its Sweethearts Conversation Hearts, NECCO produces approximately eight billion candies throughout the year. The entire production – more than 100,000 pounds a day – sells out in just six weeks. 

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One Flower Wednesday

I almost forgot that it is One Flower Wednesday.  With all of my sitting time at the hospital lately, I've been able to create quite a few of these little hexie flowers.

In honor of the upcoming Valentine Day on Monday I decided to share this little heart petaled flower with you.  If you would like to see hexie flowers created by others, just click on the link above or on the button in the sidebar.  And I'd like to say a big thank to Karen for linking all of us hexie flower makers together each Wednesday!

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BLOCK SWAP BLOCK

Yesterday's mail brought me another gorgeous block.

This block was made by Alicia, my partner for February for the Quilting Block Swap Australia #1.  I love the deep green fabrics she used to make this Storm at Sea block.  Thank you, Alicia!!  Our group had gotten so big that they have started a second group of swappers!  So, if you are thinking about another swap to join, check it out.  Or, there is always room for more members in the Block Swap Adventure (run by little ol' me).

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GARDEN FANCIES

I spent most of yesterday working on my Garden Fancies table runner.  It had been awhile since I had used a blanket stitch and I felt a bit rusty.  But after an hour or so it felt quite normal again.

Here is one end of the runner showing the five flowers I have stitched to the background wool.  I have also stitched the matching flowers on the opposite end.

Here you can see my stitches a little better.  I'm having a little difficulty keeping the centers of the flowers centered.  But then I figure, even in nature flowers aren't usually perfect.  Two more flowers and a butterfly on each end to stitch down.  Then the stems to add and a lot of leaves plus the words above the flowers before it is complete.  If you have stitched on wool, what do you usually use for backing?  Cotton fabric, wool, or felt?

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I'm going to make the latest block for the Layered Cake QAL.  It looks fairly simple but has several possibilities for the final layout.  Maybe I will have time to work on the table runner some more.

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GIVEAWAYS

The Quilting Pirate is having a Manic Monday giveaway.  She is giving away a darling apron.  You can enter daily and the winner will be selected Monday, February 14th.

Hanging On By A Thread is having a 300 Follower giveaway.  Patty is giving away a beautiful hand stitched pincushion and some other goodies.  You must enter by February 20th.

Clover & Violet is having a Think Spring giveaway.  Clara and Jennie are giving away a Brooklyn bag sewing pattern along with a Fandango {by Kate Spain for Moda} charm pack and yardage to help you make it!  You have until Monday, February 14th, at midnight EDT to enter. 

Very Berry Handmade is having a Simply Solids Fabric Store giveaway!  You could win 11 fat quarters from Anna Griffin’s Carmen collection.  You have until midnight on Monday, February 14th to enter.

Kim Sherrod Studio is having a CSN gift certificate giveaway!  You could win a $65 gift certificate to spend at this wonderful online store.  This giveaway ends February 10th.

Snippets of a Quilter is celebrating both her birthday and her blog makeover with a giveaway.  Wendy is giving away a table runner the she sewed and quilted, a charm pack that comes with coordinate fabric in pink and an owl bundle that is a kit for a bag and comes with a pattern. Wendy will draw three winning numbers on Valentines Day.

House Of Bad Cats is having a giveaway to celebrate her 100th post.  Amy is not sure exactly what she will be giving away other than it will involve hexies.  The winner for this mysterious giveaway will be selected on Sunday, February 13th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I had my 6 month follow-up with my neurologist yesterday.  Nothings changed and I remain an oddity.  But that is a good thing!  I was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) in 2001.  I have been plateaued (stayed the same) for the last 5 years.  My doctor just shakes her head and chuckles.  I am truly lucky to still be able to care for myself and still do almost everything I love to do.  Being 'strange' can sometimes be good.  Being 'different' can also be good.  If we were all the same and followed the same path, life would be very boring.  I'm proud to be an oddity and plan to remain 'odd' for a long, long time.

Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.
~Voltaire

Welcome Wednesday with open arms and enjoy its splendor!