Will You Vote?

SHHHHHHH!

I hope you can hear us as we are having to whisper.  We have taken over Mom's blog this morning. Please, please don't tell her, we don't want to get in trouble!  We just wanted to remind you about Pets On Quilts.  The voting is happening this weekend!  Did you see Mom's post about us and our her quilt full of color?  You can check it out HERE. 

Then go over to Pets On Quilts being hosted by the wonderful Darlene at Sew Cal Gal and cast your vote.  If you would like to throw your vote our way - dog theme #9 (Stray Stitches), we certainly wouldn't mind.  There are a lot, and we mean bunches, of great looking canines out there so if you would rather vote for one of them we would certainly understand.  And there is a separate category for those strange looking, snooty felines out there in blogland too.  Just be sure to join in the fun and cast your vote!

Hugs,

Snickerdoodle and Weasley

(Mom's little fur babies)

Weasley and Snickerdoodle - Pets On Quilts Show

WOW! Two posts in one day.  But I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to participate in.....

 

Sew Cal Gal is hosting Pets On Quilts Show this week.  Weasley and Snickerdoodle are so excited to be connected to all the fun through the linky.......

This is Weasley. 

 "Does everyone know that it's Pets On Quilts Show Week, Mom?"

"Maybe I'll just lay here and think about all of the prizes that Sew Cal Gal has arranged....."

"But maybe a nice nap here on Mom's quilt would be a better idea......"

Snickerdoodle - "I'm here now!  We'll just let Weasley sleep since that's all he ever seems to do anyway."

"Gee this quilt has lots of colors on it.  But now we are putting our colors on it too.  Hope Mom won't mind"

"Hey Mom!  Thanks for making this great quilt for us.  You don't think Dad really wanted it do you?"

"Hey, Weasley.  Do you really think Mom made this quilt just for us?  Maybe just this once?"

Weasley - "Can't you just go to sleep?"  Snickerdoodle - "How can you sleep with all of the bright colors?"

"Well, maybe I can give it a try.  After all, this quilt is sooooo comfy"

Weasley and Snickerdoodle are the little furry loves of our family.  I hope you enjoyed their little photo parade.  If you would like to see more Pets On Quilts, just visit Sew Cal Gal and click through all of the links that have been added.

Hugs,

Fun Flowers

Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions. 
~Edgar Cayce

I have been dreaming a lot the last couple of nights.  This in itself is unusual because I don't normally dream.  Monday morning I woke up and could remember two of the dreams I had the previous night.  Just stupid dreams that made no sense at all.  Last night I dreamt a lot too.  Couldn't tell you what the dreams were about this time.  However........there was one very odd component to one of the dreams.  In my dream, up in the upper right corner was the sign you see on tv shows for the hearing impaired.  Now that is strange.  Why remember that above all other aspects of the dream.  Does that mean we listen to our tv too loudly - which, according to DD#2 with the super sonic hearing, we do.  Does it mean I was having trouble hearing something in my dream?  Whatever it was, it made me wake up and shake my head as I got out of bed this morning.  I'm sure I will never figure that one out - lol!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Ice Cream Soda

Today is Ice Cream Soda Day.  Doesn't that sound good in all of this hot weather?  The ice cream soda was invented by Robert M. Green in Philadelphia, PA, in 1874 during the sesquicentennial celebration. The traditional story is that, on a particularly hot day, Mr. Green ran out of ice for the flavored sodas he was selling and used vanilla ice cream from a neighboring vendor to keep his sodas cold. His own account, published in Soda Fountain magazine in 1910, states that while operating a soda fountain at the Franklin Institute's sesquicentennial celebration in Philadelphia in 1874, he wanted to create a new treat to attract customers away from another vendor who had a fancier, bigger soda fountain. After some experimenting, he decided to combine ice cream and soda water. During the celebration, he sold vanilla ice cream with soda water and a choice of 16 different flavored syrups. The new treat was a sensation, and soon other soda fountains began selling ice cream sodas. Green's will instructed that "Originator of the Ice Cream Soda" was to be engraved on his tombstone.

  The beverage quickly became very popular, to such a degree that it was almost socially obligatory among teens, although many adults abhorred it. According to some accounts, it was banned, either entirely or on holy days, by some local governments, giving rise to a substitute treat, the sodaless ice cream sundae. As soda was marketed as a miracle cure, it was often considered a substance that required oversight and control like alcohol, another controlled substance that could not be served or purchased on Sundays in many conservative areas. Many soda fountains had to figure out a way to turn a profit on Sundays when selling soda was considered illegal. The solution was to serve ice cream on these days, as it is merely a food product and not a controlled substance. Soda fountains then coined the term "Sundaes" for the ice cream concoctions that they served on "soda's day of rest".

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2 NEW FLOWERS

Yesterday I created two new flowers for One Flower Wednesday and for my GFG.....

This flower was made with DD#2 in mind.  She has played the trumpet since she was 10 and even went on to graduate with an MFA in music performance.

This flower was made by fussy cutting part of another flower.  I couldn't really decide which way to place the petals and this is what I ended up with.

While I'm showing you flowers, I thought I would show you my traveling case.  The petals on the left are the ones I made going down to L.A. and back this weekend.  Lots of stepping stones for my GFG and petals for next month's swap partner.  I do make sure to take matching threads to the petals if I plan to assemble flowers while we travel.

If you are interested in seeing other flowers around blogland you can, thanks to Karen, Journey Of A Quilter, who has provided us with a linky to connect up with each other.  Thank you, Karen!

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HOT SUMMER DAY

Just had to share a photo of Snickerdoodle and Weasley.....

Both of them were sound asleep on their backs - baring their bellies helps to keep them cool.  It's not often I see them laying like perfect little parentheses - lol!

This little funny was sent to me by Jennifer.  Thank you for the little laugh!!

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FMQ - DAYS 5 and 6

I had a lot of fun with this practice.  Leah calls this Wandering Clover.  It's meandering with some petals thrown in.

Yesterday's was more of a challenge.  I divided the piece in half and definitely had more success with the second (right) side.  I still didn't blend the stitching very well in the middle.  This practice piece is called Flowing Glass.  I know I had trouble relaxing with this one and could feel the knot in my shoulders when I was through.  I don't think this will be added to my future quilting.

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TODAY'S and TOMORROW'S GOAL

Today I will work on a mug rug for a swap that needs to be in the mail by the end of the month.

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GIVEAWAYS

Our Busy Little Bunch is having a giveaway.  You could win a Fat Quarter bundle of Hoo's in the Forest by Doohikey Designs, some fun Riley Blake trims and buttons, and a Layer Cake of Sugar & Spice by the Quilted Fish.  This giveaway ends Saturday, July 30.
 

Vrooman's Quilts is having a giveaway.  Sharon has made up 100 Cookie Crumb blocks to giveaway.   This giveaway ends Sunday, July 24.

Freda's Hive is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter from AccuQuilt.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 22.

Lily Pad Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win a seven fat quarter stack of Lola's Posies by Lila Tueller, in the rose colorway, a $20 credit to Dewberry Lane, a set of Quilter's No Melt Press Bars, some thread and a new package of quilting needles.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, July 26.

Cotton Cocktail's is celebrating her second blogiversary with a giveaway.  You could win 4 beautiful fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Monday, July 25.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her Mystery Monday giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters in your choice of colors.  The winner will be announced Monday, July 25.

Keep Me In Stitches is celebrating her one year blogiversary.  Peggy is giving away all sorts of cross stitch goodies.  The winner will be selected on Friday, August 5.

I Have A Notion is having a giveaway.  You could win a Village Green & Portraits Of My Garden Patterns by Amanda Murphy Design.  This giveaway will end Thursday evening, July 20.

Quilting With Debi is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four (4) sets of 200 - 5" charms (2 of 100 different fabrics).  Debi will draw four names on Friday, July 22.

1 Choice 4 Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win an Amelia Jelly Roll or an Amelia Layer Cake or a Hometown Jelly Roll.  This giveaway ends Monday, July 25, at 10:00 pm EST.

The Colorado Lady is having a giveaway.  You could win one of two 1 year subscriptions to Taste of Home.   Suzanne will draw the winners on Sunday, July 24.

Pigtales and Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a Quilters Depot goody bag.  This giveaway ends Monday, July 25.

Me and My Stitches is having a giveaway.  You could win either a piece of jewelry or a scissor fob that Julie created.  A winner will be drawn on Monday, July 25.

Fabric Worm is having their weekly giveaway.  This week you could win  Monica Lee Now We're Going Places, Orange & Lime in 8 Fat Quarters.  This giveaway will end Monday, July 25, at 8:30 am PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

So far I'm enjoying this three day a week blogging schedule.  Monday I was able to sew all the way until 4:45.  Mind you, it did feel strange not stopping at 3:30 to prep for a post on Tuesday.  I was able to spend the afternoon putting borders on quilts made by others of our guild for the QOV project.  It's interesting to see the work of others that you don't normally see - seam allowances, stitch length, etc.  I also was able to prep for the sew-in at Thursday's guild meeting.  We are going to be doing the jelly roll race and since I don't happen to have a jelly roll on hand, I had to finish cutting the pieces to have enough strips.  It's amazing what I can do with a free hour every once in awhile.  I hope you are enjoying your week so far.

One must learn a different... sense of time, one that depends more on small amounts than big ones.
~Sister Mary Paul

Blocks - Both Old and New

Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that suppose to mean? In my heart it don't mean a thing.

~Toni Morrison, Beloved, 1987

It's so hard to be miles and miles away from family.  Yesterday I found out that my DD#1 and her two young sons were in a car accident.  Nobody was injured but her car received a lot of damage.  It's a terrible feeling when you can't go and give your daughter a hug.  Or you can't give your grandsons a great big kiss.  Megan has a lot of stiffness and some bruising in her back.  The grandsons were safely tucked into their car seats and came through with not so much as a scratch.  In fact, they got to go sit up in the great big fire truck and wear the head phones while mom talked to the police officer - how cool for them.  I don't care how old your daughter or sons is, they will always be your child.  Being a mother doesn't end when they move out as adults, even if it's to another state.  The constant worry you had when they were small has diminished some but you still want to be there when something happens - good or bad.  Your children are still your babies no matter how old they get!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

May is ALS Awareness Month.  ALS stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is commonly called Lou  Gehrig's Disease.  ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.  Based on U.S. population studies, a little over 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. (That's 15 new cases a day.) It is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.  Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in persons in their twenties and thirties.  There are several research studies – past and present – investigating possible risk factors that may be associated with ALS. More work is needed to conclusively determine what genetics and/or environment factors contribute to developing ALS. It is known, however, that military veterans, particularly those deployed during the Gulf War, are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS.  Half of all people affected with ALS live at least three or more years after diagnosis. Twenty percent live five years or more; up to ten percent will live more than ten years.  As some of you may know, I was diagnosed with ALS in 2001.  I am one of the lucky 10%!  If you should have any questions concerning ALS, please do not hesitate to ask either through a comment or by email.  Or you can click on the big red A on my sidebar.  I'm NOT looking for sympathy - so please don't tell me how sorry you are -  I just wanted you to be aware that May is ALS month.

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ANOTHER BEE BLOCK

Yesterday I made another block for one of the May hostesses of Let's Bee Together (we have two groups)...

Mollie sent some beautiful fabric to work with but the pieces were a bit small (3 pieces of 9 X 11 - half of a fat quarter) so it was difficult to find a block pattern that would work.  I used a block called Antique Tile but altered it just a bit so it would work with the fabric available.  I like how it turned out and hope Mollie does too.

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UFO FOUND - NOW A WIP

The other day when I was rearranging shelves I found this bag.....

What did it contain?  It contained some blocks, some bags and a few computer printed pictures.  Looking through I discovered it was a Thimbleberries BOM from 2005!  It's called Americana and was purchased from Quilters Quarter ( a company I think is no longer in business).  I vaguely remember working on it.  I also remember getting quite discouraged.

This is what the quilt will look like once I get everything made up. I had previously made up 12 of the blocks......

 

I think Weasley has found his favorite block - lol!  I think I know why I quit working on it.  Looking at the seams, these were obviously made before I bought my 1/4" foot for my sewing machine.  A lot of the seams measure 3/8" while others measure the correct 1/4".  No wonder I got frustrated if the blocks weren't coming out to the correct size.  I did do a fairly good job with matching seams and making nice points though.   I don't think there's a uniform size block in the whole bunch.  I really like the colors and the design of the blocks.  So today I decided I will start working on this quilt again.  Even if it's just one block a day or one block a week.  Heck, if I've waited this long I don't think I need to be in a rush to finish it.  It will be interesting to see what happens when I try assembling the entire top.  I may have to do some fudging here and there. I made a block yesterday.....

This block is called Spinner.  At first I tried sewing the seams a little larger than I normally would.  Do you know how hard it is to make the seams larger than 1/4" when you now always make 1/4" seams?  It was very frustrating so I just gave up and made the seams the right size.  I did have to substitute out the light blue fabric as the first cut I made was 1/8" off and there wasn't enough fabric to make two more blocks.  Oh well, the colors were almost identical to the original piece.  Only 13 more blocks and the center flag to make!!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will make two more Americana blocks.  And hopefully have time to work on the Birdie Stitches BOM.

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GIVEAWAYS

Quilter In The Gap is having a giveaway.  You could win the book Modern Basics by Amy Ellis and 10-1/2yd cuts of Sunkissed and 5/8 yd to use for the binding to make the 1,2,3 quilt in the book.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 10, at midnight.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  This week you could win a Dena Fishbein Kumari Garden fat quarter bundle in Morning.  The winner will be selected on May 11. 

I Have A Notion is having a giveaway.  Kelly is giving away a Beam and Read Light.  She will announce the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Green Fairy Quilts is having a giveaway.  Judi is giving away a fat quarter bundle of "Trick or Treat" by Doodlebug Design Inc for Riley Blake Designs.  The winner will be announced on Monday night, May 9.

Red Pepper Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  Canton Village Quilt Works is giving away a half yard bundle of Robert Kaufman Kona Solid quilting cottons in a range of lovely Spring colors to one lucky reader.  This giveaway ends Saturday, May 7, at 2:00 pm EDT.

A Latte Quilts is having a giveaway.  Paula is giving away four different kits to four lucky winners.  This giveaway ends tonight at midnight CST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Sunday is Mother's Day.  Do you have big plans?  Will you be celebrating with your Mother or with family?  We will be having my mother and sister over for dinner on Sunday.  Probably barbecue of some sort but beyond that I'm not sure what will be on the menu.  My DD#2 and her husband will not be coming up since they were just here two weeks ago and will be returning in two weeks for my birthday.  Actually, that was my choice - having them here for my b-day instead of this Sunday.  I will honor my mother as I should by allowing her to do absolutely nothing while she is here.  It will be a time for her to stay out of the kitchen, away from the cooking chores and the clean up.  A day to celebrate her.  After all, she has been a mother for 55 years and at 83 years old I think she deserves a day of rest.  And to all of you mothers out there....HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Bees, Sneeze, and Weas

The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.

~Patrick Young

They promised us sun yesterday.  All day long sun.  Can you guess how much sun we actually saw?  About an hour.  The rest of the day it was hidden behind clouds that weren't supposed to be there.  The temp was a nice 68 (as promised) but little sun.  The birds were singing and flitting about.  The bees were even lazily buzzing around trying to get their wings warmed up without that promised sun.  The tulips remained closed but the Gerberas decided to show us some color.  Maybe today?  Maybe tomorrow?  That allusive sun.  The provider of all warmth.  I really didn't miss it and am not looking forward to those days of endless sunshine and the heat of summer.  But if you're going to give me clouds you might as well throw some rain in there too.  Thank goodness I'm not a weather forecaster.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Kleenex

In 1924, the Kleenex brand of facial tissue was first introduced. Kleenex tissue was invented as a means to remove cold cream. Early advertisements linked Kleenex to Hollywood makeup departments and sometimes included endorsements from movie stars (Helen Hayes and Jean Harlow) who used Kleenex to remove their theatrical make-up with cold cream. By 1926, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the manufacturer of Kleenex, became intrigued by the number of letters from customers stating that they used their product as a disposable handkerchief.

A test was conducted in the Peoria, Illinois newspaper. Ads were run depicting the two main uses of Kleenex; either as a means to remove cold cream or as disposable handkerchief for blowing noses. The readers were asked to respond. Results showed that 60% used Kleenex tissue for blowing their nose. By 1930, Kimberly-Clark had changed the way they advertised Kleenex and sales doubled proving that the customer is always right. The word Kleenex is now commonly used to describe any soft facial tissue. However, Kleenex is the trademarked name of the soft facial tissue manufactured and sold by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

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HEXIE DAY

Today is Wednesday so that automatically makes it One Flower Wednesday.  I almost forgot about making a hexie flower until late Monday afternoon.....

I guess I'm still on a green kick as far as flowers go.  All the little frogs made me think of spring when the little toads and frogs usually start appearing along creeks and lake shores.  To check out other wonderful hexie flowers you can click on the link above or on the button on the side bar.  There are some very talented ladies out there creating some of the cutest and prettiest flowers around.

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BEE BLOCK

Yesterday I went waaaaaaay out of my comfort zone to create a block for April, this month's hostess for Bee In Oz......

She sent us most of the material needed for this mosaic block - I added two pieces of my own fabric.  As most of you know, I'm very much a traditional piecer.  Give me a pattern or the measurements and I can pretty much produce whatever you ask.  But to ask me to go wonky or abstract and I start to sweat.  April did provide an excellent tutorial but I still had to work with odd shapes and NO PATTERN OR DIMENSIONS other than the finished size of the block - 12.5".  I didn't intend for the block to be cut in half with such straightness and the upper horizontal sashing was supposed to me more angled too.  But this is what I produced.  I really do like the affect of the narrow black sashing and all of the angles that were created.  I just didn't like being the one to create it.  I have to say, being a member of Bee In Oz has really tested me and we've only been at it for four months - lol!

We were also asked to create a 3" signature block....

It may not look like it but it really is square - lol.  And working the mosaic in miniature was even more challenging.  Thank goodness I get a month to rest before I find out what I will asked to make next month - whew!

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RELAXATION

And this is what Snickerdoodle (on the right) and Weasley (buried under the afghan) did while I pulled out my hair creating the mosaic block!

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TODAY'S GOAL

I don't know how much sewing I will get done today but I would like to work on my monthly mini quilt since April is just two days away (if you count today!)

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GIVEAWAYS

Sew We Quilt is having her end of the month giveaway.  You could win a copy of The Quilters Bible and a jelly roll of Bella white.  This giveaway ends Monday.

Sew We Quilt is also have a GO! Baby giveaway.  As with the previous giveaway, this one end Monday also.

The Vintage Sheet Blog is having a giveaway.  Jodi from Come Tarry With Me is giving away a yummy bundle of goodies or vintage sheet pieces.  This giveaway ends Monday, April 4th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

As we journey through life there are bumps in the road that throw us for a curve.  My DH's BFF just lost his mother to cancer.  She fought the fight valiantly for over two years but the cancer finally one.  Her death made remember my dad's final hours.  He knew when his time was almost over.  He made sure we knew where things were and which doctor to call.  He made sure to tell us he loved us and to tell us he would always be with us in spirit.  Apparently this not an uncommon occurrence.  That wonderful woman did the same thing with her family in the wee hours of Monday morning.  No matter what the doctor's say, a person knows when it is their time to go.  I have heard of too many cases like this.  I hope, that when it is my time, that I too, will be able to call the family around for one last hug and kiss, and final word, a final good-bye, see you later.  Don't worry, I'm not planning on doing that any time soon but I just hope it happens that way for me too.

The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.
 ~Seneca

May your day be full of sunshine and rainbows, smiles and happiness!

Will You Contribute?

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
~Roger Caras

I'm have completed the wash created over the weekend.  Two loads of towels had to be done - the ones we used and the ones used on the dogs' feet and bellies every time they went outside.  I can't hardly get them to go outside when it's raining at home but up in Santa Cruz they were happy little explorers even with the rain pelting them.  Following their noses - probably chasing the scent of skunk, opossum, or raccoon - smells they don't come across at home.  Once their curiosity was satisfied, in they'd come, muddy feet and all.  Tails wagging and smiles on their faces as if to say "The yard is safe again and all because of me".  "Aren't you glad I'm here to protect you?"  All dried and happy to be warm only to repeat the entire process an hour or two later.  Me ruled by my dogs?  Never!  Well, yes, all of the time and very willingly- lol!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Our Weasley as a puppy.

National Puppy Day is a special day, recognized on March 23rd annually, to celebrate the magic and unconditional love that puppies bring to our lives. But more importantly, it's a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills, as well as further the mission for a nation of puppy-free pet stores.
National Puppy Day was founded in 2006 by Pet Lifestyle Expert, Animal Behaviorist and Author, Colleen Paige, who is also the founder of National Dog Day and National Cat Day. This holiday, as well as others, are part of Colleen Paige's Animal Miracle Foundation & Network, a non-profit organization which offers financial assistance and educational programs ranging from pet cancer to fire safety and travel safety for kids and pets alike. AMF also hosts many wonderful holiday festivals and trade shows throughout each year and brings local shelter pets to these events hoping to find them a forever home.

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QUILT BLOCKS FOR CANCER

I am a little late to the game but I have decided to answer Colleen's request for Quilt Blocks For Cancer.  Colleen, of Lucky Duck Dreams, is a a five year Stage 4 uterine cancer survivor.  She has a desire to give back to those who suffer since she was cured.   Two years ago Colleen started Team Lucky Duck to participate in Kernersville, NC Relay for Life event.  This year she is unable to participate due to a family event but would still like to raise money.  Colleen is asking you, her (and my) blog friends to send quilt blocks to her so she can assemble them together to make a quilt to raffle off. The quilt block can be a memorial, in honor of, or just a celebration of life.   Yesterday I made a block....

I memory of both my father, Thurman, and mother-in-law, Mildred, who lost their lives to colon cancer.  Colleen suggested making the block in the color that goes with a certain cancer and the color for colon cancer is dark blue.  Mildred lost her battle with cancer 10 years ago and flowers were a reminder of something she loved.  My father lost his battle with cancer 33 years ago and the green reminded me of his eyes and his love of all things green. 

Won't you help Colleen by creating a block for this wonderful cause?  She needs to have the blocks by the end of the month (sorry for the short notice - my fault not Colleen's).  Just click on over to Lucky Duck Dreams for all of the important information.

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WEDNESDAY'S FLOWER

Today is Wednesday, so of course that means it is One Flower Wednesday.   One our trip home yesterday, in between the bumps and curves of the road I managed to make one hexagon flower.....

I'm not really excited about this flower but I must have thought it would look okay when I cut out the fabric.  Maybe I was tired or the lighting was bad but I'm really under enthused about this particular hexie flower.  It will make a good filler in my GFG quilt - maybe in a lost corner or along the outside edge somewhere, or maybe even on the back.

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TODAY'S GOAL

The 11th Layer Cake QAL block was released yesterday so that is my goal for today.

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GIVEAWAYS

Rocknquilts is having a 100th Post giveaway.  You could be the winner of four beautiful fat quarters and the very special Tribute to QN Founder Bonnie Leman issue of Quilters Newsletter from Feb./March 2011.  This giveaway ends Sunday, March 27, at 9:00 pm CST.

Creative Home Expressions is having a giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to fabric.com!  This giveaway ends Friday, March 25, at 11:00 pm EST.

Charming Chatter is the new owner of the Traveling Stash Box.  Kelly added so much new stuff that she now has TWO Traveling Stash Boxes to giveaway.  The new winners will be announced on Monday, March 28.

Sunshower Quilts is having a GO! Baby giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Accuquilt cutter and 3 dies.  This winner will be selected on Friday, March 25.

Red Pepper Quilts is having a giveaway. You could win a bundle of Sarah Fielke's new fabric collection - From Little Things.  This giveaway ends Thursday, March 24, at noon AEDT.

Little Miss Shabby is having a giveaway!  She is giving away a fun little Sherbet Pips & other fabrics charm pack.  This giveaway ends Thursday evening with the winner announced on Friday.

I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  Ryan is giving away four bundles of Animal Party Too.  Winners will be drawn on Friday, March 25.

Hint:  I'm coming up on my 200th post so look for a giveaway that I will be having on March 28.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Roller coasters.  Lots of fun if you like the world to turn upside down or to spin quickly by.  I have only been on one of those mind blowing, treacherous rides in my life.  But, like many of you, I am riding the roller coaster of Spring.  This weekend we had wicked winds - winds that snapped my patio umbrella's wooden pole in half and moved two heavy patio chairs about four feet sideways.  And rain - more than an inch which is huge for Bakersfield (our normal is under 6" for the entire season).  And snow - the local mountains received 60" from one storm - something unheard of for around here.  Yesterday - calm and beauty.  Blue skies, birds singing, trees sprouting leaves and warmer temps.  Then Mother Nature will hit us again today.  More rain, more cool temps and gray skies.  It's hard to believe that we are in the latter part of March.

Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella.
~Terri Guillemets

Work your Wednesday into something wonderful!

Blocks Were Swapped

"Lost time is never found again"

Benjamin Franklin

It's Tuesday already.  And the middle of March!  The days are going by just too quickly.  I have several more things I want to get done before the end of the month.  At least March has 31 days.  That sort of makes up for the missing days at the end of February.  But they took away an hour from me the other day.  I want it back.  Don't they know how much I could get done in that hour (even if I was asleep)?  I don't want to wait until some time in the fall to gain back that hour.  It's dark until 6:30 in the morning now.  The birds don't start singing until around 7:00.  Why can't we just leave it as it is.  We really don't conserve on energy - one excuse I've heard for changing to daylight savings time.  It doesn't make travel safer or give the farmer's extra daylight.  So give us back our hour and quit messing with nature.  Just keep us on a normal 24 hours makes a day and I think we will all be happy.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Another holiday?

 

Today, March 15, is National Everything You Know Is Wrong Day.  Think you know everything? Think again. Today, any time you think about anything, just stop. Because you're wrong. Unless you think you need to go to work. You probably need to do that. And it's okay to think you need to eat something. And if you think you need to put on some pants before you leave the house, by all means, do so.
If you think this is a National holiday you would be wrong!
 
PS.  I don't believe a word of it - LOL!  Just thought I would throw this one out there as something totally bizarre.

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6 INCH BLOCKS

Yesterday I made up my first swap blocks for the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia - my goal for the day. 

My partner asked for the block called Liberate! to be made in mauve and blue batiks.  I have a very limited supply of batiks in my stash.  Something I guess I should work on.  As you can tell I had to go with a blender for the mauve.  I had picked up a fat quarter this weekend but had it in my brain that she wanted fuchsia.  That was close - right?  NOT.  I hope these will work.  I hate starting out a brand new swap group making a huge mistake in color selection.  Hopefully my swap partner will like these.

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BEFORE THE CHORE

"Hey, Mom!  Can you see me?"

This is Weasley almost lost in our weed "garden".  How lush and green our garden was.  On Saturday, my wonderful DH got out there and pulled those nasty green things and now we are starting to get our garden back.  He even found a couple of little Gerbera's still thriving under all those weeds :)  With all of the rain and non freezing temps we had this year we hope that there is an abundant crop of wildflowers in the hills around us.

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SWAP BLOCK RECEIVED

Yesterday's mail included a squishy envelope for me.  This envelope came all the way from the UK via Royal Post!

Caroline made this beautiful paper pieced block for me in my requested colors of red white and blue.  Can you believe this was her first attempt at paper piecing?!?  Caroline also made me an adorable little pin cushion as a thank for organizing the Block Swap Adventure.  Wasn't that sweet?  And she also included a handmade card that she created using Zentangles.  Isn't it amazing?  I would say that Caroline is a multi-talented lady.  Thank you, Caroline!

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BALTIMORE ALBUM BLOCK

Over the weekend I managed to finish my very first Baltimore Album quilt block.

I see many imperfections but as one of my followers told me "Nature is not perfect".  I definitely need to practice my circles.  It did help stitching around them twice as suggest by Mimi Dietrich in her book, Baltimore Basics.  It really smoothed out the waviness.  There is one little part on the circle that looks like it was nibbled on so I will pretend a mouse has visited.  But all in all, I am pleased with my first venture into hand applique.  Now on to block #2!

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TODAY'S GOAL

The Mystery Designer BOM arrived yesterday.  I will be making that up today.

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GIVEAWAYS

Material Girls is having a giveaway.  They don't specify what you could win other than showing two pictures of fabrics so I'm assuming that is what is up for grabs.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 16.

Vroomans Quilt is having a giveaway to celebrate 50 posts and 50 followers!  Sharon is giving away A fat 8th bundle of lovely Antique Fair.  This giveaway ends the first day of Spring, March 21st.

A Hug Delights is having a I Love To Read Giveaway.  Janet is giving away three books to three lucky winners.  She will draw the 3 winners on Friday, March 18th.

The Quiltmaker Blog, Quilty Pleasures is having a book giveaway.  You could win an autographed copy of The Union Quilters - Jennifer Chiaverini's newest book.  This giveaway ends tonight at midnight MST.

I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is having a Bon Vivant giveaway.  You could win a Bon Vivant accessory set, or a neat wine and cheese tote, or a fat quarter bundle that Ryan has put together of Bon Vivant.  This giveaway ends Friday, March 18.

Churchill Park Studio is having a giveaway to celebrate their 100th post.  Donna is giving away a jelly roll of Neptune by Tula Pink.  This giveaway ends Monday, March 21st.

Robert Kaufman Fabrics is having a Kona Color Contest.  You could be one of five lucky winners to win a a set of all five Kona charm packs!  This giveaway ends March 17th.
Em Celebrates! is having a giveaway.  Go celebrate little and big or tiny and large with Em.  She is giving away a copy of Pretty Little Mini Quilts.  This giveaway will end March 21st.

Would you like to win an applique pattern from B. Bumble and Company.  Check out this giveaway HERE.

Do you like to read?  Do you like books by Jennifer Chiaverini?  Then you will want to try to win my giveaway for The Aloha Quilt.  Go HERE to enter this giveaway!

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FINAL THOUGHT
I finally did some way overdue organization in my sewing room.  I put away scraps in their proper bins.  I collected copies of block patterns and filed them away for future use.  I even filed the files away where they belong.  Over the weekend we bought a new plastic storage shelf so that I could take my fabric out of tubs.  I could never remember what was in those tubs besides knowing that I had cuts anywhere from 1 yard to 10 yards.  I unpacked, folded and stacked all of the fabric from two tubs.  I even color coordinated the stacks.  I discovered fabric I don't even remember buying.  Better yet, I found the perfect fabric for backing and possibly for the border of my Baltimore Album quilt.  How sweet is that?  Especially since that means I won't have to go out and buy more fabric.  Woohoo!  Score one for me :)

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.
~Andy Rooney

Today is Tuesday - to think or not to think - lol!

Thursday Has Gone To The Dogs

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.
 ~William Morris

In the process of moving things back to where they belong I'm also trying to de-clutter.  I find myself going in circles trying to decide where I should be working, what needs to go where, and trying to find the right box.  My brain is so frazzled that I didn't get a lot accomplished yesterday.  I think I hit a temporary proverbial wall.  Today will be better!  I will get more accomplished!  I will only keep those things that I believe to be useful and/or beautiful!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

If you are regular readers of my blog, you will recognize these to little furry creatures.  This is Snickerdoodle (left) and Weasley (right).  They are both Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds, or easier to type and say - mini doxies.  The Dachshund, meaning "badger dog" in German, is a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell. They are known for their long and low bodies. Miniatures are supposed to weigh right around 11 pounds - Snick weighs in at a lean 10 pounds while Weasley is a very chunky 14+ pounds.  Dachshunds were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany. The goal was to create a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a badger burrow and fight to the death with the vicious badgers.  Both of my little couch potatoes would run in the other direction if they came face to face with a badger.  They are the little spark of life in our lives that give us unconditional love, undying devotion, and heaps of happiness.

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I did take a break from unpacking boxes today.  I belong to the International Friendship Quilters and joined in the fun of the Mosaic Color Play swap.  For this you send your swap partner a 4 1/2" block from your fabric.  When you receive your partners square you are to take fabric from your own stash (or you can purchase some) to coordinate to make the Mosaic Tile Block. 

This is the block I made for Lynn from Canada (she don't think she has a blog).  The center block is actually almost a gray blue with off white.  She said her colors are blue, rose and off white.  The blocks around the center are actually off white, not white like they look in the picture.  I was pleased with how the block turned out and hope she likes it.

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The other day I managed to cut out the pieces for this month's Le Petite.  The pattern is Butter Churn by This & That Designs.

If I don't put sticky notes on my blocks, I will forget my color order.  How many of you do something similar?  I don't know if I will make the deadline this month but I will certainly try.

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GIVEAWAYS

Heirlooms by Ashton House is giving away Allie, a darling owl pincushion.  You must enter by Wednesday, November 24 to have a chance to win.

Canton Village Quilt Works is having a Big Giveaway!  One prize is Rapid Fire Hunter's Star ruler and the second is  The V Block that Deb Tucker introduced at Fall Quilt Market.  You must enter before midnight on November 22nd.

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FINAL THOUGHT

With Thanksgiving only a week away, I'm sure we are all thinking about what we will be preparing for the wonderful feast.  But have you taken the time to ponder what you are truly thankful for?  I'm thankful for so many things but mostly for my family, for having a roof over my head and food to eat, and for my many friends, especially you, my blogging friends!!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
~William Arthur Ward

Have a thankful, thoughtful Thursday!!