Finished At Last!

What a wonderful thing is the mail, capable of conveying across continents a warm human hand-clasp.

~Author Unknown

Yesterday was a lot of busy work.  Once everything was done I didn't have much to show for it craft wise.  Four packages are waiting by the front door for the mailman.  I actually have a clear spot on my cutting table and another on my spare bed.  I guess that's a good thing.  Must be time to find something to fill those holes - lol!  Thank you all for your fmq instruction suggestions!  I knew I could count on you to give me excellent resources and tool advice :D  I would be lost without all of my blogging friends.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Hot Dog

Did you know that July is National Hot Dog Month?  In honor of the hot dog, how about some interesting little facts:

* in 1957 the U.S. Chamber of Commerce officially designated July as National Hot Dog month

* Baseball fans will consume more than 26 million hot dogs at US baseball stadiums this season. That’s enough to circle the bases 36,000 times

* In honor of the 1996 Olympics, the world’s biggest hot dog was 1,996 feet long, created by Sara Lee Corp

* The most popular hot dog topping among adults is mustard (87.6%). Among children, it is ketchup

* The average hot dog is consumed in 6.1 bites

* NASA has approved hot dogs as a regular item on Apollo moon flights, Skylab missions and space shuttle flights

* U.S. soldiers in military posts around the world consumed 2.4 million hot dogs in 2007

* Babe Ruth once ate 12 hot dogs & 8 bottles of soda between games of a double header. He was reportedly rushed to the hospital after the game with a severe case of indigestion

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PAY IT FORWARD

I finally finished my last Pay It Forward obligation!

I made this candle mat for my third and final participant.  Her favorite color is green.  I'm sure she has given up hope on ever receiving something from me since I started this back in September.  I had one year to complete three gifts so I actually had two months to spare.  I quilted this with a fancy stitch from my machine and used a shiny rayon thread. 

Yesterday morning I added this personalized label.  I covered the name of the recipient so that they will be totally surprised when they get the candle mat in the mail (I'm not sure if she reads my blog any more or not).  I printed that outline design and flowers from a free download at Connecting Threads and printed the label out on my printer.  This one even matches the fabric I used to make the mat.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today and over the weekend I hope to bind the Mystery BOM quilt!

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GIVEAWAYS

Quilt Story is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle of Happier by Deena Rutter for Riley Blake and the pattern booklet Happy Hour by Terry Atkinson.  This giveaway ends Monday, July 11.

Nunu's Quilt World is celebrating her blogiversary with a giveaway.  You could win 2 yards (1 yard each) of Summer Breeze by Sentimental Studios for Moda and a pattern book On A Roll by Heather Mulder Peterson.  Not sure when this one ends :(

Bugglebee is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter and three dies of your choice.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 13, at 11:59 pm EST.

The Vintage Sheet Blog is having a giveaway.  Here is another chance to win a GO! Baby Cutter and 3 dies.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, July 19, at midnight PST.

Kitschy Suburbia (aka my daughter) is having a giveaway. You could win some wonderful nail polishes or, if your not into manis and pedis, you could win two sets of adorable recipe cards, a pretty pair of earrings and magnetic shopping list/memo pad. This giveaway ends Wednesday, July 20, at midnight CMT.

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FINAL THOUGHT

This weekend DH is going north with his brother and BFF to attend a car race.  It's a 'Guy's Weekend'.  I'm envious only in the fact that they will be in much cooler temps.  Do I want to go to the race?  NO!  My SIL will be arriving on Saturday and spending the night so she can drive her hubby home on Sunday evening (they live about 4 hours away and he will be arriving here on the train).  We will be able to watch a couple of chick flicks and I can get some hand sewing in while she is here.  We don't get to spend much time together because of the distance between our houses.  Who knows, we may even splurge and have dinner delivered to our door - lol!  What are you plans for the weekend?

A habit is something you can do without thinking - which is why most of us have so many of them.
 ~Frank A. Clark

Think Spring Giveaway!

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.

 ~Victor Hugo

I'm very much a music kind of gal.  I would rather listen to music than TV.  Don't give that rap stuff or hard rock - well, unless it's Jimi Hendrix and then he's probably not considered heavy rock for today.  I can get lost listening to sound tracks from movies.  Movies like Cider House Rules (Rachel Portman), The Horse Whisperer (Thomas Newman), and Star Wars (John Williams).  Or give me classicals like Dvorak, Beethoven, or Brahms.  I love the piano, especially George Winston or a good trumpet piece by Winton Marsalis.  Don't care for jazz, never understood it.  I grew up on opera and can name a lot of the arias when I hear them, but I would rather not listen to it.  Music can be electrifying or totally calming.  It can be hypnotic or invigorating.  Give me music any day!!! 

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Toothbrush

We use a toothbrush several times a day.  Brush those pearly whites or lose them.  Have you ever wondered how the tooth brush came about?  Hard to believe, but most Americans didn't brush their teeth until soldiers brought the Army's enforced habit back home from World War II.  The early history and evolution of the toothbrush has its origin in the "chewingsticks" used by the Babylonians as early as 3500 BC.  As the years passed, toothpicks matured into the chew stick which was about the size of a modern pencil. One end was chewed into and became softened and brush-like while the opposite end was pointed and used as a pick to clean food and debris from between the teeth.  The first true bristled toothbrush also originated in China at around 1600 AD.  By the early 1800s the bristled brushes were in general use in Europe and Japan. In 1857, H. N. Wadsworth was credited as the first American to receive a toothbrush patent as America entered the growing toothbrush market.  Thank goodness we no longer have to just chew on sticks.

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CANDLE MAT

Yesterday I finished the candle mat I started earlier in the week.

Bright and cheery!  I usually don't like to bind a quilt in a light color or print but I think the bold flower print works for this one.

Here is a close-up of the decorative stitch I used in bright pink thread.  This candle mat will be going out to one of my PIF participants next week.  I hope she will like it!

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GARDEN PARTY

Is anybody else joining in on the Garden Party BOM?  Sheryl of Quilting Tizzy is the creator of the darling quilt.  It contains both applique and regular quilt blocks. I love birds and this is so cute.

This is what the completed quilt will look like.  Sheryl is releasing one new block a month for the next 15 months.  Yesterday I prepared the first block for stitching...

You had to make two of these little Garden Party Love Bird's one facing each direction.  I used Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 for the first time and had some problems with it.  Well, not so much problems as confusion.  I ended up using almost 2 1/2 sheets of the stuff when it should have only taken 1 1/2 sheets.  I kept drawing on the wrong side - my brain just couldn't get it straight.  But once I figured it out, it was easy to work with and fused the fabric nicely.  I am only going to work with scraps from my stash for this project.

Come join the fun!  The next block will be released February 19th.

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THINK SPRING GIVEAWAY

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!

Have you been thinking about spring?  The flowers, the bright green of grass and leaves?  Don't you think that we should celebrate the coming season with a giveaway?  I do!!  After looking through my stash, I decided to share some fabric that definitely says SPRING!

This fabric line is called Cute As A Button by Ro Gregg for Northcott Studio.  The far left piece is a 2 yard cut of fabric.  The other 6 pieces are 1/2 yard cuts each.  That is a total of 5 yards of fabric.  If you like geraniums then you will love this fabric.  Now doesn't that look like spring to you?

How can you win this fabric?  Well let me tell you....

1.  Leave me a comment telling me what kind of music you like best.  I already told you my favorites at the beginning of this post.  List a special song or piece of music too, if you like.

2.  Blog about this giveaway and come back and leave a comment telling me you did - make sure to include a link back to your post in the comment.  I will check.

Make sure that you do the above in two separate comments.  If you include them in one comment it will only count as one entry.  You do not have to be a follower but I would certainly appreciate it if you were to become one - and thank you to all of you who already follow my blog!!!!  If you have a no-reply blog or do not have a blog, make sure to leave me some way to contact you.  If I can't contact you, you will not win!  This giveaway is open to everyone - yes, everyone - no matter where you live! 

This giveaway will end on Monday, February 21st at 11:59 PM PST.  I will announce the winner on Tuesday, February 22nd. 

Now go tell your friends and good luck!!!!

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SIL UPDATE

My SIL was released from the hospital today!  He's on the mend and headed home.  He still has a drain in his abdomen that DD gets to learn to take care of.  But at least he's finally out.  Thank you for all of your prayers and positive thoughts you sent for him and my family!  They were much appreciated and seemed to have done the job :)

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TODAY'S GOAL

I am going to work on the applique part of the Love Bird blocks.  Maybe I will do some work on the wool table runner in the afternoon.

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GIVEAWAYS

The Q and the U is having a Valentine giveaway.  You could win 3 Heather Ross Mendocino FQs and a half yard of Heather Ross West Hill.  Riel's giveaway ends Sunday, February 13, at 7:00 PM AST.

Sew Lux Fabric & Gifts is having a giveaway.  Chrissy is giving away a Brooklyn Bag pattern as well as a Fandango charm pack and 1 yard of the Fandango print of your choice from her shop.  This giveaway end Monday, February 14, at 11:59 PM EST.

Cut To Pieces is having a giveaway just because she feels like it.  Angela will be giving away something from Sweetwater.  This giveaway will end Sunday night.

Happy Quilting is having a 400th follower celebration with a giveaway.  Not fabric this time but darling handmade cards.  You could be one of 4 winners.  Melissa will close this giveaway the evening of February 17th and announce the winner on the 18th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

The computer is a wonder, a miracle.  Do you ever wonder how we got by without it?  Life was simpler before the computer.  There were no instant answers to everything unless you went to the library or asked mom.  Social networking didn't exist.  Not so long ago, the computer was something you saw in sci-fi movies or when watching The Jetsons.  Now we can't live without it.  I know that I spend way too much time connected to the web.  I have to give myself time limits or I might just spend all day in front of the screen.  The computer makes it way to easy to spend money.  You no longer need to go to a brick and mortar store.  I like this technical miracle as long I don't try to understand it.  Make it simple.  Make it fun.  And thank goodness for it or I wouldn't have made so many wonderful friends!
There are three kinds of death in this world. There's heart death, there's brain death, and there's being off the network.
~Guy Almes

May your Friday be fantastic and your weekend joyful!!

A Few Stitches

A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!

~Author Unknown

Yesterday I enjoyed the sunshine and a big blue sky.  Our high temp for the day was 61 degrees and there was a light breeze.  I'm almost embarrassed with what Mother Nature provided for me compared to what she did to the majority of the country.  The frigid temperatures, the ice storms, and the dumping of tons of snow was just not nice - Ms. MN must have really been mad at someone.  But the good news was that it won't last but a few weeks longer - at least according to the poor ol' groundhog that didn't see his shadow.  Did they have to use a pick and shovel to pull him out of his cozy little den?  Poor thing.  And to think with all of the technology and the science of meteorology that we still put a lot of faith in that one grumpy, little furry creature to tell us how much longer winter will last.  Old habits die hard!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Toothpaste

Everyone has a tube of toothpaste sitting in the bathroom (hopefully!) Well while you're standing over your sink in the morning, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep and your first cup of coffee, think about a few of the following things you can do with that powerful little tube! **-Dingy sneakers?  Using a damp cloth and a blob of white toothpaste can brighten dirty white sneakers quickly!  **-Scratched CD?  Use a soft cloth and rub some white toothpaste onto the scratched surface of your disc.  **-Acne?  Place a dab of white toothpaste over that zit before you head off to bed and let dry.  **-Gum on your clothes or hair?  Rub gently at the sticky patch with a generous amount of white toothpaste, and watch it come up!  **-Lipstick Stain?  Rub white toothpaste on makeup stains that get into clothing.   **-Strong Smell?  Apply a generous amount of white toothpaste into the palm of your hands and then use both hands to work it over the skin. Rub your hands together as if you were dry-washing them. Once coated, rinse your hands in warm water.   **-Did your Little Artist Draw on your Walls Again?  Rub a dab of white toothpaste over it with a rag and the crayon should come right off!
See? There are some pretty interesting things you can do with a boring tube of toothpaste!

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A LITTLE STITCHING

Yesterday I traced and assembled the second block in the Birdie Stitches BOM.  On Tuesday, Little Miss Shabby released the pattern for this block and it is just as cute as the first one.

As  you can see, it definitely needs some pressing and I've not finished the stitching.  That little boy bird is so trying to impress his little lady birdie with flowers - isn't it cute?

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CANDLE MATS

The other day I decided to make a couple more candle mats.

I cut out this bright, cheery fabric from 2 sets of charm packs from Connecting Threads.  This line of fabric is called Sip of Summer. 

Then those two turned into finished candle mat tops......

I still have to quilt them and bind them, but once they are done they will be going out to friends.  I hope the candle mats will put some cheer and happiness into what may be a very dark and dreary winter for them.

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TODAY'S GOAL

I would like to finish the Birdie Stitches and maybe start cutting out the parts to the spring wool table runner pattern that I have.

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GIVEAWAYS

Pigtails and Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway!  They are giving away one of Florine's Fabulous Boards - great for applique assembly.  This giveaway will end February 9th at noon EST.

Qubee Quilts is having a book giveaway.  If you have ever wanted to learn to foundation piece then you have to enter this giveaway for a copy of Learn to Make a Foundation-Pieced Quilt.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, February 8th, at 11:59 PM CST.

Cut To Pieces is having a fabulous giveaway to celebrate a new sponsor.  You could win a $50 gift certificate to The Fat Quarter Shop!  The giveaway will be open until the end of the week (no specific date given) and the winner will be announced on Monday.

Flotsam is having a giveaway.  Debra is giving away some of her beautiful crochet work.  This giveaway will be open for one week.

Lucky Duck Dreams is having a giveaway.  She is giving away an assortment of fabrics that would be great for any Valentine Day project.  This giveaway will end Monday, February 7th, at 5:00 PM.

My daughter, Megan, over at Kitschy Suburbia is having a giveaway!  Would you like to have pretty hands and face while you are busy quilting away?  Megan is giving away several nail and facial items that you might enjoy.  This giveaway will remain open until Wednesday, February 16th, at midnight MST.

Texas Freckles is having a giveaway to celebrate opening her online store.  She is giving away about 45, 2.5" squares from the original Cheater Friday print ready to become 1" hexagons.  A winner will be chosen on Sunday night.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Mother is still in the hospital.  In fact, she's in a different hospital.  It is one of those insurance things.  The doctors are stymied at why she has so much blockage (90% blockage in the right side artery and 70% blockage in the left).  She had surgery to open the left side just this past September and had the right side cleaned out and a stent put in about 3 years ago.  All that blockage is not supposed to be happening.  Yesterday she had a MRI with dye injected.  Tomorrow she may have an angiogram.  Hopefully we'll have some answers soon.  I'm think she may be in for another surgery.  That's a little rough on a petite 82 year old lady that ways just over 100 pounds.  So, if you could send some kind thoughts and maybe include her in your prayers, I would certainly appreciate it, my friends.

It's important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle.
 ~Author Unknown
It's Thursday - let it be thoughtful!!

Mat Math

If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it.
~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

Yesterday's post seemed to have a lot of complaining in it.  I apologize for that but I must have thought it was necessary - maybe.  Yesterday was better.  I let myself relax and complete a project that had been waiting for me for a couple of months.  I was able to prep for another quick little project.  I opened envelopes with all sorts of beautiful blocks.  The sun came out and we saw the blue sky.  The birds were out singing in the sunshine.  It was a much better day.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Hand blown glass orbs

These glass orbs were created from the volcanic ash of Mount St. Helens.  Do you remember seeing on TV the eruption of May 18, 1980?  It doesn't seem likes it been over 20 years ago that we were watching rivers of ash and mud cascading down the mountain side wiping out everything in its path.  Even causing flight paths to change and altering a river's flow.  Mount St. Helens is 96 miles south of Seattle, Washington.  The eruption of Mount St. Helens was the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States.  Fifty-seven people were killed; 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railways, and 185 miles of highway were destroyed.  I have been to Mount St. Helens since the eruption and it is still a beautiful site to behold.

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MATH TEST

This year we will experience 4 unusual dates, 1/1/11 (Jan 1, 2011), 1/11/11 (Jan 11, 2011), 11/1/11 (Nov 11, 2011), and 11/11/11 (Nov. 11, 2011).  Now I have a little math test for you.  Take the last 2 digits of the year you were born, and how old you are going to be this year, and the total will be 111.  No matter how old you are or when you are born the total will always be 111.  (Me 55 + 56 = 111)
Just a interesting little tidbit for your day

 
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CANDLE MAT
 
Yesterday I did accomplish my goal of finishing up the candle mat I started back in November (or maybe October).
 

I only had to do the quilting, attach the binding and hand sew the binding in place.  I went with a decorative stitch for quilting as I had before on the two other candle mats that I made.

Here is a close up of the decorative stitch I used.  I used a variegated brown to cream thread to do this stitching.  I was happy with the way it turned out.  One more project actually completed :D

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MAIL CALL

Monday's mail brought these four beautiful blocks to me from different members of Let's Bee Together. 

#1.  This block was created by Jadie (she doesn't have a blog).  I believe that it is an original design.  The picture just doesn't do it justice.

#2.  This bock was made by Debra of Easily Distracted Debra.  She included a little note and a wonderful fat quarter of a fabric I had never seen before but I'm sure I can find a good use for it.

#3.  This block was made by Bailey of  Bailey and the Boys.  She said she had a little trouble with it but I think it will be lovely in the quilt I will make.

#4.  This block was made by Tamera of  Tamera Quilts.  She included a darling little note card with it.

These blocks are all so much more beautiful in person.  Thank you all for you hard work and creativity!!  I only hope I can do them justice when I combine them, along with the others, into a quilt.

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TODAY'S GOAL

I plan to work on a little stitchery for the miniature quilt stand I have.  It is for the month of February.

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GIVEAWAYS

Tomorrow's the big day! Do you like fabric made for David Textiles? Then you better come back tomorrow to see all of the yardage in my new giveaway!!

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  This time they are giving away a half yard bundle of Tammis Keefe's reproduction prints.  There are two chances to win.  The winner will be selected on January 26th.

Tiffany over at Pinks Sweet Treats is having a wonderful giveaway.  You could be the lucky winner of diaperdoo clutch made by her!  Tiffany will pick a winner on Monday, January 21st.

Mama Spark's World is having a great giveaway.  She is giving away a Moda Bella Natural Basics Layer Cake - now who couldn't use that?  Hopefully this one hasn't already ended as she didn't give an ending date.

Gen X Quilters if having a giveaway for labels.  Not just any labels but 25 personalized labels from Sweetwater.   This giveaway ends Wednesday, January 26th.

Allie Kat Mom is celebrating reaching 100 followers with a giveaway.  She is giving away a charm pack of Max & Whiskers and a darling pin cushion she made.  And since I was the first one to leave a comment, I probably won't win and I really, really want a charm pack from that line.  This is another giveaway that I'm not sure when it ends.

Everything Etsy is having a giveaway.  She is giving away a $30 gift certificate to Pretty Little Prints (cute fabrics can be found there).  This giveaway will end January 25, at midnight.

Sewplicity is having a fabric giveaway.  Jennifer is giving away two yards of coordinated Michael Miller fabric.  This giveaway ends Monday, January 24 at 11:59 PM.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I think I finally figured out what my funk is all about.  The hectic rush of the holidays is over.  I have finished up this month's swaps and BOMs.  Nothing is pressing.  It makes feel sort of like I'm just floating aimlessly.  No set directions!  No deadlines!  Nothing to stress over!  Shouldn't I be glad that I actually have time to do what I want?  I should be happy to have this freedom, shouldn't I.  By the time I get used to all of the leisure time it will be time to amp it back up for the swaps and BOMs.  I'm ready!  But in the meantime, I'll will just have to learn to relax.  Are you in a rut or a funk?

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.
~Douglas Adams

Enjoy your Thursday - turn it into something beautiful!

Mistake? ME????

When you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.
 ~Dan Heist

Yes, I made a mistake.  I'm eating crow now.  You will have to read further down in the post to see what I'm talking about.  Okay, now Mother Nature is not playing fair.  Yesterday it reached 86*.  At least we weren't as hot as southern California.  Long Beach was 100*!  Did somebody forget to tell Ms. Nature that it is now November.  It is not shorts weather!  We are supposed to be in long pants and sweatshirts.  She darn well better cool it back down before Thanksgiving!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

A Silver Leaf Fern in my shady side yard

The silver leaf fern, also known as the slender brake fern, is a slow-growing plant recognized by its green fronds with white undersides. It can measure up to 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall when fully grown.  The silver leaf fern image is considered representative of New Zealand and New Zealanders, and is frequently used as a symbol of the country's sporting events. The fern's image can be found on everything from army badges to old one-cent coins.  This just happens to be one of my favorite of all ferns.

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OMG!!!  Did I ever make a stupid mistake!!!  Now I can't seem to count!!!  I can't believe none of you called me on my counting error in my previous giveaway.  I kept stating that I was giving away '5 fall themed fat quarters'.  Well, yesterday I was getting ready to package these up for Janet....

 and was counting to make sure I had all of them all..............and there were SIX - count 'em.....6.  I went back to the computer and pulled up the posting for the giveaway to check out the picture and sure enough, there were 6 fat quarters in the picture!  So, Janet will be receiving 6 fat quarters, not 5.  Six lashes with a wet noodle for me!!  I'm soooo embarrassed!

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I did manage to make a block yesterday for the Layer Cake Quilt Along.  This is the first block and was given to us by designer Gene Black.  He gave us the tutorial on the Alabama Spinner Block.  His tutorial was perfect!  I didn't have to rip out even one seam. 

For this quilt along, you can use either a layer cake or 12 fat quarters.  I went with the fat quarters so I could work from my stash.  I'm using a line from Connecting Threads called Sweet and Sour.  I did omit the applique circle in the center but don't think it really needs it.  There will be a new block by a different designer in just under two weeks.  I shouldn't have any trouble keeping up with this quilt along.

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I also finished another candle mat yesterday. 

This one was made from a charm pack called Park Avenue by 3 Sisters for moda.  This will be a gift for someone who will remain nameless.  I was pleased with this in the end as I wasn't too sure about the colors. 

 Did you notice the fancy little stitch I used to quilt with?

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GIVEAWAYS

That's Sew Shawna is have a Pure giveaway.  You can win either a layer cake or jelly roll of Pure by Sweetwater.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 8th.

You'll want to come back tomorrow - I'm starting another giveaway.  This one will be to celebrate my 80th post!

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FINAL THOUGHT

Someday I will just have to face the fact that I'm not perfect - lol!  Actually I admit that every day!!  Who among us can say that their seam ripper is never used, that every word is spelled correctly, or doesn't remember to make that 'all important' phone call?  My day is full of mistakes - it's part of who I am.  I don't think I would like being perfect......what fun would that be!?!

No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers.
~Author Unknown

Have a thoroughly fun Thursday!!