A Busy Weekend

Life is like sailing.  You can use any wind to go in any direction.  

~Robert Brault

I'm glad it's Monday!  The weekend was quite busy and I'm ready to get back to my sewing room and a bit of quiet.  Friday evening we had a nice dinner out with family and friends - even if I was sitting directly under the A/C unit and froze - lol!  Saturday morning it was out the door early to attend a 6 hour quilting workshop (more below) followed by dinner out (again) to celebrate 3 birthdays - mine, DH's, and my Mom's (which is today).  Delicious food along with family and a good friend made for a wonderful time.  Sunday was spent doing wash and washing Weasley but I did manage to get in a bit of stitching.  Not a bad way to celebrate my birthday.  I now have 2 gift cards to spend at my favorite online stitchery store (thanks to my DD#2 and good blogging friend, Annie) and 2 gift cards to spend at a LQS (thanks to my mom and sister, and my sweet DH).  I love going shopping when it won't cost me a dime :)  Now onto a new week and to spending some time in my sewing room.  What are your plans for the week?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Lizard

When I was growing up, we used to have lots of lizards in the fields around us.  Now the only time I see a lizard is when we go visit my daughter in New Mexico.  Here are some facts I found on these speedy little guys:

* There are almost 5,000 lizard species

* Lizards smell with their tongue—like snakes.

* Lizards shed their skin.

* If caught by the tail, to escape, most lizards can break their tail off at a weak vertebra link and later grow another. The new grown tail is smaller and has no bones.

* The largest lizard is the Komodo dragon—it can reach 10 feet in length.

* Some lizards, in order to protect themselves, can squirt blood 2-4 feet out of their eyes.

* Some lizards can live over 30 years—the record, 33 years and 11 months, is held by a Mexican beaded lizard.

* How can you tell that a legless lizard is not a snake? He has eyelids and you can see an opening for his ears.

* The basilisk and the collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) are capable of bipedal locomotion (they can run on their hind legs). When young, they can even run on water.

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GUILD MEETING

Thursday evening was my guild meeting (Cotton Patch Quilters of Kern County).  We had a tutorial and a small trunk show presented by Cindy Seitz-Krug.  She gave some great hints for free motion quilting.  Here are a few of the quilts she brought to share....

This quilt is amazing and the colors remind me of Delft.  

Cindy is on the right talking about her first ever Wedding Ring Quilt.  This was one of the first quilts she ever made.

Cindy made this quilt when she was pregnant with her son.  She had always wanted to make a Baltimore Album style quilt and thought this would be the perfect hand project to take her through her pregnancy.  It ended up taking her three years to complete.  It is completely hand appliqued and hand quilted.

I'm hoping you can see some of the absolutely amazing machine quilting that she did.  Cindy does all of her quilting on a domestic machine.

"Simply Santa Fe" has won numerous awards.  But that is not the reason I'm showing this photo.....

This is the back of Simply Santa Fe.  Cindy said that after the quilt was all put together, she threw it in the wash as she does with all of her completed projects.  The darker fabrics ran everywhere!  After several washings and soakings with different remedies, all of the dyes that ran were successfully removed from the front but the back still had spots that showed up on the light backing fabric.  Almost at a loss of what to do, she contacted a friend and they came up with the solution of fabric stamping.  She used a waxy type of dye and stamped all of the floral designs you see disguising all of the dye spots.  And it still went on to win numerous awards.  Aren't quilter's clever people?

After several wins, people kept telling her she needed to design her own pattern.  This was her first one.  The beauty is really in the quilting.

This was a gorgeous wall hanging and even the backing was beautiful.....

Look at all of that thread painting.  The backing fabric is a plain light, mint green - all of the rest is thread.

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SATURDAY WORKSHOP WITH CINDY

Saturday I spent the day at a workshop hosted by our guild and taught by Cindy Seitz-Krug.  She taught us some wonderful filler free motion quilting.  Here's is what we created....

A Christmas stocking.  I used a deep red (the photo makes it appear brighter than it really was) and gold colored silk thread.  This is the first time I've used silk thread and really liked the effect.  It was also the first time I have ever worked with wool batting and I'm still not sold on it.  There were 18 of us in class and it was a fun day spent with fellow quilters.  Cindy is a great teacher and so encouraging.

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NEW SWAP GROUP

There's a new swap group out there in blogland dedicated to 12" mini quilts.  It is called 12 Inch Mini Quilt. There is no set time for when you have to get a mini made.  You just make and swap whenever you want to.  Easy enough!  I'm holding off for now but am adding the button to my sidebar to remind me that it is open.  They already have several participants.  Check it out!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to complete the little paper pieced quilt and maybe get it sandwiched.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Happy Blocks

Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone.
~Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie, I'd Kill for a Cookie

It's hard to believe it is Friday already.  I'm not sure I'm ready for the weekend.  I have a quilting class tomorrow that will take most of the day.  Then we have a 70th birthday party to attend in the evening.  Sunday we may do our weekly grocery shopping because I refuse to do it on our normal day, Wednesday.  Who wants to be in the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving when everyone is running around trying to pick up odds and ends for their big meal and the shelves would probably a mess and understocked.  I'm still working on the baby quilt that needs to be done by Monday.  I'm starting to feel like a chicken with its head cut off!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Bagpipe

Saturday, November 19, is National Blow Bagpipes Day.  When you think of bagpipes, it's likely that Scotland comes to mind. So you might be surprised to learn that the instrument does not have its origins in Scotland. There are some interesting and little-known facts about the bagpipes, including what they were made of, how they are played and even why they were once banned in Scotland.

Contrary to popular belief, the bagpipes did not originate in Scotland. However, it was Scotland that kept the instrument alive. As a result, it is Scotland that is most often associated with the instrument. While the exact origins of the bagpipes are disputed, the oldest reference to the now-famed instrument is from Asia Minor. The reference was carved on a stone slab dated back to 1000 BC. Bagpipes were eventually found in various countries all over the world, including India, Spain, France and even ancient Egypt. Historians are unsure as to whether the Scottish bagpipes were imported from Rome or if they were brought to the country from Ireland.

Each bagpipe consists of a chanter, a bag and one or more pipes, also known as drones. Today drones are typically made from hardwood, but in historic times they were constructed of bone or ivory. The bags were made from the skin of animals, including sheep, cows and goats.

A little-known fact about the history of bagpipes in Scotland is that the instrument was actually banned in the country -- once in 1560 and again in 1746. James Reid, a bagpipe musician, was executed for having a bagpipe during the ban. During 1746, bagpipes were considered war instruments. It is reported that during WWI more than 500 pipers were executed for playing the bagpipes

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BRIGHT BLOCKS

Over the last few days I have received two sets of beautiful and bright swap blocks......

These two 6" blocks came from Jenn in PA.  Jenn and I were swap partners for October in the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.  Aren't these bold and bright.  I love the fussy cuts she did in this Bird In The Air block.  Thank you so much, Jenn.

Linda from Australia (my November Block Swaps Australia swap partner) made this very fun block.  I just love the little monkeys and the bit of added rick rack.  This mosaic block is just full of humor.  Linda wasn't happy with this block - can you believe it ?!?  As a result she sent me a second block.....

Another adorable block!  This one has a bit more rick rack.  Both blocks are going to make a wonderful children's quilt one day for Loving Hands.  Linda also included a boomerang key chain.  Does that mean when I lose my keys they will automatically return to me?  Thank you so very much, Linda, for both of the wonderfully happy blocks.

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LOVING HANDS II

Last night I took both of the Loving Hands quilts I made this week to our guild meeting.  I already shared with you the green and yellow frog quilt so here is the second one I made......

Definitely little girl.  I made this with some left over scraps from the baby quilt I'm making.  I just did some simple line quilting along with stitch-in-the-ditch quilting.  The backing is a white heart on pink flannel (I forgot to take a picture of the back).  All Loving Hands quilts measure 32" X 32".

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FMQ

Only time for one free motion quilting practice again.......

Texture of Two is created by echo stitching the number 2.  Each time you just change the angle of the 2.  Not my favorite design but a good practice anyway.

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QUILTING GALLERY CONTEST

I have entered my little monthly mini quilt in the Quilting Gallery Contest this week.  The theme is Thanksgiving/Gratitude.  In case you forgot what mine looks like here is another look at Who Me.....

I would certainly appreciate your vote.  But make sure to look through all of the lovely entries first by going HERE.

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TODAY'S GOAL

To finish the baby quilt and to survive the weekend with a smile :D

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GIVEAWAYS

World of Charity is having a giveaway. You could win one of 6 Pine Mountain Pillow Cross Stitch Kits. This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 22.

The Barn Hollow is having a giveaway.  You could win a snow couple made by Kim from a Country Friends pattern.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Marcia's Crafty Sewing and Quilting is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway.  You could win a quilting gift certificate worth $54.00 off the quilting on a twin size quilt.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 24, at 6 pm.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win two boxes of Kona Bounty of Basics - one dark and one light.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 23.

Fabric Worm is having a giveaway.  You could win 10 french inspired Fat Quarters of J'Adore by Dear Stella.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21, at 8:30 am PST.

Smashed Peas and Carrots is having a giveaway.  You could win a pattern from Hadley Grace Designs.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 19, at 8 am.

The Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win  Bunny Hill’s Designer Select Fat Quarter Bundle.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 22.

The Confused Quilter is having a giveaway.  Staci is ready to send the other Traveling Stash on its way.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Out Numbered Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a special, beautiful, and unique bundle of fabric.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Craftaholics Anonymous is having a giveaway.  You could win  a Silhouette Cameo digital cutting tool.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 23, at 11:59 pm EST.

***Make sure to stop by on Monday as I'm having a giveaway sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop***

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FINAL THOUGHT

Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,
The days pass quickly when I am sewing.

~Author Unknown

Fun Flowers

If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.
 ~Olin Miller

Why is it when I feel pressured by a deadline, I will work on anything but what I'm supposed to?  Or why do I waste precious time on the computer doing nothing of importance?  I get so mad at myself.  Nobody else to blame.  It's something I've always seemed to do.  I really do hate the feeling of "have to".  I have set these demands and deadlines on myself.  Each day I tell myself "you will get 'item with deadline' right from the beginning with no messing around".  But NO!  Not me!  I guess it's something I should be used to by now and should have learned to correct.  It's definitely a flaw in my personality.  Oh well..........  Do you put off doing what should be done right away?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Buttons

Today, November 16, is National Button Day.Often when you buy a jacket or cardigan, the garment will come with a bonus button to hang on to for later repairs. Of course, we usually just toss this button in a box somewhere and then by the time we need it we forgot we ever had it in the first place. Okay, maybe this doesn't happen to everyone, but for those of us with a box of misfit buttons, today's the day to put them to good use.  Here are a few facts about buttons:
* Archeologists have discovered button-like objects dating as far back as 2000 BC, which were most likely used more for decoration than for fastening.
* Button holes were not used in Europe until some 3,500 years after the first buttons.
*  In the 18^th century, only men sported highly decorated buttons on their frock coats, while women still fastened their gowns with lacing or hooks and eyes.
* France’s King Louis XIV, the infamous Sun King, reached the zenith of button excess by spending $6 million on buttons during his reign, and $600,000 in one year alone!
* In 1520, King Francis I of France ordered 13,400 buttons from his jewelry, ALL of which were sewn onto a black velveteen suit, which he wore to a meeting with King Henry VIII of England, hoping to form an alliance.

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FLOWERS FOR SWAPPING

Over the weekend I sewed two hexie flowers for my swap partner in the Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap.....

Shannon requested red, orange, or yellow flower petals with the same color center only lighter.  I have such a small selection of red that I had to go with the yellow and orange.  These will be on their way to Shannon tomorrow.

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WEDNESDAY'S FLOWERS

It's time for One Flower Wednesday, and as is my usual routine, I made two.......

I know it's not yet Thanksgiving, and I really dislike seeing Christmas items prior to Turkey Day, but I couldn't help myself.  These California Santa's just screamed to be made into a hexie flower.  Don't you just love the sunglasses?

And keeping with the holiday theme, Santa just had to bring presents.  I made this hexie flower with scraps left over from the Loving Hands challenge quilt I made last month.  I really like the look of this flower.

Thanks to Karen (Journey of a Quilter) you can go to one easy spot to check out more hexie flowers.  Karen provides links to everyone who has joined in the One Flower Wednesday fun.

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FMQ

With my own time crunch dilemma, I was only able to practice free motion quilting once over the last two days.....

Spiral Petals was fun today but I think I did it in too much of a rush.  A few of my swirls were nice and smooth but many have points where they don't belong.  This design reminded me of the North Wind blowing around.  I can see this design being used in a regular quilt.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Well, I finished the Loving Hands quilt so now I need to work on the baby quilt that I have to have done by Monday afternoon.

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GIVEAWAYS

Our Busy Little Bunch is having a giveaway.  You could win 9 yards of Pellons new Eco-Cotton blend batting.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 28.

Sew Kiki is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win Sarah Jane's Make It Do pattern/kit.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 19.

A Spoonful of Sugar is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a set of buttons from Incomparable Buttons.  This giveaway ends Sunday, November 20.

Kool Beenz is having a giveaway.  You could win a 4 Fat Quarter bundle set of Michael Miller Holiday Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 18, at midnight EST.

McCall's Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win a McCall's Quilting blank journal, plus 2 different packs of 6 Troy Riverwoods Modern Textures fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, January 3. 2012.

Quilting Ranny is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four prizes.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 30, at 11:30 pm MST.  Please mention that you learned about the giveaway on my blog :)

I Have A Notion is having a giveaway.  You could win a Beam n Read.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21, at midnight.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her weekly Monday Mystery giveaway.  You could win five fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 19.

Sew Bittersweet Designs is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a jelly roll of Flora and an Easy Star and Geese Ruler from Fat Quarter.  This giveaway ends Sunday, November 20.

Nunu's Quilt World is having a giveaway.  Shannon is ready to send the Traveling Stash on its way.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 17.

Hawthorne Threads is having a giveaway.  You could win a Fat Quarter bundle of the complete Woodlands line, a 2012 Calendar, and a Woodlands Print suitable for framing OR a Fat Quarter bundle of the complete Woodlands line, and a 2012 Calendar.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 18.

One More Quilt is having a mini giveaway.  You could win 3 yards of fabric.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 17, at 10 am.

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FINAL THOUGHT

A Day of Ones

We live in a very tense society. We are pulled apart... and we all need to learn how to pull ourselves together.... I think that at least part of the answer lies in solitude.
~Helen Hayes

We had a rather uneventful weekend - which is a good thing.  We did just a little running on Saturday - a trip to Joann's for floss (and they actually had every one I needed in stock) and then a quick run in to CVS and a meandering through Trader Joe's.  We had lunch out followed by an ALS support group meeting.  Home in time to wash Snickerdoodle and a little computer time.  DH kindly bought dinner from Famous Dave's that we brought home to enjoy, afterwhich I was able to get a little hand sewing in.  Sunday was the normal day of wash, hand sewing while watching Nascar and catching up on some of the past week's TV shows.  All in all, a rather quiet weekend for us.  I think I'm finally on the road to recovery with less and less coughing - woohoo!!!!  Now onto a week full of sewing with a few appointments and meetings thrown in there.

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Pickles

Believe it or not, today, Monday, November 14, is National Pickle Day.  Do you like pickles?  Not me but I will share some fun facts about them anyway.....
* People have been eating pickles ever since the Mesopotamians started making them way back in 2400 B.C.E.
* In the Pacific Islands, natives pickle their foods in holes in the ground lined with banana leaves, and use them as food reserves in case of storms. The pickles are so valuable that they've become part of the courting process, helping a man prove he'll be able to provide for a woman. In Fiji, guys can't get a girl without first showing her parents his pickle pits
* Cleopatra claimed pickles made her beautiful
* The majority of pickle factories in America ferment their pickles in outdoor vats without lids (leaving them subject to insects and bird droppings). But there's a reason. According to food scientists, the sun's direct rays prevent yeast and mold from growing in the brine
* In the Delta region of Mississippi, Kool-Aid pickles have become ridiculously popular with kids. The recipe's simple: take some dill pickles, cut them in half, and then soak them in super strong Kool-Aid for more than a week. According to the New York Times, the sweet vinegar snacks are known to sell out at fairs and delicatessens, and generally go for $.50 to a $1
* The Department of Agriculture estimates that the average American eats 8.5 lbs of pickles a year

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ONE DONE

I have managed to complete one Loving Hands little quilt......

Two of the blocks were made by member of Bee In Oz.  When it was my month, I had everyone make a block for me out of the cute frog fabric.  I should be able to make two more just like this.  I just did simple stitch in the ditch quilting.  I think this is perfect for some baby boy.

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 ONE FMQ

On Friday, I did just one free motion square.....

Superstar was a relatively new design by Leah.  As you can see, I had a little trouble with spacing and keeping some of my lines straight.  My star ended up a bit wonky.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan on finishing the second Loving Hands quilt.

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GIVEAWAYS

Cat Patches is having her Fun Fact Friday giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter.  The winner will be announced Friday, November 18.

A Quilting Reader's Garden is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Terrific Table Toppers with Patrick Lose.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway.  You could win six fat quarter pack of Primitiva.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 18 at midnight.

All About Applique is having a giveaway.  You could win Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 4 or Dolls and Dresses to Applique.  This giveaway ends tonight, Monday, November 14, at 7:00 pm PST.

Green Fairy Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four items that you have chosen.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 15.

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FINAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY

From 11/6/11

One Of A Kind Blocks

An inability to stay quiet is one of the most conspicuous failings of mankind.
~Walter Bagehot

I went to the doctor on Wednesday hoping for a miracle cure.  Instead I received a shot in both arms - one for flu and the other a booster for tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria.  I did receive a prescription for meds that were supposed to help me with my cough at night.  It didn't work and I went back to Robitussin.  The doctor also told me not to talk for 48 hours - not to even whisper because that is harder on the vocal cords than talking.  Really?  Not talk?  Well, that didn't happen.  I'll just keep plodding along and I know this too will pass.  The weekend is almost here and our Saturday seems fairly busy.  Do you have big plans?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world and falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.

In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas man named Stephan Riod the owner of a shoe repair shop, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Riod had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day. The Emporia Chamber of Commerce took up the cause after determining that 90% of Emporia merchants as well as the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11 to honor all veterans. With the help of U.S. Representative John Salper, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.

Congress amended this act on June 1, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

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SWAP BLOCKS

Early this week I sent out a blocks to my swap partner in Quilting Block Swaps Australia.....

Linda Mc (no blog) requested any block made in red, white and black.  I really like how this Card Trick block worked up. 

I also have received a couple of blocks......

Melody of The House On The Side Of The Hill made this darling block for me as my swap partner for October.  I have changed my request to bright and happy (think children) and this certainly fits it.  She also included a wonderful scissor fob that she made and a piece of fabric with Australian animals on it all ready to embroider.  Thank you so very much, Melody!

Sandi was my swap partner for Block Swap Adventure in October.  She made this darling Christmas block with a fussy cut center.  Isn't it adorable?  Thank you so much, Sandi.

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FREE MOTION QUILTING

I finally was able to start practicing free motion quilting again.....

As I started this Spiky Fern, I forgot to pay attention to where the opposite corner was.  As a result, one side of my fern is MUCH larger than the other.  I guess one side received more sun - lol!

There are a lot more flower patterns in the Beginner/Intermediate level than there was in the Beginner.  I really like the affect of Split Petal Flower.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will be working on one of the Loving Hands quilts I need to complete before Thursday.

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GIVEAWAYS

Living The Dream is having a giveaway.  Here's another chance to win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a one year subscription to Fat Quarterly.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win 12 Fat Quarters of Dear Stella Lanakai.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 14, at 8:30 am PST.

KaHolly is having a giveaway.  You could win the pattern Captain's Pond and a craft-size package of Fusi-Boo.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 11.

Tattered Garden is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Quilt Album software.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 15.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a Daisy Cottage fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Swaps Coming and Going

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.
~Oprah Winfrey

It felt so good to get back to my sewing machine on Wednesday.  I spent part of the day machine sewing and part of it doing embroidery.  Quiet work.....satisfying work.  Yesterday I continued on along the same routine.  But today I'm starting to feel that old, ugly stress of having to get things done.  More Bee blocks, more swap blocks, two Loving Hands quilts, a baby quilt for the gal that cuts my hair, embroidery for the Gardener's Journal quilt, and the list goes on.  I just have to breath.  Big, deep, cleansing breaths.  Everybody do it with me.......breath in.......breath out......repeat.  Okay, are we ready to tackle the day?  I am!!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

King Tut

Today, November 4, is King Tut Day.  On this day in 1922, King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of Kings.  Did you know.......

* Tutankhamun was born in 1343 BC - his name at this time was Tutankhaten

* Tutankhamun changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun due to pressure from traditionalists, reflecting the growing acceptance of the old god Amun and decline in support of Aten
* His mother was Nefertiti
* He married his half-sister Ankhesenpaaten
* He was nine years old when he became Pharaoh
* He was just 18/19 years old when he died
* The famous gold mask that rested directly on top of the Pharaoh's mummy weighs ten kilos (22 pounds)
* The marriage of Tutankhamun and Ankhesenpaaten produced two daughters who were stillborn
* King Tut reigned for just 9 years and the cause of his death still remains a mystery

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PINCUSHION SWAP

Recently I signed up for a pincushion swap on flickr.  It was a secret partner swap and I received my pincushion yesterday.....

This wonderful pincushion came all the way from Sweden.  Karin made this for me and included the cute flathead pins and the two little bags of candy.  I really like how Karin used the Dala Horse ribbon around the base.  The pincushion measures 4" high by 5" wide.  I can stick a lot of pins in this one.  Thank you so very much, Karin!

This is the pincushion I made for my secret swap partner.  It's similar to one I've made before but I added more layers of petals.  My swap partner wanted a large pincushion as she does a lot of embroidery and silk ribbon embroidery and has between 6 and 8 needles threaded at a time.  This should easily hold that many needles and more as it is almost 5" across.  It is stuffed with crushed walnut shells and dried lavender so it has a nice weight and won't fly across the room when you remove needles or pins.  This pincushion is making its way across the country to Alabama as I write.  I hope she like it!

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SCRAPPY SWAP

I also signed up for a new swap group through flickr called Scrappy Swap.  In this swap you included scraps no smaller than 2 1/2" square and enough pieces to cover a fat quarter.  You could add little extras if you wished. 

My swap partner, Hilary, of Quilary - Take A Peak Over The Fence, was very generous.  Not only did she send me some wonderful scraps, she also included a great needle case with spots for needles, scissors, pins, pattern and a zip pocket plus it has a built in pincushion.  Hilary also sent along a fat quarter depicting Aboriginal dot painting.  I was so lucky to have Hilary as my partner.  Thank you, Hilary!

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FREE MOTION SQUARES

The last two days of sewing started as they were supposed to - with free motion practice.....

Swirling Petals was a great practice after being away from the sewing machine for six days.  Most of the time it flowed quite easily.  There were, of course, a couple of times when hands and brain were not on the same course - lol!

This was a rather interesting exercise.  I should have angled a couple of my paisleys in another direction but is still turned out okay.  And, believe it or not, I do know how to spell.  I seem to have trouble with V's when stitching.  It should read Paisley Division.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to whip out a couple of Bee or swap blocks.

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GIVEAWAYS

Want It, Need It, Quilt is having a giveaway. You could win 'A Walk in the Woods' Layer Cake. This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 30, AEST.

Quilting By Dawn is having a giveaway. You could win a pincushion or a small zippered bag. But hurry because this giveaway ends tonight, Friday, November 4, at 10pm CST.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway. You could win a Hurricane tonal solids fat quarter bundle. This giveaway ends ?

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway. You could win Tina Givens, Lilliput, Sunset Morgan in 10 Fat Quarters. This giveaway ends Monday, November 7, at 8:30 am PST.

Hanging On By A Thread is having a giveaway. You could win MyMemories software or darling cross stitched snowman. This giveaway ends Thursday, November 24.

Just One More Stitch is having a sponsored giveaway. You could win a White Christmas fat quarter bundle from Fort Worth Fabric Studio. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight CST.

Quilting By The River is having a giveaway. You could win 8 fat quarters of Amelie and a Lil' Twister template. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight CST.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her weekly Monday Mystery giveaway. You could win 5 fat quarters. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight MT.

All About Applique is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Inspirational Appliqué. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at 6 pm PST.

A Legacy of Stitches is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue. This giveaway ends Sunday, November 6, at noon CST.

It's almost time to send the Traveling Stash on its way. Wouldn't you like to be the next one to receive it? If so, enter my giveaway HERE.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Really I don't dislike to cook, but what you cook is eaten so quickly. When you sew, you have something that will last to show for your efforts.

~Elizabeth Travis Johnson