Monday, March 7, 2011

Little Tidbits and A GIVEAWAY


Putting off an easy thing makes it hard. Putting off a hard thing makes it impossible.
 ~George Claude Lorimer

Friday morning I was a procrastinator - Big Time!  I spent time in cyberspace checking out blogs, looking at online stores, reading emails....you name it I probably visited it.  I had two blocks to make for swaps.  Both of them are/were log cabin blocks.  I love the look of log cabins.  I have always been drawn to their design and the beauty of the descending hues.  BUT, I HATE making log cabin blocks!!!  The more I tried to pry my butt out the chair, the heavier it felt.  After over an hour of wasting time I finally pulled myself up and away from the desk.  Now it was decision time.  Which one to make first?  Have you ever had a block you know you have to make (after all it was requested) but you really, really didn't want to make it?

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Bubble Gum

The second week of March is known as bubble gum week.  In 1928, bubble gum was invented by a man named Walter E. Diemer. Here's what Walter Diemer, the inventor himself, said about it just a year or two before he died: "It was an accident." "I was doing something else," Mr. Diemer explained, "and ended up with something with bubbles." And history took one giant pop forward. What Mr. Diemer was supposed to be doing, back in 1928, was working as an accountant for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia; what he wound up doing in his spare time was playing around with new gum recipes. But this latest brew of Walter Diemer's was -- unexpectedly, crucially -- different. It was less sticky than regular chewing gum. It also stretched more easily. Walter Diemer, 23 years old, saw the bubbles. He saw the possibilities. One day he carried a five-pound glop of the stuff to a grocery store; it sold out in a single afternoon.
Before long, the folks at Fleer were marketing Diemer's creation and Diemer himself was teaching cheeky salesmen to blow bubbles, to demonstrate exactly what made this gum different from all other gums. The only food coloring in the factory was pink. Walter used it. That is why most bubble gum today is pink.

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THE DREADED LOG CABIN

I made this log cabin block for Leanne.  She is my swap partner for March in the Quilting Block Swaps Australia #1.  She requested the colors of blue and pink with a white center block.  It turned out okay but I always feel like I fight the block the entire time I'm working on it.  Now I have another one to make in Christmas fabric.

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YET ANOTHER WIN

February was very lucky for me in the giveaway department.  I won four different times!  One of my wins was a giveaway over at The Woolen Willow.  I was given the choice of any one of their patterns on their website.

I selected the Patriotic Mini Quilt.  I know who I will be making this little quilt for :)  They also generously included a little Spring stitchery project.  Thanks Jeni!

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B. BUMBLE and COMPANY GIVEAWAY

I recently discovered one of our own bloggers is also a wonderful pattern designer.  I would like to introduce you to Linda Winters over at B. Bumble and Company.  

Linda has a  background in art as well as early childhood education, she approaches quilt designing as she would illustrating a book. The designs are whimsical, colorful, and will appeal to the child in everyone.
Linda grew up in San Antonio, Texas. Perhaps exposure to this colorful city is part of the reason she is drawn to bright, fiesta colors. She and her husband have raised three sons and have lived in three states. Linda is from a family of artists –her mother was an accomplished wedding cake decorator, her dad an architect/furniture artisan/illustrator, her sister a watercolorist and art teacher, her brother restores old cars, her nephew an art framer/artist, her youngest son is a semiprofessional photographer, and her young granddaughter spends all her free time drawing.

Linda has been selling her patterns locally in San Antonio for the last couple of years and recently began selling online.  The applique technique she uses makes preparing the figures VERY easy.  There is a photo tutorial on her website under the heading "Getting Started".  The applique can be either hand sewn or machine sewn.  The size of the quilts range from large to small and sizes are given for each on her website.
Now for the giveaway.  Linda has generously donated two patterns for this giveaway.  How would you like to win a pattern.....

This adorable pattern is based on the old folk song “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,".  This pattern is for a quilt approximately 50” x 60.”

Or maybe you would like to win.......

This fantastic pattern called The Shop Hopper.  This pattern depicts a whimsical bunny who has been shopping for her fabric! Along the right side several quilting or sewing tools are appliqued. The bottom is embellished with an easy ribbon treatment.  The quilt measures approximately 24" x 25 1/2", not including the ribbon embellishment.

How can you win one of these wonderful patterns for your very own? 

There are several ways for you to enter....

1.  Visit Linda's blog, Buzzing and Bumbling, and leave Linda a comment on her blog telling her I sent you over for a visit! Then come back and tell me did (I will be checking). 

2.  Become a follower of Linda's blog and leave me a separate comment telling me you did for another chance to win.

3.   Blog about this giveaway and leave me a separate comment telling me you did.  Be sure to include a link to your blog where you posted about the giveaway in the comment.  (I will be checking these too!)

and for one more chance....

4.  Visit Linda's online store, B. Bumble and Company, to check out all of the cute patterns (don't forget to look under the Newest Patterns page).  Come back here and leave one more comment telling me which of the patterns is your favorite (mine is the The Shop Hopper!).

Four chances to win one of the two patterns above!  Please make sure there is some way for me to reach you.  If I can't contact you, you can't win!  If you have a no-reply blogger, please include your email in your comments.  This giveaway will end Monday, March 21, 2011 at midnight.  With the help of random.org, two winners will be selected and I will announce the winners on Tuesday, March 22.

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TODAY'S GOAL

I will make the second log cabin swap block and start cutting out a table topper for another swap (I can never seem to say NO to swaps *sigh*)

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GIVEAWAYS

1 Choice 4 Quilting is at it again with another giveaway.  You could be the lucky winner of 4 yards of Sunkissed fabric.  The giveaway ends Monday, March 14, at 10pm EST.

Material Girls Quilts is having a charming giveaway.  Nadine is giving away a charm pack to one lucky winner.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 9.

Inch Worm Fabrics is having a March giveaway.  You could win 5 Batik fat quarters.  Jeanette is not sure when this will end, it just might last all month.

Want It, Need It, Quilt It is having a 200th follower giveaway.  To celebrate Jane is giving away 35 colors, L style prewound bobbins with Bottom Line Thread. Tucked into a BobbinSaver.  This giveaway ends Saturday, March 12.

Crazy Mom Quilts is having a fabric giveaway.  You could be one of three winners of a stack of Sweet Remembrance from Connecting Threads.  This giveaway will end some time next week.

Jackie's Art Quilts is having her first fabric giveaway and 1 year celebration.  Jackie is giving away an Easter fat quarter bundle of 5 -100% cotton fabrics.  She will draw the winner on Friday, March 11.

Sew Jewelry is having Two, Two Giveaways In One Post!  There is a small fat eighth pack (7 pieces), a small "Rolie Polie" (Riley Blakes version of a Jelly Roll) (19 pieces 2 1/2 by 22, cut from fat quarters 10 fabrics total) and two charm packs (34 pieces each with some multiples).   You have four chances to win here!  This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 9, at midnight.

Alford Inn is having a giveaway to announce a new fabric by a new designer.  You could be the winner if you enter before March 17th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

We had a very busy Saturday.  Started with a run to the Farmer's Market.  Sure can tell we are between seasons as there is just a little bit of this and a little bit of that and LOTS of citrus.  It was a beautiful sunny day so we came home and weeded the front yard as planned.  We had an abundant crop of those pesky little green things.  We also ran across a bunch of suckers cropping up from one the trees, just no sure which one.  The Gerbera daisies are starting to bloom as are the daffodils.  Even the few tulips I have left are starting to poke up their green leaves.  In the afternoon we ran errands for about 3 hours - exhausting.  And to celebrate the warmer weather, DH barbecued hot dogs.  Delicious (even if they aren't good for you) and just the way to start off the warmer weather.  Our sunshine and warm weather was short lived however, as Sunday brought overcast skies and a threat of rain.  Mother Nature is such a tease.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
~Anne Bradstreet

It's Monday!  Make something marvelous!!

81 comments:

Gill said...

I left a comment for Linda!

Gill said...

Aren't Linda's patterns adorable!!
I particularly like the Goldilocks one (Who's been sleeping in my bed??)

Barbara said...

So many thoughts from your post, but will refine them to one comment -- I love log cabin blocks, and I don't even mind making them. I like the way I have everything laid out and it flows along, assembly-line piecing at its best. Your block is lovely, I'm sure it will be appreciated very much on the other end of your swap!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I have a love/hate relationship with log cabin blocks, too. Courthouse steps don't bother be.

We are in another snow storm. Why do we just oh and ah over the first snow or Christmas snow, but curse at the late seasonal ones. I so was looking forward to Spring - ughhh.

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

Your log cabin turned out great!

I really like the Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. The tutorial on her blog looks manageable. :)
I went and left a commment.

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

In her shop, I like her pattern Who's Been Eating My Porridge? And Little cowgirl is cute too.

nono said...

I like making Log Cabin blocks too, especially scrappy and/or wonky ones.

Needled Mom said...

What a fun post about the bubble gum!! It is always so much fun to learn something each morning.

The warmer weather was a welcomed feel for the weekend. It was nice to open up the house and enjoy it.

Linda's Old Woman applique project is absolutely adorable. I popped over and left her a comment.

Needled Mom said...

I also signed up to follow her work. I love meeting new bloggers.

Needled Mom said...

Othe than the Old Woman piece (my favorite) I would have to say that the Rain, Rain Go Away is pretty cute too.

elizabeth said...

Your log cabin block is lovely and a Christmas one sounds like it will be too! I like your wool win...woo hoo!

Scrappy quilter said...

One of my all time favorite patterns is the Log Cabin one. I could make umpteen of those everyday. When it comes to the Drunkard's Path block...that's an altogether different story. Hugs

Mommarock said...

I left a comment for Linda.. Love her quilts! I'm transported by the old woman and the fly.. to my days running a home daycare. I told that story SOOOOOOO many times. The children giggled and it was wonderful to hear.

Mommarock said...

I signed up to follow her blog

Mommarock said...

I think I like the pattern best There was an old woman who swallowed a fly. It would be a wonderful childrens quilt.. you could cover them up and then tell the story as you tucked them in bed.. give them a little giggle.. and great memories for years. Who is the best Grandma :)

Stitched With Prayer said...

Hi Linda, I adore this designers patterns. They are just wonderful. I left her a comment and told why "There was an old lady" was dear to my heart. Hugs...

Stitched With Prayer said...

Hi again, I became a follower of Linda's blog. It is a great blog too!

Stitched With Prayer said...

Me again, LOL...Oh my gosh, I visited her store and though I adore Shop Hopper, definitely one of my favorites, but I loved all of the Holiday themed patterns, (the one that held the candy canes was really great). BUT...Because There was and old lady storybook has such fond memories for me, I would have to say it is my very favorite! Thanks Linda, Hugs...
(I will be having surgery tomorrow and off the computer for a few weeks, so if I'm lucky enough to win, I WILL get back to you as soon as I am able) Big Hugs...

Karen said...

I love Linda's patterns. I am especially fond of the Good Shepherd and Rascal Rabbit.

Have a wonderful week!

Quiet Quilter said...

Left a comment about Linda's blog..Thanks for guiding us to her!

Quiet Quilter said...

Also became a follower!

Wendy said...

Well, Linda for not "liking" to sew log cabin blocks you sure did a fantastic job on the pink and blue one. I love it and your partner will too!!

Quiet Quilter said...

I am torn between Three Blind Mice and the Shop Hopper..both are neat!

Of course the lady swallowing everything is a keeper also!

Kathy H said...

I left a comment for Linda. Love her patterns.

Kathy H said...

I am a new follower of Linda's blog. I thought your log cabin block was really pretty. I don't really like doing them either, I don't know why but I put them off also.

Kathy H said...

My favorite pattern is the rascal rabbit from Linda's line of patterns.

Quiet Quilter said...

Just added a comment about your blog on my post for today. Thanks again for the chance(s)....

Quiet Quilter said...

Oops!!!

Here is the link:

http://onemorequilt.blogspot.com/2011/03/busy-busy-and-giveaway-at-stray.html

Christine M said...

Linda's work is just beautiful. I've left her a comment.

Christine M said...

I'm a follower of Linda's blog.

Christine M said...

All of Linda's patterns are great but my favourite is The Good Shepherd.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I went over and visited Linda and left her a comment.

I struggle with log cabins too. They are very stressful for me and there is no good reason for that. Oh well, there are a million other blocks to make so I won't worry about the little old log cabin :)

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I'm a new follower over at Linda's blog.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I LOVE Linda's Halloween Skeleton Quilt!! He is so darn adorable!

Quiltjane said...

Hi Linda, I always do foundation piecing for log cabins. I use anything from photocopy paper to light weight interfacing to give stability and accuracy to the block.

Char said...

I'm so sorry you don't enjoy making Log Cabin blocks, they're my favorite. I do love the block you made, great job.
I had to laugh about the hot dogs. I'm not a hot dog lover and my husband works for one of the biggest hot dog makers in the east, Hatfield Meats.

Lee said...

I left a note for Linda on her last tutorial post!

Lee said...

I am a new follower of her blog!

Lee said...

My favorite pattern is "there was an old lady who swallowed a fly"... Thanks!

Melissa ;-) said...

I visited Linda and left a comment. Here work is amazing. Thanks for the intro!

Melissa ;-) said...

I became a follower of Linda's blog while I was over there before I even saw it was good for an entry!

Melissa ;-) said...

I love the Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. I used to sing that song with my kids when they were little.

Canadian Kristin said...

Left a comment on Linda's blog... and am in love with her work! Did you see the Good Shepherd quilt she's got on there? Wonderful!

Canadian Kristin said...

I love the Rain, Rain Go Away! I live in British Columbia and it gets rai-nee here!

Canadian Kristin said...

Following Linda's blog

Ellen said...

I love the new skeleton quilt at B Bumble and Company.

Ellen said...

I am a new follower on Linda's lovely blog

ledamewood said...

I became a follower of Buzzing and Bumbling. Thanks for sending us over there.

ledamewood said...

I left a comment at Buzzing and Bumbling

ledamewood said...

Have to agree, my favorite pattern is still the Shop Hopper, but love the other bunny too.

Unknown said...

Oh I'd love to win any of these cute pattern.
I have been to Linda's blog and left a comment about her applique tutorial
Gina

Unknown said...

I am already Linda's follower
Gina

Unknown said...

Yeah, my favourite pattern is the Shop Hopper! Adorable
Gina

Unknown said...

I commented on Linda's freezer paper applique blog entry... very neat way of doing that. :)

Unknown said...

I now follow Linda's blog. :)

Unknown said...

I really like Rain rain go away and There was an old lady... those are both cute little patterns.

Shannon said...

I just hopped over to Linda's blog. I loved her tutorial on a different way to applique. What a great idea.

Shannon said...

I love her pattern "Halloween Skeleton Quilt". It is so cool. Thank you for the give away. I do have blocks I don't like to make. You log cabin turned out wonderful.

Vail said...

I left Linda a comment.

vail in tn

Vail said...

I became a follower of Linda's blog.

Vail said...

I blogged about your giveaway.

vail in tn

Vail said...

My favorite pattern is the one titled "The Good Shepard".

vail in tn

Vail said...

Here's the link to my blog post -- forgot to leave it before.

http://vgn-grams.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-sewing-giveaway-fun-applique.html

vail in tn

Jodi said...

Hi Linda,
Thanks for introducing us to a fantastic new blog. I am in love with her totally organised sewing room. So inspiring.

Jodi said...

I am also following the blog now.

Jodi said...

I had a look and while the little cow girl is cute I have to say my favourite is the woman who swollowed a fly - "I don't know why" - well actually I do. It is totally adorable.

Joanna said...

I left a comment on Linda's March 7th post. Now I know how to do the freezer paper method.

Anonymous said...

I left a comment for Linda - her freezer paper tutorial is super!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love your log cabin block! For something that you dread, you sure did a lovely job!
I'm following Linda's blog now!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I agree with you - my fav of Linda's patterns is the bunny shop hopper.
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Helle said...

I left a comment on the Buzzing and Bumbling blog.

Helle said...

I am following the Buzzing and Bumbling blog.

Helle said...

I find all her patterns adorable, but The Shop Hopper is my favorite too! Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

I left Linda a comment, her work is amazing

Anonymous said...

I'm now following Linda's Blog,can't wait to see what else she comes up with!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I left a comment on Buzzing and Bumbling

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

The Shop Hopper is the cutest.

Unknown said...

You are now following Buzzing and Bumbling
Hugs Gunda

Unknown said...

I love
Rascal Rabbit

Hugs Gunda

Cheryll said...

I'm sure I left a comment before this... sometimes I think cyber space is just full of my unleft comments... oh well! Here I am so please give me a chance to win that fantastic BuNNy pattern pwease?!? :)

Cheryll said...

Thanks Linda for sending me over..I'm now a new follower too! Some nice patterns to be had and some ideas too. So Thanks!! :)

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