Friday, September 30, 2011

I'm Ready For October!



For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. 
~Edwin Way Teale

It's the last day of September!  Are you ready for October?  I would be if the weather would ever cool down.  I'm hoping that Mother Nature will take another look at the calender and send a cooling trend our way.  I'm tired of it being in the 90's every day.  Not a single leaf is changing color and I believe the birds are all staying around waiting for it to cool before heading south.  It's time for sweatshirts and hands in pockets to stay warm.  It's wrong to be going to football games in shorts and light weight t-shirts.  I want cool weather - darn it!  Have the temps dropped in your area to welcome it the fall?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Sticks of chewing gum

Today, September 30, is Chewing Gum Day.  I haven't chewed gum in years - it messes with my dental work.  But I thought it would be fun to share some facts about that little wad of gooey goodness.
* During WWII, U.S. military personnel spread the popularity of chewing gum by trading it and giving it as gifts to people in Europe, Africa, Asia and around the world.
* Chewing on gum while cutting onions can help a person from producing tears
* The largest bubble ever blown was 23 inches in diameter. The record was set July 19, 1994 by Susan Montgomery Williams of Fresno, CA
* Singapore has tried to completely forbid gum, with heavy fines of over $6,000 for possession or use without a prescription.
* Chewing gum burns around 11 calories per hour.
* In the U.S. alone, the total amount of chewing gum sold in one year would make a stick 3.5 million miles (5.6 million km) long. That’s long enough to reach the moon and back seven times or to circle the earth’s equator 150 times
* The largest piece of bubble gum ever was the size and weight of 10,000 regular pieces and was presented to baseball player Willie Mays by the Topps Chewing Gum Company in June 1974.
* Back in the 1920’s, prohibition increased gum sales because people needed to mask the alcohol on their breath. When prohibition was enacted, Adam’s Clove gum hit the market with the slogan: “It takes your breath away!”

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OCTOBER TABLE RUNNER

For just over a week I worked on the wool table runner for my side board.....

First I worked on the ends creating the scene for fall....

And, of course, I had to add a little owl sitting in the tree.....

Here's one end of the runner.  I just love the falling leaves....
(oh my, I just realized I put Stitched on the photo instead of Stitches - stupid me!)

And here is the entire runner.  It was actually supposed to be two inches longer (36 inches) making more space in the center but when I washed the wool it shrank much more than expected.  It actually fits my sideboard a little better with the 2 inches missing.  The table runner pattern is by Nutmeg Hare and is called #48 An Autumn Mood.  One fall project completed!

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OCTOBER MINI QUILT

Earlier this week I finished the little mini quilt for October.....

I had bought this pattern back at the Long Beach Quilt Show in July.  When I saw it I knew I had to have it.  It is already hanging on its stand in the entryway ready to greet all who enter.

Here is a close-up of the tiny meandering I did.  There's only a couple of pointy spots and one or two places where I stitched over previous stitching.  Luckily it's small enough that most people won't notice the mistakes.  This little pattern is by The Wooden Bear Quilt Designs and is called October Scare.
Woohoo!  I'm all ready for October with one day to spare!!

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FREE MOTION PRACTICE

Since I forgot to share any of my FMQ with you on Wednesday, you now have to suffer through 3.....

Peppermint Candy showed me that I need to practice my circles.  Can you tell where I sneezed twice during this practice?  Second and fourth row right in the center.  LOL!  Allergies are a real pain when you are concentrating and then sneeze without warning.  It also made me want some peppermint candy :)

I really enjoyed this practice.  Flame Flower didn't require as much precision and  you could make the petals fit as you went.  I can see using this in a quilt somewhere.

Thursday's practice looks much better at a distance.  I liked the effect of Pointy Paisley but I'm not sure where I would use it on a quilt.  Some of lines could have been straighter and the corner points a bit pointier.
Now that I will be taking a week off from sewing, I hope my fmq skills don't get too rusty.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I'm going to enjoy my DD#1 and GS#2!!!!!!  I think I can achieve today's goal without  any difficulty.


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GIVEAWAYS

Sunshower Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win all the fabric you'll need for your own fall table-runner.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2.

Make Life Sweet is having a giveaway.  You could win some pre-cuts of Hometown.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 3.

World of Charity Stitching is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificates from Vee at VeeandCo Cross Stitch Designs.  This giveaway ends Friday, October 7.

Craizee Corners is having a giveaway.  You could win 4 fat quarters of breast cancer awareness fabric and 4 appliqued ribbons cut with the Accuquilt die.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 1.


Quilting by the River is having a giveaway.  You could win Maple Leaf Centerpiece kit created by Connie.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a Lizzy House Outfoxed charm pack.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, October 5.

Lavender Ridge is having a giveaway.  You could win the very first edition of Primitive Quilts and Projects, summer 2011, and maybe some extra fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 10.

Cotton Cocktails is having a giveaway.  You could win a Moda Summer House charm pack.  This giveaway ends Thursday, October 6.

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win forty 5" charm squares, a Granny's Flower Patch Charm Template, a Pyramid Charm Template, thread, 3/4 yard of fabric, and quilters pins with a cute little tin to keep them in.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 2.


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FINAL THOUGHT

As you head into October you will be doing it without me.  I will be taking a brief break from blogging to enjoy the time with my DD#1 and GS#2.  I will return on Monday, October 10.  I will miss sharing my life with you but I'm sure you understand if I plan on very little computer time.  Enjoy the first third of the month and I will be back with you soon.

Laughter is an instant vacation. 
~Milton Berle




42 comments:

Terry said...

It's definitely cooled down here! It's only 51 this morning and that's the high for today! Tomorrow's high is only 48! BRR!!! Enjoy the time with your family! :0)

Unknown said...

I love your Halloween quilt, we dont really celebrate it here. But I always have candy on hand just in case. Enjoy your break and catch up with you when you are next online. xx

sunny said...

Enjoy your time away! I'll be thinking of you when our high temp tomorrow is in the upper 50's! I can't wait to wear a sweatshirt. Your table runner is wonderful.

Average Quilter said...

I just love the owl and the mini quilt is awesome. Your FMQ's look really good. I never had the patience to do them. Enjoy your day - sounds like it will be fun

Teresa said...

Cute mini quilt but I really love the fall table runner. Wish it looked like that outside. I too want to put on a sweater.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Jocelyn said...

We'll miss you next week, but I hope you enjoy your time with your family. Your FMQing is really looking good. It sure does help to practice.

krisgray said...

Love your fall projects - the jack o'lantern, that table runner is just adorable, right down to the rake!

Have a great time next week. I will miss "having coffee with you."

Angie said...

I love the runner and wallhanging! Just too cute! :) I'm intrigued by your FMQ practice...one of these days I'm going to do some of that. Hope you have a splendid time with your family. We will miss you. :)

Annie said...

Your table runner and Oct wall hanging are just fabulous! Such nice work.

Have a great time with your family and we'll "see you later".

Annie
: )

Impera Magna said...

We're expecting a "cool down" here in NC... low tonight in upper 40s and highs this weekend in the lower 60s.... fall has arrived!

As much as I'll miss your posts, I'm smiling b/c you're going to get a lot of face time with two of your favorite people! Enjoy!

Joanna said...

I am a lover of autumn so your runner to me is a work of art and just beautiful. I also love your little BOO quilt. You did a great job. Can you tell me where the pattern for the runner came from?

Sheila said...

We are having unusually warm weather it is 20 C this morning ,just lovely.Your fall runner is stunning , just love it. Enjoy your time with family!

Linda said...

We have had definitely cooler weather here. Going down to 36 tonight. Thanks for the note on my giveaway and I love that Boo quilt. Enjoy your time with your family!

Cheryl said...

Have a great blog break and visit with your family!

Kris said...

Linda - Your table runner is to dye for!!! And if that pumpkin isn't the cutest thing I don't know what is!! Have a wonderful time with your daughter and grandson!! You are a very blessed and special lady!! Kris

Maria said...

Your Table topper is adorable. Just love the wee owl.
Have a nice break.
Catch you on your return.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your table runner and mini quilt are adorable! I always enjoy your FMQ squares and all that you post. Enjoy your time with family!
Quilting by the River

Jessica said...

Linda, I am SO ready for October!! Enjoy your time off, you deserve a nice break from blogging :) it can be so time consuming. Your mini quilt and runner are too cute! I'm inspired!

Julie said...

Wow, now I MUST have those two patterns. Thanks for sharing your cute finishes! Enjoy the time with your family. Family is the most important treasure!

quiltercaroline said...

Love the table runner - really cute. Have a wonderful time with your family. C

Miss Hillbilly said...

I cannot believe that Singapore outlawed gum!

LOVE LOVE that runner. It is absolutely fantastic.

Enjoy your break. Have a wonderful time!!!!!!!

Alina said...

Awesome! I love your table runner. You had done a great job! And those owls, I just love owls.

quiltzyx said...

Both of your projects look wonderful!

Enjoy your 'stay-cation' with your family!! :D

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Just some wonderful Autumn pieces finished. Enjoy your family time.

Lana said...

Linda,
Your little mini quilt is GREAT!
No, not ready for October unless it keeps raining!!! :) Have a great weekend!

Christine said...

Those mini quilts are so cute! Have a wonderful visit with you DD and GS.

WoolenSails said...

I love your halloween pieces, they are so fun.

Debbie

Fiona said...

Lovely October sewing.. .enjoy your break making memories...
Hugz

Gene Black said...

Enjoy your time off and come back refreshed!
Peace to you. No need to reply to this comment.

Catskill Quilter said...

Linda, here in northern, it has just hit 99 degrees! (Later in the day is the hottest here!) I join you in hoping for Fall weather soon -- it is sweltering! Love both of your Fall pieces, love the meandering too! Now I will have to get busy!

Cheryll said...

Just LoVe the "fall" table runner.. and I was hoping to do THAT mini too... but time is getting away.. Oh well.. there's always next year!
Love yours.. oooH.. so scared!

Char said...

As of last night it's really cool here. We're expecting highs in the 50's on Sunday. I love it!
Your table runner is wonderful and so is the mini quilt.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm totally in love with your mini quilt!!! Fantastic!!!

Bev C said...

Love the wooll table runner.
happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Barbara said...

Your table runner and mini quilt are adorable, and your FMQ looks great.

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Your fall projects are inspirational! I love the owl on the tablerunner.

Nancy said...

Linda,
Your table runner is just too cute. I bet it makes you smile when you see it. have a wonderful week with your visitors. Will look forward to your return!

Karen S said...

My gosh you're busy! What a cute table runner -- I love the moons and the trees and the owls!

corina said...

Your tablerunner and little quilt are so cute. LOVE the owl! I've been seriously thinking about doing something pumpkin related, but it will probably be pie not quilt.

Raewyn said...

Just love your latest projects - particularly your wool runner - that is especially cute! Have a great visit with your family :-)

Vesuviusmama said...

I ADORE your fall table runner!! Enjoy the family, and we will look forward to your return to quilting and blogging.

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Your table runner and mini quilt are sew cute! Have fun with your family. We'll see you soon.

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