Friday, March 2, 2012

Time Off Giveaway and A Little More


Springtime is the land awakening.  The March winds are the morning yawn.  
~Quoted by Lewis Grizzard inKathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You

March is here.  The month known for winds and kites.  We did have some wind yesterday but I certainly wasn't out flying a kite - lol!  It's also Friday and I'm looking forward to the weekend.  We don't have any big plans - just the normal visit to the Farmer's Market and a few errands to run.  I have decided that I will be taking the next week off from my blog.  I'm starting to feel a little stressed but for no particular reason.  And when I'm stressed I get cranky and my dear, sweet  husband ends up taking the brunt of it all.  I have found that's the time to just take a step back and relax.  I think I just need a week of sewing and stitching, a week of quiet.  But not to worry, I will be back on Monday, March 12.  And while I'm away, I'll hold a giveaway (details below).

==========================

LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Pineapple

Pineapples are one of our favorite fruits.  We have bought some with spectacular flavor from the Farmer's Market over the last couple of months.  Here are a few facts about pineapples:
The first written record of the word "pineapple" in English was in 1398 and it was used to refer to a pine cone. It comes from the Spanish word for pine cone, "piña."
The pineapple is native to Brazil and Paraguay
The Spanish introduced the first pineapples to Hawaii. The state is now one of the top pineapple producers in the world, producing one third of the world's pineapple crop and 60 percent of the world's canned pineapple.
* Pineapples take about 18 months to grow.
When you cut up a pineapple at home, you normally chuck the skin, core and ends in the bin. The pineapple canning industry doesn't though, these bits are used for making alcohol, vinegar and animal feed.
Each pineapple plant only produces just one pineapple per year.
Unripe pineapples don’t just taste vile, but can actually be quite poisonous. Eating it causes serious throat irritation and it has a strong laxative effect.
Traditionally pineapple juice was used as a diuretic and to induce labor.


==========================


WEEKLY STITCHERY REPORT


I wasn't able to get in as much stitching as I would have liked to this week but I did make some progress...


You can compare this to last weeks report HERE.

Design: Summer Sampler
Designer: Sandy Orton for Kooler Design Studio
Fabric: 18 count cream Aida cloth
Fiber: 2 strands over 1 - DMC floss

==========================

SMALL BLOCKS

This week I received blocks from my February swap partner in the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.

Kerry made these two darling blocks and included an adorable fat quarter.  I think the fussy cut butterfly center and the triangle wings are so bright and springy.  And the striped block with the multi colored bugs will be perfect addition to a little boy's quilt.  I can see a future hexie flower being made from the fat quarter.  Thank you so very much, Kerry!

=========================

TIME OFF GIVEAWAY

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

While I'm taking the week off, I thought it might be nice to have a giveaway.  This will be a two part giveaway - one for quilters and one for those who like counted cross stitch.  What can you win?  Well, let's see....

For you quilters out there, I will be giving away a $10 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop.  I'm sure you already have plenty of ideas on how you could spend this.  

OR

For you counted cross stitch enthusiasts I'm giving away this Sunset Counted Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking  Kit called "Ribbon Stocking".  It finishes 14" high.  This kit has never been opened and has been hanging out in my closet so nothing has faded.  Here is a picture of the threads included:

This kit contains:  11 1/2" X 17 1/2" 100% cotton #14 Aida cloth, cotton fabric, six strand 100% cotton embroidery floss and yarn, color graph, needle, alphabet, full color print and complete instructions.  This kit has a 1985 date so that shows you how long it's been in my stash.

What do you have to do to enter?  Easy!  Just tell me where you live (you don't have to give me your address just which state or country you are visiting from) AND whether you would like to win the gift certificate or the ccs kit.  Put both responses in the same comment.  Only one comment per person.

Fine Print:
1.  This giveaway is open to everyone.  No matter where you live you may enter.
2.  Make sure that I have a way to reach you.  If you are a No-Reply blogger (see my left sidebar if you aren't sure) you must include your email in your comment.  If I can't reach you, you CAN NOT win.
3.  You may only win one of the two items.
4.  This giveaway will end Saturday, March 10, at 8:00 pm and the winners will be announced Monday, March 12 in my regular post.
5.  You do not have to be a follower but take a minute to look around, and if you like what you see just click on the "Join This Site" button on my right sidebar.

Good Luck, everyone!

==========================

TODAY'S GOAL

I hope to make some swap blocks for my March swap partners


==========================

GIVEAWAYS
(haven't had a lot of time to read blogs the last couple of days - sorry. )

Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Sunday, March 4, at midnight.

Hawthorne Threads is having a giveaway.  You could win a Heather Bailey Freshcut fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, March 7.


Paper Napkin Poetry is having a giveaway.  You could win 3 note cards.  This giveaway ends Monday, March 12.


===========================


FINAL THOUGHT

I'll be back on Monday, March 12, 2012!


79 comments:

Sarah Craig said...

I hope you have a lovely break - enjoy your husband and your sewing time! I'm sitting in Tennessee right now, wondering if I'll be in OZ tonight - but if I am I'd still like to win that gift certificate - so I'm glad you'll mail anywhere!!

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

Take all the time YOU need to feel like you again. I don't know how some of you do it, blogging every single day. I use to blog every Sunday evening, and that was a chore to do just that much. I am in Panama City Florida 75° and 100% humidity, it is killing me. This is why I want and NEED to move, UTAH sounds better every single day.

yorkie mom said...

Enjoy your time to sew and relax. Rest is the magic healer. Would love to win the cross stitch stocking. Beautiful! Thanks for a chance.

Quiet Quilter said...

Hope your days are full of contentment and fulfilled projects....

Donna said...

I'm from Panama City, FL and would love the gift certificate. Hope you enjoy your break.

Quilt Genius said...

I am visiting from West Monroe, LA. I would love to win the gift certificate. I have a fabric addiction. I only quilt so I have a reason to buy fabric. Sad, but true... LOL

Mary
iammaryburke @ gmail.com

beaquilter said...

I'd love to win the FQ gift card, I'm mostly a quilter- I have done cross stitch, but don't do it much anymore, those angels are so cute though

Unknown said...

Oh, my! Your stitchery is marvelous. Love the quilt block.

Please do not enter me in your giveaway as I can't sew a lick. What a lovely giveaway for some lucky gal.

Enjoy your 'break'.

Have a beautiful week ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

Lisa England said...

Hello from Kentucky! Thanks for the great giveaway. My choice would be the FQS certificate to feed my fabric addiction -- would that make you an "enabler"? Not a bad thing in my mind! Enjoy your short break, all your readers will look forward to your return.

Debbie said...

Im here from the foothills of NC.

I would love the gift certificate. Im trying to increase my girly fabrics for baby #2!

thanks for the giveaway!

sew.darn.quilt said...

I hail from the Saskatchewan prairies of Canada!
Thank you for the chance to win the gift certificate :)

Have a great break,
Carolyn

Sheila said...

I am from Nova Scotia and love visiting your blog , enjoy your break you deserve it . If I were to win I would take the gift certificate , thanks. Sheila

Diane N said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Diane N said...

I hope you have a nice relaxing break! If I win, I would love the gift certificate. (and I have a fabric remnant of the fat quarter...adorable fabric...trying to come up with something to use it for!) Ohhh....I'm from Ohio!

B Greene said...

Enjoy your break!! You have certainly earned it. I would love to win the FQS gift certificate!! I live in NE Pennsylvania.

Thanks for the giveaway!

krisgray said...

Howdy from the St. Louis metro area, where no one says "howdy" btw ;-) ! The FQS is one of my fave sites.

I feel the same way when I get stressed - must focus on something. DH knows I either need a yoga class or a few hours of sewing therapy. Have a great week off.

Teresa F. said...

Here I am, writing to you from Portugal. I love FQS and I'd love to win.
Thank you for the chance.
Your cross stitching looks amazing.
Hugs,
Teresa

Sheila said...

Try to get rested up this coming week. Love your blog.
I'm from Winston Salem, NC.
If my name is chosen, I would like the gift certificate. Sheila

Diane said...

I am from Avon, CT ... both are wonderful prizes - hmmm, I think I'll go with the FQS gift certificate :) thanks! have a great weekend!

Gill said...

Enjoy your time!!
I'm in the UK and I'd like to be entered for the gift certificate please!
Best wishes

Needled Mom said...

Have a wonderful break, Linda. I know you will put the week to a good use.

We'll miss you.

Linda in Arkansas said...

We all need a little break here and there. Enjoy yours!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Enjoy your break Linda! Sometimes we all need to do that. Your cross-stitch is really coming along!

Patty C. said...

Enjoy your break -
You will be missed ;)

Sallie said...

Enjoy your break! I'd like to be entered in the giveaway for the FQS gift certificate, please. Thanks!

Bailey said...

Hello from Idaho! You now have me craving fresh pineapple...mmmm. I would love to be entered in the FQS gift certificate - thanks! Enjoy your break!

Barbara said...

I'm from Oregon, and I would love the gift certificate. I lived in Hawaii when I was a little girl. We watched the workers in the pineapple fields one day AFTER the pineapples had been harvested. They had missed one, and one of the workers approached and gave it to us. It was very ripe, and I've never tasted a sweeter pineapple. What a great memory. I still love fresh pineapple.

Brita said...

I'm still in TN (tho maybe not for long!), and would love to win the gift certificate to my fave quilt shop!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Rest, breath, enjoy - be safe and well dear friend. I would love the stitchery - we finally had snow in New York

Mrs.Pickles said...

enjoy your time off!

quiltercaroline said...

Hi Linda thanks for the giveaway - I live in Gillingham Kent UK. I hope that you have a good break, sending you lots of calming thoughts. C x

Deb said...

Enjoy your break! I'd love to win the GC!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I'll be taking next weekend off. My quilt guild is having their bi-annual show, and I'm showing off my vintage machines. I currently live in Illinois, but, I'm from Texas (once a Texan, always a Texan). I'm a quilter. I'd prefer the Gift certificate. Enjoy your break.

Jennie P. said...

I don't do cross stitch but I could use the gift certificate for fabric!! I live in NC, USA. Thanks for the chance!!

Lisa Cox said...

I live in rural Missouri, USA.
I would like the gift certificate, please.

It is always best to step away if things are frustrating. I hope you get your groove back soon.

CathyC said...

enjoy your time off, Linda - you deserve it ;-)
Cathy from Australia - FQS certificate would be wonderful to win ;-)

Sue SA said...

Hope you enjoy a relaxing break Linda, I am a follower from Adelaide South Australia and I would love to win the gift certificate, thank you, Sue SA.

Pat V. said...

Enjoy your break, everyone deserves a little time off for recuperation and rejuvenation occasionally!

Gwen said...

I'm from southern Alabama in the US-- near the Gulf of Mexico. :-) As for which prize I'd choose-- I wish that I could still do cross-stitch.. but it strains my eyes... so I just don't try anymore, I have switched to quilting and embroidery... so I think I would have to choose the Fat Quarter Shop gift certificate.. Thank you so much for the chance to win!

Farm Gate Creations Incorporating Hummingbird Quilting said...

I hope that you enjoy your week off. I follow you from a little country place named Bullengarook which resides in Victoria Australia.

Farm Gate Creations Incorporating Hummingbird Quilting said...

Whoops (Gift certificate would be nice)

Lee said...

Enjoy your break! I would choose the cross stitch kit! I have the perfect little girl to make and gift to! thanks!

Unknown said...

I am in BC Canada :)

PJ said...

I live in the Pacific Northwest - Washington State. I'm a follower and look forward to your blog, so have a good, restful time off and come back re-charged. If I were a winner I'd like the gift certificate. Thanks for the chance to win.

Christine said...

Enjoy your time off from your blog. I am sitting here in New York and would love the GC! :)

rubyslipperz1052 said...

well (yeah, wells are deep!)...one thing is FUR-SHORE...I will miss you!. But, I'm hopin'and a prayin' that you will have the bestest, most relaxing-est week off EVER!!

Wuv and HugZ,
annie

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

You are making me want to do another cross stitch. Your is just wonderful. Don't you think I need to start something new.....grin.

Christine M said...

Have a lovely break Linda. We don't want you getting stressed and upsetting your hubby! I live in Melbourne, Australia. If I was lucky enough to win, I'd pick the gift voucher. Take care Linda. Hugs, Christine

Kim said...

Enjoy your week of stitching!!! I love that summer sampler you are working on.
I became a follower

Cecilia said...

I hope you enjoy your "vacation". I live in Georgia, where the temperatures are in the 80's. I would love to win the gift certificate. Thanks for the giveaway.

Kathryn said...

I'm visiting from Pennsylvania. I love following your blog, and will miss you on your week off. Enjoy!! I'd prefer to win the GC to buy fabric, bur I wouldn't turn up my nose to a cross stitch kit. Kathie L in Allentown

Nancy said...

I'm from Eastern Pennsylvania and I would love the gift certificate. You'll be missed while you're away, Linda. Enjoy the R & R!

Carla G said...

I'm from British Columbia, Canada. Please put me in the draw for the quilters gc. Your x-stitch is looking great! :)

KatieQ said...

I live in Westchester County, New York. One summer we were visiting a farm stand in the Hamptons. There was a sign next to a group of pineapples that said Local.
Enjoy your time away; everyone deserves a break to be with their families.
I love the Fat Quarter Shop. A gift certificate would be delightful.

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Moro na região Serrana do Rio de Janeiro,Me tornei seguidora,Eu gostaria de ganhar Kit ccs.Obrigada pela chance.Tenha um descanso,relaxar é a palavra.PS:Espírito Santo é um grande produtor de abacaxi,Marataíses é o Municipio,de lá vem as frutas doces e suculentas que consumimos.

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

Would love to win the GC. Have a wonderful week off, and enjoy your sewing and stitching!! :o)
xo

sunny said...

Enjoy your Spring Break! I hope we get to see lots of stitchy goodness when you return. I live in western Maryland, USA! I love quilting and cross stitching, but I would probably choose the FQS gift card. THey're one of my favorite places to shop.

Lisa C said...

Enjoy your break. Everyone needs one (or two) occasionally!
lisarcast@gmail.com

free indeed said...

I'm from northern Maine where it is snowing yet again today! It's a nice time for hubs and I to have a nice breakfast in and putz around the house. :)
I'd like to win the stocking. I'm going to regret that later I'm thinking. I want it to make for a granddaughter's first Christmas. She is due the end of April. I had made her mom a Candlewick stocking eons ago which she still displays and I"ve made her hubby and two boys quilted ones to hang. I think this one will look wonderful hanging with the others and sort of match the style of her mother's stocking. I't pretty in my head anyway :)
Shelley

barbara woods said...

i am from georgia

Anonymous said...

You're doing what I think about doing a lot - taking time off! Enjoy it. I'm taking a trip in April and thinking about leaving my computer at home! That's a hard choice. The stocking is so wonderful - but I don't know if I'd finish it into a stocking - that's where I always fall down! So I think I have to say the gc from FQS.

dezertsuz at gmail

Anonymous said...

Oh, duh! Sorry, Tennessee here.

Sandy said...

Enjoy your time off.=) I'm from Northern California. I would love the gift certificate. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

hueisei said...

Greeting from Malaysia...
I love the FQS certificate. Thank you so much!

Marcia W. said...

North Central Florida
FQS Gift certificate
Sometimes a change is better than a rest - enjoy sewing and time with your DH

Kathy S. said...

Have a nice little staycation. We'll miss you, but we know you'll be back with something interesting to post. Throw my name in the hat for the quilter's prize. I am in unpredictable Ohio. See you soon!

Consuelo said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I live in Istanbul, Turkey and would perfer the gift certificate.

Hope you have a great break!

Karen O said...

Have a good break Linda. I would love to win the gift certificate from FQS. Thank you for all you do!

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Hope you're having/had a great staycation. Everyone needs time away to recharge your batteries. Looking forward to hearing all about what you did. Enjoyed looking to see where all your readers are from. I'm from Alaska but currently am living in Sacramento, northern California.

Thank you for such a great giveaway and a chance to win. I'd love to be in the running for the FQS gift card.

usairdoll(at)gmail.com

Heartsdesire said...

Hope you have a lovely time-out. I'd like to win the gift certificate. See you on March 12.

Mary said...

Hello from windy Missouri. Today we're supposed to get winds up to 55 miles per hour. Hang onto your hats!

Enjoy your break. Everyone needs and deserves one once in a while.

Michelle Olsen Sasak said...

Enjoy your week of quiet productive sewing :) That sounds so good right now. I'm in Western Washington, and it's been cold - we've been out selling Girl Scout cookies most nights, earning money for summer camp for my two girls :) I'd love to win the gift certificate. Thank you for the chance!

Melissa said...

I hope you enjoy your break and can de-stress. I would love the gift certificate! Thank you and feel better!

Unknown said...

Enjoy your break, its amazing how YOU time can make one feel whole again. I purchase from the FQ shop monthly so a gift voucher would be handy. I live in Adelaide, South Australian.

My Sister Made Me Do It.... said...

Hope you are enjoying your time off.......I could have sworn I already commented but couldn't find my comment so if it is here somewhere already please delete one! Thank you for a great giveaway...I'm a quilter so the gift certificate would be wonderful! Thanks again from Texas, USA! Ida

Deb said...

Well, I'm a quilter and a x-stitcher, but I think I'd pick the FQ $10. I'm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Have a good time off.

Kira said...

Utah. At present. I'm a quilter, not a stitcher.

quiltzyx said...

I hope you have been having a nice, relaxing week! I've been so off-schedule since I was laid-off, I've gotten behind on blog reading - I've missed seeing all of your fun hexies & quilts!

I'm in So. California, not tooooo far from you. :D
Put me in for the gift cert please. I'm not a cross stitcher. :D

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