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!