Four More Flowers

Whoever dreamed up Scrabble had an exaggerated idea of how many seven-letter words have five i's.
 ~Robert Brault

It's already the middle of the week!  Wednesday has gotten here so quickly.  I could really use a couple of extra days - maybe two Thursdays or, even better, two Saturdays.  It doesn't seem like I've gotten anything accomplished.  Of course, it doesn't help that I keep playing Words With Friends with my daughter on Facebook.  But where else can I play Scrabble?  DD#1 and I are both game players.  My DH hates playing games - especially spelling games.  This way we can play a game without being in the same room let alone the same state.  We have seven games going at once.  Yes, I said SEVEN.  Some days we hardly play at all.  It all depends how much time I spend on the computer and if she is busy at work.  Over the weekend we barely play at all.  It's a great time waster but I don't mind wasting time if I'm having fun.

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Hats

Tomorrow, Thursday September 15, is both Make A Hat Day and National Felt Hat Day.  I don't plan on making a hat but here are some facts about hats.....

* 1814 first record of a white rabbit being pulled out of a top hat, by a French Magician named Louis Comte

* "Mad as a Hatter": in order to bind felt fibres the millinery industry used mercury. Felt fluff would be inhaled by the milliners and over time the mercury would drive them mad.

* London's iconic Black Taxi Cabs have to be tall enough to accommodate a gentleman wearing a top hat - even today!
* You lose 20% of your body heat from your head...mainly from the forehead as it has no insulation.
* The American financier J P Morgan loved wearing top hats so much he had his cars made with a high roof so he could ride around wearing his beloved hats!
* Panama hats actually come from Ecuador. The workers on the Panama Canal wore the imported straw hats but the Americans thought they were wearing locally made hats.
* Average Head size today 7 1/8, to 7 1/4. 19th and early 20th century 6 5/8 or even smaller; hence larger hats are at a premium.
* In the mid-80's the baseball hat kicked off the current trend for hat wearing. Since 1985 hat wearing has increased by 15% a year.

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TWO SMALL FLOWERS

Once again, I was only able to churn out two flowers for the Aunt Sarah quilt.....

This flower is full of autumn colors.

And even though there aren't many green flowers in nature, I thought this green basket weave pattern worked up nicely into flower petals.

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SPRING SWAP PACKAGE

A very pretty package arrived in yesterday's mail.....

I don't know that I've ever received such a colorful package.  I couldn't wait to open it to see what was inside......

Sarah, my Spring swap partner in the Once A Season Swap hosted by Cheryll,  took the time to wrap the three gifts individually.  She included a beautiful handmade card with hand stitched flowers on the outside.

Inside was a darling plate that can be hung on the wall and it is decorated with precious handmade paper flowers.  There is also a little bud vase that has a matching paper flower.  Sarah also included a package of cute magnets, some great gel pens and note cards that match the magnets. 

Thank you so much for everything, Sarah.  And a special thank you to Cheryll for hosting another great swap!

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FUN FLOWERS

This weeks Grandmother's Flower Garden hexagon flowers were both fussy cuts and my flowers for One Flower Wednesday......

This flower looks like a fish bowl.  I kept thinking about Charlie Tuna when I was stitching this one together - lol!

This one reminds me of a necklace worn by ladies many years ago - maybe it's because the little dots look a little like seed pearls.  Who knows....sometimes my mind comes up with some very weird thoughts and images.

For more hexagon beauties, just click on the link above or on the button on the right sidebar.  Thanks, again to Karen for hosting this weekly fun!

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FMQ FUN

On Monday, I could tell that I hadn't been at the machine for a few days......

Ocean Current didn't flow quite as smoothly as it should have.  There are a couple of fits and starts but if it were done on a printed fabric, you probably wouldn't even notice them.  This is the first beginner/intermediate practice I've done.

I missed putting the center of the Sunflower in the center of the block - dummy me!  I quickly ran out of room so instead of leaving part of the block empty, I added a stem and leaves.  I even added veins to the leaves.  Can you tell I had fun with this one?  You can click on the link to see what it was really supposed to look like.  The flower part reminds of those Spriograph designs I used to make when I was a child.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I have to decide on a block and cut fabric for Bee In Oz.  October is my month to be the hostess and I want the envelopes in the mail on the 15th.

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GIVEAWAYS

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her Monday Mystery giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Saturday, September 17.

Laundry Basket Quilts Blog is having a giveaway.  You could win Edyta's new book, fabrics from her Indian Summer line, fabric pencils, a custom seam ripper, buttons, her favorite Aurifil thread and her calendar.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 30, at midnight EST.

BasicGreya Sampler in your choice of design as well as a box of BasicGrey goodness including our Blossoms, Vintage Buttons, Stitched Buttons and Vintage Patches.  this giveaway ends Sunday, September 18, at 11:59 pm MST.

The Raspberry Rabbits is having a giveaway.  You could win one of Shell's Folk Art Fusion pieces with the hanger.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 19.

Happy Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win a Jelly Roll of Sweetwater's ever so popular Hometown line and 2 1/2 yards of coordinating fabric.  This giveaway ends Friday, September 16. 

Taking The Scenic Route is having a giveaway.  You could win a 17" mat designed with the acorns dancing along the edge by Jan Goos.  This giveaway ends ?

Live A Colorful Life is having a giveaway.  You could win a sample pack of Aurifil thread.  This giveaway ends Thursday, September 15, at 6:00 pm PDT.

A Quilting Life is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to Fashionable Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Thursday, September 15.

Notions is having a giveaway.  You could win  a copy of More Layer Cake, Jelly Rolls & Charm Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 19.

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win 7 Fat Quarters of Timeless Treasures Organic Daisies.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 19, at 8:30 am PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

It seems like once a week I have trouble coming up with a final thought.  Maybe it's that middle of the week thing when I'm still thinking about what has happened during the week and what I have left to accomplish.   I have nothing to give an opinion on nor anything to gripe about.  I have no words of wisdom or prophesy to share.  So I guess that this is it for today.  Have a wonderful and creative Wednesday!

I plan on living forever. So far, so good. 
~Author Unknown



A Great Day!

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.
~Henry van Dyke

Yesterday was a fairly good day in my life.  I did some sewing, ordered some fabric for a new project (like I need another project!), and had my house cleaned.  Everything is squeaky clean and the dog hair is where it belongs - on the dogs!  The sun came out for a quick peek in the afternoon and the birds arrived big time at the feeders.  A dinner of leftovers made meal preparation easy and then some TV time with my DH.  I don't think I could have asked for a nicer Monday.  Until.....we got a call that my mother was acting 'weirdly' - my sister's description.  She had had another mini stroke.  After several hours in the ER she was moved to a room.  Mother is doing well, very alert and able to carry on conversations.  She stayed in the hospital overnight and now we are waiting to have more tests done.

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

The Month of February

30 days hath September, April, June, and November.
28 days makes February fine, But in a Leap Year it has 29.
All the rest have 31, and now the poem has been done.

There are so many days of celebration in February  - I bet there are some you didn't even know about...
National Freedom Day, Bottle Cap Day, Elmo's Birthday, Charles Lindbergh's Birthday, National Weatherperson's Day, Babe Ruth's Birthday, Laura Ingalls Wilder's Birthday, Boy Scouts' Day, Toothache Day, Umbrella Day, White T-Shirt Day, Get a Different Name Day, Ferris Wheel Day, National Gumdrop Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, Hoodie-Hoo Day, Love Your Pet Day, World Thinking Day, Carnival Day, No-Brainer Day, Public Sleeping Day and so many more. 
Did you find a day that you would like to celebrate?

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A NON GIVEAWAY CELEBRATION

Raewyn, over at Love To Stitch, is celebrating her 1 year blogaversary.  She is doing something different - definitely something great.  For every comment she receives she will donate $1 toward brain tumor (cancer) research.  Raewyn states  "Those of you who regularly follow my blog will know that my father is suffering from brain tumours; please help me to donate towards this area to help give families more hope in the future."  You don't have to be a follower, just go to make a comment.  Isn't this a great way to celebrate such a special event?

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A NEW BLOCK

Yesterday I made the block for my swap partner in the Quilt Block Swap Australia.   Her only request was that I not use orange or black.  I'm only going to give you a sneak peek since I don't know if she reads my blog.

No black there!  Well, there might be just a touch of orange in the print but I don't think she will mind.  As you can tell, I went with the theme for the month - hearts!  I just hope that she doesn't find it too pink.

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TISSUE COVER

Yesterday I also whipped out a tissue cover as a little extra in the Once A Season Swap.

As you may remember, it is supposed to be fall themed - the swap originated in Australia and they are going into their autumn.  It seems so strange working with fall fabric right now.  I was please with the way it turned out.

I did some more sewing yesterday but I will share it another day - this posting is already getting too long.

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ONE MORE BEE BLOCK

Yesterday I received another beautiful Bee block. 

This wonderful block was made by Staci.  The points are perfect and I love the star pattern she selected.   You can visit her blog at The Confused Quilter.  Staci also included almost 2 yards of the coordinated blue floral fabric!!  How very generous of her.  Thank you, Staci!

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MY LUCKY DAY

Yesterday I was notified that I had won, not one, but two giveaways!!!  I was shocked!  First I received an email from Jennifer over at The Quilty Home telling me I had won 2 charm packs of Hoopla.  Can't wait to get those and create something wonderful with them.  Then I received an email from Debra over at Housewife Eclectic telling my I had won her giveaway which was a $25 gift code from CSN online stores.  Looks like I'll be doing some shopping in the near future.  I think that I've probably run through my luck for the month - don't you?

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will be working on a block for a Let's Bee Together member.  I received the fabric and instructions yesterday and can't wait to get started.

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GIVEAWAYS

Diary Of A Quilter is having a giveaway!  In conjunction with Poppy Seed Fabric Shop they are giving away a bundle from Tina Given's newest collection, Haven's Edge.  This giveaway ends Thursday, February 3rd at midnight MST.

The Quilt Rat is celebrating her 200th post.  She is giving away a copy of Zentangle Fabric Arts.  The winner will be selected on Friday, February 4th.

Hancock's of Paducah is giving away Civil Wars Chronicle Kit.  Wouldn't that be a fantastic win?  This giveaway ends February 9, 2011, at 11:05 AM CST.

A Thimbleful Of Thoughts is having a giveaway.  She is giving away a bundle of A Stitch in Time with Mother Goose fabric and a copy of A Stitch in Time with Mother Goose.  This giveaway end tonight (Tuesday, Feb 2) and midnight.

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With all of the turmoil going on in the world do you ever think about the earth imploding?  I try not to think about it too much but when it's hitting all of the headlines it's sort of hard to ignore.  I try not to think about who has "The Bomb" and where it might be aimed (at us?).  I try not to think of the terrorists out there that are looking to get their '27 virgins'.  These kind of thoughts make me sad and cause me to want to sit and do nothing.  But, just as quickly, I tuck them away in a spot deep in my brain and move on to happier and better thoughts.  My grandsons, my daughters, my little furry doggies, and especially my DH.  You just can't have happier thoughts than those :D

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.
~Charles Schulz


Tuesday is totally yours - take it and create!!

Buds Of A Snowman To Swap

I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering.

~Steven Wright

Just another one of those days.....what?  Did I say something?  Oh, maybe I was just thinking it.  I sit here thinking about my post and ....... oh look, the parrots are back in the tree!  OK, back to the blog.  The sun actually came out today ....... boy I ate too much at lunch.  Did you ever want to nail your brain to something ...... maybe I'll fix pork chops for dinner.  Oh, I give up!  Wait, what was I giving up?  It was just one of those days.  Have you ever had one......let's see what was I looking for?

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Camellia bud

Yesterday I noticed that my two camellia's are putting on buds.  This is my favorite if I could remember the name I would share it with you.  The camellia is native to eastern and southern Asia and there are between 100–250 described species.  The various species of camellia plants are generally well-adapted to acidic soils, and most species do not grow well on chalky soil or other calcium-rich soils. Most species of camellias also require a large amount of water, either from natural rainfall or from irrigation, and the plants will not tolerate droughts.  When given as a gift the pink camellia means 'longing for you'.  The red camellia means 'You're a Flame in My Heart'.  And the white camellia means 'You're adorable'.  So be careful which one you give!  

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Yesterday I had no trouble reaching my goal of working on the Birdie Stitches BOM for January.  I am using Dream On by Urban Chiks for Moda.  First I cut 2 1/2" squares out of the jelly roll.  Then I cut out an 8 1/2" square from Bella Solids White Bleached.  Then I had to trace the stitchery pattern onto the solid fabric.  Next came assembling the 2 1/2" squares into strips for the border and sewing them around the square.

This is the block.

I used a mechanical pencil with #2 led in it to make the tracing.  It's a little hard for the camera to pick up but I think you can get the idea.

And here is the stitching I did in the afternoon.  I know snowmen are supposed to be white but I wanted him to show up.  Just think of him being so cold that he turned blue.  This is so fun and I'm enjoying getting back into embroidery.  I've got all sorts of ideas bouncing around in my head for other projects.  I hope to work on him more tomorrow.

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Yesterday I joined a new swap called Once A Season Swap.  This is being hosted by the wonderful Cheryll of the blog, Gone Stitchin'.  The best thing about this swap is that it only happens four times a year - Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer - but in the Australian seasons (which are opposite of mine).  Each season Cheryll will assign secret partners for you to send a little gift to - nothing too expensive or too time consuming and consider the postal costs too.  The gift can be crafty or personal, it's up to you. The ideas for this swap are: 

Autumn could be a gift of a hand/kitchen towel with autumn leaves... or a small table mat in autumn colours... or browns/creams/ orange cottons... burgundy nail polish ???....

Winter gift... a chockie &; a magazine.... or a few flannel fabrics...

Spring... something with pretty flowers on it...

Summer.... well ...you get the picture

So if you are interested in joining in this little swap, click on the link above or on the button on the sidebar.  Cheryll would like you to contact her before the 25th.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today my goal is to make the Mystery Designer BOM from last month.  After all, the next block will be in the mail on Monday.  Won't you join me on Monday to see if you can guess what I am making?

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GIVEAWAYS

 

Bearpaw is celebrating her 100th post with a giveaway.  You could win 10 fat quarters, a skein of Rico Wool and an adorable framed mini quilt in a box frame.  This giveaway closes midnight on January 12, 2011.

The Fat Quarter Shop is having a giveaway through their blog, Jolly Jabber.  They are giving away two fat quarter bundles  - one each of Espresso and Mocha Swiss Chocolate for Robert Kaufman.  You must enter by Wednesday, January 12 at midnight for this one too.

And, once again, don't forget to enter my 300+ Follower Giveaway Thank You before Sunday, January 9th at 8:00 PM PST.

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FINAL THOUGHT

The problem with starting a new project like I did yesterday is now I have to store the blocks for a whole year.  I thought if I could move this out of this box....no, that box won't be big enough to allow the blocks to lay flat.  Maybe if I move some fabric around here......but then where would the fabric go that won't fit in that cubby hole.  I give up.  I guess it's time to pull out a Joann's coupon and buy another storage container.  What do you do when you have more projects that storage areas?  And, please, don't tell me to finish one of them.  Most of them are BOM or SAL.....well, not all of them - LOL!

The trouble with, "A place for everything and everything in its place" is that there's always more everything than places.

~Robert Brault

Have a fun and fabric Friday!!