Please Vote

Surprise!  I am making a post today.  But just a short one to make a request.

I have entered my little quilt in the Quilting Gallery's "Springtime Renewal".  There are 30 different entries from  5 different countries.  You may vote for up to 3 quilts.  I would appreciate it if you would vote for my little quilt, Spring Has Sprung.  

A New Month

“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
 – Dr. Seuss

Yesterday was the start of a new month.  A month that also marks the end of another year.  December certainly ushered in cooler weather here with its arrival.  We reached a high of only 49 degrees, which is more typical of late January here.  It was definitely a day for Toasty Toes, sweats, and to have a quilt on my lap all day.  I have spent so much time on the computer this week that I'm ready to give it a rest over the weekend.  The one good thing is I have just about all of my Christmas shopping done - woohoo!!  We don't have any big plans this weekend.  We will definitely be visiting the Farmer's Market and will probably run a couple of errands, but other than that, it's a stay at home weekend.  Do you have big plans for the weekend?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

December

December.  Just what is interesting about this month?  Well, let's see....

* The name December comes from the Latin decem for “ten”, as it was the 10th month in the Roman Calendar

* The term Yuletide (’yule monath’) comes from a Norse tradition of cutting and burning a huge tree on December 21st. It was supposed to symbolize the winter solstice, bring good luck and burn throughout the 12 day winter festival, known later as the 12 days of Christmas

* Birthstones for the calendar month of December are turquoise, blue topaz, tanzanite, zircon, lapis, onyx, ruby, and chrysoprase.
* December’s birth flower is the Paper White Narcissus. The narcissus, which symbolizes self esteem

Hmmmmm.......not much to share about this new month.  Well, hopefully next time  I will have something a bit more interesting.

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BEE BLOCKS

Last month I made 3 blocks for Let's Bee Together hostesses.  One more than normal but then one was actually a late one for October.......

I just love the fabric that Toni sent for us to work on last month.  This Modified Irish Chain was the perfect block to set off the fussy cut center.

Lana sent out these warm colored fabrics to create a "Man Quilt".  This New Album block worked up quickly.

Staci sent out different Denise Schmidt fabrics for us to work with.  This Flyfoot block looks harder than it really is.  And to make it even simpler, Staci included Triangles On A Roll for for making all the HST.

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BLOG HOP PARTY & GIVEAWAY DAY

Quilting Gallery is celebrating their 4th birthday with a Blog Hop Party.  It sounds like so much fun that I've decided to participate.  How can you join in the fun?  Host a give-away on your blog starting December 9th and lasting until December 17th. What you choose to give-away and how you wish to run the give-away, is totally up to you.  Use this as an opportunity to spread some Holiday Cheer, thank your regular blog readers and make some new quilting friends.   To participate just register your blog HERE.

It’s time for The Original, the big, the amazing… Giveaway Day! organized by Sew, Mama, Sew!   Mark your calendar for Monday, December 12th!  Giveaway Day is a HUGE event she coordinates where everyone with a shop or blog can give something away.  It will actually last all week instead of just one day as in the past.  To find out all the details, just click on the link above or on the button in the right sidebar.

This is another fun event I will be participating in.  There will be giveaways all over blogland that week.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I need to get started on a 6" applique block for a small display hanging gift.

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GIVEAWAYS

Rsisland Crafts is having a giveaway.  You could win a Christmas stocking full of goodies.  This giveaway ends Monday, December 5.

Love Affair With My Brother is having a giveaway.  You could win a set of flannel from Fabric Shoppe.  This giveaway ends Monday, December 5, at 11:59 pm PST.

Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win an 8 yard Dessert Party bundle.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, December 6, at midnight PST.

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win a charm pack of Meadow Friends.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, December 7, at midday AEST.

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a custom bundle of 10 fat quarters in pink and yellow.  This giveaway ends Monday, December 5, at 8:30 am PST.

Kool Benz is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 shopping credit to Skye Reve Fabrics.  This giveaway ends tonight, Friday, December 2, at midnight EST.

One More Quilt is having a giveaway.  You could win 11-count throw size (45" x 66") afghan cloth with free cross stitch design.  This giveaway ends Saturday, December 3 at 10:00 am.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Happy Blocks

Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone.
~Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie, I'd Kill for a Cookie

It's hard to believe it is Friday already.  I'm not sure I'm ready for the weekend.  I have a quilting class tomorrow that will take most of the day.  Then we have a 70th birthday party to attend in the evening.  Sunday we may do our weekly grocery shopping because I refuse to do it on our normal day, Wednesday.  Who wants to be in the grocery store the day before Thanksgiving when everyone is running around trying to pick up odds and ends for their big meal and the shelves would probably a mess and understocked.  I'm still working on the baby quilt that needs to be done by Monday.  I'm starting to feel like a chicken with its head cut off!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Bagpipe

Saturday, November 19, is National Blow Bagpipes Day.  When you think of bagpipes, it's likely that Scotland comes to mind. So you might be surprised to learn that the instrument does not have its origins in Scotland. There are some interesting and little-known facts about the bagpipes, including what they were made of, how they are played and even why they were once banned in Scotland.

Contrary to popular belief, the bagpipes did not originate in Scotland. However, it was Scotland that kept the instrument alive. As a result, it is Scotland that is most often associated with the instrument. While the exact origins of the bagpipes are disputed, the oldest reference to the now-famed instrument is from Asia Minor. The reference was carved on a stone slab dated back to 1000 BC. Bagpipes were eventually found in various countries all over the world, including India, Spain, France and even ancient Egypt. Historians are unsure as to whether the Scottish bagpipes were imported from Rome or if they were brought to the country from Ireland.

Each bagpipe consists of a chanter, a bag and one or more pipes, also known as drones. Today drones are typically made from hardwood, but in historic times they were constructed of bone or ivory. The bags were made from the skin of animals, including sheep, cows and goats.

A little-known fact about the history of bagpipes in Scotland is that the instrument was actually banned in the country -- once in 1560 and again in 1746. James Reid, a bagpipe musician, was executed for having a bagpipe during the ban. During 1746, bagpipes were considered war instruments. It is reported that during WWI more than 500 pipers were executed for playing the bagpipes

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BRIGHT BLOCKS

Over the last few days I have received two sets of beautiful and bright swap blocks......

These two 6" blocks came from Jenn in PA.  Jenn and I were swap partners for October in the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.  Aren't these bold and bright.  I love the fussy cuts she did in this Bird In The Air block.  Thank you so much, Jenn.

Linda from Australia (my November Block Swaps Australia swap partner) made this very fun block.  I just love the little monkeys and the bit of added rick rack.  This mosaic block is just full of humor.  Linda wasn't happy with this block - can you believe it ?!?  As a result she sent me a second block.....

Another adorable block!  This one has a bit more rick rack.  Both blocks are going to make a wonderful children's quilt one day for Loving Hands.  Linda also included a boomerang key chain.  Does that mean when I lose my keys they will automatically return to me?  Thank you so very much, Linda, for both of the wonderfully happy blocks.

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LOVING HANDS II

Last night I took both of the Loving Hands quilts I made this week to our guild meeting.  I already shared with you the green and yellow frog quilt so here is the second one I made......

Definitely little girl.  I made this with some left over scraps from the baby quilt I'm making.  I just did some simple line quilting along with stitch-in-the-ditch quilting.  The backing is a white heart on pink flannel (I forgot to take a picture of the back).  All Loving Hands quilts measure 32" X 32".

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FMQ

Only time for one free motion quilting practice again.......

Texture of Two is created by echo stitching the number 2.  Each time you just change the angle of the 2.  Not my favorite design but a good practice anyway.

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QUILTING GALLERY CONTEST

I have entered my little monthly mini quilt in the Quilting Gallery Contest this week.  The theme is Thanksgiving/Gratitude.  In case you forgot what mine looks like here is another look at Who Me.....

I would certainly appreciate your vote.  But make sure to look through all of the lovely entries first by going HERE.

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TODAY'S GOAL

To finish the baby quilt and to survive the weekend with a smile :D

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GIVEAWAYS

World of Charity is having a giveaway. You could win one of 6 Pine Mountain Pillow Cross Stitch Kits. This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 22.

The Barn Hollow is having a giveaway.  You could win a snow couple made by Kim from a Country Friends pattern.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Marcia's Crafty Sewing and Quilting is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway.  You could win a quilting gift certificate worth $54.00 off the quilting on a twin size quilt.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 24, at 6 pm.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win two boxes of Kona Bounty of Basics - one dark and one light.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 23.

Fabric Worm is having a giveaway.  You could win 10 french inspired Fat Quarters of J'Adore by Dear Stella.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21, at 8:30 am PST.

Smashed Peas and Carrots is having a giveaway.  You could win a pattern from Hadley Grace Designs.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 19, at 8 am.

The Jolly Jabber is having a giveaway.  You could win  Bunny Hill’s Designer Select Fat Quarter Bundle.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 22.

The Confused Quilter is having a giveaway.  Staci is ready to send the other Traveling Stash on its way.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Out Numbered Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a special, beautiful, and unique bundle of fabric.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 21.

Craftaholics Anonymous is having a giveaway.  You could win  a Silhouette Cameo digital cutting tool.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 23, at 11:59 pm EST.

***Make sure to stop by on Monday as I'm having a giveaway sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop***

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FINAL THOUGHT

Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,
The days pass quickly when I am sewing.

~Author Unknown

So Many Things

Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. 

~Mason Cooley

Today is Halloween!  Are you ready for all those little ghosts and goblins to come knocking on your door?  Our porch light will be off and we will not be answering the door.  So many of the kids that come knocking are in high school and not wearing costumes that it has taken the fun out of Halloween for us.  I used to love answering the door to the little kids in their darling costumes but so few of those come calling any more.  I think there parents have gotten smart and are participating in the group parties where it is safe and the candy isn't tainted by weidos.  So, no, we won't be smiling at little devils and divas this year.  What is your experience with trick or treaters?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Jack-O-Lantern

The term jack-o-lantern comes from an old Irish folktale about "a stingy drunkard of an Irish blacksmith named Jack" who outwits the devil. 

At the end of the rather involved tale, Jack is deinied entrance into heaven and hell and doomed to walk the earth until Judgement Day with only a turnip housing a burning coal to light his way (hence the name Jack's lantern, later changed to jack-o-lantern).

The upshot of the tale was that people would dress up in costumes, leave treats, and carve turnip lanterns to both appease and scare away wandering spirits on All Hallow's Eve.

When the Irish Potato Famine devasted Ireland, over 700,000 fled to America, bringing the carved-turnip custom with them.  Unfortunately, turnips were not as readily available in their new home.  Pumpkins, however, could be found in abundance and were a whole lot bigger and easier to carve.

Have you carved your pumkin?

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SWAP BLOCKS SENT

I have gotten way behind on sharing some blocks I've made over the past month.  Let me start with......

This Antique Tile block was made for Shannon on of two hostesses for September's Let's Bee Together.  Everyone was supposed to sign their name in one of the white blocks, but as you can tell, I totally vegged and forgot.

Look!  One of my "favorite" blocks.  This mosaic was created with fabric sent by Bailey for the October Let's Bee Together.  I really like the fabrics she sent.  Making the block.....not so much.

I think I may have finally figured out how to make a decent log cabin block.......

Foundation Paper Piecing!  Using a foundation pattern and my Add A Quarter Inch ruler I was able to create.......

These two 6 inch blocks for Jen for this month's 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia.  She requested log cabin blocks made from batiks.  As my batik stash is rather limited, this was the best I could do.  Definitely time to add to my baticks.  But at least the blocks came out true to size and are square even if the photo makes them look a bit wonky.

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WINNING SQUISHIES

Last week I received a few squishies in the mail for giveaways I had won.

Gene had a giveaway for this book.  I'm so looking forward to reading it but I have the previous one to read first.  Thank you, Gene!

Isn't this the cutest little needle case?  I won this over at Primitive Quilts and Projects.  The wool is so soft and will be a great place to store my embroidery needles.  Thank you, Leah!!

And remember when my little bugs quilt won the Quilting Gallery weekly contest?  Well.....

I have been neglectful in publicly thanking JoJo's Quilt and Gift Shoppe for their generous donation as the winning prize award.  I received this gorgeous double fat quarter bundle of Rural Jardin by French General.  It still sits in its stacks until I can find the absolute perfect quilt pattern to use these on.  Any suggestions?  Thank you so much to both Michele at the Quilting Gallery and to Jojo's!!!

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ANOTHER PRACTICE SQUARE

I have another free motion practice square to share with you.....

Graphic Flower gave me a few fits once I got past the first layer of petals.  But once I got into the flow it was really fun!  This sure used the thread but I really like the look.  I also noticed that it made the block shrink up a little but I don't think I  had my sandwich tight enough so things shifted just a bit.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to finish my little mini quilt for November - after all, tomorrow it the first!

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GIVEAWAYS

Crafty Imaginings By Jen is having a giveaway.  You could win 4 Fat Quarters of Ghastlie Fabric, 1 Fat Quarter of Pink Kona Cotton Fabric, 1 Spool of Grey Coats and Clark All Purpose Sewing Thread, 1 100 Pin Package of Dritz Straight Pins, 1 Package of Schmetz Universal Sewing Machine Needles, and 1 Hand Exercise Ball.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4.

Quilter In The Gap is having a giveaway.  You could win a ghastlie sewing machine cover.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4.

Bee In My Bonnet is having a giveaway.  You could win a Daisy Cottage fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 1.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win either Electric Quilt 7 software or Quilt Album software.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 2.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a So Sophie layer cake.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 2.

Vrooman's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win 7 pieces of Ghastly fabric (assorted sizes) and a wonderful but unfinished table runner.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4, at midnight.

Moose Stash Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 3.

Have you entered the giveaway for the Traveling Stash?  You still have time to enter HERE.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Happy Halloween!!

Please Vote

Just a quick post this evening.  Quilting Gallery is running their weekly contest.  The theme this week is Summer Fun Quilts.  I have entered my little quilt, June Bugs.

There are several wonderful quilts to select from, however, I would certainly appreciate your vote.  Just click HERE to take you to the gallery for voting.

Hugs,

Linda



GO VOTE!

Every week the Quilting Gallery holds a weekly themed quilt contest.  This weeks theme is Made With Charms. 

I decided to enter one of my quilts this time.....

This quilt is called Butter Churn.  It was the first time I had used a charm pack to make a quilt.  Really!  Would you believe that was only this past January? 

Take a visit over to the Quilting Gallery and take a look at all of the beautiful quilts that have been entered this week.  If can't decide which one to vote for, you can always throw your vote my way :)  Thanks!!

Chips on the Mug & Cake, Too

Hunger: One of the few cravings that cannot be appeased with another solution.
~Irwin Van Grove

Yesterday I had a salt craving attack.  The more salt the better.  However, I did not give into it.  Partly because there was nothing that sounded remotely salty enough to fill this craving.  There were no potato chips in my house, no pretzels, and no saltines (with good reason).  What should I do when there is nothing salty in my house?  I could go dump some salt into my hand and give that a lick....yuck.  I could go to the store but I really don't like being on the roads in my power chair.  Maybe I should have cooked something nice and salty at lunch...but the DH brought home chili cheese fries and that did the trick!  What do you do when you have a salt craving or is your craving only for chocolate?

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Tortilla Chips

February 24, 2011 is National Tortilla Chip Day.

There are many reasons why people love tortilla chips including their crunch, taste, and versatility. Tortilla chips can be made out of white, blue, red, or yellow corn. They are commonly served as a snack or appetizer alongside salsa, sour cream, chili, or guacamole. They are also an extremely popular dish when served as nachos!
Tortilla chips were invented by Rebecca Webb Carranza in Los Angeles during the 1940's. She came up with the idea to use all of the misshaped tortillas that came out of an automated tortilla machine rather than throw them in the trash. The rejected tortillas were cut into triangles, fried, and sold for a dime a bag by the El Zarape Tortilla Factory. They soon became immensely popular throughout the country. In 1994, Carranza received the Golden Tortilla Award for her contribution to the Mexican food industry.
To celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day, buy a bag of your favorite tortilla chips or try baking your own. Then enjoy with some salsa or dip for a tasty snack!

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MUG RUG SWAP

Yesterday's mail brought me two wonderful mug rugs from my swap partner in the Quilting Gallery Mug Rug Swap.

These beautiful mug rugs were made for me by Mary Green.  The top one is a selvage strip mug rug with the most gorgeous purple fabric that was also used as the backing.  The bottom one remind me of spring with its bright, cheery colors.  On the back is some of the cutest cow fabric I have ever seen.  Mary also included a great little note pad.  You can visit Mary's blog, Mare's Nest, to see her other great creations.  Thank you, Mary!! 

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LAYER CAKE QAL

Yesterday I made block #9 in the Layer Cake Quilt Along. 

This block is called U Pick and was designed by Jovita's Patchwork.  Once you had assembled the primary 9 blocks, there were 4 possible layouts to choose from - unless you were Gene Black who came up with a 5th layout!  I continued using the Sweet and Sour by Connecting Threads.  This was a fairly easy block.  Most of the time it takes me longer to decide what colors to use than it does to make them - lol!  Only three more blocks and our QAL will be over.

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ANOTHER MARCH MINI QUILT

Yesterday I prepped the fabric for my next mini quilt. 

This one will be 12" square - twice the size of the one I shared with you yesterday.  The pattern I'm using is by The Wooden Bear Quilt Designs called It's Spring Again. 

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FED EX DELIVERY

Fed Ex made a delivery to my house the other night.  If you might remember, I won two CSN giveaways last month.  This is what I bought with the first gift card......

6 storage units.  They are actually for scrap booking but as we all know they do quite well for quilting storage too.  These are not the sturdiest units that I have come across but when they didn't cost me anything I probably shouldn't complain.  And guess what?  They have already been put to use and are nearly full.  I'm not sure if I will order more of these with my other gift certificate but maybe.

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HELP, PLEASE

I'm looking for this book...

Does anybody know an online store in the USA where I could purchase this book?  When I did a search, all of the stores were in Australia.  I would appreciate your help in locating a copy.


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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will work on the It's Spring Again mini quilt.  If time allows, I just might work on my wool table runner too.

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GIVEAWAYS

The Adhotaeiloa Family is having a CSN giveaway!  You could win a $70 gift certificate to spend any way you would like at the CSN online store.  This giveaway ends March 22nd at 10 pm MST.

The Fair Gardener Quilts Too is having her first giveaway!  Gail is giving away 6 - 1/2 yard cuts of some very pretty fabric.  This giveaway ends February 28th.

Shannon, over at Nunu's Quilt World, is having her first giveaway too!  She is celebrating her 100th post by giving away the Traveling Stash.  This is a box that you could win chock full of all sorts of things.  You get to pick what you want to keep out of the box, add more to the box, have a giveaway of your own and then send it on its way.  Shannon will pick a winner Saturday night.

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FINAL THOUGHT

We are going to get hit with winter one more time this weekend - well, starting tomorrow.  The weather forecasters are predicting a high of 45 degrees on Saturday with an outside chance of a sprinkling of snow.  It has been over 12 years since we last saw snow here in our neck of the woods.  At that time we had around three inches of the white stuff and it shut the city down until almost noon.  I actually had a snow day from work.  It was awesome.  I remember waking up thinking I had overslept because it was so light outside.  No, it was snowing.  I went outside and couldn't believe how quiet it was.  Nothing was making a noise until the tree branches started cracking under the weight of the snow.  Don't laugh, our central California trees are used to having nothing heavier on them than leaves and/or birds.  It was a magical morning.  Even us adults felt like kids again.  So I say, let it snow.....let us feel young again and enjoy the beauty of winter one last time this year.

Where does the white go when the snow melts?
~Author Unknown

Thank you for stopping by - you made my Thursday happy!

YOU CAN HELP

The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.

~Terri Guillemets

Along with the rest of you, I have been watching with sadness the devastation that is taking place in Australia with all of the flooding.  It leaves me feeling helpless to see all of that destruction and not being able to do anything.  Well, next week that can change for all of us.  Make It Perfect will be holding a QLD Flood Appeals Auction starting Monday.  Here's the plan. On Monday 17th January, she will have a master list of bloggers who will be running auctions from their blogs, selling products that they make or from their stores. You will have one week to bid on these auctions, and hopefully be the lucky winner of these great products. Auctions will be open for 1 week, and will close at midnight on Monday 24th January.  All of the money raised at these auctions will go directly to the Queensland Government Flood Relief Appeal.  She is looking for bloggers to hold auctions.  But, if you are like me and don't have anything to auction, you can support the auction by bidding - and that is what I will be doing.  At least maybe I can help at least a little.  How about you?

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

This was my morning sky

When I looked out the window this morning and saw the bright pink lines in the sky, what did I think of?  Quilting, of course!  A wonky block perhaps.  The jet trails were a much more vibrant pink (sort of flamingo pink) than what they appear in the picture with the rising sun shining on them.  Is it contrail, a vapor trail, or, as some would like you believe, a chemtrail?  I believe they are contrails.  What causes contrails?  Contrails form through the injection of water vapor into the atmosphere by exhaust fumes from a jet engine. If there is sufficient mixing between the cold upper tropospheric air and the hot exhaust gases to produce a state of saturation, ice crystals will develop.  Whatever they are, they were vivid and beautiful this morning.

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LAYER CAKE QAL PROGRESS

My goal for yesterday was to make the Layer Cake QAL block #6

This block is called Pointing the Way and is designed by Toby Lischko.  I hate to say this but I think this is my least favorite block in the QAL so far.  It was easy enough to do.  But as a single block I find it rather bland.  Even with the bright colors of the Sweet & Sour fabrics, it just doesn't do anything for me.  Hopefully it will work together well with all of the other blocks in the QAL.  Wow!  I just realized that there we are half way through the QAL!

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QUILTED TABLE JANUARY SWAP

After making the above block, I spent the next two hours cutting out fabric for the Quilted Table 2011 Things From the Heart Block Swap.  This is a yahoo group that I recently joined.  There is a pattern to follow to make four blocks all using red or pink fabric, or fabrics with a heart theme.

I only got this far on the block and checked the measurements.  This part was already 1/2" too small.  What the heck?  It's not like I measured wrong because I was using templates to cut out the heart fabric.  Then it dawned on me.  Our PC is in for repair so I had my DH print out the instructions and template page at work (can't seem to get the ol' laptop to talk to our printer here at home - ugh!).  I didn't think to tell him to print it to scale.  When he came home at lunch I asked him about it and he said that his printer is set to 'fit to the page'.  Well, that explained why my center block was too small.  So now I have three more hearts all cut out and ready to be put together.  But not to worry, I'm sure that I can find some use for them.  Perhaps the start of a mug rug or maybe a mini quilt.

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EXCITEMENT!

Yesterday afternoon we had a little excitement in our little neighborhood - well, not actually our neighborhood but just down the street and around the corner.  Around 1:00 I kept hearing the police helicopter circling nearby.  I finally got up to check it out and noticed that it was circling quite closely.  As I was watching it circle, I saw a police officer jump the fence of the house next door (it's up for sale and has been empty for almost a year).  Then I notice that there's another officer standing on something in the alley looking over the same fence and holding a HUGE SHOTGUN!!!  OK, now I knew for sure something was going on.  Turned on the police scanner but that didn't help much.  Finally heard at 2:30 on a news report that they were looking for a couple of guys that had robbed a cigarette store at gunpoint earlier in the morning.  They had chased one of the robbers on a motorcycle to a house not far from here.  They had the swat team out and it was all over by 3:00.  This caused the grade school across the street from my house to go into lock down so there were lots of anxious parents waiting on the sidewalks.  That was enough excitement for me to last at least a couple of weeks.

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MUG RUG SWAP

Since my morning cutting amounted to nothing, and part of my afternoon was spent trying to figure out was going on in the neighborhood, I spent the rest of it preparing a mug rug. 

This is for the Mug Rug Swap being hosted by the Quilting Gallery.  I found this cute little owl on a coloring book page and copied him onto some Bella bleached white fabric.  I'm going to coordinate the embroidery floss with the fabrics that you can see in the upper left corner.  I hope it will turn out as cute as I think it will.

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TODAY'S GOAL

My goal today is to recut the fabric for the Quilt Table Heart Block Swap.  I won't have to cut out the majority of the WOW fabric as it was cut to measure and not to template so it is right size.  I hope to complete the squares too.

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GIVEAWAYS

Before you read the giveaways, keep in mind, if I can reach 400 followers it will be time for me to have another giveaway.  That means only 3 more followers are needed for this to happen.  I'm just saying.....something to think about!

My friend Lana over at It Seams To Be Sew is having a Winner Choice Giveaway!  Lana is celebrating her 100th post by giving away 2 charm packs of the winners choice.  You must enter her giveaway before Monday, January 17th.

Toughie Sews is celebrating her 100th post.  What she is giving away is a surprise.  If you are intrigued, then enter her giveaway by Friday, January 21st.

Jaybird Quilts is having a wonderful giveaway.   Julie is giving away a copy of the book, Quilt Remix.  She will announce the winner on Saturday.

Martingale & Company is giving away a book as they do each month for those who sign up for their email.

Red Pepper Quilts is having a great giveaway! They are giving away a huge fat quarter bundle of Amy Butler's Soul Blossom.  The winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 16, 2011.

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FINAL THOUGHT

I think life gives us obstacles to cross and hurdles to jump just to make sure we are still paying attention.  Why let there be more than one day in a row without a challenge met?  Who wants to have an easy week - one without adversity or errors?  ME!!  I would like to have two days in a row where everything runs smoothly.  Two days where my seam ripper lies idle, my cutting is precise, my points are all pointy and match, and where everything I attempt is completed as planned.  Is two days too much to ask for?  I'm paying attention!!  OK, I will settle for one whole entire day.  One can only hope, right?

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops... at all.
~Emily Dickinson

Today is Thursday - live it well!

Quilter's Cookbook Winners

Thank you to all of you who entered the Quilter's Cookbook Giveaway.  It pretty much was either a breakfast or dinner choice.  I remember one brunch - oh, and one dessert that was selected as a favorite meal. 

We have two winners.  Both winners will receive a copy of both cookbooks that can be downloaded instantly.  Congratulations to.....

Karen who said

"My favorite meal of the day is dinner. That's when I can create something new (I like to take recipes and add my own touch to them) or my husband can take me out to dinner! Love the giveaway. Have a wonderful day!"

AND

BillieBee who said

"My favorite meal of the day would be breakfast. It's only dry cheerios to get my pills down, but is brought to me by my DH along with coffee, news of the morning, and sometimes a load song.....grin. Can't beat that.

My favorite food is Puffy Tacos!"

I have sent your names and emails to Michele from the Quilting Gallery.  She will be contacting you soon about your cookbooks.

Once again, thank you to all who entered.  I look forward to having another giveaway soon!

Butter, Birds, & Books!

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yesterday I got mad at myself for once again not working on my DD's quilt.  It felt like another failed day.  Then I thought, 'It's only Monday, you still have more days in the week left to work on it'.  Why are we always own worse critic?  Nobody can give us a harder time about something than ourselves.  I have decided that I need to be a little less critical of my own work, goals, and desires.  Stress is something I quite often cause myself.  It's time to relax and smell the roses a little more.  How about you?  Did you beat your head against the wall and feel like a failure because you didn't complete everything yesterday?  Well, don't.  Take that deep breath and move on.  Anything not done yesterday can be worked on today.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Narcissus in my garden

There are two derivations of the name. One is that of the youth of Greek mythology called Narcissus, who, in at least one of many variations of the tale, became so obsessed with his own reflection as he kneeled and gazed into a pool of water that he fell into the water and drowned. In some variations, he died of starvation and thirst from just sitting by the edge of the pool until he gave out, gazing at his reflection until he died. In both versions, the Narcissus plant first sprang from where he died.  The other derivation is that the plant is named after its narcotic properties (ναρκάω narkao, "to grow numb" in Greek).

My family and I do not care for the scent of Narcissus.  For some reasons, when the girls were young, they said they smelled like dirty diapers.  And, from then on, that is what we have called this innocent little flower - Dirty Diapers - making it quite difficult at times for me to remember its proper name.

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DID YOU NOTICE?

 

Did you notice the date today?  Yes, it's January 11, 2011 or  1-11-11.  I wonderful if something special will happen with all of those 1's?

 

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I accomplished yesterday's goal of working on my Buttern Churn quilt.

First I made 32 HST

Followed by 8 Jacobs Ladders

I sewed the blocks together to finish this part of the quilt top.  Of course, once I placed it on the floor, Snickerdoodle just had to check it out.  Tomorrow I hope to put the border together.  Another step closer for the WIP to become a Finished Project!

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I finished the January Birdie Stitches BOM.  It was so much to make.

I used four strands of DMC floss to do the embroidery.  Little Miss Shabby (the creator of this cute block) recommended 6 strands but I couldn't bring myself to use that many.  I was pleased with the way the four strands looked.  I'm already looking forward to next months block!

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A NEW GIVEAWAY

Are you looking for a new collection of recipes? Check out the Quilter's Cookbooks filled with yummy recipes, quilts and heart-warming stories from quilters around the world. Michele from the Quilting Gallery has professionally put together these fabulous books that can be downloaded instantly.

The theme for the 2009 edition of the Cookbook was "Quick and easy recipes, so we can get back to quilting!". It contains 119 recipes and 76 photos of gorgeous quilts. The theme for the 2010 edition is "Holiday Traditions". It contains 135 recipes and 72 photos of gorgeous quilts.

To help celebrate the release of the 2010 edition, Michele has generously donated two sets of Cookbooks for my blog friends.  There will be two chances to win - each winner will receive both the 2009 and the 2010 edition of the Cookbook.  To enter just tell me what your favorite meal of the day is.  One comment only please - duplicate entries will be deleted.  You must have some way for me to reach you - if you have a 'no reply blogger', then please leave your email along with your comment.  This is going to be a quick giveaway and will close Thursday night at 8:00 PM PST. 

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan to put the border on my Butter Churn quilt.  I also have to make a little hexie flower for One Flower Wednesday.  Two things for one day - I can do it!

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TWO MORE SWAPS

I need another swap like I need another hole in my head.  But how can you say no?  I can't.  I just joined up with Barn Door Swap.  Shauna is starting up a brand new swap where you make blocks using the Hole In the Barn Door block pattern and make either 12" or 7.5" blocks, or both.  I'm not sure when this one will be starting but Shauna is looking for participants.  If you are interested you can either click on the link above or on button on the sidebar.

The other swap I just joined is the Mug Rug Swap being hosted by Quilting Bloggers.  This is a quick, one time swap.  You will make two mug rugs that will finish at approximately 10″x6″.  They do not have to be the same or made of the same fabrics.  Registration closes January 18th. Partner information will be sent by January 21st.  All Mug Rugs should arrive at their destination no later than February 28th.   It is a secret swap so you won't know who you will be swapping with.  Doesn't this sound like fun?  If you would like to join, click on the link above or on the button in the right sidebar.


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GIVEAWAYS

Fussy Cut is having a Heather Ross giveaway.  Angela is giving away a set of fat eights of Heather Ross' Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries line.  You must enter by Friday, January 14th.

Sew Fantastic is having a sponsor giveaway.  You could win a $35 gift certificate from Fashionable fabrics.  A winner will be chosen on Thursday, January 13th.

Pink Pincushion is celebrating her 250th post and having over 400 followers.  Sinta has put together a darling kit of Henrietta Turtle - just so cute!  She will continue this giveaway thru January 19th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Once Christmas shopping was finally done, I told myself that I wouldn't buy another thing until I paid off my credit cards.  Well, I lied!  There are so many great sales going on and so many things I want to create I just couldn't live up to my promise.  Why is it that the internet stores have to put things on sale just when I don't have the money?  Why is it that a new line of fabric finally comes out that I really, really want at a time when I shouldn't be spending?  I have refrained from buying the fabric, hoping they don't sell out or that maybe, just maybe, it will go on sale at a later date.  How about you?  How do manage to put a stop to buying?

Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.
 ~Oscar Wilde


Today is Tuesday - too terrific for words!