Who Won The Go! Cutter?

We have a winner!!!!!!!

With the help of random.org, the winner is.......

Quiet Quilter said...

"I'll give it a spin and a whirl....
I would like the Apple Core, Hexagon, and Half square Triangle...

Thanks "

Congratulations, Frances!  I will be sending you an email shortly to get all of your needed information.  You better start studying those dies because you will need to let me know the three you would like.

Thank you, to all of you for taking the time to enter this sponsored giveaway.  And a big thank you to AccuQuilt for sponsoring it!!

Hugs,



Shout Your Thanks!

  Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.
~Eric Sevareid

'Tis the season when we happily think of others.  Trying to figure out what gift would be perfect for someone.  Hoping that all will be happy in the coming new year.  I try also to remember those less fortunate by increasing my monthly donations to the local homeless center.  And always remembering those that are serving our country both here at home and those overseas.  Project Linus is always in my thoughts and I try to figure ways to also increase my donations to them.  This year when going through the carpet cleaning out/replacing I found a mess of yarn I will be donating that I know will be made into afghans by others that work faster than I do.  Hopefully this will help ease the pain of some child in turmoil.  By the way, I hope you all had a very wonderful, full stomach Thanksgiving!!

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

This is Samson, my DD's corgi when he was a puppy.

Samson is such a smart dog!  Cardigan Welsh Corgi's are known as the Corgi with the tail, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the older of the two Corgi breeds. Like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan is low set with moderately heavy bone and a deep chest. Originally used as a drover and farm dog, the breed is small and powerful, capable of great speed and endurance. The Cardigan can adapt to country life or city apartments, but need some form of daily exercise. As a companion dog, they love to be with their people and are loyal, affectionate and even-tempered. I love my little granddoggy!

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Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I was not able to get to my sewing machine for any creativity.  I did have the wonderful opportunity chore of some washing that needed to be done and could not be ignored (*sigh*).  I didn't want to do multiple loads but there was everything from colored items to white things that needed washing.  I threw caution to the wind and decided to wash them all together and added a SHOUT Color Catcher.  I had used these when washing new fabric but usually those were at least similar in colorways.

Here is what I ended up with.................

On the right is an unused sheet of the SHOUT Color Catcher all white and pretty.  The one on the left is what I pulled out of the washer after my mixed load.  WOW!  I was amazed how much color was taken in by that one little sheet.  Everything that was in the washer came out true to its original color.  The whites weren't tan and the orange wasn't brown!  I knew that these color catchers were supposed to do exactly this, but who would have thought that they could actually do precisely what they were advertised to do.  Now, I'm not being paid by SHOUT to endorse their product but I can't help but proclaim their effectiveness.  This is a truly independent review of my very own results.  If you have been considering trying these color catcher sheets, I highly recommend the SHOUT Color Catcher brand!!

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Recently I mentioned Rice Pilaf as a possible side dish for one of my recipes.  I had a request from Julie, of Joe Tulip Quilts, to post my recipe for Rice Pilaf. My recipe was given to my mother by an Armenian friend about 45 years ago. Now your rice pilaf may be different, but her friend assured her that this was the authentic way to make true rice pilaf.

Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

1 small can Swanson chicken broth

1/2 can of water

2 beef bouillon cubes

1 cube butter (no substitutions of margarine or fake butter)

1 cup Uncle Ben's Rice

1 cup vermicelli

Directions

1.  In a small sauce pan, bring chicken broth, water, and bullion cubes to a boil.  While doing this, melt the butter in a fry pan.  At the same time, measure out your rice and break up the needed amount of vermicelli.

2.  When the butter is lightly browned (very bubbly), add the rice and vermicelli and stir until all is coated.  Then add the boiling broth mixture to the fry pan - DO NOT stir the rice and vermicelli after the broth is added the the fry pan.

3.  Cover the fry pan and cook for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  If you need to let it set because the rest of the dinner is not ready, just turn off the oven and the pilaf will hold nicely.

Personal Notes:

1.  I usually add a little more vermicelli than 1 cup.  I just add broken vermicelli until the glass two cup measurer is full (as pictured)

2.  Reheats well. 

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Your response to my two new blogs has been so much better than I anticipated!! 

The membership for Let's Bee Together was quickly filled. However, do not despair!!  I have decided to start a second group, known as Group B so you can still join in the fun of a virtual quilting bee. If you would like to check out a Bee that will be starting in January 2011, then click on the link here or on the button on the right sidebar. This Bee is open to all skill levels and is also open to international participants.








Block Swap Adventure currently has 16 international members.  Would you like to be involved in a new block swap group?  We are there to have fun and meet fellow quilters.  Check out or join in the fun here or by clicking on the button on the right sidebar.  The more the merrier!!  All skill levels welcome and is open internationally.





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GIVEAWAYS

With the Thanksgiving holiday and all of the preparation and family visits, I have gotten sorely behind in finding giveaways.  Here are few that I have found.  If you would like me to post about a giveaway you are hosting, please email me with the info.

Samelia's Mum is have a 100th Post Giveaway.  She is giving away  a "Flower Girls Bag" pattern by Bronwyn Hayes of Red Brolly.  She's also throwing in a couple of fat quarters with the pattern.  For a second giveaway there are 3 Christmas fat quarters available.  Winners will be drawn on Sunday, December 5th. 

Blue Bird Quilts is having a Christmas Giveaway.  She is giving away one Lilac Hill Charm Pack and one Mystery Gift will be added if Bluebird Quilts - Patterns reaches 50 or more followers.  You must enter by December 6th.

Rebecca over at Merry Made Quilts is have a 100th Post Giveaway!  She is giving away 9 fat quarters (2.25 yards) in a fun sunset colorstory.  She doesn't say when this giveaway will end.

Leona, blogger of Leona's Quilting Adventure is having a special kind of giveaway.  She would like to honor your birthday!  If you become one of her special followers and email her your birthday, she will send you "Happy Birthday across blogland, and know that you are Remembered" gift.  Leona is a very special person to me.  Check out her posting for the very special event.

Don't forget about my own Big Giveaway.  Thimbleberries 2006 BOM Kit is involved.  This giveaway must be entered by Friday, December 10th.

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FINAL THOUGHT

My blogging friends continue to surprise me!  I never dreamed that you would respond so quickly to my two new blogs and with such enthusiasm.  I am truly blessed to have such a such a wonderful bunch of followers.  I don't know what I have done to deserve you all.  Thank you seems like a small way to express my gratitude to you but I hope it will suffice.  I hope you will continue to enjoy my blogging ramblings and to express yourself freely by leaving me your comments.  I do read each and every one and try my best to respond.  Bless you my readers and thank you for making my life ever so much better!  May your coming Christmas season be filled with happiness, sweetness, and joyful blessings!

Friends are kisses blown to us by angels.
~Author Unknown

Have a marvelous Monday!! I'm off to start some sewing :)

200 Followers Celebration Giveaway

"Friends are like fabric - you can never have enough!"
                                                ~author unknown

It's Monday!  Like you needed to be reminded.  How was your weekend?  My Saturday was busy but Sunday was rather restful.  Saturday morning was our normal run to the Farmer's Market where I probably over bought because of not being able to go the previous weekend. I felt like I was in a fresh produce drought last week - lol.  Next we were off to the Cruise 99, a car show being held downtown.  There were some absolutely spectacular cars on display (pictures further down in the blog).  Then to lunch and on to our ALS Support Group meeting.  There we said good-bye to our case manager of 5 years and met the incoming case manager.  Two hours later we were on the road to Petsmart - have to feed Weasley and Snickerdoodle!  And finally home about 4:30.  A very full day and I was pooped.  Sunday was much more relaxing even if it was wash day.  We were able to sit outside for a couple of hours enjoying the Sunday paper and a cup of coffee.  I managed to complete one more hexagon flower for my GFG quilt (picture on One Flower Wednesday) and started assembling the garden.  We caught up on some shows on the DVR (we're over a week behind) and just generally vegged.

Photo Of The Day:

Coast Redwood in our backyard

Coast redwoods range from southern Oregon to central California, extending not more than fifty miles inland- only as far as the coastal climate has its influence. Fog plays a vital role in the survival of these trees, protecting them from the summer drought conditions typical of this area. They also need abundant winter rain and moderate year round temperatures. In ideal conditions a coast redwood can grow 2-3 feet in height annually, but when the trees are stressed from lack of moisture and sunlight they may grow as little as one inch per year.  We have 7 of these trees in our little backyard.  This is my attempt at bringing the mountains to our valley home.

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Here are a few of the cars that we saw at the car show on Saturday:

 This last car belongs to a friend of ours.  He completely restored the car by himself (except for the paint job).
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Friday's mail brought me my first block from the Australian Block Swap.  An envelope arrived from Cathy, who lives in Golden Grove South Australia.  She sent me a beautiful green and white block in the Blazing Arrows block that I requested.  She included a post card "Greetings From Adelaide" with a picture of the Rundle Mall.

Isn't it pretty!?!

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As I previously mentioned, I was able to start assembling my Garden for my Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt.  My 'stepping stones' are just a plain white but I thought that it was the best way to really make the bright colors of my flowers pop.

I can't even imagine how many flowers or stepping stones it will take to make a full quilt.  But I haven't set myself any time limits and am thoroughly enjoying creating each and every flower.

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This giveaway is now closed.  The winner will be announced Monday, October 18, 2010

200 FOLLOWERS!!  I can't believe I now have over 200 followers.  Thank you all for deciding to follow my rants and raves, creations and failures, hopes and dreams.  Calls for a celebration - don't you agree?  How about another giveaway?  Would you like some fabric?  How about these.............

This is a set of 5 - 1/2 yard cuts of fabric from the line called "Indian Summer Style" by Hoffman California International Fabrics.  These are really pretty fabrics!  You can't really tell it but each piece of fabric is highlighted with sparkly gold in the leaves (I just couldn't get a decent picture - sorry).  You could win 2 1/2 yards of fabric to add to your stash!  Here is what you have to do to enter:

1.  Leave me a comment on this posting - anything you want to say.  Let me know why you quilt, or what you are doing today, or what the weather's like  -  I think you get the idea

2.  And, if you would like a second chance to win this fabric, blog about this giveaway and come back here, leave me a separate comment and tell me that you did and include a link to your blog.  This must be done in a separate comment or you won't get two counted entries.

That's it!  Simple enough don't you think?  This giveaway will close Sunday, October 17th at 6:00 pm PST.  The winner will be selected using random.org.  I will announce the winner on Monday, October 18 in my posting for that day.

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GIVEAWAYS

Kati over at The Blue Chair is having a great giveaway.  She is giving away personalized blog business cards (a $50 value) and four fat quarters of Modern Meadow by Joel Dewberry.  This ends Oct. 13th.

Molly from Molly's Place is giving away a subscription to McCall's Quilting. Not sure when this one ends.

Have you checked out the Fall Into Fall Bloggers Giveaway?  There are around 140 blogs participating and 8 businesses all holding a giveaway.  Make sure you check them out!  I still haven't made it all of the way through the list!

And, of course, don't forget that I, too, am participating in the Fall Into Fall Giveaway.  You can enter my giveaway HERE.  In this giveaway I'm giving away a darling quilt kit!!
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Final Thought

When I started this blog I thought having just 5 followers would be an amazing accomplishment - and, even then I thought I would have to beg family members to sign on.  Once I reached 100 followers I thought that would be the top goal I could attain.  But you all have made me so happy by becoming my followers, whether daily readers or if you just stop by for the occasional visit.  I am blessed to have each and every one of you in my life.  So many of you already seem like close friends just from our little comments to each other via email.  I know that I won't ever meet the majority of you, but I want you all to know I honestly do appreciate your comments and friendship through my daily journeys called life.  You bring a special sunshine to my day!!  Thank you all so very much for becoming a follower of Stray Stitches!!

Thank You For Being My Friend and A Little Giveaway!

Strangers are just friends waiting to happen. 
                                                ~Rod McKuen, Looking for a Friend 


I would like to thank each and every one of you in blogland that has become a follower of my blog.  I try to keep up with every one of your postings daily (if you have a blog) but some times I get a few days behind, but you are never be forgotten!  As a thank you I am hosting another giveaway.  Below you will find out what it is and how to enter.


Photo of the Day:

Clover in my backyard

Clover, or trefoil, is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the leguminous pea family Fabaceae.  Clovers are a valuable survival food, as they are high in protein,  widespread, and abundant. They are not easy to digest raw, but this can be easily fixed by juicing them or boiling them for 5–10 minutes. Dried flower heads and seedpods can also be ground up into a nutritious flour and mixed with other foods. Dried flower heads can also be steeped in hot water for a healthy, tasty tea.  I think I'll just leave mine in the backyard, thank you very much.

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Yesterday was actually productive for a change.  I started assembling the Paganini I'm working on (pictures will come later).  I did complete two more of the Cheryl's Sew Along Blocks from So Many Quilts, So Little Time.   The third block in the series is called Paddle Wheel.  Here is my version:

Paddle Wheel

The fourth block is called Crosses and Losses - here is my block for that one

Crosses and Losses

If you would like to see the first two blocks, click here.   Cheryl gives excellent instruction and provides great pictures to help you through each block.  I just found out that posted block 5 yesterday so I'm still not caught up.

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This weekend we went shopping at Costco, where I purchased a clam shell of Fuji Apples (so delicious!).  Thanks to a recent post by Stash Manicure (there was an excellent post about using plastic packaging for storage - check it out here), once I emptied out the apples, I kept thinking that there must be some way to use the clam shell.  Then I came up with an idea

Here it is opened up with all of the four patch blocks for my Chubby Stars Quilt.  They kept falling on the floor or sliding off the table to the back where I couldn't reach them without the aid of a long handled grabber, and this keeps them in place.

And here it is closed keeping every block in its place and dust free, too!

Just an idea that bounced around in my head and actually came out as something beneficial.  Maybe this will give you an idea too.

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Oh my goodness, I almost forgot!!  It's One Flower Wednesday!  I did manage to create one more Hexie Flower this weekend for my Flower Garden Quilt.  No fussy cuts this time, just more bright colors.

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Now for my 'Thank You' giveaway.  I am giving away a set of 8 Sun Porch Prints Two by Four Corners Designs for Nathan Fabrics.  Each piece is 1/2 yard for a total of 4 yards of fabric!

You will have 4 chances to enter/win these wonderful fabrics

1.  Leave me a comment on what you would do with this fabric should you win.

2.  Leave me another comment telling me what you are currently working on (and leave a link to your blog if you would like to show me)

3.  Leave me another separate comment letting me know if you are a follower (or not).  You do not have to be a follower to enter a comment.

4.  Blog about this giveaway and leave me a separate comment letting me know you did with a link to your blog (and I will check)

Remember, each entry must be left as a separate comment.  You may enter a maximum of 4 times.  The winner will be selected by random.org.  This giveaway will close on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 6:00 p.m PST and the winner will be announced on Tuesday.

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Final Thoughts

Friends are such a precious commodity.  Throughout your life you will keep friends, drift away from friends, make new friends. However, a true friend will remain with you forever, even if only in your thoughts.  We are lucky to have had at least one best friend in a life time, but are richer for being able to call many our friends.  So, to you my friends, thank you for becoming my friend - I enjoy each and every one of you and  hope you will consider me as your friend too.  Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

It's Giveaway Time!

"Quilts, like friends, are warm and comforting; you can never acquire enough of either."
                                                                    ~author unknown

The above quote says it all!  And as a thank you to all of my new and old friends, I'm going to have my 2nd giveaway.  But more about that later.

I was able to accomplish two of the three things I had planned yesterday.  I cut out all of the fabric for my Chubby Stars Quilt Along.  I will post pictures of that at a later date.  If you would like to join in the fun, just click on the button on the right side.  I was also able to pin baste my brown and blue quilt.  Needless to say, my back is rather stiff today but I do also feel a sense of accomplishment.

Photo of the Day:

This is a pair of House Finches - two of several that visit my yard daily.

The House Finch resides throughout the west, from southern Canada to southern Mexico, and east to Nebraska.  Introduced to eastern North America, where it is now widespread in cities and residential areas.  In the west the preferred habitats include chaparral, deserts, orchards, and suburban areas - I would say that means pretty much everywhere!  The coloring of the male House Finch can range from deep red to golden yellow, depending on available diet during molting.  Originally they were brought from the Southwest to Long Island as caged birds. In 1940, a small population was released into the wild and flourished. They have since spread throughout the eastern and Midwestern United States.  A group of house finches are collectively known as a "development" of finches.

Today is One Flower Wednesday!  I completed my second flower on Labor Day, but it wasn't labor at all - it was fun!

Do you like the little bird in the center?

Now I have a choice to make - What color of background fabric do I want to use.  I have narrowed it down to four but would like your opinion on what the final selection should be.  Here are the choices:

I'm not going to tell you what color(s) I'm leaning toward but definitely would like your input!

THANK YOU!

Now for the giveaway! As a thank you to all who have become followers and for helping reach my goal of at least 50, I'm hosting my 2nd giveaway!  There's a little something for everyone but there will only be one big winner. 

See anything appealing?

Here are the items pictured individually so you get a better look;

Color from the Heart - a book by Gai Perry

Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage Betweens/Quilting Needles Size 11 (16 needles)

Playful Pet Collars - Make adorable collars for your pet out of fabric (not included) that you choose.  Seasonal, holiday, or just cute and stylish, they are fast and fun to make.  Included in this pattern is the hardware to make 3 collars, one for a cat or ferret, one for a mini or small dog and one for your choice of 3 dog sizes, medium, large or extra large.  The collars are adjustable and washable (if the fabric you select to use is washable)

Presencia - Finca Perle Cotton size 12.  Uses include Punchneedle Embroidery; Hardanger; Big-stitch Hand Quilting; Tatting; Machine Embroidery (with large-eyed needle)

Full Of Blessings Counted Cross Stitch chart designed by Diane Arthurs - when stitched on 14 count fabric the approximate size is 7 1/2" X 10".  Great for the Thanksgiving season

ThreadArt Bobbin Thread - white - 60WT - 5000M

Four Fat Quarters - Watercolors by Benartex

That's it!  Would you like a chance to win all of this?  Then you must follow the rules and each entry must be entered as a separate comment:

1.  Become a follower and leave me a comment indicating that you are new or let me know that you are already a follower

2.  Help me select the background color for my flower garden quilt.  Leave a comment stating which color you think would go best with all bright colored flowers - choices are listed above in this blog (white, light lemon yellow, cream, or light green)

3.  Include my giveaway in your blog and leave a comment stating that you have.  Include a link to your blog (and I will be checking!).

That gives you up to three chances to enter the giveaway.  Sorry, but this giveaway is only open to those who live in the USA.  This giveaway ends September 19th at 6:00 pm PST.  I will announce the winner on Monday, September 20.

Good luck to you all!  And thank you again for making this giveaway possible by helping me reach my goal of 50 followers!  When I started this blog I figured I would probably have around 10 followers, mostly family and friends.  I enjoy sharing my world with you and reading the comments you have left for me.  I thoroughly enjoy all of my new and old blog-land friends!

Final Thoughts:

We are half way through the week but it feels like it is just starting - Monday holidays really do a job on my brain and scheduling.  I hope you are able to complete the tasks you set for yourself - but be kind to yourself and allow some rest time too.  Have a great Wednesday and don't forget to tell your friends about my giveaway!