A Day of Ones

We live in a very tense society. We are pulled apart... and we all need to learn how to pull ourselves together.... I think that at least part of the answer lies in solitude.
~Helen Hayes

We had a rather uneventful weekend - which is a good thing.  We did just a little running on Saturday - a trip to Joann's for floss (and they actually had every one I needed in stock) and then a quick run in to CVS and a meandering through Trader Joe's.  We had lunch out followed by an ALS support group meeting.  Home in time to wash Snickerdoodle and a little computer time.  DH kindly bought dinner from Famous Dave's that we brought home to enjoy, afterwhich I was able to get a little hand sewing in.  Sunday was the normal day of wash, hand sewing while watching Nascar and catching up on some of the past week's TV shows.  All in all, a rather quiet weekend for us.  I think I'm finally on the road to recovery with less and less coughing - woohoo!!!!  Now onto a week full of sewing with a few appointments and meetings thrown in there.

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Pickles

Believe it or not, today, Monday, November 14, is National Pickle Day.  Do you like pickles?  Not me but I will share some fun facts about them anyway.....
* People have been eating pickles ever since the Mesopotamians started making them way back in 2400 B.C.E.
* In the Pacific Islands, natives pickle their foods in holes in the ground lined with banana leaves, and use them as food reserves in case of storms. The pickles are so valuable that they've become part of the courting process, helping a man prove he'll be able to provide for a woman. In Fiji, guys can't get a girl without first showing her parents his pickle pits
* Cleopatra claimed pickles made her beautiful
* The majority of pickle factories in America ferment their pickles in outdoor vats without lids (leaving them subject to insects and bird droppings). But there's a reason. According to food scientists, the sun's direct rays prevent yeast and mold from growing in the brine
* In the Delta region of Mississippi, Kool-Aid pickles have become ridiculously popular with kids. The recipe's simple: take some dill pickles, cut them in half, and then soak them in super strong Kool-Aid for more than a week. According to the New York Times, the sweet vinegar snacks are known to sell out at fairs and delicatessens, and generally go for $.50 to a $1
* The Department of Agriculture estimates that the average American eats 8.5 lbs of pickles a year

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ONE DONE

I have managed to complete one Loving Hands little quilt......

Two of the blocks were made by member of Bee In Oz.  When it was my month, I had everyone make a block for me out of the cute frog fabric.  I should be able to make two more just like this.  I just did simple stitch in the ditch quilting.  I think this is perfect for some baby boy.

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 ONE FMQ

On Friday, I did just one free motion square.....

Superstar was a relatively new design by Leah.  As you can see, I had a little trouble with spacing and keeping some of my lines straight.  My star ended up a bit wonky.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan on finishing the second Loving Hands quilt.

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GIVEAWAYS

Cat Patches is having her Fun Fact Friday giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter.  The winner will be announced Friday, November 18.

A Quilting Reader's Garden is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Terrific Table Toppers with Patrick Lose.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway.  You could win six fat quarter pack of Primitiva.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 18 at midnight.

All About Applique is having a giveaway.  You could win Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. 4 or Dolls and Dresses to Applique.  This giveaway ends tonight, Monday, November 14, at 7:00 pm PST.

Green Fairy Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win one of four items that you have chosen.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 15.

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FINAL THOUGHT OF THE DAY

From 11/6/11

One Of A Kind Blocks

An inability to stay quiet is one of the most conspicuous failings of mankind.
~Walter Bagehot

I went to the doctor on Wednesday hoping for a miracle cure.  Instead I received a shot in both arms - one for flu and the other a booster for tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria.  I did receive a prescription for meds that were supposed to help me with my cough at night.  It didn't work and I went back to Robitussin.  The doctor also told me not to talk for 48 hours - not to even whisper because that is harder on the vocal cords than talking.  Really?  Not talk?  Well, that didn't happen.  I'll just keep plodding along and I know this too will pass.  The weekend is almost here and our Saturday seems fairly busy.  Do you have big plans?

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world and falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.

In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas man named Stephan Riod the owner of a shoe repair shop, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Riod had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day. The Emporia Chamber of Commerce took up the cause after determining that 90% of Emporia merchants as well as the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11 to honor all veterans. With the help of U.S. Representative John Salper, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.

Congress amended this act on June 1, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

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SWAP BLOCKS

Early this week I sent out a blocks to my swap partner in Quilting Block Swaps Australia.....

Linda Mc (no blog) requested any block made in red, white and black.  I really like how this Card Trick block worked up. 

I also have received a couple of blocks......

Melody of The House On The Side Of The Hill made this darling block for me as my swap partner for October.  I have changed my request to bright and happy (think children) and this certainly fits it.  She also included a wonderful scissor fob that she made and a piece of fabric with Australian animals on it all ready to embroider.  Thank you so very much, Melody!

Sandi was my swap partner for Block Swap Adventure in October.  She made this darling Christmas block with a fussy cut center.  Isn't it adorable?  Thank you so much, Sandi.

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FREE MOTION QUILTING

I finally was able to start practicing free motion quilting again.....

As I started this Spiky Fern, I forgot to pay attention to where the opposite corner was.  As a result, one side of my fern is MUCH larger than the other.  I guess one side received more sun - lol!

There are a lot more flower patterns in the Beginner/Intermediate level than there was in the Beginner.  I really like the affect of Split Petal Flower.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I will be working on one of the Loving Hands quilts I need to complete before Thursday.

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GIVEAWAYS

Living The Dream is having a giveaway.  Here's another chance to win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a one year subscription to Fat Quarterly.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win 12 Fat Quarters of Dear Stella Lanakai.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 14, at 8:30 am PST.

KaHolly is having a giveaway.  You could win the pattern Captain's Pond and a craft-size package of Fusi-Boo.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 11.

Tattered Garden is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Quilt Album software.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 15.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a Daisy Cottage fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 16.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Winter Flowers

I reckon being ill as one of the great pleasures of life, provided one is not too ill and is not obliged to work till one is better.
~Samuel Butler, The Way of All Flesh, 1903


Thank you all for your kind thoughts and words on my Monday post.  Being sick is just the pits!  I'm not feverish, just wiped out from all the coughing.  I'm sore from mid thigh to my jaw.  I found some meds that work fairly well during the day at keeping the coughing to a minimum.  But nighttime is another story.  It takes over an hour for the meds to start working and by then I feel like I've coughed up a lung and swallowed razor blades.  I have a doctor's appointment this morning so maybe he will be able to give me something - something stronger for at night.  Oh well, you don't want to hear my tales of woe.  I'm still sewing and managed to complete all but one of my swaps and all of my bees!  Time to get to the sewing machine!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Chaos

Today, November 9, is celebrated as National Chaos Never Dies Day.  Today reaffirms what many of us busy folk already knew: chaos never dies. Your hectic life will always be hectic, your days always filled with turmoil. But before you go screaming really loud into a pillow, just remember, chaos is our friend! It keeps us on our toes, brings us exciting surprises, and some scientists theorize it's the reason we're all here in the first place.

I don't know that this a day I want to celebrate.  How about you?

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HEXAGON FLOWERS

I had to blog today, if for no other reason that it is One Flower Wednesday......

I'm already out of Thanksgiving fabric so decided to go with nature.  I'm not a big fan of mushrooms but thought these little, red speckled shrooms were rather cute. 

And since cooler temperatures have finally arrived, I thought it was time to bring out some cold weather themed flowers.  Aren't this chubby dancing penguins cute?

Thanks to Karen (Journey of a Quilter) you can access all sorts of hexie flowers out there by clicking HERE.  Thanks, Karen!

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NOVEMBER

Here it is the ninth day of the month and I still haven't shared my little mini quilt for November!  Well, it's time to remedy that........

Gobble, gobble, gobble.  This is called Who Me? and the pattern comes from The Wooden Bear, and measures 12" square.   Mr. Tom is proudly being displayed in my entry way.  At least this is one little turkey that's safe from being eaten on Thanksgiving.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Hopefully to get better.  But also to start sewing the Loving Hands quilts.

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GIVEAWAYS

Happy Cottage Quilter is having a giveaway.  You could win a Beam N Read.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 14.

It's Sew Kiki is having a giveaway.  You could win a Daisy Cottage Rolie Polie.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 12.

Stitches and etc is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 15.

Alderwood Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a a pattern by Karla Alexander (Saginaw Street Quilt Company).  This giveaway ends Thursday, December 1.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her weekly Mystery Monday giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 12, at midnight.

World of Charity Stitching is having a giveaway.  You could win your choice of 4 pdf patterns from Gingercake Patterns.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 14.

Quilting Along The Gorge is having a giveaway.  You could win a package of Pinmoors, a charm pack or two, some pins, and a little chocolate, too.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 12.

The House Of Wilson is having a giveaway.  You could win a quilt pattern, TV Squares, and a charm pack.  This giveaway ends Saturday, November 12, at 9:00 pm AEST.

Ellison Lane Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a bundle of In The Beginning fabric.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 11.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Cough, cough......

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.  Taking a short break from blogging but will be back on Wednesday.  In the mean time, browse through the giveaways I found and good luck!

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GIVEAWAYS

Ariane Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win 4 fat quarters from the Salt Air collection of fabrics by Cosmo Cricket for Moda.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 11.

Cat Patches is having her weekly giveaway.  You could win a fat quarter.  This winner will be announced on Friday, November 11.

Lily Pad Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win Quilt Album software.  This giveaway ends Thursday, November 10.

Hawthorne Threads is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win a Decadence fat quarter bundle.  This giveaway ends  Wednesday, November 9.

St. Louis Folk Victorian is having a giveaway.  You could win 1 1/2 yards of the below Alexander Henry print called "Land of Autumn".  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 8 at 9 pm CST.

Where Women Create is having a giveaway.  You could win a GO! Baby Cutter and 3 dies.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 8, at midnight MST.

Stitchin' Therapy is having a giveaway.  You could win a gorgeous watercolor quilt wall hanging made by Debbie called Summer Glory II.  The winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 9.

One Piece At A Time is having a giveaway.  You could win an embroidery hoop.  This ends ?

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveway.  You could win a GO! Baby cutter and 3 dies.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 11, at midnight PST.

Traveling Stash Winner

Where will the Traveling Stash be going?  It will be going to Staci's house!  Congratulations Staci!!

Staci said:

"Hi Linda! I'd love to have the traveling stash travel to my house. It's a very clever idea, isn't it?
Have a great weekend!"

I will be sending it out in Monday's mail.

Thanks to everyone who entered the Traveling Stash giveaway!



Swaps Coming and Going

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.
~Oprah Winfrey

It felt so good to get back to my sewing machine on Wednesday.  I spent part of the day machine sewing and part of it doing embroidery.  Quiet work.....satisfying work.  Yesterday I continued on along the same routine.  But today I'm starting to feel that old, ugly stress of having to get things done.  More Bee blocks, more swap blocks, two Loving Hands quilts, a baby quilt for the gal that cuts my hair, embroidery for the Gardener's Journal quilt, and the list goes on.  I just have to breath.  Big, deep, cleansing breaths.  Everybody do it with me.......breath in.......breath out......repeat.  Okay, are we ready to tackle the day?  I am!!

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

King Tut

Today, November 4, is King Tut Day.  On this day in 1922, King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in Egypt's Valley of Kings.  Did you know.......

* Tutankhamun was born in 1343 BC - his name at this time was Tutankhaten

* Tutankhamun changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun due to pressure from traditionalists, reflecting the growing acceptance of the old god Amun and decline in support of Aten
* His mother was Nefertiti
* He married his half-sister Ankhesenpaaten
* He was nine years old when he became Pharaoh
* He was just 18/19 years old when he died
* The famous gold mask that rested directly on top of the Pharaoh's mummy weighs ten kilos (22 pounds)
* The marriage of Tutankhamun and Ankhesenpaaten produced two daughters who were stillborn
* King Tut reigned for just 9 years and the cause of his death still remains a mystery

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PINCUSHION SWAP

Recently I signed up for a pincushion swap on flickr.  It was a secret partner swap and I received my pincushion yesterday.....

This wonderful pincushion came all the way from Sweden.  Karin made this for me and included the cute flathead pins and the two little bags of candy.  I really like how Karin used the Dala Horse ribbon around the base.  The pincushion measures 4" high by 5" wide.  I can stick a lot of pins in this one.  Thank you so very much, Karin!

This is the pincushion I made for my secret swap partner.  It's similar to one I've made before but I added more layers of petals.  My swap partner wanted a large pincushion as she does a lot of embroidery and silk ribbon embroidery and has between 6 and 8 needles threaded at a time.  This should easily hold that many needles and more as it is almost 5" across.  It is stuffed with crushed walnut shells and dried lavender so it has a nice weight and won't fly across the room when you remove needles or pins.  This pincushion is making its way across the country to Alabama as I write.  I hope she like it!

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SCRAPPY SWAP

I also signed up for a new swap group through flickr called Scrappy Swap.  In this swap you included scraps no smaller than 2 1/2" square and enough pieces to cover a fat quarter.  You could add little extras if you wished. 

My swap partner, Hilary, of Quilary - Take A Peak Over The Fence, was very generous.  Not only did she send me some wonderful scraps, she also included a great needle case with spots for needles, scissors, pins, pattern and a zip pocket plus it has a built in pincushion.  Hilary also sent along a fat quarter depicting Aboriginal dot painting.  I was so lucky to have Hilary as my partner.  Thank you, Hilary!

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FREE MOTION SQUARES

The last two days of sewing started as they were supposed to - with free motion practice.....

Swirling Petals was a great practice after being away from the sewing machine for six days.  Most of the time it flowed quite easily.  There were, of course, a couple of times when hands and brain were not on the same course - lol!

This was a rather interesting exercise.  I should have angled a couple of my paisleys in another direction but is still turned out okay.  And, believe it or not, I do know how to spell.  I seem to have trouble with V's when stitching.  It should read Paisley Division.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to whip out a couple of Bee or swap blocks.

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GIVEAWAYS

Want It, Need It, Quilt is having a giveaway. You could win 'A Walk in the Woods' Layer Cake. This giveaway ends Wednesday, November 30, AEST.

Quilting By Dawn is having a giveaway. You could win a pincushion or a small zippered bag. But hurry because this giveaway ends tonight, Friday, November 4, at 10pm CST.

Lily's Quilts is having a giveaway. You could win a Hurricane tonal solids fat quarter bundle. This giveaway ends ?

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway. You could win Tina Givens, Lilliput, Sunset Morgan in 10 Fat Quarters. This giveaway ends Monday, November 7, at 8:30 am PST.

Hanging On By A Thread is having a giveaway. You could win MyMemories software or darling cross stitched snowman. This giveaway ends Thursday, November 24.

Just One More Stitch is having a sponsored giveaway. You could win a White Christmas fat quarter bundle from Fort Worth Fabric Studio. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight CST.

Quilting By The River is having a giveaway. You could win 8 fat quarters of Amelie and a Lil' Twister template. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight CST.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her weekly Monday Mystery giveaway. You could win 5 fat quarters. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at midnight MT.

All About Applique is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Inspirational Appliqué. This giveaway ends Saturday, November 5, at 6 pm PST.

A Legacy of Stitches is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue. This giveaway ends Sunday, November 6, at noon CST.

It's almost time to send the Traveling Stash on its way. Wouldn't you like to be the next one to receive it? If so, enter my giveaway HERE.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Really I don't dislike to cook, but what you cook is eaten so quickly. When you sew, you have something that will last to show for your efforts.

~Elizabeth Travis Johnson

Where Was I?

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. 
~Susan Heller

Did you miss me?  Of course not.  You didn't even know I was gone.  But I was!  I was in Las Vegas from last Thursday until Monday evening.  Fooled you, didn't I.  I even had posts on my regular days.  What was I doing?  We were attending the PBR World Finals.  What's that?  It's the Professional Bull Riding finals.  It looked a little like......

We had a wonderful time.  So many cute cowboys to look at.  And they are all so friendly.  But don't worry, DH got his fill of looking too.  We stayed at South Point (great place to stay!) and on Saturday night they held their first Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Party.  OMG!!!!  You wouldn't believe some of the costumes we saw - or lack there of.  This was definitely not a child approved venue.  But we certainly got our fill just walking to our room. And, no, I didn't take any pictures.  We also fed the slot machines and ate some good food.  The only down side was the DH came down with a cold our first day there and now my throat is so sore I can barely swallow.  I'm still wading through emails and snail mail and hopefully will finally get back to the sewing machine today. 

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Peanut Butter

November has been designated Peanut Butter Lover's Month.  Here are some fun facts about that sticky, peanutty taste delight:

* Georgia is the #1 peanut producing state, but did you know that Texas is #2

* It takes almost 850 peanuts to make an 18 oz jar of peanut butter!
* Americans eat about 3 pounds of peanut butter per person each year, totaling about 500 million pounds... enough to cover the floor of the Grand Canyon.
* Peanut butter was first introduced in 1890, when a unknown St. Louis physician encouraged the owner of food products company to process and package ground peanut paste as a nutritious protein substitute
* Nearly half of the U.S. peanut crop is made into peanut butter each year.
* Folks on the East coast prefer creamy peanut butter, while those on the West Coast prefer the chunky-style.
* "Arachibutyrophobia" (pronounced I-RA-KID-BU-TI-RO-PHO-BI-A) is the fear of peanut butter getting stuck to the roof of your mouth.
* There are enough peanuts in one acre to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.
* Peanut butter was the secret behind "Mr. Ed," TV's talking horse.

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ONE FLOWER WEDNESDAY

With the start of a new month I thought it was time to get away from Halloween themed flowers and onto Thanksgiving for One Flower Wednesday......

And the turkeys fit Thanksgiving perfectly.  I won't have many flowers along this theme as I haven't found many cute Thanksgiving prints to work with.

I found this thread fabric just by chance at Joann's last time I was there.  Too bad I couldn't find more of the plain stitching fabric for the center. 

Thanks to Karen (aka Journey of a Quilter) you can check out more wonderful hexie flower creations all from one spot.  Just click on the link above or HERE.

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LITTLE FLOWER

I also made one more flower for my Aunt Sarah quilt......

The petals on this flower are 3/4" hexies.  The flowers for the quilt are growing very S-L-O-W-L-Y.

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FMQ

No free motion quilting practice since I wasn't near a sewing machine for the last 6 days.  Hopefully I won't be too rusty when I start back up today.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I just want to get back in front of my sewing machine and hear it stitch away.  Not sure exactly what I will work on but something..............

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GIVEAWAYS

The House of Wilson is having a giveaway.  You could win bundle of 50 fabric hexagons and 50 papers to get you going making hexagons.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4, at 9 pm AEDT.

Daisy and Jack is having a giveaway.  You could win a darling Ghastlie mug rug.  This giveaway ends Sunday, November 6, Australian time.

Stormy Days is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to I Have A Notion.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4.

The Desert Rat Chronicles is having a giveaway.  You could win a Ghastlie Wristlet, tissue cover, earrings, and kanzashi flower.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4, at 10 pm.

Inspiring Creativeness is having a giveaway.  You could win a wonderful book cover.  This giveaway ends Friday, November 4.

Bejeweled Quilts By Barb is having a giveaway.  You could win a Beam N Read light.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 7.

Sew Cal Gal is having a giveaway.  You could win a Beam N Read light.  This giveaway ends Monday, November 7. 

Rsisland Crafts is having a giveaway.  You could win two patterns.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, November 8.

One More Quilt is having a mini giveaway.  You could win a practice fabric (looks like it could be used for either hand quilting or machine).  This giveaway ends Monday, November 7, at 10am. 

Lavender Dreams is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a $50 gift card to Lowe's Company.  This giveaway ends ?

Would you like to add to the Traveling Stash?  You can still enter my giveaway HERE.

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FINAL THOUGHT

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!!

Make A Little, Give A Little and A Giveaway

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.
  ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I think giving back to the community is one of the most important things I can do with my life.  And I don't mean just locally.  I enjoy giving support where and when I can.  I can't do much physically but I enjoy giving things I make.  It always amazes me that the smallest things given can add up so quickly and become something grand.  Even saying a word of praise or a hug can be one of the most generous and least expensive ways to give, to show support.  Donating doesn't always mean money.  Just do what you feel is right and it usually is. 

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY

Statue of Liberty

Today is Statue of Liberty Dedication Day.  On this day in 1886, France gave the US the largest gift ever, the 22 story tall Statue of Liberty. To this day, it's one of New York City's top attractions, with tourists eager to test their leg strength on the 354 steps to the top.
* Total overall height from the base of the pedestal foundation to the tip of the torch is 305 feet, 6 inches
* The face on the Statue of Liberty measures more than 8 feet tall
* The Statue has a 35-foot waistline
* There are seven rays on her crown, one for each of the seven continents, each measuring up to 9 feet in length and weighing as much as 150 pounds
* During the restoration completed in 1986, the new torch was carefully covered with thin sheets of 24k gold

* There are 25 windows in Lady Liberty's crown.
* Winds of 50 miles per hour cause the Statue to sway up to 3 inches and the torch up to 6 inches.
* The Statue of Liberty has size 879 sandals that are each 25 feet (7.6m) long.

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4 PATCHES 4 HOPE

Regina  began 4Patches4Hope began as a desire to use her passion for quilting, and the power of social media and word of mouth, to create quilts to comfort those undergoing cancer treatments and at the same time raise money for cancer research.  It's so easy to help Regina with this wonderful cause.  The concept is simple - Make a 4 Patch... Make a Donation... Make a difference.
  All you have to do is make 4 Patch blocks and make a donation.  This week I send out 5 blocks and a donation.....

They took so little time to make but can be combined with other blocks to create something that might bring a little comfort to someone dealing with cancer.   Regina's goal is 1000 blocks and $4,000 by February 28, 2012.  Received blocks will be assembled into “comfort quilts” and donated to the Anderson Medical Center in Anderson, SC and the Pluta Cancer Center in Rochester, NY.  Each block donated will enter your name into a drawing for “participation prizes.”

If you would like to help Regina achieve her goal, please click on the link above or on the button in the right sidebar to find out all of the details.  I hope you will join me in helping Regina achieve her goal!

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TRAVELING STASH GIVEAWAY

Last week I won the Traveling Stash over at Mama Sparks World.  The Traveling Stash is ready to find a new home.  It has spent a few days with me as I enjoyed seeing and touching everything that was held in the box.  Here you can see some of what is in the box (after I took some out to keep).......

You wouldn't believe all of the pretties and useful items in this box.  And it's not a small box - it's a large flat rate priority mail box.  I'm not going to list or show you everything because then it wouldn't be a surprise.  There are lots of fabrics, some quilt blocks, patterns, tools, and more.   Here is what I took out........

3 Christmas fat quarters, a little pincushion kit, a pattern, some fabric samples and a yard of ABC fabric.   Then I added........

Even more stuff.  Lots of patterns, some Christmas fabric, a few fat quarters and some charm squares, plus some Pure fabric, and a Sew Wanderful!  I'm not showing all of the patterns because what fun would that be!  The box is so full that I almost had to sit on it to tape it closed.  And it weighs 13 pounds!!!!!

Here are the rules:

1.  You must have an active blog.

2.  You may take whatever you want from the stash but you must replenish the box

3.  You agree to host a giveaway on your blog and send the Traveling Stash on to the winner.

4.  U.S. friends only please due to the shipping costs.

So, if you are still interested in winning the Traveling Stash and then sending it on, just leave me a comment telling me that you would like the Traveling Stash to come to your house.  Easy enough!

I'll draw the winner with the help of random.org on Friday, November 4 at 8:00pm PST.  The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 5 and if I have their snail mail info, the box will be going out in the mail on the following Monday.  Good luck!!!!

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FMQ

Another fun day at free motion quilting practice.....

This was a fairly simple practice until my mind wondered and my circles became apples, hearts, or just plain odd shapes.  This Angles and Circles would be a great block filler.  How many of you noticed that I named it Angels and Circles.  Maybe I was thinking halos - lol!

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to start my November mini quilt.

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GIVEAWAYS

FabricWorm5 Fat Quarters of Echino Fall 2011 Blue/Green.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31, at 8:30 am.

Live A Colorful Life is having a giveaway.  You could win a darling paper pieced pattern called Winter Woolies.  This giveaway ends Thursday, October 27, at noon PDT.

Jolly Jabber (Fat Quarter Shop) is having their weekly giveaway.  You could win  Bonnie & Camille’s Designer Select Fat Quarter Bundle.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

Diary of a Quilter is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a 1/2 yard bundle of 4 different Sarah Jane Children At Play fabrics  or a $30 Gift Certificate to JAQS Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Saturday, October 29, at midnight MST.

McCall's Quilting is having a giveaway.  You could win a package of 12 Checker® Print N Fuse inkjet Iron-on Fusible Adhesive Sheets.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

Linen Closet Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31, at 6:00 pm.

Fresh Cut Quilts Pattern Co is having a giveaway.  You could win an AccuQuilt GO! Baby cutter and your choice of 2 dies.  This giveaway ends Sunday, October 30, at 9:00pm MST.

Quilting In The South is having a giveaway.  You could win MyMemories software.  This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

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FINAL THOUGHT

My favorite time of year.......