Merry Christmas!!

I know it appears that I abandoned my blog, but that's not so. I've been really busy with work and classes. Just like the rest of you, I've been sewing every chance I get and preparing for the holidays!

My CGQC "Secret Santa" gift is in the mail to my secret partner, I just hope she gets it before Christmas.

I want to share something really fun that I recently learned. Have you all seen or heard of tube blocks? I was introduced to the technique by my class instructor who was also nice enough to give me this link to view the tutorial. Check it out. It's a quick way to put together some really fun projects. We made table runners, another made a queen size quilt practically over night using this technique.

Everyone who tries it gets really excited about the technique and the outcome of the blocks. Check out her whole blog, she's got a giveaway going on too for a fabulous looking apron.

I'll be taking a short trip to Las Vegas and returning just before Christmas. All the family will be spending the holiday week at my house so I probably won't be posting till after the New Year so may you all have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!!

Star Block Exchange

I'm back from a long Thanksgiving week out of town visiting friends and family. I hope you all had a great time with family enjoying your thanksgiving feast...we sure did.

I wanted to share with you all the fabulous blocks I received from the star block exchange I told you about several weeks ago. I just got them and each and everyone of them is unique!

The exchange was from the quilting class I take at the local college. Many of these ladies are so talented and put together some really lovely quilts every week. I can't wait to put these blocks together into a nice Christmas quilt for next year. Each block is 12x12 and I received 19 blocks so it's going to either be a really big quilt or a couple of lap quilts.

Several of the ladies have put together their blocks from last years exchange and boy are they beautiful. I didn't have my camera on the day they bought them in so I don't have a photo to share of their finished quilts which were so lovely -- you'd really have to see them to know what I mean. The fancy borders and the sashing they used really did accent each of the blocks.

I hope you enjoy them I much as I do. I wonder do you have a favorite? My favorite is the gold one with the maroon star (top left on the third photo).

Preparing for the Holidays

Nearing the holidays just makes us all so busy making plans, decorating, cooking and, of course, making our holiday gifts. The CGQC half-pint quilt along is one of the things I've been working on and haven't posted my latest results so here is a picture of the finished quilt top I don't think I'm going to get it finished soon though.

Here's a photo of a finished pillow sham I made from the project idea posted on cluck cluck sew.

I've got a lot of other projects that are gifts so I can't put the photos up and I'm still working on my queen sized Trip quilt that I'll post a photo on next week.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! Enjoy your family and the great Thanksgiving feast. God Bless!!

Origami Drawstring Bag

I thought I'd share this photo of these two little origami drawstring bags. Aren't they cute!! They are so easy and fun to make and make wonderful gifts. They are also great to make for weddings and special occasions when you need a small coordinating handbag. Depending on the fabric you select they can look really elegant and dressy.

I make them to use for my embroidery supplies, or to tote threads, scissors, presser feet, etc. to class or to sewing group get togethers.

They require two pieces of fabric 18" x 18" and are quick to make. If you
are interested in the how to instructions, just leave me a note in the comments and I'll be happy to send them to you.

They'd be great in Christmas fabric too...filled with a little treat or surprise.

Thank Those Who Have Served Our Country

Many of us have the day off today to honor those who have served in the military to protect our country. Today, I am remembering family and friends who have given of themselves to protect us, our country, and our safety.

Both by Dad and my Brother served in the Army and have since passed, nonetheless, they are in my heart today. Both were strong believers in supporting our country at whatever cost. They set the example; I have four other family members serving in the Army and in the Navy that I want to also recognize and give thanks to them for their service.

Take a moment today to honor those around you who have served to protect this country. Without them, our freedom would be compromised.

Have a great Veteran's Day and may God bless and take care of all those who serve and protect us.

Anniversary Giveaway

Pinelands Patches and beadscapes is having an Anniversary Giveaway to celebrate her 1 year anniversary of blogging. Click here to enter. Giveaways are so much fun!!! Go check out her blog, she has some really great stuff.

Autumn Jack Arrived

I've been waiting with anticipation for this "Autumn Jack" mini-quilt to arrive. I was so excited to find it in my mail box today. What a surprise it was to open and finally see it. It's a really cute 12" x 12" mini just perfect to display for the season.



All of us participating in the exchange through the CGQC have been anxious for the end of the month to get here so we could see our exchange quilt and all the others that were done.



Thank you Susan, my anticpation was worth the wait. The "mini" is really cute.

Applique Wall Hangings....Photo Sharing

A very talented lady named CeCe in my quilting group made these lovely wall hanging for her daughters. The theme has to do with the sorority they were in and the sorority's history. Click on the photos to enlarge them and to see the beautiful job she did. The photos don't do them justice at all, nor do they show the detail she put into them.

This is another one she made, also in applique, that is just gorgeous. She meticulously hand stitches around all the applique for added detail. I love the technique she uses -- she's a very talented lady!

Half-Pint Quilt Top Complete

I had some catching up to do and guess what? I made it. Here's a photo of the strips. I was rushing to catch up and didn't take photos of the nine-patches. The photo isn't very good and doesn't show the colors well. I used four different colors in purples and lavenders for this one with a deep purple background fabric. I thought I'd never finish putting those 1 1/2" squares together. Whew...it feels good to be caught up.


And here's the photo of the top all sewn together. Good luck to everyone in the quilt along. I'm looking forward to seeing all the completed tops. Thanks, again to Kelly for putting this together. I love the pattern and plan to make a larger size when I'm not so strapped to complete holiday projects.

CGQC Mini-Quilt Exchange

The mini quilt for the CGQC is done. I sent it to my "secret partner" yesterday via express mail so I believe she should have gotten it today. I sure hopes she likes it and enjoys it for years to come.

The trees are 3-D flying geese and the whole project was really fun to put together. I keep checking my mail, hoping to find my mini-quilt, but so far nothing has come for me. The excitement and anticipation is killing me. Isn't it so much fun when you get a gift in the mail?? I just love it.

The deadline is October 30th and I can't wait to see all the finished mini-quilts. Check them out through Dandelion Quilts. She has a list of those participating on her side bar.

Pumpkin Patch Primatives has a fabulous giveaway only I'm not telling you what it is, you'll have to go over to her blog and see for yourself. This Halloween treat is one I sure hope turns sweet for me. So the trick is on you! LOL

Ok, I'll stop being silly or should I say selfish about it and give you the link so you too can trick or treat at her door for her fabulous giveaway. Click here to scoot on over to her blog and enter. Oh and tell her I sent you so that I get an extra chance. You won't want to miss this one!!! The more people that enter, the more prizes she'll be giving out.

Sew, Sew, Sew

Today I spent my entire afternoon in the sewing room trying to knock out a few of the projects I have going. I managed to finish the 20 star-point blocks complete with embroidering my name in the center for one of my Christmas exchanges.


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Here's a photo of them. I can't wait to get my exchange blocks. They're sure going to make a fabulous Holiday quilt.

I decided on the fabrics for the CGQC Quilt Along. I'm going to make it in various tones of purple. I got a late start but, my fabrics are cut and I'll soon get to sewing the blocks together. I'll post photos later.

I've also finished my Halloween wall hanging. Here's a photo. The grandkids just love it. It was a really fun project to make.

Another finish is my mini-quilt for the CGQC exchange. This one was pinned to my design board for a couple of week now because I couldn't decide on the border. I kept changing my mind on the fabrics and just ended up with my original choices so it got finished today. I can't wait to put it in the mail to my "secret" exchange partner. So watch your mail ladies mine will be in the mail tomorrow. Sorry I can't post a photo till my partner receives it.

I didn't expect to make such progress on my projects -- it feels pretty good.

Anyway, I've only got two more projects left for October, they are the "Trip" queen size quilt for my bed and quilting along with the CGQC on the Half-Pint Quilt along. I' got to get caught up this week. Come back and look for my progress on the Half-Pint next week.

CGQC Tag

Which shoe am I is the question???
Well, since I must choose I'll have to say that I'm "The practical one". Not really my type of shoe but sure fits my personality. And the other one that fits is the young at heart. I believe that you are as young as you feel and should never dwell on your real age.

I must confess, though, I've always worn heels and on a daily basis I wear either "The Sexy One" or "The Sophisticated One" since I do dress up for work. The minute I get home I kick off my heels and throw on the slippers.

Hope this helps you get to know me.

Terry's Quilt

Many of you bloggers are probably aware of the unfortunate accident that Terry's husband had recently (from Terry's Treasures).

A Yankee Quilter is putting together a care quilt for Terry and her family along with a giveaway for this Jellyroll.

To participate go over to her blog (click here) and read all the details. She's asking bloggers to send a 9 1/2" block to be included in the quilt, along with a small donation to have it quilted.

Click on over to Terry's blog to read all about what happened and the progress her husband is making. And, last but not least, keep her family in your prayers.

Quilt Along "Half-Pint"

Ok, so I'm supper busy and I decided to participate in the Quilt Along with the Charming Girls Quilt Club. I so hope I can keep up. LOL

Somehow I can't seem to pass up participating in these challenges, my hubby says I like the pressure -- it motivates me I guess. Really, I just want to make everything in sight and become a great quilter like Kelly, Joan and alot of you quilters out there. I so admire the work of so many of you when I visit your blogs.

I know it will be fun and I'm really looking forward to it. I signed up to make the mini version so it won't be all that bad.

CGQC Projects for October

October's here already and it's time to post my CGQC projects for the month.

My first project is a queen size quilt "round the world" pattern that I just started for my bedroom. Here's a photo of the fabric and pattern.

Second is a really cute Halloween wall hanging done in applique. The pieces are cut and it just needs to be assembled and quilted.

My third project is 20 - 12" Christmas star point squares I need to finish for an exchange. Here's one square, I only have 19 more to go.

(No Photo on this one)

And, last but not least is finishing my mini-quilt for the CGQC exchange that must be complete by the end of the month. I must say this one is almost complete. I still need to add the batting and the binding and then it's done.

Like most of you, I have a number of other projects in the works that I won't list but if I happen to finish them I'll post pictures. I'm anxious to do some paper piecing so who knows I just might be able to fit in a project this month.

"Winner" Birthday Giveaway

And the "Winner is" Pat from A Little of This and a Little of Pat. Thank you Pat for your entry and Birthday wishes. Send me an email with your address and I'll send the package off to you this weekend.

Thank you to all of you bloggers out there who sent Birthday Wishes my way! I've visited most of your blogs and I'm fasinated with all the fabulous projects.

Birthday Giveaway!!

This post will remain at the top of my posts until the giveaway ends.
For current posts please scroll down.

It's time for my first giveaway!!! My birthday is this month so I thought it would be fitting to do it now. To enter, become a follower and leave a comment for your first entry. Mention my giveaway on your blog and leave a comment including a link to your post and get a second entry. If your friends or blog followers mention that they saw my giveaway on your blog I will give you a third entry! Now how's that for easy to get three chances to win this lovely fabric!!

The first item in the giveaway is the fabric in the photo. It has four rose squares that are the same on the other side. My favorite color is green and I love flowers so when I found this fabric I knew right away that this would be a fun item to have in the giveaway. I hope you like it too!
The second item I've added to the giveaway is a charm pack of 40 5" fabric squares from Kaffe Fassett that are just beautiful bright colors that would make a lovely quilt. You never know, I just might add a few more items before the giveaway deadline to add a little element of surprize for the lucky winner!!

The winner will be drawn on September 30th, (my birthday) so the deadline will be midnight on September 29th. Good Luck!!

September Finishes for CGQC

September has been a busy month. I returned to work after having the summer off and I've really had to push myself to get back in the swing of the 9 to 5 work week. Every extra minute I have I try to get to my sewing projects in hopes of getting some of those Christmas gifts done.

Aside from my birthday this month, we also celebrated the birthdays of two of my children. It's been a whirlwind of activity around here. Anyway, here are my September finishes for the Charming Girls Quilt Club.
I finished this quilt at the end of the week. It was really easy quilt to make but it seems like it took me forever to finish it with the little increments of time I had to work on it. But it's done now. It reminds me of some curtains my mom had in the late 60's, it's the floral pattern fabric I guess that takes me back.

Next on my list was to finish these pillow cases I had been wanting to make for quite some time. They came together quickly once I got to working on them.

And last, but not least, is the blanket I finished for my other grandson. It was actually my first finish this month. Poor kid was the last of my three grandsons to get his blanket and boy was he on me every time he came to visit.

I've also been working on my mini quilt for the exchange and on 20 star point Christmas squares for another exchange I'm participating in. I must say that the pressure has been on when I think of all I have to do to make the deadlines. But I can now say that I'm feeling sure now that I can get them all done.

I took tomorrow and Wednesday off to celebrate my Birthday (which I'll probably spend in my sewing room) to just relax and leisurely do whatever I want.

Reflecting

Like almost everyone, when I woke up this morning, I remembered exactly where I was on this day in 2001. On 9/11/01 I was in a hotel in Phoenix, Arizona with my mother and sister-in-law. We had stopped to get some rest on our way to a funeral in El Paso, Texas when we heard the terrible news. As we got dressed and started back on our journey, things around us seemed chaotic and we no longer felt safe. We felt distressed and confused, and wondered if we should just turn around and go back home. We thought we can't do that, (it was my mother's sister who had passed away and she had to be at the funeral) so we just kept traveling.

Today, I spent some time reflecting on just how vulnerable we felt that day and how much I missed my husband and family who were at home worrying about us and our safety. It sure was a scary trip and one I'll never forget.

The loss of so many people that day will forever remain in our hearts and prayers and we will never forget the heroic efforts of those who fought to save the lives of all those who were injured.