Missing in Blogland

I'm still here! There aren't enough hours in the day to finish the things I want to do. Bloglines has almost 400 blog entries to read and my blog has been seriously neglected. We've been to Wisconsin and I've attended a quilting retreat week-end and I've had/have a cold. I hope to catch up any day now.....

In the meantime, I've been BOOED by Connie W. Does that come with Halloween candy?


I think I will boo

Kim

Pam

LuAnn

Pat

and

Gudrun

Now you can take the Boo picture and Boo more people!

Here's a sneak peek of the SSCS I've been working on today. It's been more work than I originally anticipated, but it's going well.


I'll be back soon......

Two Giveaways, er, Make That Three

Kris from Tag Along Teddies is celebrating her 100th post. Click over to congratulate her and enter her drawing.

You need to be quick for this one. You could be the new owner of this quilt from Lizzy at Pigtails and Snails. Click on the logo. Good luck.

Added Oct 18th:
There's still time to sign up at Kathy's celebrating her 2nd year anniversary. She has chocolate!

Fall into Fall Winner

Wow! There are so many new blogs to explore in my comments from the Fall into Fall Blogger's Giveaway. Thanks, again, to Debi for organizing this fun event. After all of the name were entered, Jim chose Karen at Pieces and Plenty. Congratulations, Karen. Please send me your snail mail address and what Halloween candy you'd like me to buy. Thanks to everyone who commented, also. I wish you all could have won.

We were gone over the week-end visiting the grandkids in Wisconsin. There's so much to catch up with now that we're back home. Here's a picture of the quilt kit I bought at Royce's in West Bend, Wisconsin. I love the blues and the border fabrics. More soon...

Keeping Busy

I'm having a spurt of patience and clear understanding of pattern directions lately. In trying to make the most of this all too seldom occurance, I've been sewing and quilting like a madwoman. I love the way this Catty Phone Holder turned out. The pattern was at the American Sewing Expo last week. When I saw the sample, I had to buy the pattern and try one. The directions and illustrations were very well done and you can also buy a dog and ladybug pattern.

This morning I attended Busy Hands and Carry All Chicks at The Quilted Cottage. Breakfast is included with the Busy Hands project for only $5.00. We had quiche, banana bread, donuts, grapes, melon, cider and orange juice. Today the project was a crocheted necklace. I think everyone who attended finished and wore their new accessory home. The new Minick & Simpson fabric line called American Primer had just been put on the shelves, so I had to get a bit of that, too. The shop is celebrating its first year anniversary by giving their loyal customers 20% off total purchases. How could I pass that up?


I've been mostly doing stitchery patterns in the evening while watching the playoff ballgames. I'm almost finished with Helen's wonderful armchair sewing caddy.




Jim's been spending much of his time in this apple tree. One day he was picking apples and noticed Jasper sitting in the tree watching him. So far, he has picked 16 bushels of Golden Delicious Apples from this one tree. We've never had that many in other years.

Remember to leave a comment on the Fall Into Fall Giveaway post. The deadline isn't until October 14th.

200th Post Winner

There were 51 names entered for my 200th post giveaway. I used a number generator (Jim) and he chose number 3 which is Laila L S! Congratulations, Laila L S. If you will send me your mailing address, I will have the kitty stitchery made into something and have it on its way to you. Thank you to everyone who commented.

Remember if you are entering my Fall Into Fall Giveaway, I need an email address to contact you. If you don't have your blog set to show your email, include it in your comment or email it to me.



Yesterday was sewing for the Underground Railroad at The Quilted Cottage which was also celebrating its first year anniversary. The shop is full of pink banners which were sold and decorated, then returned to the shop to hang the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness. All of the money received from the sale of the pink banners will be donated - 100%! The banners are also hung outside in front of the shop and other businesses in the plaza.

Thank you to Beth for giving me the Creative Blogger Award. I'm late in acknowledging your kindness, but I do appreciate it very much.

Fall Into Fall Blogger's Giveaway

Are you ready? Tomorrow, October 1st, I will begin taking names for the Fall Into Fall Blogger's Giveaway. Debi from Quilting With Debi has organized a group of bloggers who will each give away a prize on October 15th. Be sure to check out the link for the list of participants. To be eligible, leave a comment between October 1 and October 14. You do not need to have a blog, but BE SURE to leave an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner. My package will contain this little orange bag filled with 5 Halloween fat quarters, Contemporary Quilts Postcards and a fall pattern called Pumpkin Harvest by Rosecrest Farms. I'll probably add some candy, too, but can't buy that ahead of time. (I'll eat it) Have fun visiting the blogs!

String blocks, etc.

Our Heartstrings group had a block party this week-end to replenish the inventory of blocks that are ready to assemble into quilts by volunteers. I cut 48 green center strips and managed to finish 35 blocks. The other 13 will be finished tomorrow. Usually our center strips are red or blue, but we are doing green for the months of September and October. These will have a masculine appeal.

I added a couple of borders to the Snoopy Disappearing Nine Patch top that I made for my friend, Val. She will have it quilted and donate it to the fire department.

Friday night Jim, Connie and I attended our final Tigers' ballgame of the year. WE WON! We had tickets for 16 games this year and were there for only two previous wins. It was a very disappointing year, but Tigers' fans set a new attendance record of over 3.2 million. We did get to see Gary Sheffield hit homers #498 and #499. He has one more game tomorrow to make it to 500 this year.

The American Sewing Expo was in Novi, Michigan this week-end. We left early for the ballgame Friday so Connie and I could spend a couple of hours browsing the vendors. In the center of the room was a roped off area where a contest was going on similar to Project Runway. There were many seminars and classes that looked interesting. At one end of the building was a large lounge where Jim had a comfortable couch and free WiFi. He was content while we wandered through the different areas of the Expo.

A lovely package arrived from Gina over at Quilting in the Valleys. I was the lucky winner of her 200 Post Giveaway. She made a cute tote bag using sewing themed fabrics. The tote bag held a pattern, fat quarters, two magazines, chocolate, floss, and a wonderful panel of Quilter's Quips. It's always a fun mail day when packages are in the box. Thank you very much, Gina.


Congratulations to Hanne
who is celebrating her first pattern release with a giveaway. Check out the cute Christmas stockings she made.




Myra is also having a giveaway celebrating her 200th post. And don't forget to sign up for my giveaway celebrating 200 posts!

Number 200

This is my 200th post since beginning my blog back in February of 07 with the encouragement of May Britt. It has been pure pleasure and privilege to meet so many wonderful quilters and stitchers from around the globe. To thank you for reading and commenting, I want to have a giveaway, but don't want it to interfere with the Fall into Fall Bloggers Giveaway. Sign up here between now and September 30th for a chance to win whatever I make using this stitchery that I finished today.

For the Fall into Fall Blogger's Giveaway that Debi is organizing, I will send this Halloween bag with five fat quarters of Halloween prints. I will take sign ups for this from October 1-14 with the winner drawn and announced on October 15th. I'll post a reminder on Oct.1st.

I finished Bea's stitchery BOM and also made another Disappearing Nine Patch for a friend in Canada. The quilt top will be quilted and given to the Volunteer Fire Department.

World Alzheimer's Day

This Sunday, September 21, is World Alzheimer's Day. This horrific thief of mind affects 26.6 million people. Jim's uncle was one of the unfortunate people to fall prey to this disease. He was a jokster, always had a smile and twinkles in his eyes. Alzheimers stole these from him and his family. Please help to find a cure. Ami has designed a virtual banner for your blog or website to spread the word.

Approaching 200

My post total is nearing 200, so I've been thinking about a give-away. Stay tuned for the announcement coming soon.












This afternoon I tied five quilts for the Underground Railroad. It made for a pretty and soft, comfy pile that both Jasper and Annie were keeping their eyes on as I worked.

The first guild meeting of the new year is tomorrow night. Usually after a summer break, there is lots of show and tell to admire. I'm taking my camera.

While I was sorting through the box of goodies from Molly, Annie kept trying to squeeze her plump, fluffy self into a shoe box. After a few frustrating, failed attempts, she settled for the torn shopping bag nearby and promptly fell asleep.



























Jasper, who sees no need for a nap when there's hunting to be done, chased this pheasant up into a maple tree in our backyard. The bird got away unharmed and hasn't been seen at our house since.

September 11

I will always remember this date. It's difficult to believe that seven years have passed already. It's as fresh as yesterday in my mind.



This afternoon I finished the scissors/needle case that I had cross stitched here. Even a little finish feels good. This will be a gift for someone special who just celebrated a birthday.




Clothesline Club at my LQS was this morning. Stacey showed so many cute, little projects that Lana had made. The new Kaufman line by Darlene Zimmerman called "Girlfriends" came in, also. It has some really cute, little prints such as lipsticks, shoes and hats. The first photo shows a shoe caddy, cosmetic bag, pillowcase, a holder for your hair curler and a little purse necklace that also holds your thread and scissors. The second picture is a close-up of the little necklace.

New giveaways: Tazzie is celebrating her 500th post and
Colleen is having a 'Fun Fall Giveaway.

I won another giveaway. This one from Molly over at Molly's Place. A large, heavy box arrived packed with fabric scraps, batting, blocks, assorted Thangles, a quilt pin and a book. It was so much fun sorting through it all. Thanks again, Molly

Pumpkin, DNP & More

Remember that pumpkin I stitched at one of the Fantastic Fridays at my LQS? The season is approaching so I dug around to find the little block. I love the large rick rack that is out now and wanted to include that somehow in the border. My pumpkin block has grown into a flimsie! The fabric at the bottom of the picture will be used for the backing. I hope I can find an appropriate plaid or stripe for the binding in my stash.

Friday I sewed one set of the Disappearing Nine Patch blocks together. I haven't much of any of the fabrics left, so I might quilt it, bind it with the bright green and call it done unless I can find something in my stash. This one will go to the Underground Railroad. Annie is checking the kitty fabric for relatives.


I was excited to hear from Lurline who was celebrating her 200th post, that I had won her beautiful cathedral window bag. The fabric is great and it's very well made. Thank you, Lurline!



Jane is having her first giveaway in honor of her birthday September 16th. She is offering 50 fat quarters of 30s fabrics and three patterns. Click on over to wish her happy birthday.

Miss Millie

I wanted to make May Britt's Stitchers' Angel bag tonight. I knew if I spent the night doing the stitchery, there wouldn't be time to make the bag. But wait! The Miss Millie piece that I finished the other night would work. I followed May's excellent instructions and now I have a place for Miss Millie and a new bag.

There's a great giveaway over at Polka Dot Pineapple. To welcome fall, Lettie is giving away a wonderful bag she calls Sunshine Posie Handbag. Just share your favorite holiday recipe in the comment area.

Log Cabin Blocks Plus

Happy September! (Although it felt more like the middle of summer today)

My little log cabin blocks are now all sewn and ready to be put together. I had to get a preview of how it will look. The color isn't very good as it's past midnight here. I'll make sure the lighting is better when the blocks are a top. So far, neither Jasper or Annie have touched the blocks. They are five inches now and will finish at 4 1/2". The pattern is called Broken Star by Edyta Sitar.

I also finished the bonus stitchery block from Bea. Today she posted the new block for September. I'm thinking I need to lay off of the hand work for a few days, though, as my arm is throbbing at night.



Another picture of my hibiscus. I just love the flowers!

Some Stitching

I finished the stitching part for three of my little projects. Not sure what or where Aunt Millie will end up, but I sure love her. She is found in The Flower Patch book by Bronwyn Hayes. The redwork teacup is Bea's BOTM for August. And the cats cross stitch I will make into a little scissor case. The chart for the cats is a freebie offered here.

I've been sewing the last of the all little, dark log cabins. Should have a picture of that after the week-end.





Connie W. is having a 'Just Because' giveaway on her blog. The prize is still a mystery.
Eileen made a cute, little scrappy quilt to celebrate her first blogaversary. Check it out here.



Tami is having a 'green' giveaway although the prizes are blue. She has a knit dishcloth, cotton dishtowel and some cloth napkins for giveaway.


My red hibiscus began blooming this week. I kept noticing other yards where the flowers were open, but mine just had buds until now. They are so huge and pretty!

BBB & More Giveaways

We camped in our tent on Saturday night after a fun family day of Beer, Badminton & Barbeque. (BBB) Our extended family began this sporting event in 1979, but it's been twenty years since the last one. Our wonderful hosts, Brian and Colleen, had four courts set up for the singles and doubles games. They had a trampoline and in the middle of their backyard was a pond with a pontoon. We filled the pole barn with food and started our tournament. Everything was going well until the monsoon rain arrived. I think it lasted for 1 1/2 hours. Of course, a 'little' rain wasn't going to prevent us from finishing our games. We played until dark and awarded trophies to the new champs. A giant campfire kept us toasty warm until we turned in for the night. Several of us decided to camp rather than drive home after the long day. OOOOW! It's been many, many years since I've slept in a tent, although slept is used very loosely here. I'm still sore and tired, but it was a fun get-together.

On the way home, I snapped this picture of a field nearby full of sunflowers. Isn't it a glorious sight? They're smiling at everyone who passes by.



More giveaways!

Jessie in Singapore is celebrating a blogiversary by giving away a gorgeous scissors holder and fob.

Vicki has a lovely assortment of gifts to celebrate her 200th post.

Amy offers a cute bag and lots of extra goodies to celebrate her 100th post. Hurry, as this one ends on Wednesday.

Gina is celebrating 200 posts by giving away mystery package.

Mar has yet another giveaway to celebrate her blogiversary. Go see the cute bag she has pictured.

And to celebrate her new sewing room, click on over to Calidore's blog where you could be the winner of a bag, a heart needle case, a camel scissor fob, three hand dyed fat quarters and a skein of Edmar Iris thread which is perfect for stitcheries.

Blocks, Flowers & Even More Giveaways

The orange and blue fabrics have been removed and new blocks were sewn from the remaining parts. So far I have 36 little blocks that measure 6 1/2" unfinished. So I will end up with two smaller quilts that I like instead of one bigger quilt that wasn't speaking kindly to me. I'm still happy that I did the mystery as it gave me a chance to use those rulers that Bonnie recommended.

Here are a few of the remaining flowers outside. It's been dry this week and they are crying for water. The flowers are black eyed Susans, clematis, an obedient plant, and cat plants. What? Oh, I threw those in to see if you were paying attention. I found the wooden cat plants at a garage sale not too long ago. Aren't they just the cutest?

And I keep finding giveaways in blogland. Here's the latest:







At Molly's Place you can win a box of fabric scraps.

Catherine from Willow Valley Store is celebrating 10,000 visitors. She is giving away patterns.


Karol-Ann has filled two bags full of fabric scraps that need new homes.

Susan is a new blogger who is starting a boxy star quilt. She decided to celebrate with a giveaway.

Kim is giving away a Schnibbles pattern on her blog.


Helena has a wonderful stitchery for her giveaway! UPDATE: Helena has added another wonderful prize. Click on over and be sure to comment on both posts.

Mar is celebrating her 100th post by giving away a bundle of 'perfectly precious' purple fat quarters.