Happy New Year! and a Great Giveaway Over at Stray Stitches

Happy New Year to all.  Cha Cha and I will be safely tucked away in our bed when the ball drops us into 2011. I will be dreaming of projects for the new year - the fun of planning, cutting, sewing, quilting, binding, the list is endless. I am all excited about the possibilities in the new year. Who knows what Cha Cha cat will be dreaming of. Perhaps how to steal borrow spools of thread or other small paw sized sewing items when I'm not looking!

Giveaway:  Linda of Stray Stitches is celebrating 300+ followers by holding a fantastic giveaway ending 1/9/11. There is a "to die for" full color pattern - "Flying Colors" by Georgette Dell'Orco. And! - 25 fat quarters plus 5/8 yard of black fabric to make the quilt top. The colors are so Beautiful! Go on over and check it out. Sign up (if you don't already) to follow Linda at Stray Stitches. I adore reading her blog.

Congratulations, Linda on your blog success. Your giveaway is super generous and much appreciated.

After Christmas Surprise

I have been "limping along" in the Holly Jolly Blog Bingo sponsored by In Stitches. My word selection was SUPER .. the words simply were not getting drawn fast enough! Today instead of a new list of words I found the announcement of their winner - Darlene B. of Worth, IL. Congratulations, Darlene! The package coming your way looks fab!

Maybe next time I thought with a wee bit of sadness and continued reading the In Stitches blog - if you haven't already go check this blog out.

I read .... Congratulations also go to Donna in Panama City, FL. I'm thinking she will enjoy the giveaway prize from yesterday. My brain functions a bit slowly! Then .... much to my surprise ... could that be me .... there are a several Donna(s) in quilting blogland. Do they live in Panama City, FL? 

I WON! -- a fat quarter bundle of 12 Moda Metallic Swirls basics! Yeah!!!!  Many thanks to In Stitches for sponsoring this fun bingo game. I had a wonderful time playing! Of course, winning a prize made me do a happy dance!

Be Mine Blog Tour by Spun Sugar Quilts and Buddies

Vickie of Spun Sugar Quilts and her buddies are presenting seven days of projects designed to inspire you for Valentine's Day! The blog hop will include prizes from the Fat Quarter Shop. Check out Vickie's blog for details. The list of participating buddies can be found on a special page of my blog. Sounds like wonderful fun! Don't you absolutely LOVE Vickie's button announcing the blog hop. I can only imagine the creativity of the upcoming projects. See you there!

The Christmas tree and all the trimmings are down at the office. The place looks like the real estate office it is once again. And, as much as I enjoyed the lights, I am really glad to move on. I got my own apartment back to normal yesterday. Everything is sparkling and in its place. Of course, that probably won't last long but it was super fun to walk into a nice, clean, organized space! 

Santa Came!

Santa made it to my house! And, he was very generous this year. Thanks to my sister I am going to have one happy, happy day or two at Quilting By the Bay, Panama City, FL. I have been making plans in my head! I, also have an Omnigrid ruler grip, a new rotary cutter, three project filled magazines and several quilt making "gadgets."

My wardrobe increased in shades of blue, silver and white.

My parents were here for Christmas. We had a lovely family holiday.

The tree came down today. All the Christmas decorations are packed away until new Thanksgiving! Cha Cha was not a happy cat when her tree was boxed until she discovered her favorite table back under her favorite window. 

Giveaway(s) opportunity - Dawn is holding a wonderful New Year Fabric Giveaway. She has 7 yards of Dr. Seuss for one lucky winner. Drop over and visit her blog to enter. Should you happen to win please remember to send me my share for sending you over to her blog -- just kidding! Good luck to all!

Charlie of Qubee Quilts is having a giveaway for a Fandango layer cake in honor of his birthday.

The Tree Stands!

Almost a week and the tree still stands.

I am going to try wrapped PRESENTS next!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

My Christmas music boxes both play We Wish You a Merry Christmas ...... Don't you love the sights and sounds of the season?

The Lights Sparkle as the Music Plays

HO HO HO

Fontanini Nativity - Carmelite Monastery

A favorite Christmas memory is browsing in the Carmelite Monastery Gift Shop, Jackson, MS. The gift shop is open year round; however, between Thanksgiving and Christmas the shop is whirl wind of activity. This is one of the most beautiful shops I can recall being in.

This next one is the Nativity contained inside a lovely tear drop glass. The ornament is meant for the year. Not this year. Cha Cha required non-breakable ornaments. Although she has done amazingly well leaving the tree standing.

Should you be in Jackson, MS make the Carmelite Monastery a must see. The nuns bake fabulous Rum Cakes. Grab a few as soon as you get to the kitchen area. The cakes will be long gone if you don't.

IT IS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

A few pictures of my Christmas tree, which is still standing! Yeah! A lot of the ornaments are handmade - the stars, candy canes, and felt pieces. The rest has been collected over the years. The tree skirt is actually a table runner I cross stitched years ago. It fits perfectly under the smaller tree I now have. I am waiting a few days before introducing wrapped presents. Cha Cha needs "adjustment time."

IT IS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY QUILTING!

Cha Cha's Christmas 2010

Look How Tall!

Unidentified foreign object detected in my living room

Smells Unlike Anything I've Run Across

It has lights!

Wonder What We Are Supposed To Do With This Thing

Bite It??!!??

Slap It???!!!??

Climb It??!!???

Perhaps We Sleep Under It!

 

 

 

JUST REMEMBER WHATEVER I CHOOSE TO DO

THIS TREE IS MINE - ALL MINE!

I HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION!

        

Christmas Party, Christmas Decorating, Christmas Fun in Blog Land

The office party was last night. My employer had her home decorated for the season in tasteful, comfortable style. We had quite a gathering of employees and their families. I ate way too much. The caterer was the Chef from Dirty Dick's Crab House, Panama City Beach, FL - fabulous! I believe my favorite thing about living in Florida is how seafood is tradition at every occasion. Should you come this way for the holidays (or any time) make sure to experience Dirty Dick's Crab House. You will be amazed.  Can you believe Christmas is almost here?

My dad got home from the hospital. He walked out rather than the usually mandated wheelchair ride. It seems the Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS is overflowing. They lacked an available wheelchair, so the nurse walked with my dad to the car waiting at the door. I haven't gotten to speak with him yet. He was napping yesterday afternoon. I'm hoping for my opportunity to talk this morning.

Today is the day to put up the Christmas tree. This is Cha Cha's first Christmas at my house. I am thinking this may be an "experience" for both of us. I will try to get pictures before the "re-decoration" begins.

Be sure to check out the Henry Glass Designers Holiday Blog Parade. Today is day 5 but you have time to get involved. All the links are on a separate page of my blog.

Also, starting December 10, 2010 In Stitches is sponsoring the Holly Jolly Blog Bingo - the link is on another page of my blog. Go to the In Stitches blog to select your 25 words, so you will be ready to play. Don't you love all the fun blog hops and games in blog land?  I certainly do.

Happy quilting to all.

Thankfulness

My dad come through surgery well. The family got to the hospital at 6 a.m., as instructed. Surgery did not start until after 1 p.m. Dad was in recovery at 3:45 p.m., doing well. He will likely spend the night in recovery as the family has been told there are no available rooms. This has been a long day for all of us. I am indeed thankful for the outcome so far. God is good!

Hope you had a wonderful day. Happy quilting!

Life Happens

My mom, who had a stroke earlier this year, got excellent news from the doctor yesterday. She had been having dizzy spells and was concerned. The doctor says the dizzy spells are from an inner ear issue. She will have to see another doctor; however, her recovery from the stroke is right on schedule. We are relieved.

My brother, who had recent back surgery, was released by his doctor to resume normal duties. He is still having some pain. The doctor says this will go away. We are relieved.

And, my dad goes to the hospital at 6 a.m. in the morning for surgery on a carotid artery. He is second on the surgeon's list. I would appreciate your prayers. It is an out patient procedure ... although he will spend a night (go figure). Being in Florida as all of this goes on in Mississippi is difficult. God put me here and I do not have to understand why. My job is to put one foot in front of the other in faith and know He is in control. Some days doing so is easier than others.

On a lighter note - I answered the phone at work this morning and got all tongue tied. I laughed and started over thinking my mouth working slower than brain must be an old age thing. Later it dawned on me - when younger my mouth frequently engaged before my brain kicked in. The result was I often said things I really shouldn't have, causing "problems." Now in old age I find the reverse to be true - my mouth cannot keep up with my brain. The result is I don't say things I should, causing "problems." I wonder if there was ever a time my mouth and brain worked together.  Ha!

Make sure you check out the Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade. Today is day two and it is proving to be a wonderful blog hop - special (free) designer projects to make, inspiring pictures, great reading material and there will be prizes to a few lucky folk.  I have a page setup on my sidebar with links to the designers by days. Check it out! Good luck to all.

HAPPY QUILTING!

Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for. I spend a wonderful 3 days in Mississippi with family. We did our traditional feast - steaks on the grill, twice baked potatoes and my mom's melt in your mouth pecan pie. The trip was fantastic; even if I did have a major tire blow out on the way back. That is just part of living ... the road ready maintenance was taken care of prior to leaving Florida but that tire decided to go Pop! on I-10 in the holiday traffic. All is well!

Here is the surprise awaiting me as I arrived on that cute little donut tire yesterday evening ............

 

My very own Rose of Sharon Block Book personally signed by the author Sharon Pederson. I was (AM!) so excited. Many thanks to Kelly Jackson of I Have a Notion for the giveaway.

I just got back from eating crab cakes at the Granite Cafe in Panama City, FL. I took my friend who cat sat while I was gone for a treat. Should you be in the Panama City area drop by the Granite Cafe. The food is great!

And, now since I am all well fed and in my PJs, I do believe I will curl up with my new quilting book. I cannot think of anything better to do.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Pink Fig Holiday Giveaway! and More!

Chelsea at Pink Fig Design is having a fantastic giveaway which will run until December 1, 2010. In celebration of her First Fabric Line! she is giving away TWO quilts! One to a random lucky person and one to a random lucky shop owner to display in their store. Go check it out. And good luck to all!

The Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade starts December 1-7, 2010!  There will be free patterns, inspiration, stories, individual blog giveaways, and one Grand Prize Giveaway! I have setup a page giving you the links to the gracious hosts.  I think the schedule and "rules" will follow. Sounds like a great blog hop!

This morning brought a wonderful surprise for me.  I won the "Rose of Sharon Block Book" autographed by Sharon Pederson that Kelly from I Have A Notion graciously gave away. This is the book I have been drooling over at Quilting by the Bay. I've picked it up, admired, carried almost to the checkout stand and put it back regretfully time after time - my quilting skills are still Very Raw!  Each time I have said one day.  I am SO EXCITED!

My recent Friends Swap buddy Leanne of Stitch Selection sent me an email stating she is working on a table runner from the Adoring Moda range I sent.  The Friends Swap was lots of fun. I am looking forward to doing it again.  One more BIG THANKS! to Khris of Sew Prim Khris who organized the fun.

And, now having said all of that I do believe I may go sew. Life has been happening at a rather fast rate for me. My sewing time has unfortunately been almost nonexistent for way too long.  I have blocks to catch up on for the Layer Cake Quilt Along I signed up for - sponsored by Moose on the Porch. Happy quilting to all!

Arrival From Australia

Apologies upfront, this post has lots of pictures.  I recently participated in a FRIENDS Swap sponsored by Khris (from Australia) of Sew Prim Khris.  My swap partner was Leanne (also, from Australia) of Stitch Selection. The postman greeted me today with this .....

Note the customs stamp ... from Australia. My very first package from Australia!

Inside was this...

Adorable, pink packages - so sweetly labeled.

Well, very pretty ... until I tore in!

To find ...

Seven - Count them - Seven Wonderful Gifts - All for ME!

Lots of gorgeous ric rac, a beautiful case for my scissors, a lovely needle case, two hexie coasters (not!, these will definitely decorate my bedroom wall), Cadbury chocolate (Yummy!), two of the cutest, fun mice you have ever seen (see them perched on the needle case!) and the an absolutely lovely shopping bag (see the kitten faces on the front pocket!).   I'm on a picture roll even if the lighting is awful ... rainy and dark in "sunny" Florida.

Enough, you say? Just be happy there are only 7 letters in FRIENDS.

See the pretty card which came with the gifts.

Digital cameras are so FAB .. no film to purchase or days to wait on prints from the store.

OKAY. OKAY.

ONLY ONE MORE, I PROMISE.

ALL HAS MET THE TEST OF HARDWORKING

INSPECTOR CHA CHA CAT

(Actually, she was attempting to snitch the mice, which are now safely tucked away from her thieving paws!)

Thanks ever so much, Leanne. I am so very excited over my gifts. This has been great FUN!

And, thanks Khris for sponsoring the FRIENDS Swap. 

Friends Swap, Layer Cake Quilt Along, Blog Button!

I just got email confirmation the package (for the Friends Swap) I sent to Australia FINALLY arrived! Forget the USPO's 7-10 days. Oh, and the customs confirmation number I was told  USPO could track means the USPO can tell you the number was "accepted" - giving the date and time you stood at their counter sending the package. Helpful information - NOT! That is my complaint for the day!!!!  But the good new is the package arrived.

My Layer Cake Quilt Along first block is printed and ready to be cut out. The Alabama Spinner Block designed by Gene Black is stunning. I can hardly wait to get started. This is the first block - you have time to check out the quilt along and get involved. There is link on my sidebar. Hope you come join the fun.

This picture is going to be my "blog button" - that is once I figure out how to make a functioning blog button.  Maybe this weekend.

Happy Quilting!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAVE A SAFE, FUN HOLIDAY!

Holiday Fun AND a DECISION!

Home for the Holidays Quilt Designer Blog Hop and Cookie Swap! 

Another wonderful blog hop full of holiday projects and cookie recipes. I set up a separate page -see right side of sidebar- with links to the fab designers participating in the Hop/Swap! and giving you their special days! Come join in the fun!

 
Mistletoe Make & Bake 2010

This is the Holiday Blog Hop I mentioned in my previous post. I moved the links to the super designers who are participating, along with their days to a separate page on my blog. Come join the fun!  

Like Chocolate We Need Lots of Cookies!

As Well As Holiday Projects (Fabric, of course)! 

And, now my Decision!  

The Decision! was made in the one hour I am allotted for lunch, which is a first for me. I went to Quilting By the Bay, Panama City, FL determined to pick my fabric for The Layer Cake Quilt Along sponsored by Moose on the Porch starting November 1.  I found a lovely kit for a beautiful quilt ... perfect colors for what I wanted ... but there were lots more fat quarters than I needed.  I thought if the yardage fabric is sufficient for the sashing I needed, I will purchase and use the additional fat quarters for another project. My friendly, helpful sales associate carefully checked the yardage. Not enough! Bah!

The great news was Quilting By the Bay had a whole shelf of the FAB fat quarters, which I had totally missed until kindly directed to by the friendly associate. In minutes I had the 12 fat quarters required plus a great sashing fabric. I paid and was back at work in my allotted hour! WooHoo!

The DECISION! was Eden by Lila Turner. Beautiful - light, bright. I'm in love! And Complementary by Bella Lu Studio makes the perfect sashing. I will get to the border and backing at a later date. For now progress has been made. Let the Quilt Along begin!  I am ready!

Did I forget to mention I now know how to add pages to my blog! Two firsts in one day!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Mistletoe Make and Bake 2010

Sherri of This and That Patterns is sponsoring Mistletoe Make and Bake 2010, a Holiday Blog Hop, November 15-20. I copied her list of participating designers and their special days. You can find this list on my sidebar. Please hop on over to This and That Patterns to get all the exciting details. This sounds like FUN to me. See you there.

Nature's Colors & a Layer Cake Quilt Along

These are photos of the sky were taken just outside my front door.  It is dusk and somewhat overcast, however, I love the colors.  The blue, purple gray and green with shots of a silvery white would make a fantastic quilt fabric. Add in the beautiful two toned green in the tropical plant against the reddish brick and ... well, my bedroom needs a make over!  I love the colors. Happy quilting!

I have decided to participate in my first quilt along. Moose on the Porch is sponsoring a layer cake (or I can use 12 fat quarters) quilt along. I am going to give it a try. The first block is to be released November 2, 2010 with a new block coming every two weeks until April (I believe-follow the their blog button on my sidebar should you want more details). I'm a bit uncertain about not knowing what the completed project is supposed to look like. This will a leap of faith requiring me to lighten up and go with the flow. Speaking of lightening up, I do think I want something like bright springy blues, greens, purples, pinks ... perhaps a bit of yellow and definitely a fair amount of white. Of course, my next project will be committing to the fabric. I am going with quilt shop quality. Quilting by the Bay in Panama City will just have to adjust to my "decision" process. (ha!) They are a wonderful group of helpful, supportive, creative folks. I expect they will offer wonderful suggestions. Wish me luck!

The weekend has been on a "cool" side for Florida.  At least one could stand to be outside and the breeze has been wonderful. From the look of the sky, tomorrow will bring rain. Hope all of you enjoyed your weekend. Until next time.

Green Fairy Quilts

Great giveaway at Green Fairy Quilts.  Tell them I sent you. Happy quilting!

Blogger Help & a Busy Day

Check out the blogger buddy button on my sidebar. Karen at Sew Many Ways is offering blogger help and hints. Her recent post was wonderful with detailed instructions, including pictures. I can see myself using the information frequently. Hop on over and take a look.

My day was jammed full of work. There have been some recently organizational changes at the office, which involved shifting of duties. We are still sorting out the functions and working around the learning curve(s). We will get there!

Happy quilting to all!

"Glens Quilt" by Khris of Sew Prim Khris

My Friend, Khris, made a beautiful quilt from Bonnie Hunters first mystery quilt. She named it “Glens Quilt” because she gave it to Glen, her hubby.  The quilt is absolutely lovely.  Please head over to the Quilting Gallery and take a good look - fantastic "eye candy!"  Take all the time you want to admire.  Then note this is a voting event.  Your vote for “Glens Quilt” would be greatly appreciated.  Enjoy!  And, while you are at it please check out Khris' blog Sew Prim Khris.

http://quiltinggallery.com/2010/10/15/vote-now-scrappy-again-quilts/- look for "Glens Quilt"

Frogs Rule & The Great Mouse Hunt

FROGS RULE!  Check out the really cool fabric I found at Hobby Lobby.  The colors are perfect to finish up the Christmas quilts for my nieces.  I love the colors.







I just shipped my FRIENDS Swap package to Australia.  I hope my partner, Leanne, enjoys the contents as much as I enjoyed picking them out.  International shipping rates came as a bit of a shock!  However, the cost was well worth the fun I had with this swap.

And, now the Great Mouse Hunt ...... 

One would think the mouse was alive from the intensity of this hunt.

Happy quilting to all!  And congratulations to the many winners of the Fall Into Fall Giveaway.  Simply visiting the wonderful blog sites was super fun to me.

Back to Work

All I wanted to do this morning was sleep in. I dreaded going back to work - figured my desk would be stacked to the ceiling. And, to my surprise it wasn't .... wish I had a penny for every minute I spend worrying about what never happened. If I did, I wouldn't have to work (ha!)

Table Runners, FRIENDS Swap and Christmas

This is the back side of the top of a table runner under way. I had to take a picture. The seams bunted just right and everything went together without use of the seam ripper! And the finished size measured correctly according to the wonderful skill building book "Quilters Academy - Vol. 1" by Harriett & Carrie Hargrave. Love that book.  I haven't posted the practice pieces, however, I am studiously working through the lessons in the book. The process has been rewarding.

On to the table runner. All I have so far is the top. I think it is turning off fairly well. This is a Christmas gift for a dear friends, who loves birds and gardening. I believe she will enjoy this.

The funny thing is I lost on of the 5" blocks just before I was ready to start sewing them together. It fell or blew right off the table when I turned my head away to take a sip of coffee.

Oh, look Cha Cha found it! Isn't she a brilliant cat? 

This "incident" was approximately 5 minutes after she came out from hiding under the bed. Earlier this morning I ran to the store - wasn't gone long.  Miss Cat must have figured I was finally gone for the day. She's less than thrilled with me taking time off from work. I cramp her day time activities. Back to the story - I guess she failed to hear the car drive up because she was playing in the dried beans soaking in the pan sitting in the kitchen sink. My "What are you doing?" sent her streaking down the hall to hide under the bed, where she stayed for quite some time. The little darling came out just to help me sew! Sweet kitty!

This picture is the Christmas table runner I have been working on.  It is narrow to fit the table it is being made for. I had to stop because the border fabric I purchased is way too busy. I am thinking it is going to need a fairly solid muted green.  Hmm, I am thinking with a different border fabric this may become a fall table topper rather than a Christmas table topper. Food for thought anyway.

My FRIENDS Swap goodies are close to ready to ship to Australia. Just a few loose ends to tie up. The swap has been loads of fun! I'm thinking I will probably do it again!

I have spend days blog hopping to the over 130 blogs participating in the Fall Into Fall Giveaway. I've greatly enjoyed the journey, have added a few new blogs to my regular reading list and put my name in the pot for some wonderful giveaways. If you haven't checked it out, I recommend you get busy. Just click the button on my sidebar to be "magically" directed to the fun.

Well, that's it for today. I have sewing to finish before I have to go back to work tomorrow. Not to mention my house could use a bit of cleaning. Until next time .... Happy Quilting!