Hilachas

It’s One-Flower Wednesday

2012-03-07T09:07:00.001-07:00

Encouraging words of the day -

Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. ~ Psalm 25:5, NLT

Stuff I did:

Got all my packages in the mail.

Started to dust and decided to sew instead. It’s been beautiful in El Paso. 70 degrees on Monday, 80 degrees on Tuesday. The wind is supposed to blow, 30-40 mph, so it’s a good thing I didn’t dust.

Here are my hexie flowers for One Flower Wednesday. I enjoy sewing these little flowers so much. I find it relaxing to slow down, sit down, and sew. I’m glad Karen at Journey of a Quilter organized sewers and provides a linky for all of to share our hexagon flowers. If you would like to see more flowers out there in blogland, just click HERE. What I did this week was sew three of my flowers together. I have a plan. Really. I enlisted my sister Ida's help yesterday in laying out my 117 flowers in the arrangement I'm planning. So, here are the 3 that I sewed together.

And then p, in order to feel like I was accomplishing something, I completed the flowers for my swap partner in the "Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap." She is requesting black and white petals with a red center, not to my taste. I like colorful and more traditional but I hope she likes these:

I made a “little house.” These are harder than they look since the pieces are so small but it surely gives you something to do with those “little bitty” fabric pieces collecting in our stash. "Building Houses From Scraps" was started in Holland by Jeanneke.. Go to the link and look at all sorts of cute houses. It was fun sewing this and this is how mine ended up, backwards from the rest (why are we not surprised,?) but, cute.

Also completed my BINGO card for the "May For Me BINGO" activity planned for the month of May. Finally I have something completed that was not done “at the last minute.” Go to the link above to get the instructions for making your BINGO card. All of the rules haven’t been given yet for actually playing BINGO but what I’ve read sounds interesting. The BINGO card sews up easily and quickly. Ta da.

I haven’t found any giveaways recently. I guess everyone is resting up form the big Leap Day Blog Hop so . . .

That is all.

Getting Organized ?

2012-03-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Encouraging words of the day -

But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. - Psalm 77:11-12, NLT

When you meet new trials, review how good God has been to you, and this will strengthen your faith.

I continue to celebrate my birthday. The mail brought a thoughtful package from Leona of "Leona's Quilting Adventure." Just look at this loot: a pretty pink fat quarter, yellow thread, cute little clipboard for my notes and a lovely birthday card.

Thanks so much, Leona, for this lovely surprise.

Another package I received was from Pam Lincoln at "Mama Spark's World." I won a “Ready-Set-Snow” charm pack from her giveaway. Thanks, Pam. I’ll be using these charms in my Christmas wall hanging.

Monday morning is “catch-up” day for me. Now that the weekend is over, I need to get my giveaway packages in the mail, start my "Free-Motion Quilting Challenge" for March started. Well, since I decided to do the free-motion quilting on the back of my wall hanging, I actually need to make my April wall hanging first. I guess first of all, I need to get organized and decide what I need to do first so “I’m off to get organized.”

That is all.

Winners!

2012-03-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. ~ Proverbs 20:7 NLT

I haven’t done much sewing since I’m in New Mexico visiting my parents right now. Well, actually, since I’m away from home I have done NO sewing. What I’ve done is shopping for fabric with Mama. We’ve had a good day.

I did remember that I have two giveaways ending so there are WINNERS!

According to the “Random Number Generator Thingie,” the winner of the 33 charms I so diligently cut out for the Leap Day Blog Hop is #1.

I’ve never seen that happen and neither have many others. I often see #1s mentioning the fact that #1 never wins. Well, today for the Leap Day Giveaway, the winner is #1.

#1 is Laura Wilson from "A Day of Grace." Congratulations, Laura!

And, also according to the “Random Number Generator Thingie,” the winner of my “Birthday – Ready For Spring Giveaway”

is #33.

#33 is Jennifer Gail of "hoodies and flip-flops." Congratulations, Jennifer.

That is all.

One-Flower Wednesday & Giveaway Time

2012-02-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

Encouraging words of the day -

.We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. ~ Proverbs 16:1, NLT

Once again it’s One Flower Wednesday where Karen (over at Journey of a Quilter) has organized One Flower Wednesday and provides a linky for all of to share our hexagon flowers.

This looks a little different but I have a plan. Really. . .

If you would like to see more flowers out there in blogland, just click HERE.

The celebration of my birthday continues. We visited my parents who live in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico. My Mother had made this beautiful quilt for me. Don’t you just love it, with all the quilting we do, when someone actually makes a quilt for you? Not that my Mother hasn’t made other quilts for me. She’s the one that got me started quilting and has presented me with other quilts throughout the years when I didn’t quilt. So saying, ta da, here it is. Mama still makes gorgeous quilts at 90 years of age. Thanks, Mama.

I’ve spent most of the blog hopping at the "Leap Day Blog Hop Giveaway" that Elizabeth of "Such a Sew and Sew" is hosting today. It’s been a lot of fun. I have a Leap Day Giveaway myself. Check it out HERE. Ends today.

Also, don’t forget my "Birthday - Ready For Spring Giveaway. This ends March 2nd.

That is all.

Leap Day Blog Hop Giveaway

2012-02-28T20:13:00.004-07:00

Encouraging words of the day -

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. ~ Proverbs 16:1, NLT

Elizabeth of "Such a Sew and Sew" is hosting "Leap Day Blog Hop Giveaway" today and has a “linky” on her page so you can visit the blogs of everyone participating.

You have only One Day to Enter to Win. All giveaways are posted on February 29th and will end on February 29th. The linky will open at noon MST on February 28^th and close at 10:00 am MST on March 1^st, to allow for people in different time zones to participate.

You will only have one day to enter all the Giveaways!

Fine then. Here’s my giveaway:

I have spent the last two days cutting out charms from my stash so what I have to offer are 33 assorted charms. There are flowers of course, umbrellas, snowmen, tennis shoes, puzzle pieces, stripes, dinosaurs, bugs etc. Why 33 you ask? I got tired of cutting and quit at 33. I used the AccuQuilt Go Cutter for some of them. I don’t know if anyone else has used the 5-inch square die. I’m not really happy with it. First of all, for some reason, you put the fabric in at an odd angle so there’s a lot of fabric loss. I wonder why they didn’t make it where you put in a rectangle a little larger than the die, rather than at that weird angle? By the time you cut the fabric down to the size of the die, you may as well just cut it out with your rotary cutter. Anyway, I digress. Here’s a picture of the charms I’m giving away.

All you have to do is be a follower of my blog. Just comment and tell me that you follow.

That is all.

What happened to my Swoon? And Spring Giveaway.”

2012-02-27T09:28:00.001-07:00

Encouraging words of the day.

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. ~ Psalm 9:10, NLT

What happened to my Swoon? My corners match, my seams match. Everything was coming along great even though everything was taking a long time. But, somehow, my block doesn’t quite look right. , , , Things like this are always happening to me when I decide that “NOW I know what I’m doing with this. I can go full speed ahead.” Then . . . here you go:

Other that the “glaring mistake,” it looks great.

I haven’t done anything else. It took me forever to cut out the pieces for my Swoon and then a while to sew them together, correctly or otherwise. And now I have an appointment with my seam ripper.

Don’t forget about my “Birthday – Ready For Spring Giveaway.” Enter now if you haven’t already.

Other Giveaways:

"My Sister Made Me Do It. . . ." is having her “Blogiversary Giveaway.” She is giving you the opportunity to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Tweet by Timeless Treasures. – ends March 1^st.

Needles and Pins is celebrating her 100 post with a giveaway. You could win some fabric or a set of crocheted dish cloths. - ends March 4.

SewCalGal is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Sonoma Rose by Jennifer Chiaverini. - ends March 2.

I’m posting this to claim my blog on Bloglovin. Not sure what it’s all about yet but something about not being able to use Google Reader after March 1st.

Bloglovin

That is all.

“Birthday – Ready For Spring Giveaway

2012-02-24T08:34:00.005-07:00

Encouraging words of the day.

But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. ~ Psalm 33:11, NLT

"The plans of the LORD stand firm forever." Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy--his intentions never change. There is a promise that good and perfect gifts come to us from the Creator who never changes.

*****************************

I've planned a giveaway which I'll tell you about later in this post but here's a preview:

I've received several exciting packages in the mail. I received two sets of hexie flowers from partners in the "Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap." Jan from California was my partner for February and sent me these two lovely flowers. They'll be perfect as the sky in the GFG I'll complete some day.

And then, somehow, my October flowers from Beverly in Oklahoma just now arrived. More sky.

Thanks, ladies, for the beautiful flowers.

I also received this fabulous wall hanging with my blog name, Hilachas, on it. Colby made it for the "Name Game: swap. It’s even more beautiful in "real life.."

I like it so much and all the symbolism in it. There are real “hiilachas” sewn in the middle of the Dresden plates, little pieces of thread that Colby sewed down. The hand quilting is beautiful. I have found the perfect place to display it in my sewing room. Thanks again and again.

And now, here is the information about my “Birthday – Ready For Spring Giveaway.” I just celebrated my birthday and am definitely ready for spring. My yard is ready for spring as well as our peach tree already has beautiful pink blossoms and there are daffodils and narcissis flowers blooming. So I’ve chosen 5 fat-quarters that remind me of spring to give one of my followers.

Here are beautiful, colorful flowers . . .

Easter eggs that just yell “spring . . .”

Cute FQ of teapots, cups, mugs, etc. and perfect for mug rugs . . .

Birthday cakes and cup cakes . . .

And of course, bugs, bugs, bugs . . .

To add to this, I’ve made this little kit to take with you when you’re away from home.

It’s a wonderful little take-along to hold your hand-sewing, needles, threads, all those little things you need while sitting in a doctor’s waiting room or any of those other places we find ourselves twiddling our thumbs and wishing we had remembered to bring our sewing. I’ve also managed to add a page called “Tutorials” to my blog (see tabs at top of blog) and have included the tutorial for this handy little kit.

So, you’re wondering, what do you have to do for a chance to win this giveaway? Ends March 2nd and you have two chances:

1. Become a follower of my blog and post a comment telling me so.

2. Blog about this giveaway, then come back and leave the link to your post.

Other Giveaways:

"My Sister Made Me Do It. . . ." is having her “Blogiversary Giveaway.” She is giving you the opportunity to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Tweet by Timeless Treasures. – ends March 1^st.

Sew She Can is having a giveaway. You could win 10 fat quarters by Pat Bravo from Fat Quarter Shop. – ends February 28^th.

My Brown Bag Studio is having a giveaway. You could win a Farmer's Market Fat Eighth Bundle. – ends February 26^th.

That is all.

No Happy Birthday Giveaway Yet and One-Flower Wednesday

2012-02-22T15:58:00.001-07:00

Encouraging words of the day:

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain."
There is absolutely nothing to fear about tomorrow; for God is already there.

Today is my birthday and I just have to share the wonderful gift I received from my sister Ida who blogs at "My Sister Made Me Do It." One of my favorite childhood books has always been “Alice in Wonderland.” I enjoy reading all about the author, Lewis Carroll and just enjoy all the crazy antics in the book. Knowing this, my sister made this wonderful wall hanging.

The “Queen of Hearts” is standing on the face cards (Hearts suit of course) and wearing beautiful crazy quilt velvety, satiney, shiny robes, The bottom part of the wall hanging has a row of white roses which are appropriately being painted red. “We’re painting the roses red, painting the roses red . . . .“ There are rabbits and cheshire cats, mad hatters, etc all around and Ida has quilted those in a spiral so they look like rabbit holes. It is all lovely and Ida has, per her trademark, left “Hilachas” hanging off the quilting on the back This is the “perfect” birthday present, on top of the ipad cover pattern, selvage ends for the something I’m making some day from selvages, thread, and a gorgeous turquoise straw bag just waiting for the first day of spring! Thanks, Ida. You’re one in a million.

And, how appropriate that my birthday falls on the day of the week in which Karen at One Flower Wednesday has organized a linky for all of to share our hexagon flowers, one of my favorite days. Here are my flowers. I’m “killing two birds with one stone” today as these flowers are for my partner at the "Inchy Hexagon Flower-Swap." I’ve been so busy otherwise that I didn’t make my own hexie flower this week.

AND, I do not know how this dotted line appears nor do I know how to get rid of it. Delete does not work. I can't highlight it. Oh well. . . .

Now, about my “Happy Birthday Giveaway,” now changed to “My After Birthday Giveaway,” because I ordered something to include in my giveaway and it has not yet arrived. But, here is a preview of something that will be included.

I have made this little kit to take with you when you’re away from home. It’s a wonderful little take-along to hold your hand-sewing, needles, threads, all those little things you need while sitting in a doctor’s waiting room or any of those other places we find ourselves twiddling our thumbs and wishing we had remembered to bring our sewing. It has all these little ziplock bags to put your stuff in . . .

I’ve also managed to add a page called “Tutorials” to my blog and have included the tutorial for this handy little kit I’m including in “My After Birthday Giveaway,” if you don’t want to wait and see if you win the giveaway. Coming soon!

Real Giveaways:

"Flamingo Toes" is giving us the chance to win Pellon stabilizers.

That is all.

I’m in a Swoon . . .

2012-02-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Encouraging words of the day.

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! ~ Psalm 98:4, NLT

Ok. What have I been doing? Catching-up and wrapping-up and starting-up, that’s what. I’ve finally finished a couple of mini quilts. True, they don’t have to be mailed until mid-March but I wanted to finish them up so I could start “swooning.” Yes, I’m all into the “hoopla” with the Swoon Block I bought my pattern and spent all day finishing my mini quilts, then choosing the fabric and then cutting the pieces for my first Swoon block.

Here are little peeks at my mini quilts. One is off to Australia and the other is off to California. One is for the “Name Game” swap sponsored by "Samelia's Mum." The other is for the "New-Beginnings Mini-Quilt Swap.”

This one is for the "Name Game" so I've covered the name up. Maybe you can notice the little tiny piece of thread being used to sew the name on. BTW, that thread is part of the sampler.

This is the "12 Days of Christmas" found at "Temecula Quilt Co." I just fell in love with this little sampler and will probably make one of Christmas fabric for myself. Notice that the first block is made of 1 piece, the second of 2 pieces and so on.

This is a photo of my laid-out Swoon pieces. I’ll start sewing them together today.

I can hardly wait to keep going. Or sewing...

Giveaways I've run into:

"Seriously..I think it needs stitches" is giving us the opportunity to win a layer cake of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey. – ends February 25^th.

"Making Rebecca Lynne" is having the same giveaway and is giving us the opportunity to win a layer cake of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey. – ends February 25^th.

Favequilts is having a giveaway. You could win Sweetheart Houses Quilt Pattern Designed by Jennifer Bosworth from Shabby Fabrics Gifted by Shabby Fabrics. This giveaway ends Monday, February 21.

"It's Sew Kiki" is having a big giveaway including cotton threads and 3 fat quarter samplers divided up among 4 winners. – ends February 27^th.

I've gotta go sew so . . .

That is all.

One-Flower Wednesday and On the Road Again

2012-02-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

Encouraging words of the day.

Today, no matter where you are in your journey of faith, just focus on moving forward. God hasn’t given up on you! Trust that He has you in the right place at the right time. Trust that He is working all things together for your good. Trust that new doors are opening. Choose faith and patience, and you will inherit His promises because it’s never too late for you to embrace the good things God has in store for you!

Today is One Flower Wednesday, organized by Karen (over at Journey of a Quilter.) Karen provides a linky for all of to share our hexagon flowers so if you’re interested in seeing beautiful hexie flowers, check it out. Here are two scrappy flowers I’ve made.

We’re driving back to El Paso today so I’ll have plenty of opportunity to sew more petals and sew up hexie flowers. I also have a couple of “My Jane” blocks to complete so I should be fairly productive. Not much else to tell you. Just posting this quick update and getting ready to go on a 6 ½ hour drive. Until later.

That is all.

Fugly Fabric Winner and Snow in Rocksprings

2012-02-14T06:53:00.001-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

Many people enjoyed receiving moisture in Texas this past week.
We actually got snow in Rocksprings. We continue to pray for
heaven's gates to open and continue to replenish the earth.
Thank you, God, for your care and faithfulness.

Happy Valentines Day

As I mentioned in my prayer of thanks above, we had a snow fall in Rocksprings, Texas. This dusting of snow is rare in this part of the world. We bought our property here in 1999 and this is only the second snow we’ve seen.

Recently, Lucy at "Charm About You" hosted a linky party and I decided to join the Fugly Fabric Party since I have a few fabrics that definitely qualify. It turned out that 21 of my blogging friends were interested in owning my fugly fabric.

The Random Number Generator chose the winner this morning.

Gina said... 8: I'm a follwer! Would love to use the fabric in the prayer quilts I make for our church ministry! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

Congratualtons, Gina. I will contact you by email to get your snail mail address.

Giveaways I've run into:

"Leona's Quilting Adventure" is having a giveaway of Jennifer Chiaverini book, Sonoma Rose and a Vicksburg Civil War Charm pack. – ends February 24^th.

That is all.

Traveling Stash Giveaway & Christmas Quiltalong

2012-02-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32, NLT

I’ve joined the "Christmas 2011 Quilt-Along" hosted by Sue at "Quilt Times." What we do is set aside a day to work on our Christmas projects and post about it. This month our hostess is Hazel from "Hazel's Quilts." Ok, so, what I’m starting today is a mini quilt that I saw at "Temecula Quilt Co." called the “12 Days of Christmas.” One of the hardest things for me is finding coordinating fabrics in my stash. What I ended up with are these prints:

A reminder about the “Traveling Stash” that "My Sister Made Me Do It..." won and is now ready to send along after chosing the goodies she wanted and replaced with some of her own. and is ready to send the “Traveling Stash” on its way to another lucky winner. Just look at all these lovely items.

That is all.

Traveling Stash Giveaway

2012-02-10T08:11:00.002-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me. - Psalm 13:5-6, NLT

David was faithful to God and trusted wholeheartedly in him, but he felt the pressure of his problems as much as anyone. Instead of giving up or giving in, however, David held on to his faith. In times of despair, it is much harder to hold on than to give up. But if you give up on God, you give in to a life of despair.

I’m still sewing and enjoying myself so much. We have a good weekend ahead of us with our youngest son and our daughter coming to the ranch so I won’t be sewing much then. What I’ll actually be sewing is some mending which my bachelor son will be bringing. In the meantime, I’m posting what I’ve completed on the "2012 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge." This month we’re sewing feathers that are supposed to look like this:

It seems so easy when you watch the video. I even practiced doing it on paper. It was not easy. Finally I tried it on real fabric. I’m trying to put my free-motion sandwich to use so I’m making myself a little wall hanging each month, then quilting on the backside for my free-motion challenge of the month. I made a cute little Sunbonnet Sue for St. Patrick’s Day. I kind of ruined it with my free-motion quilting. Here’s what the back of my quilt sandwich looks like.

I drew the bottom ones lightly with pencil, then sewed them. The top two, once I knew what I was doing, actually turned out worse. Needless to say, I won’t be using this technique in a quilt for quite a while. Here's the front side of my St. Patrick's Day Sunbonnet Sue.

Good thing this is practice and I'm not sending it to one of you all as a candle mat or wall hanging or mini quilt in some swap...

Have you heard about the “Traveling Stash” that are all the rave in Blogland? I guess they’ve been around for a while but I’m just now hearing about them AND my sister won one. Now she’s chosen all her goodies and is ready to send the “Traveling Stash” on its way to another lucky winner. Just look at all these lovely items.

Check it out and enter to win it at "My Sister Made Me Do It." I guess I’ll disqualify myself from entering it. Doesn’t sound right, if I should win it. BUT, maybe I’ll be able to win it from one of you all?

That is all.

Teddy Bears' Picnic in Australia

2012-02-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Encouraging words of the day:

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.~ Psalm 9:10, NLT

Melody at The House on the Side if the Hill sponsors "Teddy Bears’ Picnic" on every second Thursday of the month. There are free patterns, fun links and giveaways. Please join in the fun. Here is my little Teddy who is planning to attend the “Teddy Bears’ Picnic today in Australia. My Teddies love going to the picnics but are always late since the picnic in Australia starts wayyy before it’s Thursday in Texas. Thanks for making him feel welcome.

That is all.

Fugly Fabric

2012-02-09T09:01:00.001-07:00

Encouraging words of the day:

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. ~ Psalm 9:10, NLT

Lucy at "Charm About You" is having a linky party and I’ve decided to join the Fugly Fabric Party since I have a few fabrics that definitely qualify.

This is an opportunity for me to get rid of fabrics I consider ugly but that someone out in blogland might like to “try” to do something with.

Here’s a photo of my “Fugly Fabrics.”

I have no idea what I thought I would ever do with the first colorful fat quarter.

The second one is a quarter yard although not a fat quarter of an ugly brown fabric with flowers on it. Go figger…

The third one is not the beautiful light purple you see but a dark obnoxious purple. It is almost a fat quarter as I cut two hexies out of it trying to justify ever buying this fat quarter.

And the last one is another ugly, ugly, "flowerdy" brown fat quarter. What was I thinking?

This is open to my followers so if anyone listed as my follower is interested in owning these fabrics just let me know and tell me you’re a follower. What a way to repay someone for following me, huh? If more than one follower is interested, I will draw the ~~loser~~ winner on Feb 14^th.

That is all.

One-Flower Wednesday and My Jane B-4

2012-02-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
~ Psalm 13:5, NLT

I’m enjoying getting back to my sewing machine. I’ve been sewing like crazy. I finished the the name for my "Name Game" person over at Samelia’s Mum’s blog. Oh, and it’s One Flower Wednesday . That day of the week when Karen from Journey of a Quilter) gives everyone the chance to share their hexie flowers. Here are mine:

I took photos of “My Jane” blocks. I don’t know if it takes me longer to sew a block or lay it out, photograph it, do all the tweaking on my photo editor, write the blog and post my photos and so on. But you know all this since you’re doing it too. Anyway, here is “My Jane” B-4. It is all paper-pieced and came out beautifully. It looks kind of crooked in the photo but I’m blaming that on my lack of photographic skills.

B-4

Then I worked on a couple of blocks for the Block Lotto which is now at BlockLotto.com The color combination selected for Valentines Day is somewhat strange and/or different; gray, orange, pink, and cream. I’m not too sure if I like them or not. See what you think of these two:

That is all.

I'm back!

2012-02-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. ~ John 10:9, NLT

I’m back after spending a week with our friends. We all meet once a year at a place in one of the couple’s home state. This year, Texas was the site and we chose to meet in Rocksprings rather than El Paso. We usually rent a beach house or condo some place but this year we were all in a hunting lodge since Rockspings is known for its hunting.

This was an opportunity for getting out of one’s comfort zone. All of the couples assured us that they enjoyed their unusual visit (unusual for them) shooting at targets out at our ranch, sitting in hunting blinds, taking long hikes at the ranch, etc. They also had ample opportunity to explore the town of Rocksprings, population 1106 (1108 when my husband and I are here) with it’s 3 restaurants, one grocery store, 2 gas stations, 1 dollar store, and you get the idea. We had a wonderful time sitting in the lodge in the evenings having drinks and eating way too much, playing cards or dominoes, and just enjoying each others’ company.

I did miss my sewing machine and am ready to get back to whatever it is I was sewing before. I need to figure out where I was. Here are some of the things I’ve pulled out today…

Now where was I with my sewing? Oh, I have worked on the name for my "Name Game" person over at Samelia’s Mum’s blog. Here’s what I’ve done with the name hidden just in case my person is lurking nearby.

I guess I didn’t win any giveaways while I was away since I haven’t heard anything. I’ve got a few giveaways for you (oops, just one again)…

Katie's Quilting Corner is having a giveaway. You could win a Hoffman Fabrics Bali Pops – Key Lime. This giveaway ends Friday, February 17, at midnight EST.

That is all.

A True Nightmare, My Jane L-10

2012-01-29T06:49:00.001-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)

Back in December I won the giveaway that "Leona's Quilting Adventure" had for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway. For some reason, I had the winnings mailed to our ranch address and just now got them at the post office here. There were two winners of which I was the second and won a surprise package consisting of 4 fat quarters 2 extra cuts of my favorite turquoise color. All that plus thread, pins, and a notepad. Thanks so much.

I sewed on four “My Jane” blocks while we were driving to the ranch. I completed one block completely and worked on 3 others doing some appliqué.. I’m posting the one I completed which is L-10. It was “pretty much” a nightmare trying to get this block done. I paper-pieced some of it, then appliquéd those little-bitty triangles on. They came out crooked but it was a big accomplishment just getting them sewed on so that’s that. Then it seems like I ran out of fabric (see top of block) so I just sewed on a little strip of white to make the block the size it needs to be. I don’t know why that happened. I’m just glad I’m done with L-10. Here goes:

L-10

Even the photo didn't come out good for this block :(

I’ll probably not be posting to my blog for about a week. We have several friends that are coming out to meet with us at Rocksprings, Texas. They’re a group of 6 couples. We’re all retired friends and meet a couple of times a year at different localities throughout the United States and this year our location is Texas. We’ll be together for a week, just hanging out, playing cards, eating, a few drinks, and goofing off so I probably won’t be sewing or posting to my blog. See you in a week…

I’ve got a few giveaways for you:

Abby Lane Quilts is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Simple Choices and 4 yards of Ric Rac. - ends January 29.

"Lily Pad Quilting" is having a giveaway for two winners. Each winner will receive three charm packs --- and a 550 yard spool of Superior's So Fine 50 wt. thread. – ends February 5^th.

Hopeful Threads is having a giveaway. You could win a bundle of Sweet Lush. This giveaway ends Monday, January 30.

That is all.

One-Flower Wednesday plus Ida’s Giveaway

2012-01-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, "You are my God." ~ Psalm 31:14, NLT

Yesterday, we drove to our ranch in the Hill Country of Texas. Well, my husband drove and I sewed. And, yes! Yes! Last evening we had a wonderful rain which we needed so badly in Texas. We had a wonderful thunderstorm last night in Rocksprings, lots of thunder, lightening, hail and RAIN, 3 inches. Thank you, God, for easing our drought.

Its One Flower Wednesday. If you'd like to see a whole lot more, please head over to Journey of a Quilter where lovely Karen gives everyone the chance to share their hexie flowers as part of One Flower Wednesday. Here are mine:

And yes, I did some sewing on “My Jane” while we were driving to the ranch. I completed one block completely and worked on 3 others doing some appliqué.. They are almost done. I’ll be posting these later since I need to square them up and iron them yet.

I haven’t found many giveaways lately. The only giveaway I’ve heard of recently is my sisters at "My Sister Made Me Do It.."

Ida is having her first giveaway and is giving you the opportunity to win
6 Fat Quarters from ConnectingThreads, a pair of Fons&Porter Machine Quilting Grip Gloves, a sewing machine pin cushion, a package of Steam a Seam2 double stick web, a copy of Fast, Flirty, and Fun Easy Quilts From Fabulous Fabrics by Sarah M. Bisel, and a cute bunny wall hanging that she made. – ends January 27^th.

That is all.

Ida’s Giveaway Plus the House Blocks I Won

2012-01-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4 (CEV)

Oh wow! Guess who one of the winners of the “Second Annual Neighborhood Party” at "love ,laugh, quilt" was. Yep, I was lucky enough to win 8 house blocks and here they are. They are just gorgeous and I can hardly wait to start sewing up something to compliment them. Thanks, Beth, for organizing this terrific party.

I’ve been busy working on my mini quilt for my swap partner at "The Name Game Swap" as well as getting ready for our road trip. I’ve finally gotten the prep work done on a few of “My Jane” blocks and of course, I always have my hexie petals to sew.

The only giveaway I’ve heard of recently is my sisters at "My Sister Made Me Do It.."

That is all.

Terrific Giveaway!

2012-01-21T09:09:00.003-07:00

Fine. I made her start a blog, now “my little sister” is having her first giveaway at:

"My Sister Made Me Do It.." She’s having a terrific giveaway (probably trying to out-do me). Anyway, just look at all this stuff:

6 Fat Quarters from ConnectingThreads,

a pair of Fons&Porter Machine Quilting Grip Gloves,

a sewing machine pin cushion, a package of Steam a Seam2 double stick web,

a copy of Fast, Flirty, and Fun Easy Quilts From Fabulous Fabrics by Sarah M. Bisel,

and a cute bunny wall hanging that she made.

You have until January 27^th to enter. She’ll announce the winner next Saturday! Good luck!

Free-Motion Quilted Leaves and My Jane L-13

2012-01-20T15:30:00.001-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Did I already wonder “where does the time go?” Time is still flying for me although I did spend a nice day with my sister. Well we went to the Department or Motor Vehicles and waited for an hour to get my driver’s license renewal and that was not so much fun. Afterwards we went shopping for fabric. She found a really fun and literal “hole in the wall” shop which sells very little quilting fabric BUT the Christmas fabric was only $3 a yard. Yes! They had only about 12 bolts of quilting fabric which was not Christmas fabric but it cost $6 a yard and I did find one that I liked so that was good. Then we had lunch and that's always good.

Some of the sewing I’ve done is trying to learn free-motion quilting. I joined the "2012 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge"

and sewed up the January leaves. On the video, they looked really easy. I tried them with pencil and paper – easy. So I moved on to my quilt sandwich – oops, not so easy. Here’s what mine looks like:

I know, I know. I'll keep practicing. I also decided that I need to do something with these quilt sandwiches so the fabric and batting wouldn’t be a total waste, so each month I’ll make myself a little wall hanging, then quilt on the backside for my free-motion challenge of the month. Here’s what the back of my quilt sandwich looks like. I asked my husband what he thought it is. He said it looks like a shoe so I’ll just tell you that it’s a wonky heart.

I’ve also done some prep work for appliquéing some of “My Jane” blocks when we leave on our road trip next week but here’s the last one I’ve done. I don’t think I’ve posted this one before… It’s paper-pieced and appliqué and was easy to sew.

L-13

Giveaways I’ve found:

"My Sister Made Me Do It..." is having her first giveaway and is giving you the opportunity to win 6 Fat Quarters from ConnectingThreads, a pair of Fons&Porter Machine Quilting Grip Gloves, a sewing machine pin cushion, a package of Steam a Seam2 double stick web, a copy of Fast, Flirty, and Fun Easy Quilts From Fabulous Fabrics by Sarah M. Bisel, and a cute bunny wall hanging that she made.

"...just one more stitch" is giving away a complete set of the patterns for Sweetheart Houses sponsored by “Shabby Fabrics.” – ends January 22^nd.

That is all.

One-Flower Wednesday and My Jane J-8

2012-01-18T16:17:00.002-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

Proverbs 3:5 -7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Where does the time go, for crying out loud? I can’t believe the week is half over and I’m just now doing my first blog of the week on Wednesday. But, the good part is that it is One Flower Wednesday and I have a couple of fussy cut flowers to show you. Thanks again to Karen who keeps us focused on our hexie gardens.

And here’s a block for “My Jane.” This was a paper-pieced background with the little melons appliquéd on the corners. I still need to do some prep work so I’ll have some “My Jane” blocks to work on when we go on a road trip next week. Anyway, here is J-8.

J-8

It's been one of those days...
Hahaha. It really has been "one of those days." I see that I already posted "My Jane J-8" on December 19th. Oh well, here it is again.

That is all.

Finished Projects and My Jane H-6

2012-01-13T09:49:00.001-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me. ~ Psalm 138:8, NLT

I received these beautiful hexie flowers from Joanne, swap partner for December 2011 in the "Inchy Hexagon Flower Swap." They came all the way to Texas from Australia and included 100 of the little hexie templates. Thanks Jane. You’re terrific.

And here’s a block for “My Jane.” This was a paper-pieced background with the little circles appliquéd. I’ll soon be going on another road trip, so time to do some prep work so I’ll have some “My Jane” blocks to work on.

H-6

I joined a needlecase swap and completed these for my partner in Canada. The rectangular crazy quilted needlecase closes with a paper-mache button made by my facebook friend, Susie from Florida. I first made the pink Sunbonnet Sue but was afraid it might be too small, so I also made the crazy quilt needlecase. I hope my swap partner will enjoy them.

Here are the giveaways I've run into:

"all free sewing" is giving away one set of La Petite Mercerie Fabric. – ends January 23^rd.

That is all.

One-Flower Wednesday and My Jane D-12

2012-01-11T17:24:00.003-07:00

Encouraging Words of the Day –

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. - 1 Peter 3:3-4

Today is One Flower Wednesday Each week, Karen from "Journey of a Quilter" encourages us to make at least one hexie flower to add to our garden. Works for me so here goes two hexies done.

And here’s a block for “My Jane.” This looks like it was hard to do (looked hard to me) but it was actually easy paper-piecing with the little squares appliquéd on the corners.

D-12

I’ve been playing catch-up the rest of them time. I finally made 4 blocks for the Block Lotto. This month the block is called Eclipse. These are 4 blocks placed next to each other to form the circle.

And then what else did I do? It seems like I’ve been busy. I had a wonderful lunch today with my sister. I also spent some time with her in her sewing room. Talk about someone who is accomplishing a lot there and blogging about it as well. She’s planning a giveaway soon so keep checking in. Of course, I’ll be posting about her giveaway when it actually happens… Waiting…waiting… Here’s a link to her blog: "My sister made me do it..."

Here are the giveaways I've run into:

KD-Quilts is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Electric Quilt 7 (EQ7). This giveaway ends Wednesday, January 11, at 8:00 pm EST. Man, you're barely going to make this one.

Love Affair With My Brother is having a giveaway. You could win a sample pack of Aurifil thread. This giveaway ends Friday, January 13, at 11:59 pm PST.

"the plaid scottie" is having a "Mega Scrap Giveaway." - ends January 15th.

That is all.

Hilachas

It’s One-Flower Wednesday

Getting Organized ?

Winners!

One-Flower Wednesday & Giveaway Time

Leap Day Blog Hop Giveaway

You will only have one day to enter all the Giveaways!

What happened to my Swoon? And Spring Giveaway.”

Other Giveaways:

"My Sister Made Me Do It. . . ." is having her “Blogiversary Giveaway.” She is giving you the opportunity to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Tweet by Timeless Treasures. – ends March 1st.

SewCalGal is having a giveaway. You could win a copy of Sonoma Rose by Jennifer Chiaverini. - ends March 2.

I’m posting this to claim my blog on Bloglovin. Not sure what it’s all about yet but something about not being able to use Google Reader after March 1st.

Bloglovin

That is all.

“Birthday – Ready For Spring Giveaway

1. Become a follower of my blog and post a comment telling me so. 2. Blog about this giveaway, then come back and leave the link to your post.

Other Giveaways:

"My Sister Made Me Do It. . . ." is having her “Blogiversary Giveaway.” She is giving you the opportunity to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Tweet by Timeless Treasures. – ends March 1st.

Sew She Can is having a giveaway. You could win 10 fat quarters by Pat Bravo from Fat Quarter Shop. – ends February 28th.

My Brown Bag Studio is having a giveaway. You could win a Farmer's Market Fat Eighth Bundle. – ends February 26th.

That is all.

No Happy Birthday Giveaway Yet and One-Flower Wednesday

AND, I do not know how this dotted line appears nor do I know how to get rid of it. Delete does not work. I can't highlight it. Oh well. . . .

Real Giveaways:

"Flamingo Toes" is giving us the chance to win Pellon stabilizers.

That is all.

I’m in a Swoon . . .

Giveaways I've run into:

"Seriously..I think it needs stitches" is giving us the opportunity to win a layer cake of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey. – ends February 25th.

"Making Rebecca Lynne" is having the same giveaway and is giving us the opportunity to win a layer cake of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey. – ends February 25th.

Favequilts is having a giveaway. You could win Sweetheart Houses Quilt Pattern Designed by Jennifer Bosworth from Shabby Fabrics Gifted by Shabby Fabrics. This giveaway ends Monday, February 21.

"It's Sew Kiki" is having a big giveaway including cotton threads and 3 fat quarter samplers divided up among 4 winners. – ends February 27th.

I've gotta go sew so . . .

That is all.

One-Flower Wednesday and On the Road Again

That is all.

Fugly Fabric Winner and Snow in Rocksprings

"Leona's Quilting Adventure" is having a giveaway of Jennifer Chiaverini book, Sonoma Rose and a Vicksburg Civil War Charm pack. – ends February 24th.

That is all.

Traveling Stash Giveaway & Christmas Quiltalong

That is all.

Traveling Stash Giveaway

I drew the bottom ones lightly with pencil, then sewed them. The top two, once I knew what I was doing, actually turned out worse. Needless to say, I won’t be using this technique in a quilt for quite a while. Here's the front side of my St. Patrick's Day Sunbonnet Sue.

Good thing this is practice and I'm not sending it to one of you all as a candle mat or wall hanging or mini quilt in some swap...

Check it out and enter to win it at "My Sister Made Me Do It." I guess I’ll disqualify myself from entering it. Doesn’t sound right, if I should win it. BUT, maybe I’ll be able to win it from one of you all?

That is all.

Teddy Bears' Picnic in Australia

Fugly Fabric

One-Flower Wednesday and My Jane B-4

Then I worked on a couple of blocks for the Block Lotto which is now at BlockLotto.com The color combination selected for Valentines Day is somewhat strange and/or different; gray, orange, pink, and cream. I’m not too sure if I like them or not. See what you think of these two:

I'm back!

I did miss my sewing machine and am ready to get back to whatever it is I was sewing before. I need to figure out where I was. Here are some of the things I’ve pulled out today…

Now where was I with my sewing? Oh, I have worked on the name for my "Name Game" person over at Samelia’s Mum’s blog. Here’s what I’ve done with the name hidden just in case my person is lurking nearby.

Katie's Quilting Corner is having a giveaway. You could win a Hoffman Fabrics Bali Pops – Key Lime. This giveaway ends Friday, February 17, at midnight EST.

A True Nightmare, My Jane L-10

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)

One-Flower Wednesday plus Ida’s Giveaway

Ida’s Giveaway Plus the House Blocks I Won

Terrific Giveaway!

Free-Motion Quilted Leaves and My Jane L-13

One-Flower Wednesday and My Jane J-8

Finished Projects and My Jane H-6

One-Flower Wednesday and My Jane D-12

"My Sister Made Me Do It. . . ." is having her “Blogiversary Giveaway.” She is giving you the opportunity to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Tweet by Timeless Treasures. – ends March 1^st.

1. Become a follower of my blog and post a comment telling me so.

2. Blog about this giveaway, then come back and leave the link to your post.

"My Sister Made Me Do It. . . ." is having her “Blogiversary Giveaway.” She is giving you the opportunity to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Tweet by Timeless Treasures. – ends March 1^st.

Sew She Can is having a giveaway. You could win 10 fat quarters by Pat Bravo from Fat Quarter Shop. – ends February 28^th.

My Brown Bag Studio is having a giveaway. You could win a Farmer's Market Fat Eighth Bundle. – ends February 26^th.

"Seriously..I think it needs stitches" is giving us the opportunity to win a layer cake of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey. – ends February 25^th.

"Making Rebecca Lynne" is having the same giveaway and is giving us the opportunity to win a layer cake of Little Apples by Aneela Hoey. – ends February 25^th.

"It's Sew Kiki" is having a big giveaway including cotton threads and 3 fat quarter samplers divided up among 4 winners. – ends February 27^th.

"Leona's Quilting Adventure" is having a giveaway of Jennifer Chiaverini book, Sonoma Rose and a Vicksburg Civil War Charm pack. – ends February 24^th.