2010 in Review...

When it comes to quilts...what an amazing year I've had!  Making these quilts brought me so much joy.  If there wasn't this 'work' thing getting in my way, imagine how many more I could have made? lol!  As most of you know, I don't get too personal on my blog but I would like you to know that when things weren't right in my world, just being in blogland (around all of you) made all my troubles disappear & my spirit would be lifted.  It's nice to know, I have my own special place that makes me happy - no matter what is going on.  So to all of you ladies - thank you for being you!  I look forward to the new year - laughing, sharing, being inspired & sewing with all of you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Hugs,
Michelle

Pretty in Pink...

Hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas season...NOW to my post...

You know the movie with Andie, Duckie and Blane?  Well, over Christmas vacation my sister & I watched Pretty in Pink.  Right before the last part (the prom) it goes to commercial and my sister goes on to tell me...do you know why Blane's hair looks so screwed up at the prom?  I said no.  And I know for a fact that every time I watched this movie, I've always wondered...WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS HAIR?!?!?! LOL!

WELL...my sister read an article saying that originally the ending of the story is that Andie ended up with Duckie but at the test screenings the audience did not like the ending.  Majority of the people wanted Andie to be with Blane.  So, they had to redo the ending and during that time, Andrew McCarthy (Blane) had already shaved his head for another movie.  But they brought him back and PUT A WIG ON HIM!!!!  After all these years...now I (& you) know the rest of the story. lol!

Merry Christmas!

I wanted to wish all of you a very...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I'm a guest blogger...

on Stash Manicure today!  The funny part?...I don't talk about quilting!!! LOL!  If you have a minute, check it out HERE.

Wordless Wednesday...Nature's eye candy...look at those colors!

WINNER!

Thanks to everyone for playing, there are several movies I have put on my list.  Also, BIG thanks to the sweet gals over at DESPERATE QUILTERS...

I don't know who gets more excited for a drawing - me or my little guy.  ANYHOO....the winner of the $25.00 gift certificate is...

QUILT N QUEEN!  WHOOHOO!!!



Please contact me so I can send you your prize!  Have a great week!

HOLLY JOLLY BLOG BINGO!

The sweet gals over at In Stitches, is hosting their 2nd Annual Holly Jolly Blog Bingo!  Just click HERE to sign up for some fun!

Star Struck, Amazed, Giddy...

describes how I'm feeling.  When I got an email from MSamm saying my wreath was chosen for the December banner...I'm thinking NO WAY!  There are too many talented ladies (& men) out there with much more amazing quilts than mine.  But after reading the email for the eighth time...it was true...mine was picked.  I'm so EXCITED, I can't stand it.  IT IS CHRISTMAS!!!!  Just click HERE, to check out the rest of the ladies who made the December banner.

Happy dance, Snoopy dance, the water sprinkler, jitter bug....I'm shaking it (and I have a lot to shake...lol!) because I am filled with joy!

MSamm...Thank you!

GIVEAWAY...the last one this year!

I've been in the holiday spirit for several weeks and it's all my kid's fault...BIG GIGGLE!  It is contagious!  I wanted to have my fun with all of you before the holiday's really get rolling.  I plan on making this season the bestest time for myself & my family.  I will be going into 'lurker' mode soon.

So...in the spirit of Christmas...the lovely ladies at Desperate Quilters & I are offering one of you a $25.00 gift certificate.

Originally, I was thinking cake or even a jellyroll but this prize is just as sweet - you get to pick whatever you want.  Desperate Quilters has a great selection of beautiful fabrics.  They have a section called 'Last Call for Fabric...Y'all!'  ~ how cute is that?  They ship international.  You will have no problem finding something and to top it off they have wonderful customer service.  I just love good customer service!

RULES:
1. ANYONE can play...(giggle) just tell me your favorite CHRISTMAS MOVIE.  Mine is Polar Express, I love the music & story line.  It definitely lifts my spirit.

2. And a little thank you to the ladies that follow me...BONUS entry.  New ladies are welcome to join in on the bonus fun.  Please leave a separate comment.

This party will be over on December 7th @ 7pm (cst).

(*****PS.....I will be computer free Nov. 24 - 28th.  Don't be alarmed if you don't see your comment post until after Monday.)

I want to take this moment to wish everyone a

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

THIS PARTY IS NOW CLOSED...

WINNERS!!!

I'm having ONE MORE PARTY (starting later today) so come back!!!  I think you'll like it! lol!

The winners of the mini charm packs...(y'all can thank my kid for drawing your name...lol!)

1. Orchidlover said…
Ok I'm up first with I'm a follower
Love and hugs Gina xxx

2. Nina-Marie said…
Mine is a Christain song called "Mary did you know?" it always makes me think about what it was like for her.

3. Sandie ~Call Me Crazy said…
And I am a happy follower! Thank you for the fun!

4. Shelia C. said…
I love the old Christmas songs best... Silver Bells!!
Thank you for a great give away
(and for the important info about pics/web)
SheilaC

5. Beth said…
My favorite Christmas song is Mark Lowrey's "Mary Did You Know?"

Ladies please email me your snail mail.  Thanks to everyone for playing!

There I fixed it.

I got this email and it was titled 'There I fixed it.'.  Thought you could use a giggle...

 Need a spoon?  I can fix that.

 New tv too big for the old cabinet?  I can fix that.

 Car stero stolen?  I can fix that.

 Bookshelf cracking under the weight?  I can fix that.

Can't afford a real GPS?  I can fix that.

 Satellite go out in the rain?  I can fix that.

 Electric stove broken & can't heat coffee?  I can fix that.

 Wiper motor burned out?  I can fix that.

Display rack falling over?  I can fix that.

REALLY!?!?!?!?!  LOL!  Have a great weekend!!!

Secret Santa Christmas Swap - DONE!

I made my partner a candle mat.  I hope she likes it.  I used Holly Taylor ~ Northwood Botanicals.  The colors are so rich and vibrant.  After Polly posted her very cool gift & said she mailed it, I figured I needed to get the lead out.  And why not?  I mean it's done so there's no excuse for it being late.  I'll be mailing this tomorrow.

Uploading pictures online could lead to stalking

Uploading pictures online could lead to stalking

With the holiday season on it's way, there will be tons of pictures & videos being sent all over the world wide web - especially of children.  In this crazy world you have to be informed & I thought you should know.  As much as technology is amazing, it also has a dark side.

Knowledge is power...

Please click on the article link (in red) above.

GIVEAWAY! & A Christmas Mug Rug!

I can now cross it off my list!  LOL!  So now I have completed 3 mug rugs...for now...(giggling).  These are mine but if you feel like you want to make one (or not)...

 you can enter to win one of these mini charm packs.  These are out of the Moda Sampler Box.  They measure 2 1/2 x 2 1/2.  I will be giving all five away.  The fun part...the winners won't know which one they are going to get...it will sort of be like a mini Christmas present. hehehe!

 Rules:

1.  For this giveaway...anyone can join in the fun, just leave me a comment telling me your favorite Christmas song.  I love ALL Christmas music!  Okay, if I had to pick just one song it would probably be 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' by Andy Williams.

2. If you are a follower - BONUS ENTRY, leave me a second comment.  If you'd like the bonus, just click the follow button and then leave me a comment.

3. The drawing will end on Nov. 21 @ 9am (CST) and the winners will be announced.

THIS PARTY IS CLOSED.  THANKS FOR PLAYING!

SewCalGal - Christmas Quilt Show 2010

When I saw this pattern on the Moda Bake Shop blog, I knew it has to be on my list.  And I was able to cross it off last month, when I finished it.  I used 'Makin' New Friends' by Deb Strain.  This is the first time I worked with 2 1/2 inch squares and oddly enough...I really liked the process.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

This is the large Schnibble version of McGuffey.  I used Northwood Botanicals by Holly Taylor.  I love this fabric line!  I love log cabin patterns!  I love Holly Taylor!  It was a fun quilt to make...it was my first completed Christmas quilt.

I want to thank SewCalGal for hosting such a fun, festive event.  There will be amazing quilts to be seen and you can check them out HERE.  And if you would like to share your quilt(s) you have until Nov. 21.

WINNER!

of the canning jar pin cushion is B-Z Quilting!  Please email me your choice & snail mail address...thanks to everyone for playing!  Hope everyone is having a great weekend! 

Holiday Traditions...

 That is our theme for the CGQC...there are two I would like to share.

1. I used to put the Christmas tree/decorations up the weekend of Thanksgiving but it really put a strain on me.  Between the cooking, visiting & shopping - it can get CRAZY!  So for the past 2 years, we've been putting our tree up the weekend before Thanksgiving.  This has made the holiday time more fun & less stressful.

2. On Christmas Eve, we let our little guy open one present.  The catch, we are the ones that pick the gift (wink wink) and wha'da know????  New PJ's!!!!  And those Christmas morning pictures come out a little sweeter when he's in his new pj's.  I wonder how long before he figures out the system is rigged...giggle!

I look forward to reading what everyone else has to share.  Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

GIVEAWAY!

'You know what I'm thinking?'
'Yeah, Butch...'

That's a line out of The Little Rascals. LOL!  Work with me...  Anyhoo, I'm thinking giveaways.  The holiday season is right around the corner and I'm feeling very festive.  I want to have a little fun with you ladies before things get rolling and everyone gets busy.  And I started my party last week with the camera strap.  Well this week, it's a canning jar pin cushion...

If you would like a chance to win one just leave me a comment....BUT...this one's for the girls'.  In appreciation of the ladies that follow me.  You have to be one to enter.  You will have a choice of:  Verna, Swanky, Luna Notte, Bliss, Spring Fever, Astor Manor or Boutique.

OOOHHHHHHH, just to let you know...CHRISTMAS MUSIC is now on Dish Network!  I LOVE Christmas music.  Now, I don't like the commercialization of the season but I love the REASON, the theme 'it's better to give than receive', the foods, Santa and a bunch of other stuff.  But I digress, just wanted to let you know.

Giveaway is now over...thanks for playing.

Winner!

 Of the camera strap is MIMI....Your the lucky winner!  Please email me your snail mail & I'll get it in the mail.

This is the first time I used the RIG.  I think I like drawing a name out of bowl better...that's what I'll do for the next giveaway (wink).

A BIG shout out to the PACKERS that are playing the Cowboys tonight...GO GREEN BAY!!!

CGQC Nov & Dec Goals

This is our theme for the CGQC for the next two months.  I have a couple I would like to share but I'll do that on a later post.  As for goals, I'm only listing one goal for November and that is to make my secret Santa person a different gift.  I originally made the Christmas Wreath wall hanging but I don't think it fits.  So, I'm going to start on a different project.  I'll have an update on that project soon.  As for December, I'm not going to make any commitments.  Whatever I work on will be what I work on...stress free & having tons of fun this holiday season.

Mug Rug! Mug Rug! Mug Rug!

 Just saying it makes me want to giggle.  Anyhoo, I just finished my first one.  I used the Garden Party charms that were in the Moda Sampler Box.  I have a feeling I'll be making a few more...soon.  I've seen them around blogland and one of the posts that comes to mind is Madame Samm, heck she has a cup that matches her mug rug...lol!  Then there's Miss Punkie Pie, she made two.

It's like a super duper mini-mini quilt...I love it!

Sneak Peek...

"You know what I'm thinking?"

"Yeah, Butch..." (smile)

Giveaway time...just because

Finally, I made the camera strap recipe that was posted on the Moda Bake Shop Blog.  Before I forget, Thank you Megan for sharing such a fun project.  So, I needed a little break and this was a super duper easy/fun project - I couldn't mess up on! LOL!  The funny thing is...my camera lens is broke.  I either need to get it repaired or buy a used one.  ANYHOO, I'm keeping the 'Friendship for Recipe' for me.  I'm a huge fan of Mary E.  And the '12 Days of Christmas' is for a sweet lady that used to take great pictures of my baby.  SOOOOOOO, if you would like a chance to win one of these camera straps just leave me a comment telling me the one you would like to win.  Your choices are:

1. Happy Daisy
2. Bliss (I actually sewed several straight lines on it - so it looks quilted)
3. Boutique

I will pick a winner on Sunday, Nov. 7th...during one of the NFL games.  And as usual, if you are someone who keeps track of me (a follower) (or becomes a new one) let me know and you will get a extra BONUS entry.  I hope everyone has a great week!

ps...Only 54 (?) days until Christmas...LOL!

Giveaway is now closed...thanks for playing!

Handful of Change Quilt (aka Coin Quilt)

Just finished this top this morning...it's my version of a coin quilt.  I used 12 Days of Christmas by Kate Spain.  I used all the material that was in a scrap bag, 15 (?) charms and back round material.  I might be able to quilt it tonight.  I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Fall 2010

This is my second Schnibble - Decoy, that I completed last month.  I bought this pattern over year ago because I just love the 'star' theme.  It was a great feeling to have finished this quilt.  I love it.  I love stars.  It was also the first time I used the 'Angler', which is an extemely awesome tool when you don't want to spend the time drawing lines.  I used 12 Days of Christmas by Kate Spain.  It is such a festive line...I'm ready for Christmas! LOL!

Well, there are many more beautiful quilts to look at during this AWESOME quilt festival.  You can go to Amy's website to discover many beautiful quilts.  It's going to be an amazing week!

Thank you Amy for throwing such a fun festival!!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

Secret Santa Update...

I'm done! WHOHOO!  This really is a neat pattern and I had fun making this.  Thanks to The Calico Horse for sharing it.  You can find the pattern on the Moda Bake Shop Blog.  I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend...talk to y'all later

Christmas Wreath Update...

I just finished the top - very cute!  I really like this pattern.  You can find it on the Moda Bake Shop Blog.  Now I just need to quilt it but I guess I need to quilt the Halloween 'Scratch' first.

DIY Fix/Paint the House Vacation & a finish!

This was a fun quilt to make!  I can't wait for M.E. to pick it up.  She's the one that picked the M. Miller fabric and I guess if I had a daughter, I would want crowns for my princess too.  Very nice choice!  There's a few things I want to share about making this type of quilt but I'll do that in a later post.

Oh, the last 4 days have been exciting & exhausting!  We've been replacing trim and painting the outside of our house.  We have finished about 1/2 of what we wanted to get done.  Considering we are not professional contractors, we're excited with what progress we have made - very exciting!  I've been working so hard, the muscles in my hands are ripped...lol!

Secret Santa Update...I'm almost done with the wreath.  But I was thinking...maybe I might want to do this instead...

I still have time, right?  Well, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.  The weather is BEAUTIFUL here!  Talk to ya'll later...