2011 Christmas Quilt Show

For the 2011 Christmas Quilt Show, I'm sharing this Christmas wreath I made last year.  I used Makin' Friends by Deb Strain.  When I saw this recipe on the Moda Bake Shop Blog I knew I had to make one.  You can find the recipe here..

I'm keeping this post nice & short because there are many more beautiful quilts to see.  Just click here to see more...

Darlene...Thank you for hosting such a fun, festive event!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ATTENTION Shoppers...

I love a great deal just as much as the next person BUT I got this email a couple of weeks ago, it's long, I want to share with all of you...

Some really good ideas!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?  Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or  motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

I don't know who the author is but it makes sense to me.  I know everyone will be busy with family, Thanksgiving festivities, shopping, sewing & other stuff...so, I just want to say 'Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!'.

ps...no comments on this post, I've taken up enough of your time already.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

The Random Drawing Program (aka...my son) picked:

Kris of Dandelion Quilts!  She has a great blog!  And she makes the most prettiest quilts, bags, clutches and other stuff but don't take my word for it...you can check her out right here.

CONGRATS KRIS!!! LOL!

GIVEAWAY...The Wedding Quilt Book

Nicole over at Dutton, a division of Penguin Group, has been kind enough to let me giveaway a hard cover copy of The Wedding Quilt book!  Here's a little tidbit about the book...

THE WEDDING QUILT is a tribute to one of America’s most romantic and enduring traditions.

Effortlessly weaving together past, present, and future, THE WEDDING QUILT introduces Sarah’s long-awaited twins twenty-fives years into the future. Just as Chiaverini longed for a wedding quilt of her own, Sarah’s daughter also dreams of one with which to begin her marriage. Enlisting the help of her fellow Elm Creek Quilters, Sarah collects signatures of the wedding guests in order to surprise her daughter with a quilt to represent all of her loved ones as she begins her new life. Readers will delight in new insight of past Elm Creek Manor brides as Sarah reflects back on her life and the many joyous experiences she’s had with her friends and family at Elm Creek Manor.

You can find out more about Jennifer Chiaverini on her website.  If you are a fan, you might want to check out the 'events' section to see if she will be in your area...just sayin'.


This giveaway will end on Nov. 15th.  Anyone...from anywhere can enter ~ just leave me a comment.  If you can't wait that long to see if you've won the book, I'm sure Barnes and Noble or Amazon have it in stock.

***This giveaway is now closed.

GHASTLIE FQ WINNER!!!

I apologize for the delay...the winner is...

Julie said...Nice idea to put the Ghastlies with red.  I would love those fat quarters!

I've already contacted Julie...Congrats!

Comeback tomorrow for another giveaway!!!

Day 10...Giveaway Reminder...

GOING OUT WITH A BANG...these Ghastlie Sistaahhhhs are going to wrap it up...

Mrs Nan Ghastlie

Mrs. Gmama Jane Ghastlie
Mrs Joan Ghastlie
Mrs. Nancy Ghastlie

 Ms Susan Ghastlie
Madame Ghastlie

LAST CALL - Remember to leave comments on these ladies Ghastlie post to get the chance to be entered in Madame Samm's giveaway!

LAST CALL - Today is the last day to enter my Ghastlie 5 FQ Giveaway...just go here.

Day 9 of more Ghastlie fun...

Before I introduce the next set of my Ghastlie Sistahhhhhs...I just want to thank everyone who commented on my post yesterday.  I appreciated all the sweet comments...it was super cool!


So, for the next round of Ghastlie Sisssttaaaahhhs - here they are...

Mrs. Sharon Ghastlie
Mrs Corrie Ghastlie

Mrs Cheryl Ghastlie

 Mrs. Linda Ghastlie
Mrs. Suki Ghastlie
Mrs. Pickles Ghastlie

Remember to leave comments on these ladies Ghastlie post to get the chance to be entered in Madame Samm's giveaway!

Day 8...

Welcome to my Ghastlie party!  I am a big fan of Halloween...I love the candy, costumes and the candy...lol!

For this Ghastlie event I made 2 wall hangings, Lil' Twister Table Topper & and an iron pad.

I love stars & was inspired by the 4 picture set you get from a photo booth...like the scene from the Karate Kid (the one with Ralph) where Daniel takes Allie to the arcade & they have their picture made...I digress...

I was inspired by the 'Quilting Ironing Pad' recipe on the Moda Bake Shop.  You can find it right here!  Thank you Kathy for sharing!

If you were following the Wantobe party, Melissa (guest #49) inspired me.  As soon as I finished reading the post, I ordered the Lil' Twister & the Big Twister...LOL!  You can go here to see the original post.

And then just for ducks, I went ahead & made this small wall hanging...

Please check out my other Ghastlie Sisssstaaahsss!!!

Mrs. Jane Ghastlie

Mrs. Mary Ghastlie

Mrs. Michelle Ghastlie (you are here!)

Mrs. Dawn Ghastlie 
Mrs Mary Ghastlie

Also, this is a reminder to leave a comment on this post so I can enter you into the sponsor giveaway...
Madame Samm will be drawing a winner from the names that my Ghastlie sisters and I provide at the end of today!

ALSO...in addition to being enter into the sponsor giveaway, I am offering 5 Ghastlie fat quarters (no picture)...just leave me a note in your comment saying that you'd like to be entered!  My giveaway will end this Friday, Nov. 4th.  Winner will be notified on Sat.

Thank you for stopping by!  Have a Ghastlie wonderful day!!!

Day 7...

More non-stop Ghastlie fun!  Here's the next group of Ghastlie Sissstaaaahhhs...

Miss Daisy Ghastlie
Mrs. Dana Ghastlie

Mrs. Elaine Ghastlie 

Mrs. Gramma Sheri Ghastlie
Ms. Suz Ghastlie

Remember to leave comments on these ladies Ghastlie post to get the chance to be entered in Madame Samm's giveaway!