ATTENTION ALL 'BAG' LADIES...

If you are into bag/purse patterns, you should take a minute to check out what Kim at Kim Sherrod Studio is offering.  She is doing a fundraiser for a dear friend.  You can find out more info here.

One hip chick & an AWESOME giveaway!

Kelly over at Charming Chatter has done it!  She has released her patterns.  It really is an exciting moment because I remember the times she'd blog/talk about what she was going to do.  And look at her now!  I'm  just so happy for her (and Carol - you'll have to read Kelly's post to find out about Carol).  So to celebrate, Kelly is hosting one AWESOME giveaway - she's giving away 2 full sets of her beautiful patterns (8 PDF's in all).  You can find all the details & enter HERE!

Congratulations Kelly!  I wish you much success & happiness!

Kinks

2 weeks ago, while I was on vacation, I get a call from a lady and she wants me to make her daughter a t-shirt quilt.  So, instead of working on the Simple Things QAL (like I was planning too), I started on this quilt.  And since I have to have the Log-A-Load quilt done by the end of this month...I thought I'd go ahead and do it at the same time...

I will be making a lap sized t-shirt throw for the Log-A-Load Event in August.  I'll share more info about this quilt & event when I get it done.

I hope y'all are having a wonderful weekend!

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!!!

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!

Can I pick your brain?

I'll share more later but for right now - I have a question for anyone that has made a t-shirt quilt.  My question is...

When making a t-shirt quilt, do you have any suggestions or tips?

I'm in the process of making my first t-shirt quilt and even after reading and reading all the material I had, I just want to make sure I'm going to make a wonderful quilt - for my FIRST customer! (giggling)  I would appreciate any help.  Thanks!

It's been one year!

What a ride it has been!!!  I've always said that 'Life is good!' but this past year it's gotten sweeter!  Can it get any better?!?!?!  (smile)  Life really is like a  box of chocolates...LOL!  It's been an amazing journey and along the way I have met some amazing, talented women.  I look forward to being inspired in the coming year.  I could get more sentimental but I won't.

So on with the cake & ice cream (work with me)...if you would like the chance to win the Butterfly Garden scrap bag - just leave me a comment.  PLEASE make sure you are not a 'no-reply blogger' because I'd hate to have to pick another winner.

And a SPECIAL prize for the ladies (I don't think there are any men) who keep track (follow) of me...in addition to the scrap bag drawing, you will also have a chance to win Miss Rosie's book!  It's my way to let you know that I really appreciate you.  So, if your picture is under the 'follow' gadget, leave me a separate comment letting me know you would like to be entered.

I will draw the winners on August 10th around 8pm (EST).

Oh, and if your into prizes (giggling) - you still have time (Aug. 8th) to head over to the Charming Chatter - VOTING PARTY! for the Schnibbles Times Two Contest...there's prizes for the VOTERS!!!  That's how awesome Kelly is!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

This giveaway is now closed.

Sneak Peek...

So, I got a little side tracked from my CGQC's goals...lol!  I mean it's not like it's a legal contract - is it Kelly?  It's more like guidelines.  So this top has been bothering me for the past 6 months(?).  The commercial version - made this quilt top for my sister (b-day present) but got more excited about the line instead of picking out her color - blues.  See all the pink?  No blues in that puppy, So I ended up making her this...

It's just a picture of the quilt top, like a goof - I didn't take any pictures of the completed quilt. Anyhoo, I much happier with Big Blue Bouquet and she liked it so in the end that's all I cared about.  So, now that I got the quilting part of it out of the way, I might add the binding project to my Sept/Oct list.  I feel so much better getting the quilting done - NOW I can focus on my list! LOL!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Alzheimer's...

(WARNING - SUPER LONG POST...)

is not a pretty thing, by the grace of God we don't have it in our family gene pool - that we know of.  But the funny thing is my mom went to CA (several months ago) to visit her sister & sure enough my aunt showed signs of memory loss -she's only in her mid 70's.  My mom was really freaking out.  At first she would argue with my aunt about whatever, until my mom got a clue - her sister didn't remember.  She stayed there for about 2 months (can't remember how long - no pun intended) so she had the chance to see the changes in her sister's behavior.  Of course - this just upset my mom.  She'd call me crying and tell me that if she lost her mind that I should put her in a home...on and on.  But I reminded her that I would take care of her - in our home until she went HOME - know what I'm talking about?  That didn't comfort her, so I told her it wouldn't matter what I say now because if/when you do lose your mind, you'll be living with me and you won't even know it - so this conversation is usless.  She laughed and said okay.  And we made arrangements for my aunt before my mom left.  Which brings me to the reason I'm doing this post...Jeffree Itrich.

Jeffree contacted & asked me if I would be interested in spreading this message:
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Quilts brighten the lives of Alzheimer's Patients

Quilters have long known that a quilt is a loving tribute that bonds quilters with recipients across generations and across vast distances. The warmth of a quilt is enhanced by the often bright patterns and colorful images which frequently suggest a simpler time.
Under a unique donation program organized by Jeffree Itrich of the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) and the University of California San Diego, quilts are brightening the lives of Alzheimer's patients around the nation.
The Alzheimer’s Study Quilt Program began in late January 2010. As a quilter herself, she knows how positively people react when given a quilt and how quilters are amazingly generous people. Her plea for quilts to give participants in the NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) Study was picked up by numerous quilting newsletters. Good Samaritans circulated the request for quilts and they began arriving from communities all over the U.S. The program has received nearly enough quilts for all the NGF Study participants and are now looking for quilts for our IgIV and ADNI studies.

Those study participants who have received quilts so far realize that the quilts were made with love, sincerity, and gratitude (to the volunteers for participating in the study and helping future generations). Many of the quilters had family members with Alzheimer’s (AD). One woman who lost her mother to AD made and donated 12 quilts and another whose grandfather had AD provided 11 quilts. A woman in Pennsylvania made five flannel quilts in one week!

If you would like to donate a lap-sized quilt to the Alzheimer’s Quilt Study Project, please contact Jeffree Itrich at jitrich@ucsd.edu.
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Now, I went ahead & clicked on http://www.adcs.org/ to learn a little more.  After exchanging emails with Jeffree, I feel like this is a good cause.  I was asked to spread this message.  So, to anyone out there who might be interested, you can learn more at http://www.adcs.org/.  Also, here is a picture of Jeffree holding a donated quilt & if you have any questions you can contact her at:

Jeffree Itrich
Sr. Clinical Trials Communications Specialist
Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study
University of California, San Diego
(858) 622-5827
jitrich@ucsd.edu

My quilting journey...

June 1989
I feel like my journey started about 20 years ago because it was during this time I became facinated by quilts. I wanted to make one. So, I bought this book:

with the intention of making my first quilt. I read & studied the pages over and over again. Looking and admiring the pictures over and over again. For reasons I can't remember, I put the book up & never made my quilt. BUT - the desire to make a quilt was never forgotten, it was on my 'LIST'.

September 2008
This is when my journey starts rolling. The fair is in town and the exhibits were brought up during a lunch discussion. I mentioned that I always wanted to make a quilt. Well, Teresa says 'Let's make a quilt to submit in next year's fair.' Alrighty then, lets!

November 2008
I ended up finishing my first top.  I'm so thankful that Teresa told me about pre-cut squares, it made the process easy. And that was a nice option because I did it by hand. Then I started on making a Christmas throw (by hand) with Candy Land - my first experience with Moda! Very exciting!  I still have about 1/2 of it to quilt - by hoop. It's a UFO! LOL!

April/May 2009
I came across Kelly's store and noticed she had a blog.  I knew what a blog was but never had interest in reading anyone's blog. So I clicked on it - WOW! It was a blog about quilting! Who knew? VERY EXCITING!

June 2009
A very sweet lady, Louise, who crochets, knits, sews, embroiders...asks if I would be interested in a Gammill she purchased about 11 years ago. I'm thinking...NO WAY!!! Good thing I met Kelly because she answered a bunch of questions I had about quilting machines. I would have asked Louise but she never took it out of the box.

July 2009
I joined the Charming Girls' Quilt Club. Which has the most amazing, talented ladies I've ever (not) met. I'm also lucky to have a few ladies I work with that I can share my hobby with.

August 2009
I started my blog. Where I've met more amazing & talented ladies I've ever (not) met.

I feel like one of those snow balls that gets bigger as it's rolling down the hill. And as I'm rolling, I can't stop giggling! I'm still giggling! All I needed was a little push...thanks Teresa! Well, as of today, I have completed 7 quilt tops & quilted 12 quilts. So far, it has been an amazing ride! Can it get any better than this? LOL!

NERVE WRECKING...

 

that is how I felt while cutting up the Rouenneries kit.  I'm happy to say that I just finished.  But for now it will have to be on hold, since my extra fabric for the Verna border came in yesterday.  WhoHoo!  The clock is ticking...

Valentine Quilt Update

So I took a late lunch today to get a decent picture of my first Valentine's quilt I started a couple of weeks ago.  I'm pleased with how it turned out.  I tried to get a 'nice' picture of my quilt like Joan did with her Taffy Pull quilt.  Well, now I'm off to get dinner made and then start working on the pink & green Valentine's binding...the colors mesh nicely together but I can't wait to show you the backing - it's WILD!  Hopefully I'll be able to get it completed within the next few days.

Valentine's quilt

I just can't get the energy to start working on my Simplicity quilt.  But I had enough to start a small/mini quilt for Valentine's day (hehehe!).  See, I had some red fabric I won in an awesome giveaway this past summer from Kelly.  And all I needed was something to go with it.  I found a great deal on 'Love Is In The Air' layer cake over at JoJo's Gift Shoppe.  Anyhoo, after making the 'baby' size version of the 'Baby Cakes' pattern, I had to find/order more fabric (imagine that!) to add a border to it.  I guess while I'm waiting for the fabric I could work on my Simplicity quilt...or not.  Hope all of you are having a good (& warm) week!

BLACK FRIDAY! It's on!

It's the SUPERBOWL version of the best shopping day of the year...and if you haven't seen some of the deals going on, and your into the event, you really need to go check out www.bfads.net.  For example, Jo-ann's is having one heck of a sale...like 50% off of quilting notions - thread - all batting, 40% off of quilting bundles and they also have a Rowenta DX6900 Duo Iron for $39.99 (reg. 79.99).  I can feel my heart pounding from all the anticipated excitement to come!  Oh, and then there's Target, Kohl's, Michaels & Hancock's...too many stores to list them all.  If you want more infomation, you really need to go check out the website.

DISCLAIMER...Prices & discounts are subject to change so make sure to check/verify the vendors ad to see what they will have on sale.  I don't want anyone mad at me for a misprint.  LOL!  This website is supposed to have all the black Friday ads listed on it's website - www.bfads.net.  Even though it's about a week away, it doesn't hurt to start planning ahead!

Katherine

She is one hip chick.  She had her 300th post giveaway a couple of weeks ago and - yep - I won!  And I would have posted a picture a couple of days ago but I wanted to be able to take the picture outside.  This is one beautiful quilt top and the cool thing is, Katherine also sent me matching material for the binding!  After looking over this quilt, I need to learn how to iron better.  I don't 'press' very good, maybe it's my iron - that I inherited from my Mom 20 years ago.

I also got a bonus surprise...

How cute is that?  Since I was already having problems with my Thanksgiving wall hanging, I put it aside and put this one up.  I really am one lucky gal to have won this prize! Katherine - Thank You!!!

Next...

I'm so glad I have finally found a use for the crystal cake stand my aunt gave me.  You can't see in the picture very well but I'm going to store fabric on it and use it for picture taking.  Well, I put that Thanksgiving wallhanging on the side (don't want to talk about it) but thanks to Katherine I don't feel so bad about doing so.  I will explain more tomorrow (I can't stop giggling!).  So this is what I'm going to start on until my thread gets here.  When I went to Little Rock over the weekend, I got many quilting supplies I needed but it's the thread I need to quilt my quilts.  So hopefully it will be here in a couple of days, until then...this is my next project.  Happy sewing!

Cotton Charm Quilts

Over the past month, I've watched some ladies do the 'Year in Schnibbles' thing.  And some of those patterns are just adorable!  So I went ahead and order these from Cotton Charm Quilts, Kelly's store...

and when I got my package, this is what I got...

Kelly is just a kind & generous person (I bet she never raises her voice).  Well, personally - quality is much more important than quantity.  And that is what I appreciate about Kelly and her store and it's not about the - once in a blue moon 'happy' in my package.  Her prices are almost, if not, better than most stores out there.  I know - because I have to watch my budget, not that I can follow one but that's beside the point.  Anyhoo, if you haven't shopped with Kelly before you should at least go check it out and if you have...you already know what I'm talking about.  And here I'm thinking, if you found a nice store or product, wouldn't you want to share it with your friends?  So that's what I'm doing.  Happy Friday!!!

Thread

I thought I would be able to get the kind of thread I needed at wally world to start quilting my Half Pint with but they only had hand quilting thread in stock.  Since I'm about 2 hours south & north of some fabric stores, I went ahead and ordered some online yesterday.  Hopefully I won't have to wait too long.  So instead of working on the Simplicity quilt - I started on a runner.  After I finished the center, I had to put that on hold because I need to get some fabric for the border.  So I went ahead and started on my Thanksgiving wall hanging.

And the funny thing is - that's normal...to have several projects on the fire (right?).  

Labels - Less is more...

When it comes to labels (and pretty much everything else - especially make-up) I believe in the 'LESS IS MORE' motto. Even if I had pretty hand writing, a printer or an embroidery machine, I still wouldn't want that kind of label. I guess it all depends on the style of the quilt maker - right? Well, instead of doing a detailed label, I ordered these custom made tags from Lola.  I sewed this tag on the mini quilt.  And when I was quilting it, I quilted the date 'OCT 2009' into the quilt.  I just love the simplicity of it and how it turned out - I just forgot to take a picture of it.  Anyhoo - but don't get me wrong, I do enjoy looking at labels.  I especially like the one Esther did for her mini quilt.  If your into labels, you really should go check hers out - very snazzy!  And if anyone has suggestions on simple labeling techniques - I would love to hear about it.

Bella Solids Color Card

One word - AWESOME! Okay two - HUGE!  It just came in yesterday and I am sooooo glad I got it.  It folds in half, so when you open it, it measures approx. 17x22...nice.

Depending on whose driving, I'm about 2 hours south of Little Rock, AR & 2 hours north of Monroe, LA - so it's not like I can jump in the car and hop on over to a fabric store.  I know I've said it before but I'm going to say it again....Thank GOD for internet shopping!!!!!  Just in case any of you were interested, click here.