Let's GO! Already!

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Yes, I know you've been patiently waiting for me to post my first Go! demo with my Accuquilt Go! Cutter. Are you ready to GO!
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I appreciate your patience but I've been trying to think of what I could do that hasn't already been done. There have been so many excellent demos of the Go! Cutter but here I am trying to do my best. :-)


When I first started reading about the Go! Cutter I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted one. I mean, seriously, I can cut strips quickly with my ruler and rotary cutter so why would I want one? Well, I was over the moon the first time I saw someone posting a demo using their Go! to cut a template style quilt i.e. applecore, dresden plate, tumbler, etc. Then I knew it would probably be fun to own one.


One of the dies I selected when Accuquilt offered me a Go! Cutter and three dies was the dresden plate. I've wanted to make a dresden plate quilt since I started quilting over 10 years ago but the idea of cutting with a template seemed like a daunting task to me. Ugh! LOL
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I've read that it's much easier to use the dies if you take time to mark the actual dies with a Sharpie. It's definitely much easier to see where to position your fabric.

I wasn't entirely sure that I knew what I was doing so I pulled some scraps to cut my first Dresden Plate. Once I feel comfortable then I'll cut out enough for lots of blocks! Keeping it simple for myself right now. :-)
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Once you've positioned your fabric over the die, you lay the cutting mat on top and roll the entire die through the rollers. You have to lift the cutting mat with care with there's a ton of static cling and your pieces will fly off - simply slide your cutting mat off. :-)



Now it's time to sew - fold your blades in half and using a 1/4" seam allowance sew along the widest end chain sewing is quick and easy!

Trim corner at the fold (sadly I cropped that out of my picture - sorry). Now turn right side out, push out the corner with a point turner or pencil (that's what I used - teehee) and press.


When you sew your blades or petals together using a 1/4" seam allowance I strongly suggest that you start approx 1/4" from the folded tip end of seam - sew then reverse to the edge, then sew forward to complete your seam. This will keep the thread ends from showing.

I cut two circles using the Dresden Plate die. Attempting to use a 1/4" seam allowance I sewed them right sides together, turned them right side out and here you see that I'm trying to finish the center circle. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea - LOL
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I hope my demo of the Accuquilt Go! Cutter has been helpful. :-)
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I appreciate your visits - come again soon.
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In Friendship!

Quilt Book Addiction

have ya missed me? :-)

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I think our technical difficulties have been corrected. I hope you've missed me!
Just say, "YES" - LOL
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Although I've been in a serious sewing holding pattern for the past three weeks (aka no sewing) it hasn't kept me from dreaming about future projects. :-)
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I'm going to tell you about a few favs - just for fun.
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"Scrap Basket Surprises" designed by Kim Brackett of Magnolia Bay Quilts is a Best Seller according to Martingale - That Patchwork Place.
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This is one of my all time favorite quilt books so it's time to make more projects out of it. I cut all the pieces/parts for Kitchen Sink a year ago (YES, a year ago) and it still waits. It's really time to get busy because...................(drum roll please)


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Kim's written a new book called "Scrap Basket Sensations". It promises to be as wonderful as the first one. Release date is early January.
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I predict this one will be a Best Seller, as well.



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"Schnibbles Times Two" by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co - Sigh -another Best Seller. I don't have to dream about projects from this book because I've already made all the quilts - woohoo! :-)
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This book is definitely a Best Seller - it was in it's 4th printing before it was six months old. WOW, WOW, WOW
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It's time to start collecting Layer Cakes (10" squares) because a new book will be out late next year.
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I really enjoy ALL of Kim Diehl's books and can hardly wait to add this one to my library. This is a new release and already a Best Seller.






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Next post will be all about my Accuquilt GO! Cutter. :-) I'm having way too much fun.
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Thanks for stopping by! Come again soon, please.
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In Friendship!

:-(

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We are currently experiencing technical difficulties! Stay tuned, please, we'll be right back!

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In Friendship!

Whoosh!!!

(Mr Daze says I need to blow the dust off my blog - LOL)

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First I want to thank you for indulging me with answers to my question about my quilting style. I do believe you've all got me figured out. :-) Stay tuned because soon there will be a post with a question about YOU.
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I've been back from Texas for two weeks and have been consumed by the lazies. Seriously lazy - I've accomplished very little since my return. :-(
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I did finish stitching down all the pumpkins, stems and leaves on my wool project. You like? I'm actually quite proud of myself - it's a slow and steady process. Now, I need to figure out how to mark the vines and tendrils so I can do the embroidery. Any suggestions?



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I'd gotten behind on the Raggedy Annies project from Kaaren, The Painted Quilt for Carol, Brown Quilts 4 Me. Blocks 3 & 4 stitched and ready to be mailed tomorrow. WooHoo!!!
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BTW, I used Transfer-Eze on all the designs you see in the picture - I LOVE it. In fact I am now very spoiled. LOL

All the stitchery blocks after the Transfer-Eze has been rinsed off - so simple, so easy - yes it's the little things that make me happy. :-)

And, last but not least........................

Happy Halloween!

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Thank you for visiting - come again soon! Tuesday I'll have my first GO! Cutter post - yes finally!

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In Friendship!

A Question for You?

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A simple question for you about ME! See I told you it would be all about ME soon. LOL
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I've been thinking about the past, present & future projects that come out of my sewing room and wondering about my style of quilting, hand embroidery, hand applique, etc.
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How would you describe my style of quilting?

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Thank you for indulging me!
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In Friendship!

Seriously Scattered

:-)

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Remember last week I told you I was feeling very scattered. Couldn't decide what I wanted to work on - too many projects and ideas running through my mind. LOL I decided not to fight the feeling but today I have a new resolve - I will accomplish something this week.
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There's a priority project that MUST be finished today so that's my focus this morning. And, then it'll be all about ME. teehee!
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These new Leaves Galore rulers by Sue Pelland Designs landed in my hands Saturday. I'm intrigued but couldn't play with them as I planned because my rotary cutter is in serious need of a new blade. I'm have lots of used blades but no new ones. grrrr! And, by the way I also discovered that I'm down to one sewing machine needle. Mr Daze says I'm falling apart - I think he's right, but please don't tell him I said that. LOL
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OK, back to the Leaves Galore rulers. You can read more about them and watch a terrific demo video here. You can also visit Lissa Alexander at Moda Lissa to see pictures. There are three rulers: petite, norme & grande and were invented to make multiple leaves and vines for applique. Beats having to cut them individually with templates and scissors.

I think after I complete my MUST DO project this morning I need to dash out for rotary blades, sewing machine needles & fusible web - bet you agree! LOL
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Enjoy your day! Thank you stopping by to visit.
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In Friendship!

Oct 6, 2010

(the day I lost a bet)

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I received an e-mail on October 6, 2010 that had me jumping for joy - I couldn't believe it - I read it, closed it, read it again, closed it - logged off; logged on - read the e-mail again and realized it was real. :-)
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The e-mail meant I'd lost a bet. Why? Well, approximately a month ago I received an e-mail from a blog friend telling me that she bet me I'd win GO! Fabric Cutter from Accuquilt before she did. She didn't realize that I'd quit entering all the GO! Cutter giveaways (teehee) but I took her bet and raised her a fat quarter - LOL! Now three fat quarters were on the line. LOL!
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I owe her three fat quarters because the e-mail on Oct 6 from Carolyn at Accuquilt said my blog had qualified to win a GO! Fabric Cutter plus three dies of my choice and one with three dies to giveaway! WooHoo!!! Carolyn, thank you so much - you made me one very happy quilter. :-)
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My GO! arrived while I was in Texas but you can bet my sweet Mr Daze and I tore open the box soon after I got home (yes, he's very excited, too). I've played with it a bit but I'm a little intimidated so it's a slow process - LOL!
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Here's Nibbles, a member of The Wabbit Daze Gang sitting on the unopened box waiting for me to tear it open. :-)
And, my shiny new GO! Fabric Cutter with the bonus 'Value Die" that comes with the GO!
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Can you guess which three additional dies I received with my GO! Cutter?


Stayed tuned for a post very soon showing you a project or two I've done with my GO! Cutter!
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Before I sign off I need to publicly thank a couple of blogger friends who tried hard to help me win a GO! Cutter! Here's a big HUG - thank you!!!!
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Have a wonderful day - I've been very scattered this week - can't seem to settle down to stitch or sew!!!
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In Friendship!

She's Baaaacccckkkkk!

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Texas road trip is done and 'she's back! A very busy week but a good time was had by ALL. They were visiting family & friends in San Antonio!

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She'll be here very soon - she has some special news to share! teehee

Naughty can be nice! :-)

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The Wabbit Daze Gang

Texas Bound!

You can take the girls out of Texas but you can't take Texas out of the girls!
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My daughter, Kris, my grandsons Seth, Eli and I are Texas bound bright and early tomorrow morning!
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We'll be gone a week - see you then!
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I gotta Go!
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In Friendship!

(Mr Daze & Cooper are staying home)

Catching up with YOU!

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My 'must do by Saturday' list kept me busy all week. Everything didn't get done but the important items did - woohoo!!! The rest will be completed soon.

Yesterday I had an awesome surprise in the mail from Paulette. I couldn't believe my eyes when I tore open the envelope.

LOOK - it's the adorable Gingerbread Babies wool mat she made recently.

I shared with Paulette that during the Christmas holiday season I decorate my kitchen with gingerbread boys and girls ---- she decided I needed to own this delightful mat. Thank you so much, Paulette for sharing your sweet mat with me but especially for being a friend.

Speaking of mail - I'm seriously hanging my head in shame - I'm such a ditz! I don't use my car very often but yesterday I had to pick up my grandson, Eli at school so off I went. I was STUNNED when I looked in the passenger seat and discovered several envelopes & packages that I would have sworn I mailed weeks ago. Ugh!!!! If you've been anticipating something from me please, please, please accept my apologies - everything will go in the mail on Tuesday. I have no excuse - I'm just a DITZ!

I hope you're having a wonderful Saturday - I gotta GO!
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Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends!
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In Friendship!

Wool Report

:-)

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Yesterday I spent several successful hours working on my wool mat. When I started working with the black wool I immediately felt some twinges in my hands but no immediate swelling like I experience on my lips. I definitely had some itching but tried hard not to think about it. That's really difficult when you're itching. LOL As I was working I realized that I needed to try very hard to avoid touching my face - when I did I felt some a slight burning sensation. My face is obviously very sensitive.
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I got tons of guidance and assistance yesterday from Karen & Kaaren - how to adhere the pieces/parts, what threads to use, what stitch to do, etc. They and several other bloggy friends offered to finish my project for me if I couldn't - thank you soooooo much - you're true blessings to me. :-)
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I decided not get to ahead of myself and worked on just one pumpkin - just in case I needed to abandon the whole project. :-) My blanket stitches are not very good - guess practice will help but for the most part not too bad. Be gentle when you look closely. LOL And, it lacks personality - that will come when I add the embroidered vines and tendrils.

I have to admit that I'm very proud of my simple accomplishment. :-) I had more fun that I can express via the written word. Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement.
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I have a super busy week ahead of me - the "must do by Saturday" list is very long. However, I hope to spend a little more time with my project - it makes me smile :-)
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Enjoy your week and thank you for visiting with me!
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In Friendship!

WOOL Envy!

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I may regret this but I have to try it - I just have to! I know you understand - please say you do. :-)
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I have had serious "Wool Envy" for months (OK, years) - so many friends working with wool and I can't. Why? Well, I'm allergic to lanolin - it's a natural ingredient in wool and does not wash out. Liken it to trying to wash the oil out of your hair - can't be done! Over the years I've had to be careful with make up, lotions, etc. In fact I don't wear lipstick because my lips swell like crazy (trust me, it's not pretty). LOL
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Paulette, Kaaren, Karen & Lori are almost finished with a wool pincushion round robin. Paulette just finished an adorable Gingerbread Boy wool mat and I want one. LOL I've received some fabulous mats from Kaaren & Karen - serious wool envy from me. Huge Sigh!
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I've decided to try a project and see how it truly affects my hands. After a quick phone call to my favorite local quilt store The Olde World Quilt Shoppe to check on wool kits my daughter, Kris and I made the trek. My daughter was so cute when I asked her if she wanted to take the ride with me to look for a wool project - she said, "Mom, you don't need another hobby" I explained that it was part of stitching and quilting and she left me alone. LOL Hey Kris :-P
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So, here's my new project - it's been here a few days and I'm completely intimidated! I don't even know what to do first. LOL It's a well known fact that I carry my brain in my back pocket and usually sit on it but today I'm going to pull it out and put it to work. ;-)
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Wish me luck as I embark on a new journey and that I don't hit a brick wall.

(I apologize for the ugly glare)

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Thanks for visiting; please come again soon.

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In Friendship!

EDIT - I'm on the list of blogs participating in the Fall into Fall Blog Hop Giveaway but I can't participate afterall. I have a trip scheduled in the middle of the giveaway - sorry!

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I got a bit of a late start doing all the projects for A Year of Schnibbles (Sept '09 - Sept '10) coordinated by Sherri - A Quilting Life and Sinta - Pink Pincushion but I'm happy to post pictures of all 12 projects. WooHoo!!!
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Schnibbles are fun, sweet patterns by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. I especially like them because I can try a line of fabric without committing to buying lots and lots of yardage. Sure helps with my budget! :-)
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Thank you to Sherri & Sinta for all the hard work they put into coordinating the projects with Carrie and the parades every month.
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Thank you to Carrie for all your hard work - prizes mailed every month to winners all over the world.
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Thank you to all the sponsors - I was lucky and won a couple of times. :-)

My parade
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I hope you've enjoyed my Year of Schnibble Parade. Thank you for visiting - I always look forward to your visits. :-)

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In Friendship!

It Happened at the Candy Factory!

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Once upon a time there was a group of displaced (unemployed) elves who wanted to start a business. They thought they'd open a cookie factory but they feared their counterparts the Keebler Elves. They did some research and found that the Lifesaver Company didn't have any elves so why not start a 'new & improved' Lifesaver Co. After securing a major investor - Mr Sweet Tooth - they bought all sorts of equipment and yummy flavors; cherry, strawberry, lemon, lime, blueberry and got busy!
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It was a wonderful and exciting day when they released their first roll of New & Improved Lifesavers made by Elves. And, then tragedy struck - they were served with a 'cease & desist' order from THE Lifesaver Co - the letter talked about copyright infringement, trademarks, etc. They were also ordered to destroy all the candy they had produced :-( Knowing they were doomed they proceeded to destroy the candy while crying bittersweet tears.
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Mr Sweet Tooth was not happy, after all he'd invested a tremendous amount of money in the Elves' venture. He ordered them to sweep up all the broken pieces and make candy and he didn't care what it took. The Elves did as they were told and here is the result..................................LOL
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This is my Schnibble "Paganini" quilt (ver. 3) made with broken pieces (LOL) of Punctuation by American Jane for Moda and Snow Bella also by Moda. This line of fabric does include some adorable black prints but I opted to leave them out.



I looked up at my design wall while I was sewing yesterday afternoon and started snickering. Yes, I'm really good at entertaining myself. I HAD to write my story about the Elves.
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Thank you for indulging my humor on this Sunday in September! :-) I hope I haven't scared you away - come again soon!
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In Friendship!

A VERY Lazy Week!

(and a tiny pity party - LOL)

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It's been a week since my last post and I wish I could tell you that's because I've been busy! LOL No, that's not why - I've just been very lazy! :-)
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Week before last I did make block #4 of the Designer Block of the Month from the Fat Quarter Shop. I'm trying very hard to make these blocks as soon as they arrive. I'm really bad about that so I'm staying on task. LOL

Mary sent this wonderful pattern by Bird Brain Designs for my birthday in July. They're shown stitched in red on towels. I decided to stitch them in black on natural muslin (two more to stitch, yet). I think they will look fabulous in tea-dyed prim style quilt - still thinking about the setting. HMMMM. Any thoughts?

And, I've been working on the binding on a quilt - not mine so I can't show you. Sorry!

See, it has been a very lazy week. Sigh! LOL If you want to see lots of productivity you have to go visit Karen at Log Cabin Quilter - my goodness that woman has been incredibly productive- lots of eye-candy. ;-)
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I'm not ashamed to admit that I've also been pouting a bit this week. LOL Why, you ask? Well, I can't seem to win a Go! Cutter but I'm trying hard not to care - LOL; the Paper Doll pattern I won from Lori at Bee in My Bonnet has not arrived (soon though) and there are so many adorable and fabulous wool projects all over blogland and I can't work with wool. So, I'm crying in my Caffeine Free Diet Coke. Yes, feel free to laugh at me. LOL :-)
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It's time to pull up my big girl panties and get busy! I'm headed to my sewing room - what are you doing today?
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I appreciate your visit - come again soon.
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In Friendship!

Box O'Goodness

(follower giveaway winner at the end of this post)

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Did you see this awesome quilt on Karen's blog? I instantly fell in love with it and kept going back to look at it - Huge Sigh! LOL :-)
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Exchanging e-mails with Karen I told her how much I loved her quilt and asked about the pattern. Rather than providing pattern information (she couldn't remember) she offered to send me her 'leftover' blocks! Yes, please!

The box o'goodness arrived last week! WooHoo!!!!
The plastic bag held the "leftover blocks" - OMG, OMG, OMG - there were 77 blocks in the bag. Some are completely finished and others need to be stitched down - but all the hard work is done; now I can just have fun. teehee!!!

And, then I discovered that 3/4's of the box was filled with scraps from the project - lots and lots of scraps - big pieces and little pieces. Major swoon!!!!

Thank you so much Karen - I appreciate your kindness but especially your friendship.
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BTW, she wasn't too crazy about her quilt top so she gave it away. :-)
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And, we have a winner in the 'follower' giveaway - Yvette (BOM Quilter) please send me an e-mail with your mailing address.
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Have a fabulous week end - I plan to sew! You?
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In Friendship!

Followers - Part II

(what I have learned)

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I try very hard not to have controversial blog content so please bear with me. This is quite lengthy! LOL I have lots to say. :-)
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Many have asked if I've requested "Followers" because I'm trying to win a Go! Cutter from Accuquilt and the answer is no. If the kind people at Accuquilt want to send me a Go! Cutter then I would accept it with a smile and say thank you and if they don't well, so be it. :-)
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I asked for 'followers' completely out of curiosity. :-) I've never had the "Follower" gadget visible on my blog because I felt that while I appreciate that I have followers (thank you again) I knew that they weren't the only ones reading my blog.
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I've been blogging for over 4 years and believe that I'm an 'old' blogger in Blogland. I blog because I enjoy sharing my quilting journey and bits and pieces of my life.
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I learned within a few hours of my 'follower' post that many follow my blog through a variety venues - bloglines (sadly that's going away), google reader, etc. I know that my blog is listed on many blog sidebars but who can count how many? LOL Approximately two years ago my husband was 'playing' with the layout of my blog and he added a counter (good people visiting here) for "giggles & grins" - he's a silly man - anyway I think the counter gives a more accurate count of how many 'hits' my blog receives. I seem to average 1500 hits per month - is this good or is it bad? I think it's very good because that means many, many people are stopping by to see what the Wabbit Daze Gang, Mr Daze and I are doing and I thank you.
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Yes, yes I know I've babbled throughout this entire post and if you've read the whole thing you're a brave soul. LOL
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Now, let's get back to quilting - it is afterall my passion!

In Friendship!

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I'm trying very hard to respond to all your comments - bear with me!

Followers!

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Can we talk? I want to talk about "Followers" - do you follow my blog? If you do, thank you so much! I've never understood the concept of "followers" because in my mind if you were on my blog reader or list of favorites then I felt I was 'following' your blog. HMMMM - apparently I've been wrong. Big Sigh!!!!
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I'm here to ask a little favor (OK, maybe it's a huge favor) - if you don't already follow my blog I'd love it if you would. I need YOU - I have 144 'followers' at this point but would love more. You'll find my "Follower Gadget" at the top of the right hand column of my blog.
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Sign up to "follow" me by Saturday, September 18th and I'll have a drawing for something special just for my "Followers".
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I appreciate your visits and your comments - would you 'follow' my blog, as well, please!
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In Friendship!

And, They're Off!

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I finished the final 6 scissor fobs last night and today put quite a few in the mail. WooHoo! Tomorrow I'll finish packaging & mailing the rest. :-) I absolutely love the tag my sweet hubby, Mr Daze, made for me to include in the plastic bags. This way if you receive one you'll know who it's from. LOL Thank you, Sweetie!
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These 29 fobs are going to 29 blogging friends who made me cry tears of joy last Fall - you know who you are and I thank you for your patience as I decided how to thank you.


If you think you'd like to have a fob made by me stay tuned because I will have a giveaway for 10 fobs for 10 blogging friends very soon. :-)


I spent all day Saturday in my sewing room with my BFF, Miss Molly (my Janome 6600) :-) We did the Fandango all day - well not really but we did work with Fandango by Kate Spain for Moda. :-) It's a secret project so this is all I can show you - I love sneak peeks. LOL
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I appreciate your visit - please come again soon. :-)

In Friendship!

Saturday!

I've spent very little time with a needle (machine or hand) and thread in the past two weeks. It's not a bad thing but I have assignments to complete. LOL

My DD, Kris and I spent a couple of hours on Thursday making 24 scissor fobs. WooHoo! We ran out of eye pins and charms but a quick trip to Joann's solved that tiny problem and now I can make 6 more. :-) I'm hoping these will go in the mail to some very special people early next week.


I plan to spend ALL day in my sewing room so if you need me you know where to find me. :-)

Thank you so much for popping in to visit - come again soon!

In Friendship!

Awesome Giveaway!!!

Head on over to visit Lori Holt (Bee in my Bonnet) and enter to win one of her new Paper Dolls patterns (she's giving away 3). This pattern combines many of my loves applique and embroidery - sigh!!! ;-)

I've enjoyed watching Lori's progress with each block and absolutely love this quilt. I'd love to win this pattern and I'm sure you would too. Go now!!!

In Friendship!

Me & the High-way!

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Since Thursday I've spent more time in the car driving up and down the highway near my home than I have in months. Whew!!!!
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Thursday I went shopping with a neighbor for beads and such. After shopping at nearby Wal-Mart & Hobby Lobby we decided to drive 30 miles down to the highway to a large store - Beads Galore. A very successful venture, indeed. I was home approx 1 hour and we were back out the door - down the same high way to run an errand with our daughter.
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Friday started out with an early morning outing with our daughter - breakfast and then home for a few hours. Late afternoon outing with our daughter (yes, again - LOL) dinner and then home. We were exhausted - extremely busy and emotional day. :-)
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Saturday - back out the door up the high-way to meet Debi. She was here visiting her daughter and grandchildren and thought it would be nice for us to meet. I'm usually very shy about meeting others but decided I'd really enjoy meeting Debi. Look at the sweet Jim Shore Bunny (wabbit) Debi had for me. Thank you, Debi. Home for an hour and back out the door to have dinner with friends.



Sunday we'd planned to stay home and lay like broccoli. Up and down the highway had taken it's toll - we were beat. Our daughter & her family came over with steaks to grill and I managed to stitch most of the day.
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September Snowbound blocks ready to mail to Terry & Kelly. WooHoo!


Monday - a few errands to run in the morning; home with a headache so I slept away the afternoon.
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I'm very ready for a day at home and maybe some sewing.
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Enjoy your week and thank you for stopping by!
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In Friendship!

Calendar Girls & More

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I've spent a few evenings with another embroidery project. Surprised? LOL These are monthly Annie stitchery projects by Cleo & Me and I'm receiving them as a block of the month from Daisy Cottage Quilting.

left to right - May, June & July
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This afternoon I went to visit a friend to learn how to make this! ;-) We're going shopping tomorrow morning so I can purchase the 'stuffus' to make many, many more. I'm going to make enough for a bunch of special friends. woohoo!!!!


I'm glad you stopped by to visit - come again soon!
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In Friendship!