Welcome 2011

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May all your dreams, wishes, goals and creative endeavors come true in 2011.

Thank you for your friendship, inspiration and creativity through the world of blogging. I'm looking forward to more of the same in 2011. I hope that I've provided that for you, as well.

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Happy New Year

In Friendship!

Calgon Take Me Away!!!

I need a (HUG)

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1. Ron is recovering nicely - a couple of bad days but mostly good ones. Thank goodness.

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2. Christmas was very quiet. It's OK no true Christmas spirit here.

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3. House is a mega mess.

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4. Sewing room is a mega mess.

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5. No sewing going on here - sigh!

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Thanks for all your sweet comments and get well wishes for Ron (aka Mr Daze). He's read every comment and you've really touched his heart.

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I'll be back in a day or two to share pictures of some sweet gifts that arrived from blog pals - thank you!

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In Friendship!

Wishing you and yours

a very joyful Christmas!

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In Friendship!
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edit: if you've sent me an e-mail with a question please make sure you're not set for 'no reply' because if you are then I can't respond.

and, I'm having difficulty leaving comments on Typepad blogs - sigh!

Surgery Update!

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Ron's hip replacement surgery went very well today! The doctor is very optimistic of a full recovery and improved quality of life. He'll be in the hospital until Thursday 12/23.

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Ron asked me to thank you bunches for all your good wishes and thoughts!

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Happy Holidays!

In Friendship!

Life Interrupted!

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With the leg bone connected to the knee bone,

and the knee bone connected to the thigh bone,

and the thigh bone connected to the hip bone.................

wait a minute there is no hip bone!!!!!!

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This past week life has been like a runaway train but I won't bore you with all the details leading up to "Life Interrupted".

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The runaway train is taking my hubby, Mr Daze (aka Ron) to the hospital on Monday, 12/20 to have his right hip replaced. All the pre-op stuff was done yesterday along with clearance from his cardiologist.

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"Life Interrupted" means that many things are having to take a backseat for now. It's time to focus on taking care of the most important person in my life.

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Happy Holidays

In Friendship!

An Idea That Worked!

:-)

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I have many, many ideas constantly floating around in my head - sometimes they work and sometimes well, not so much. LOL This particular idea worked and it made me so happy!
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My dear friend Carol of Brown Quilt 4 Me had a birthday in November and I wanted to send something DIFFERENT, because you know I'm normally a big old copy cat. I saw this adorable quilt on Karen's blog (aka Farmhouse Woolens) and promptly ordered the whole kit from her. It just said "CAROL" to me - yes, quilts speak to me. :-) The kit arrived and I promptly got busy - the letters are wool - I'm quite proud of myself. BTW, rather than drawing the letters individually I copied them onto Transfer-Eze (you know I love that stuff), adhered it to the wool and cut out my letters - easy peasy!
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I love this little quilt so now I want to make one for me. teehee!

Now my big idea that worked! LOL I've been wanting to make a quilt holder like the one in the picture for ME but decided it would be fun to make a small one for Carol's little quilt first. So I enlisted the help of Mr Daze and he got busy. A piece of wood, three large clothes pins, spray paint, etc and it was DONE! Easy peasy with fabulous results - if I do say so myself. LOL
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I've got Mr Daze (aka Ron) busy making quite a few of these because some very special friends will be receiving one, as well. Seriously, wouldn't you want one? And, if you think you do then stay tuned because I'll be giving one away right here on my blog very, very soon!

My 2nd Annual Christmas Ornament Exchange party was a smashing success! I'll post a picture or two soon.
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I appreciate your visit - come again soon!
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In Friendship!

2nd Annual Christmas Ornament

Exchange Party!

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It's been a whirlwind of activity in my home this week.

Tonight is my 2nd Annual Christmas Ornament Exchange Party. I'm in the throes of planning and prepping - name tags, silly party games (teehee) w/prizes, favor bags and food. Wish YOU could be here!

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My 30+ guests have told me that they're excited and looking forward to it - that makes me very happy!

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I'll try come to back tomorrow to tell you ALL about it and you can read about last year's party here.

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In Friendship!

Ho-Hum!!!!!

(still lazy)

I've visited so many blogs in recent days where the hubbub of Christmas sewing is happening. So many are making holiday mug rugs, hot pads, tablerunners, placemats, quilts, wreaths, etc. No holiday sewing going on here - the laziness continues! :-(
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Oh I had BIG (really BIG) plans and they look wonderful in my mind's eye but alas they remain in my mind's eye. LOL Oh, I was going to make something sweet for you, something cute for you, something adorable for you and something special for you. I guess it still could happen but.........
HMMM - how tacky would it be to assign my friends a month in 2011 and send them a little something for Christmas then? I mean, seriously, can you imagine receiving a Christmas gift in June? That would definitely be tacky. Well, it was a thought - LOL
Wait, may be you would enjoy it - pick a month. LOL

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Every January I tell myself that I'm going to make lots of somethings for Christmas so when it's time to decorate I have all kinds of wonderful things. So, it's almost December and there's NOTHING!
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If you're doing some holiday sewing I bow down to you and if you're in my camp - welcome! LOL *

Happy Holiday Sewing

One & All :-)

Giving Thanks!

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A Thanksgiving Greeting to you and yours from me and mine!

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In Friendship!

BIG CELEBRATIONS!!!

(scroll down)

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Today is a big day for a very special friend. We "met" via our blogs over 4 years ago and became good friends. Sadly we've never met face-to-face! :-) Please take a minute out of your busy day to stop by to wish her a happy birthday. Who is she? It's Carol at Brown Quilts 4 Me.

Happy Birthday, Carol, I hope you have a wonderful day.

And, then take a few minutes to visit Accuquilt - they're having a huge "Black Friday" sale. WooHoo!!!



Enjoy your day!
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In Friendship!

BOM Craziness

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I spent Sunday with my sewing machine :-)
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First I made the October and November blocks for the Designer Mystery Block of the Month. All six blocks are assembled with cornerstones and sashing. woohoo! :-)

I stitched the latest Annie blocks (Aug & Sept) by Cleo & Me and spent Sunday sewing the 30's strips around the stitcheries. woohoo!

And I finished stitching the Snowbound blocks by Bunny Hill Designs for Kelly(red) and Terry (blue). They should have been in the mail on Monday but I've been a bit lazy. They WILL go out tomorrow. :-)

So, I'm feeling a bit smug with myself because I'm caught up. BIG Woohoo!!!!!
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I hope you're having a good week. I still find it hard to believe that we're only one week away from Thanksgiving Day - sigh!
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Thank you bunches & bunches for stopping by to visit. Come again soon.
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In Friendship!

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oh no - I've lost a follower :-(

I know you've been following a very boring blog - I'm so sorry.

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!