Scrap Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Day Eight

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Your next stop on the Scrap Basket Sensations Blog Tour is Karen - she's Kim's BFF (aka cohort in crime - teehee). I know you'll enjoy reading about the quilts she made for the book. Like Kim she can take a variety of scraps and make beautiful quilts.

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Go NOW - it's another opportunity for you to win an autographed copy of the book. You still have a chance to win here - by leaving a comment on the post below this one.

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then on to:

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Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th

Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th

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Good Luck!!!
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In Friendship!

Scrap Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Day Seven

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It's my turn to talk to you about Kim Brackett's new bestselling book, Scrap Basket Sensations!

This means that leaving a comment on this post gives you an opportunity to win an autographed copy of Kim's book.

This book is also available from Martingale Publishing, Amazon or your local quilt store.

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Do you remember this post about Scrappy vs The Safe Zone? Well, these are the quilts I had just completed. LOL

I had the honor of making two quilts for Kim's book. I was happily in The Safe Zone when I made Summer Daze using a Snippets Jelly Roll.

I was in the Scrappy Zone (way out of my comfort zone) to make Tool Shed. I kept telling Kim I couldn't use scraps to make this quilt. She laughed but gently encouraged me. Not bad for an amateur scrap quilter. LOL

Initially I opted not to interview Kim for this post because what could I ask her that others hadn't already asked.
I finally did ask her what size shoe she wears?
She wears an 8 1/2 so I wondered if she used her empty shoe boxes to store her carefully organized scraps. LOL
Actually sometime in 2010 she shared on her blog that she cut most of her stash into 2 1/2" strips and stores them in plastic shoe boxes (not her empty card board shoe boxes)


Instead I asked the talented ladies on this Blog Tour the following:
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Are you comfortable working with true scraps (fabrics from many different lines) or do you prefer to use a coordinated set of fabrics?
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Their answers:
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Kim: "For the most part, I'm a scrap freak! For the Picnic quilt on the cover of the book, I used part of one Jelly Roll, part of another, and threw in some scraps just for the heck of it. "
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Sherri: "I love working with true scraps...honestly, sometimes I just use pre-cuts because they save so much time!"
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Mary: "For me I found I like to keep my civil war scraps separate from all the others...I guess same goes with Jo fabrics. I have a really hard time mixing batiks in with novelties! LOL I love working with the Moda pre-cuts for scrappy quilts even though they end up a coordinated scrappy look like Blessings from the Hollow quilt".
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Stephanie: "The scrappier the better...mix them all up I say!"
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Millie: "I do love scrappy quilts and these quilts all have their own personality."
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Nicole: " I do sometimes work with true scraps, but I sure do spend a long time auditioning the ones that go best with each other!"
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Sinta: "I prefer fabric groups myself. I have a whole lot of jelly rolls that I have collected, so it's an opportunity to use them."
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Karen: "I say scraps. I'm trying to use a jelly roll for the tipsy baskets, and I'm having a hard time. I'd much rather use true scraps."
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Sue: "For myself, I use either jelly-rolls or co-ordinated bundles. I really can't seem to make myself do truly scrappy!"
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Carol: Carol was away on a quilting retreat when I asked my question but I know she loves working with scraps and coordinated fabric lines.
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Me: We already know I prefer The Safe Zone - coordinated fabric lines. :-)
Some day I will organize all my scraps I have saved from every quilt I've made. Or not! LOL
The Safe Zone - Oasis and Breakfast at Tiffany's Jelly Rolls :-)
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Leave a comment telling me whether you prefer The Scrappy Zone or The Safe Zone (coordinated fabric lines)
I plan to draw a winner on Friday, February 18th
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then on to:
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Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th
Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th
Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th
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Good Luck!!!
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By the way Kim would love to be retired so she can spend her days quilting but for now she must use her
size 8 1/2 foot to put pedal to the medal on her red Honda CRV to drive to work every day.
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I wish I could show you a work in progress from this fabulous new book but there's still no sewing going on here! Soon, I hope! Don't fret - this too shall pass. :-)

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In Friendship

Scrap-Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Day Six

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Here it is day six on the Scrap-Basket Sensation Blog Tour - another opportunity to win an autographed copy of Kim Brackett's new book. :-) Today you must visit Sinta for said opportunity. Other than a reminder to visit me tomorrow I don't have much more to say so go visit Sinta NOW.
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then on to:

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Tomorrow is my turn :-)

Darlene at Quilting Daze - February 16th

Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th

Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th

Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th
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Good Luck!!!

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In Friendship

Scrap Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Day Five

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Will you be my Valentine?

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

I hope your Valentine brings you lots of sweets and treats.

The Scrap Basket Sensations blog tour continues. Take a few minutes to visit with talented Millie today for another opportunity to win an autographed copy of the book.

I'm not kidding go NOW!

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then on to:
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Sinta at Pink Pincushion - February 15th
Look it'll be my turn
Darlene at Quilting Daze - February 16th
Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th
Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th
Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th

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Good Luck!!!
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In Friendship

Scrap-Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Day Four

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Are you getting bored with my blog posts? I hope not because it's really all about YOU - yes YOU. This is your opportunity to win a signed copy of Kim Brackett's new, must have, book Scrap Basket Sensations.

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By now you have, hopefully, visited Sherri, Mary & Stephanie - enjoyed their projects from the book and learned more about the queen of 2 1/2" strips Kim.

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Today do not miss your opportunity to visit Nicole at Sister's Choice - she made a stunning version of Over & Under with a Bali Pop called Grasshopper.

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then on to:

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Millie at Millie's Quilting - February 14th

Sinta at Pink Pincushion - February 15th

Look it'll be my turn

Darlene at Quilting Daze - February 16th

Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th

Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th

Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th
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Good Luck!!!

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In Friendship!

Scrap Basket Sensation Blog Tour

Day 3

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Here we are at Day 3 of the Scrap Basket Sensations Blog Tour; are you having fun?

By now you've hopped through Sherri's & Mary's fabulous blogs. If you're just discovering this blog tour then please go back because they have posted some wonderful completed projects and projects in the making. They have also included questions/answers they posed to Kim Brackett the author extrodinaire of this fabulous book. 10 autographed books will be given away during this blog tour so don't miss a single opportunity. Today it's time to visit talented Stephanie at Loft Creations - go NOW.
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then on to:
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Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts - February 13th
Millie at Millie's Quilting - February 14th
Sinta at Pink Pincushion - February 15th
Look it'll be my turn
Darlene at Quilting Daze - February 16th
Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th
Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th
Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th
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You may want to visit all the stops on the tour everyday because I've noticed some project sneak peeks; adorable peek at Karen's (Nana Girl Quilts) yesterday. :-)
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Good Luck!!!!!
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In Friendship!
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(while you're hopping & enjoying your Saturday Mr Daze and I will be celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary. Woohoo - they said it wouldn't last - HA!)

Scrap-Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Day Two

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The next stop on the Scrap Basket Sensations blog tour is Mary at Quilt Hollow. Another opportunity to win a signed copy. Even if you already own a copy of the book I hope you'll enter, bear in mind, you can keep the signed copy and pass the other one along to a friend. So make a quick dash to Mary's blog - right NOW. :-)
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then on to:

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Stephanie at Loft Creations - February 12th

Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts - February 13th

Millie at Millie's Quilting - February 14th

Sinta at Pink Pincushion - February 15th

Look it'll be my turn

Darlene at Quilting Daze - February 16th

Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th

Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th

Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th

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I hope your enjoyed your visit with Sherri yesterday

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Good Luck!!!!!

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In Friendship!

Scrap-Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Day One

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The fun starts today - if you haven't visited Sherri then you must do it now!
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then on to:
Mary at Quilt Hollow - February 11th
Stephanie at Loft Creations - February 12th
Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts - February 13th
Millie at Millie's Quilting - February 14th
Sinta at Pink Pincushion - February 15th
Look it'll be my turn
Darlene at Quilting Daze - February 16th
Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th
Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th
Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th
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Good Luck!!!!!
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In Friendship

Scrap Basket Sensations Blog Tour

Coming to a Blog Near You

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Kim Brackett of Magnolia Bay Quilts recently released her fabulous, must have, new book - "Scrap Basket Sensations".

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You'll have an opportunity to win your very own signed copy of the book by visiting the following 10 blogs:

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First stop is:
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Sherri at A Quilting Life - February 10th
Mary at Quilt Hollow - February 11th
Stephanie at Loft Creations - February 12th
Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts - February 13th
Millie at Millie's Quilting - February 14th
Sinta at Pink Pincushion - February 15th
Look - I'm next! :-)
Darlene at Quilting Daze - February 16th
Karen at Nana Girl Quilts - February 17th
Sue at Quilt Times - February 18th
Carol at Brown Quilts - February 19th
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I hope that you'll take a few minutes every day to visit all these incredibly talented ladies!
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See you tomorrow and good luck!
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In Friendship!

Belated Birthday Wishes for Wendy! I'm hanging my head in shame because I missed Wendy's birthday yesterday. Take a few minutes to visit Wendy and leave her belated wishes like I did.

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Wendy is one of the sweetest bloggers in blogland. We've been blog buddies for almost five years (since we first started blogging) and have forged a wonderful friendship. I'd love to have the opportunity to meet Wendy!

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Belated wishes, Wendy - I hope you had a wonderful day.

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In Friendship!!!

My Party Is Over!

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My "Word Up Sewing Party" is over but I'm skipping out of my sewing room with a very happy heart. woohoo!!!
Using my Sweet Honey Bun (by Urban Chicks/Moda) I made "Counting by Fives" by Polly of Aunt Polly's Porch and can be found at the Moda Bake Shop. I really enjoyed being back at my machine and hope that this was 'the' project to jumpstart my sputtering mojo.
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Thank you for cheering me on!!! Now I'm off to watch "The Social Network" with Mr Daze while enjoying some handwork. :-)
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In Friendship!

Party-On!!!

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I'm in my sewing room continuing to party! I'll be back later to show my progress!

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In Friendship!

Singing Heart!!!

lalalalalalalala

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My heart was singing today - lalalalalalala! Did you hear it? :-)


Sweet blocks!!!!
I sewed and sewed and sewed some more!
I was working with an older Honey Bun (Sweet by Urban Chicks/Moda).
A stash busting project - woohoo!!!
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I started assembling the quilt top and hope to finish it tomorrow.
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Kelly & Kris you two really know how to throw a party - thank you!
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A fun day indeed.................
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In Friendship!

Heart!

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Oh no I'm late for the "Word Up Sewing Party" - actually I was almost a no-show. :-) Thank you Kelly and Kris for sponsoring this Charming Girls Sewing Party - everyone is having tons fun (I've peeked - teehee).

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My word for 2011 is "Heart" - enjoying what I do thereby making my heart sing. My heart has not been singing much because I've no desire to sew. Sigh!

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I've decided to work on a very simple project with some fun fabrics - surely my heart will sing?!?!?!?!?

Ready, Set, Sew!

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In Friendship!

It's Time

winner: Nancy - Stitched with Prayer :-)

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Mr Daze helped me make a quilt hanger similar to the one in the picture to send to Carol for her birthday? Do you remember that I promised to give one away and then life interrupted my plans! :-)
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Mr Daze put this one together and it's ready to go to a lucky winner! Could it be YOU?
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I'm feeling a bit lazy therefore I'm going to keep this very simple - easy peasy, etc. There's no need to announce this on your blog, become a 'Follower', hop on one foot, stand on your head or pass Go to collect $200.

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Just leave a comment telling me that you'd like to win it.

If you win and I don't have a way to contact you I'll draw another winner.

I'll be back tomorrow (Tuesday) to announce the winner.
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If you're a "Follower" or regular reader of this blog thank you bunches & bunches. You truly have no idea how much "YOU" and your comments mean to me.

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In Friendship!

Now What????

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My crazed life is finally starting to get back to normal and I'm wondering "Now What"? This is like the calm after a storm.
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Mr Daze is recovering nicely and walking with a cane. woohoo! However, I will be very happy when he can drive again.
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Our daughter has delivered Shaye and they're settling into a nice routine. Life is good for her sweet family. Makes this momma very happy. :-)
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So....Now what?????
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Yesterday I decided it was definitely time to clean up the mega mess in my sewing room. During the cleaning and tidying up process I got super disgusted with myself. I was chastising myself for all the quilting stuffus I have; the huge pile of flimsies, the even bigger pile of quilts, etc. I threw my hands in the air and walked out in utter disgust.
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I have a handful of Christmas and birthday gifts that I'm super behind on but ......
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I start to get excited about a project and then ask myself why? This is ridiculous - I've become my own worst enemy. Sigh!!!
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This is not a slump just frustration with me, myself and I.

:-(

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Thanks for 'listening'.
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In Friendship!

My Bliss(ful) Nursery

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You already know my first name is Shaye,

do you know that my middle name is Ilyana (e-lee-ana).

My very talented Mommy painted these letters to hang on the wall above my crib.
I'm going to take a little nappy - please take a few minutes to look at the pix of the things my Nana made for my nursery. My Nana made this pillow to hang on my nursery door.
Maybe my big brothers Seth & Eli will be quiet so I can take lots of nappies.
This is my diaper stacker!

And, Nana made my bumper pads, too.

What do you think of my crib skirt?
My Nana has been busy!

This is my Bliss(ful) spot in my nursery!
:-)
My Nana came to play with me today (yes, again) and she made a list of more things she's going to make for me.
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Thank you for spending a little time with me and visiting my
Bliss(ful) nursery.
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In Friendship!
Shaye Ilyana & Nana Darlene

There's a new Bitty Girl in town!!!!!
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This bundle of joy, Shaye, arrived this morning (1/13/11) at 8:04 AM, weighing 6 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches long. She's welcomed by our daughter, Kristie (Mommy), son-in-law Gino (Daddy), big brothers Seth & Eli, and, of course her Nana & Papa :-)
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In Friendship,

Shaye's Nana

:-)

"Scrap-Basket Sensations"

(my sweet secret - teehee)

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I'm sure you're familiar with Kim Brackett (Magnolia Bay Quilts) and author of the Martingale Best Seller "Scrap Basket Surprises". It's a fabulous book chock full of delightful projects made with 2.5" strips.
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Well, get your 2.5" strips ready because Kim's new book "Scrap-Basket Sensations" is due to be released on Tuesday, January 11. Yes, 18 delightful new projects made with 2.5" strips. YUM!!!!


I'm here to share pictures of two quilts I made for Kim's new book. In the fall of '09 during my huge quilting slump Kim sent me an e-mail offering to help me with my slump - would I be interested in making a quilt or two for her second book. Would I????? Yes, yes and yes! :-) Kim and I became friends through blogging and I'm in constant awe of her designing talent.
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The first quilt I made was easy peasy for me because I used a Snippets Jelly Roll by American Jane/Moda for this sweet quilt. I can imagine this quilt on the back of a white rocking chair or swaying porch swing.


Then I HAD to step out of my comfort zone and work with scraps to make this next quilt. I couldn't use another Jelly Roll or coordinated strips because this book is about scrappy quilts not quilts made with Jelly Rolls. Oh, this was one was super tough for me - LOL! I used lots of different scraps - Civil War prints, Moda prints (French General, Blackbird Designs, Robin Pandolph...), Thimbleberries, etc. I must admit that I had lots of fun making this quilt and felt quite proud of myself when I was finished. :-)

Please visit Kim's blog to read more about her new book. The book also has beautiful quilts made by incredibly talented quilt makers and good friends - Karen from Nanagirl Quilts and Mary from Quilt Hollow.
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It was an honor for me to make two quilts for Kim's new book - "Scrap-Basket Sensations" - thank you, Kim.
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And, thank YOU for stopping by to visit; I hope you'll run to your favorite quilt book source this week to purchase Kim's new book.
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In Friendship!

My Quilting Journey

For awhile now I've been thinking about the path I've been following while on my quilting journey. Somewhere along the way I either came to a fork in the road or made a hard left because I feel that I've veered off MY path! :-)
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Quilting, stitching, etc in 2010 was tons of fun but I feel like I spent the year jumping on bandwagons and doing what every one else was doing. I've realized that I didn't spend time doing a handful of things that really make my heart sing. It's truly time to get back on MY path. This is not to say that I won't jump on any bandwagons but I must follow my heart.
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I've enjoyed reading about everyone's resolutions, goals, etc. I've been thinking long and hard about whether or not I wanted to make some quilting related resolutions. Possibily overthinking the whole thing LOL. I decided that resolutions would only add stress to MY journey. This is suppose to be FUN so how much fun would I be having if I was stressing about my projects. :-)
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Here I go jumping on my first bandwagon LOL!

Kelly from Charming Girl's Club has asked us to come up with a word for 2011 and mine is .....

"HEART"

I need to follow my heart in everything I do - if my heart's not in it then I'm not going to do it - 'nuf said. :-)
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I've been fumbling with this post for a few days and can't seem to completely explain myself so I'll leave you for now but do remain......

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In Friendship