SWEET TWEETS Blog Hop...

I am honored to be part of this blog hop for my friend, Erin, of the Why Not Sew? blog.  Erin has definitely cornered the market on cute and sweet projects.  She is uber-talented and has stretched herself beyond measure in the last few years…showing versatility and talent with each project she tackles.  I am just so darn proud of her…especially now that she is published! 

Sweet Tweets:  Simple Stitches, Whimsical Birds is the title of her book and it is indeed full of sweet projects..all with cute little birds. Erin has mastered the art of raw-edge appliqué, where the free-motion stitching looks like sketching.  She shares her technique and knowledge with us on each one of the 12 projects this book offers. 

Sweet Tweets book cover

For this book tour post, I chose to make the book bag for my granddaughter, Kaylynn.  She is an avid reader and loves bags. 

Erin's bag

The pattern calls for linen, but for this bag, I chose to use a canvas duck for more durability.  And, because I used a sturdier fabric, I omitted the use of interfacing.  The instructions were clear and easy to follow and this bag was quickly put together.  I was a bit nervous about the raw-edge appliqué, not having done any of it previously.   But, I carefully followed the instructions given and am so very pleased with the results.      

I was so excited that I found this cute bird fabric to use as the lining.  How cute is that, hey?

I also made one long shoulder strap instead of two shorter ones…for an over- the-shoulder style.

My Granddaughter has already received this bag and LOVES it.

Thank you, Erin, for including me in your excitement!

I am able to offer a giveaway with this blog hop.  If you'd like to win an e-copy of this book, please leave a comment on this post.  I will draw a winner on Monday morning, September 14.  In the meantime, follow along with the rest of the blog hop to see the other projects being made.  

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The giveaway is over...I apologize for being a day late in announcing the winner.  I am in the process of moving and am travelling with my moving truck.  The winner is...Indianna, who wrote "The lining fabric is just perfect. I love the fact the book has lots of small projects as they are my favourite things to make. Quick and satisfying, especially if there's a cute bird involved."

Please email me at act_collies@yahoo.com with your email address.  Thank you, everyone!

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Here are the others on the blog book tour:

(I am not sure why this doesn't all look the same, but the links are there.)

Tuesday, Sept.8 - Erin (intro post)   Why Not Sew?

Wednesday, Sept.9 - Heidi  Fabric Mutt

Thursday, Sept.10 - Debbie  A Quilter's Table

Friday, Sept.11 - No Post

Saturday, Sept.12 - Jacque The Doodles of My Mind

Monday, Sept.14 - Amy  nanaCompany

Tuesday, Sept.15 - Svetlana  s.o.t.a.k handmade

Wednesday, Sept.16 - Renee  Sewn With Grace

Thursday, Sept.17 - Martingale Stitch This! The Martingale Blog

Friday, Sept.18 - Heather  Vintage Grey Handmade

Saturday, Sept.19 - Clara and Jennie  Clover & Violet

Monday, Sept.21 - Amanda Jean  Crazy Mom Quilts

Tuesday, Sept.22 - Cindy  Live a Colorful Life

Wednesday, Sept.23 - Carla Grace and Favour

Thursday, Sept.24 - Mary  Molly Flanders

Friday, Sept.25 - No Post

Saturday, Sept.26 - Erin, Big Giveaway Post!!!  Why Not Sew?

GIVEAWAY!

I did not forget...I promised a birthday giveaway and here I am with it.  Better late than never, I always say.  

I made another double-zipper pouch with Lotta Jansdotter fabrics.  The pattern is by Sweetwater and is so easy to put together...I rather enjoy making them!  This pouch measures ~9 x 7 inches.

For a chance to win this pouch (which I will fill with a few goodies), leave a comment on this blog post.  What would you use the pouch for...sewing supplies, make-up...could be wonderful for almost any use!  

I will draw a winner on Monday morning, March 2.

Here's the pouch...

front

back

Good luck to you all!



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Giveaway Winner!!

Thank you for all your birthday wishes and comments...

The giveaway is now closed.

The winner is...

Rhonda!

  ~Backroad Treasures~ said...

I just found your blog love it. happy belated birthday!!!!!!

Would love to be put in for your giveaway!!!!
Enjoy your day..
Blessings
Rhonda

February 18, 2014 at 5:06 AM

Congratulations to you! 

Rhonda has been contacted by email.

 




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Birthday to Me Giveaway!!!

Yup, today is the big day!  My birthday.  It's a special year...I am now eligible for Social Security.  Gosh, I remember once thinking that anyone this age was ancient!  Now, I'm thinking I have a lot of life yet to live!  

I mentioned in Friday's blog post something about having a giveaway...I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my special day than to give.  So, I looked around and found a few things that I think will appeal to you. 

Birthday 2014 Giveaway!

*1 jar (empty) Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves...with 1 fabric strawberry
*1 applique block...instructions and 4 fabric pieces included
*3 pieces of overdyed (by me) wool (5x28, 9x26, 10x12)
*4 green on green cloth napkins

To be in the drawing, please leave a comment on this blog post. Email me if you are not able to leave a comment (act_collies at yahoo dot com) and I will leave a comment on your behalf.  Please tell me if you are currently a follower of this blog.  

The drawing will take place at noon on Sunday, February 23, at which time the winner will be announced by edit to this blog post, and will also be contacted by email.  If you are a no-reply commenter, please be sure to include your email address in your comment.

  

OH!  I almost forgot...BONUS!  If I draw your name and you are already a follower of my blog, you will also receive this Stacey Nash pattern... 

Good luck!


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Heart Day!!!

found on Pinterest

Happy Heart Day to you all!

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As you read earlier this week, 

I've been bitten by the 'pillow' bug.

I happened to have six 1/2 yard pieces

of Parson Gray Seven Wonders

by David Butler...

with nowhere to go.

So, I started putting some

pillow cover tops together.

Here's what I have so far...

 

  

I like some of them better than others.  My faves are the last three...the half square triangles, the split rail fence, and the simple patchwork.  The pillow covers range in size, so I'll have several pillows of the same fabrics in different sizes (16, 18 and 20 inches).  I'll quilt them and make the backing with a solid fabric.  I will probably make a few more and decide which ones I like best to finish.  

What are you all working on?

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psssssst....

My birthday is coming up

and what better way to celebrate

than to have a small giveaway?

If I can decide what to give away,

that is. 

Stay tuned.

edited to add:  I did it!  I put together a fun little package...kinda red/heart-themed...what with my birthday's proximity to Valentine's Day! 

 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Birthday to ME!...and a Giveaway!

Happy Birthday to me!!! I actually love my birthday.  Gotta love a day that is 'all about me'!  ~grin~  Every year, me Mum reminds me of the year - I was a young child - when I became very upset because my Dad had to work on my birthday!  Actually, I always thought that, but it seems that one year I made a particularly big fuss about it.  That makes me smile.  Because, of course, everyone should be available to help me celebrate MY day, don't you think? 

What am I doing to celebrate my special day?  Well, for one thing, my son, Paul, along with his wife, Rachel, will be stopping by.  They picked up a tv that I bought and will be delivering it.  (I am so excited about this...but more on that at a later time).  We will have some time together and then will go out to eat for lunch.

For those of you who are wondering, I will be 61 years old at 12:12 today.  And, not a minute before!  ~grin~  One year closer to retirement is the way I see it.

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Later...

So, I had written all of the above this a.m. and, for some reason, my laptop shut down.   It's now almost 10:00 p.m. and I am just getting back to it.

I had a great day.  Paul and Rachel came...as planned.  Paul got my tv and blu-ray player set up and then we went to Outback for a birthday luncheon.  Very nice waiter and great meal!


I had one of these...

we shared one of these...

served by our waiter, Ben.

I didn't take a photo of our dinner...too hungry or something, perhaps.

Here is a great shot of Paul and Rachel...

 

and another one... 

We had a great time.
    
It has been a great day.  YAY!

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On to the exciting part of this post...the Giveaway!

I made this little mat before Christmas and did nothing with it.  I thought it might make someone a nice little gift.  The fabric is Jovial by basicgrey for Moda and the mat measures about 13 1/2 inches square.  I quilted it with little loopy-loops.  

front

back

No tricks or hoops to jump through...just leave a few nice words for me.  I will use the Random Number Generator at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20 and will email the winner.  Please ensure that I have your email address...either through your profile or left in the comment.

Good luck to all of you!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Catching Up...

Wow...where does the time go?  It's been almost 4 weeks since I last wrote.  Guess I have not been paying attention.  

Where do I begin?  


I think I'll just take a deep breath and jump in.  I might have lots to say, so get comfy!

My granddaughter, Kaylynn - aka Princess Kaylynn - came for an overnight last weekend.  What a delight that child is.  I do nothing but smile when she is here.  This was her first visit to my apartment.  We didn't do too much...watched a movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks - The Squeakquel"...the one where they meet the Chipettes (who sing "Single Lady" by Beyonce...so darn cute).  ~grin~ 

Made mini pumpkin pies...in a muffin tin...that was fun!

And, they were very good!

Course, Tag and Kaylynn fell asleep together...

I took a lot of pictures...and came up with this one.  I so adore this girl...

The visits with Kaylynn...excuse me...Princess Kaylynn...are always too short.  

Tag thinks so, too.  He thinks she comes just for him, you know.  ~grin~

I took my latest quilting projects to show off at work.  I am always so pleased to receive feedback from my coworkers.  

Let's see.  I seem to recall that I was going to talk about living with a cat.  Yes, indeed.  I have a cat.  Not solely by choice, but rather more of necessity.  Julie's cat.  Kisa.  When Julie was moving, she couldn't find a home for Kisa, so rather than have her go to the humane society or to a rescue, I offered to take her.  What was I thinking?  I have never had a cat.  For a reason.  Because I didn't particularly want one.  Not a cat lover.  Not a cat hater, though.  Sort of ambivalent, I guess you could say.  So...Kisa has been with Tag and I since we moved here and I must say that I am pleased that she has decided to become part of the family.  She is now more a participant than an onlooker as she was when we all lived in the country.  She is a good girl...doesn't climb onto tables or counters...uses her litter box, tolerates Tag (and me, too) and loves to talk.  Little chatterbox sometimes.  Takes her cues from Tag as far as eating time goes...what a nuisance those two are together!  ~grin~

Here are a few photos of her...

That is me under the quilt.  When Tag lays next to me in the big easy chair, Kisa feels that her place is on me.  Funny girl.

If they're not with me in the big easy chair, they're laying on the sofa...Kisa is the indentation on the left...on the back of the sofa...

 

She really is a pretty cat.  A Pixie-Bob.  

OH!  And, I won a giveaway!  I rarely enter them, anymore.  But when Erin, over at Why Not Sew? was having a giveaway for the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks magazine, I had to enter...and I won!  woohoo!  ohmygosh...the blocks are all amazing!  There are several I want to try.  Someday.

                                 

Why was Erin having a giveaway?  Because...she has a block in the magazine!  I am impressed!  That girl rocks, for sure!  Here is her block...can you say WOW!?!?!       

  

 
Other than work and getting settled into my small apartment, I've been working on gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  Nothing to show just yet.  Lots of knitting of face cloths, which are nice to work on before I leave for work in the a.m. (actually relaxing to sit and knit for the last 20 minutes or so before I need to leave) and in the evening while watching tv.  Getting down to "get serious and put your nose to the grindstone" time, though.  Always one to work best under pressure...that's me!

OH!  And, the 2Sheep hooked rug...the current header of this blog...the rug that took me forever to complete?  I sold it!  Yes, I did!  It doesn't really go with my stuff and my friend, Claire, has always admired it...so I sold it to her.  YAY!!     

And, for those of you who are keeping track...I have now read 81 books this year...and will surely surpass last year's total of 84.  Can you believe it?   

I think that is about it for now. 

Have a great weekend!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Yay!!!

A GIVEAWAY!!!
 

For no special reason.

Just that I made this small quilt

and want to share it with one of you.

 

This small quilt is made up of 2.5" 

red, blue, green and brown squares

and measures ~17 inches square.

I quilted it with straight lines...

one on each side of every seam.

It has not been laundered...

thought I would leave that up to the winner.

I will include care instructions.

This will be quick and easy.

Just leave a comment on this post...

telling me why Fall is special to you.

It is not my favorite season...

mostly because it seems short...

and it is followed by the dreaded winter!  

(I do, however, love the colors of fall!)

**Entries are now closed...thank you!**

Please ensure that you are reachable by email.  

Good Luck!

Sew On!!!

WINNER of the giveaway:
Madge @ The View Right Here!
Congratulations, Madge!
I've emailed you.
Thank you so much to all who entered.  

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I had a few projects that I really needed to finish up.  In addition to the swoonalong and the hand-pieced quiltalong, I really want to start working on my next quilt project.  But, I won't let myself start until these other things are finished and ready to go out the door.

So.  I was determined to get a lot done this weekend...and I did! Some of these were started before the weekend.   And, some were started/finished this weekend.

This is a Nook Cozy.  (or kindle...mine seems to like it okay).  Measures about 6.5 x 7.5 inches.  I am waiting for a magnetic snap for it and then it will be on its way to sister Joyce for her friend.

 

Niece/Goddaughter Jody requested some kleenex cozies.  She sent fabric and I made 10 of them for her.  Those colors are fun!

 

Sister Jill was showing off her tote bag and 2 coworkers ordered bags!  They wanted theirs to be red...and just like Jill's tote.  So, they are.  Kind of.  Same fabrics, anyway.

tote #1

tote #2

                

closeup of button and loop on tote #2

Jill's birthday is tomorrow and she requested a plastic bag holder.  I've been making these for several years and they sure come in handy!  This one is empty, so it looks kind of odd...one can get a lot of plastic bags inside of that!   This is just one of Jill's gifts...the others aren't done, yet.  Yes, I know...they're going to be late.

 And.  Always planning ahead.  My niece, Michelle, will be 26 on Tuesday.  Needless to say, her gift will also be late.  Waiting on the pattern.  That I just ordered on Friday.  But, here's the fabric for it.  She loves blue and I think she will love this fabric.  I'll show you when it's done.

I cut out my pieces for block 4 - bear paw - of the hand-pieced quiltalong.  The measurements were off, so some resizing needs to be done.  I'll work on those this week when I'm sitting in front of the tv.

I think that's that!  A great feeling to be getting these projects done.   


Have a great week!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11