I'm Back

Hello to all my followers. Sorry I've been MIA, we've been going through a long moving process. My dear hubby has PCS'd from Alaska, and the children and I are now with him as a family again at his new duty station. We've only been in the new house for about a week, so we're still unpacking and trying to get situated. Half of our things from the old house are in storage in NC. I want to apologize for missing projects. This new house has smaller rooms than what we left so I had to really make some hard decisions as to what could come and what had to stay. I do have my sewing machine though. No fabric or notions, had to leave it behind, but I made sure to get the workhorse.

So now we're coming up on my baby's birthday this coming Thursday, she'll be six years old. I plan to have a little something for her at the school since we don't know anyone yet. And right behind that is Christmas, yippee!! My dear husband said Christmas was cancelled for our house this year because of the move we just made and money is a little tight. I don't know about that. My baby believes in Santa Claus and she just doesn't understand what the problem is because Santa brings all the presents in that big bag he carries on his back. They're so cute at this age. So I'm going to have to write Santa a letter to make sure he gets our new address. Don't want him to go to our old place and not know where to send at least one present for my 3 lovelies.

Anyway, the children are finally all dressed so we have to make a quick errand run. I just wanted to give you all a quick update and my apologies on my absence. Will get back in the swing of things after we get a little more settled.

~Tootles!

I've been Tagged!!

I've been tagged by the club and so I need to share 5 things about myself.

5 Things
1. My Favorite Fabric is: Most anything by 3 sisters for Moda.
2. The pattern I'm most looking forward to sewing is: I don't use patterns, but I would love to try the dresden plate quilt block.
3. The food that is my weakness: I love cookies. Especially choc. chip cookies, and white choc. macadamia nut cookies.
4. If I knew I couldn't fail, I'd: Start my own business.
5. The Best "Life" Advice I know is: Comes from the movie Ratatouille, 'If you focus on what you've left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead' -Chef Gusteau

~Tootles!

Mini Quilt Monday

Happy Monday everyone!! Have you all heard of Mini Quilt Monday? There's a flickr group that makes mini quilts and showcases them on Monday's. I thought I'd get in on the fun and show a mini quilt of my own. Mini quilts are fun to make because it helps you get your quilt fix without having to put in the time on a big quilt. It's also good for trying out new quilt blocks and quilting designs. There's talk about what size makes a mini a true mini and mess like that. I don't worry about following the rules. As I mentioned before, I like to quilt outside the lines. Doesn't matter to me that my points don't match, or my blocks are off. As long as the quilt functions as a quilt, I'm good. This mini measures 12" by 14". I love the colors, especially the bright orange and yellow. The pic below is the back, my son's favorite part of the quilt. He likes the stitch pattern.
And this is the front. I think the block is called Market Square, or something like that. I found it on my new quilt design software. I like being able to put the colors together on the computer before actually making the quilt. For some reason it helps me to see the colors better on screen than actually having the fabric in hand. Anyway, this is my Mini Quilt Monday.

~Tootles!

New Project Complete

I have completed the table runner I started the other day. The pic is grainy (thanks to my DD learning new tricks with her camera, but not learning how to set it back to it's original state), but it's complete. I did some stippling on it, my first time, and I should have taken some pics to show that. Maybe later. Anyway, the stippling was fun, not as hard as I thought, and easier the more I kept at it. My thread broke three times, don't know why, I changed the needle before I began quilting. I used red thread for the stippling (Amanda Jean's recommendation) the same color as the backing and sashing. This table runner was made with scrap fabric I had in my stash. Well, except for the backing. I had to run to Hancock's for the backing, they had a sale going on so I only paid 72 cents for the backing fabric! The binding is pieced from the same scraps I used on the blocks. So with this done, I have completed my OPAM, and can enter the runner into the Charming Quilt Girls' Club.

~Tootles!

A new project

I have been neglecting my WISP's and the OPAM challenge. I blame it on the summer vacation. I have started a new project though, a table runner, that I'm submitting to the Charming Girls' Quilt Club which I joined on yesterday. So per the club rules, I have until the end of the month to complete this project, and get my name put in a drawing for a $25 GC to Cotton Charm. The fabric I'm using is from my stash, and I'm so sorry that the pic below does not show it as clear as I would have liked. It's not even straight, but it's a square in a square type of block so I don't think it really makes a difference. This is the first table runner I've done so I don't mind playing with scraps. They have to be used somehow. So, in finishing this project, which I intend to do, I will be able to fulfill my OPAM challenge, and this one for the Quilt Club. And, maybe get myself back on the crafting track.

~Tootles!

Giveaway Time with Quiltqua

My, how long it's been since I've blogged to you all. Hope you're enjoying the summer as we are. I have been invited to have MahoganyBlue on the blog list over at quiltqua . In case you don't know, quiltqua is this cool website that has just about everything related to quilting. They have patterns, listings of guilds and quilting blogs, suppliers, articles, shows... I mean the list goes on. And as the title of this post says, they have giveaways. Lots of them, going on right now. One is specifically called Tell a Friend, and that's all you have to do. Spread the word about quiltqua through your blog, emailing your friends, whatever. Then send an email to quiltqua letting them know that you've done so. You can enter as often as you want, and the drawing is to be held the end of July. You can win 1 fat quarter bundle of "Frosted Memories" by Holly Taylor for Moda Fabrics! So I'm telling you, my friends. Quiltqua is a great site for all things quilty and they're having a fantastic giveaway. So head on over there, check it out, tell your friends, and enter to win. And hopefully I can eek out some time this summer, or school will roll back around faster than I think it will, and I can actually quilt something again to show you all. I'm working on a table runner pattern for my table. I desperately need one.

~Tootles!

Does it bug you too?

I was listening to the car radio today, and heard a song that I briefly heard once before. So I'm all excited because I finally get to hear the entire song, YIPEE!! I think it's a lovely song and I wouldn't mind having it, I must know who sings it. So, when the song finishes I wait for the jockey to let us know who the artist is, but he doesn't. That really bugs me. I guess they think maybe we listen to the radio often enough to know by now who are the artists of the songs they play. But I don't. So when the children and I made it back home, I did an extensive search to find out for myself who the artist of that song was. And I did. He's a young man from Detroit named K'Jon. The song is called On The Ocean and is playing on my playlist. So if you have the volume on the speakers turned off, turn them on so you can listen to the muse for my drawing below.

I really like this song. The beat takes me back to when my husband and I were stationed in Korea together. That was a very special time for me. Anyway, when I heard this song I just felt a need to draw it. So I did this drawing, nothing spectacular, but it's something else that I enjoy besides sewing. And I really needed a break from the sewing machine. Until tomorrow that is.

~Tootles!

Alani's Chinese Coins Quilt

Do you all remember the monster quilt I started for my oldest baby? It began as a strip like this...

and is now starting to look like a quilt. The pic doesn't look as good as the quilt. I guess it was the not so bright lighting last night. But there are 6 strips of coins with sashing and outer border. I still have to put another border and the backing and you know the rest of the stuff that goes into it, but I have made some progress. And I must say, we are in love with it.

I also wanted to share some postcards I made for a postcard swap. These were already received by other swappers. This one is my favorite. I didn't realize how crooked the card is. I'll have to work on that for my next swap.

This wedge shoe and handbag is a close second to the little black dress.

~Tootles!

Oh My Goodness!!!

I am outraged!! Lil Kim was just voted off Dancing with the Stars. She was in the bottom two along with Ty Murray. The judges votes, and the viewers votes were not enough to send her to the semi-finals next week. Now, Ty has come a long way, but come on!! He truly can not out dance Lil Kim. I think the viewer votes he received was due to the fact that he's married to Jewel. The audience was shocked when her name was called. I'm sure Ty himself thought he was going home. But, it seems the viewers loved him more than Lil Kim. It's not the dancing that gets you through it seems, but your stardom, as was seen in this case.

~Tootles!

New BOM and a give-away

Two posts in one day, so not like me, but I had to tell you all about this. Elefantz has a new block of the month called Shabby Roses. They are beautiful, and oh so feminine. In celebration of the BOM, she will also be having a give-away. The drawing will be held on May 3rd. So head on over there, let her know I sent you, and leave a comment for your chance to win. And don't forget to download the first two blocks of the Shabby Roses BOM. Good luck in the drawing!

~Tootles!

I've been Tagged!!

Yesterday, Molly tagged me, but I was too sick to do anything about it. I have to tell you all 8 things. So today I'm going to tell you the 8 things, but when you read this first bunch of 8 things, they were actually done on Saturday, because I was too sick yesterday to tell you what I did on Saturday. Ok, so here goes:

8 things I did yesterday:

1) Celebrated my baby's 10th birthday.

2) Took children to the zoo. Justin invited his friend, so in all 4 childen.

3) Patiently waited 20 minutes while these 4 children colored, cut, and glued an Earth puppet.

4) Scavenger Hunt

5) Saw a solar panel being used to pump water. Cool !!!

6) Rode a train.

7) Sang with a Pirate.

8) Wore myself out!!!

8 Things I wish I could do:

1) Free motion quilting.

2)Swim.

3) Work from home.

4) Lose 20 pounds.

5) Speak a foreign language.

6) Take a trip to NY.

7) Clean the house by twitching my nose.

8)Be allergy free.

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:

1) The View

2) Martha Stewart

3) The Closer

4) Monk- which is coming to it's final season, waaahhhh!!!

5) Psych

6) America's Next Top Model

7)Supernanny

8) My Wife and Kids

9) Dancing With the Stars

Yes I do know that's 9 shows and not 8 but I couldn't leave out Dancing With the Stars. I love to watch Giles and Lil Kim!!!

Okay, so now I have to choose 8 blogs to Tag. And I hope they don't mind being tagged. You know some people are really funny about that. They be like, 'No Tags or Blog Awards Please'. They are a great bunch of people so hopefully they won't mind.

But the 8 blogs I'm tagging are:

1) Melissa - threeprincedesigns

2) Priscilla - priscillacraft

3) Terri - sew-fantastic

4) Purple flower patch - elefantz

5) AmandaJean - Crazy mom quilts

6)Stina - kviltstina

7) Amanda - busy little quilter

8) Amy - diary of a quilter

~Tootles!

Happy Birthday Alani !!!

Today is my baby's birthday. She is 10 years old now! I can't believe, that 10 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful lil princess. Today is going to be a very busy day, and I shall enjoy every minute of it.

~Tootles for now!

Bloggers Quilt Festival

I don't know if you all have heard about this, but Amy over at Park City Girl, is hosting the First Annual Bloggers Quilt Festival. So I thought it'd be fun to be a part of this event. We were told to choose our favorite quilt to share. For me that was easy because I've only done three. For those of you that read my blog, you've seen this before, but I hope you don't mind seeing it agin. This scrappy pinwheel quilt I did with the ladies at youcanmakethis is my favorite. I like this quilt because I can look at each block and tell you what the fabric in that block was used for. There is fabric from some from purses I've made, a pillow, and even a pair of shorts for my son.

This pic shows the back of the quilt. I had to buy extra fabric for that part. But if you look closely, you can see the binding had to be pieced together because I didn't have enough fabric.

So there you have it. My addition to the First Annual Bloggers Quilt Festival. Pop on over to Park City Girl when you get a chance and check out the other 500+ bloggers that have shared quilts in this festival.

~Tootles!

Finish for April

I was over at Priscilla's blog yesterday, and she made the cutest little skirt for her daughter using this tutorial. So, following her lead, I just had to make one for my lil angel. This skirt was so easy to make. I love how the ribbon is used for the hem of the skirt. I'm also following her lead by adding this to my finishes list for April. Remember the One Project a Month I committed myself to? Especially since I got absolutely nothing done during the month of March. Thanks for sharing this Priscilla!


~Tootles!

Quilt Preview

Okay, so I mentioned in an earlier post that I was making a chinese coins quilt for my oldest daughter. While cutting out the fabric I had no real idea how big the quilt would be. Below is a pic of one strip of coins.
Did you hear me? One strip!! There are still 5 more to sew together. Then when you add the sashing and outer border... OH MY GOODNESS!!! This quilt is going to be a monster!!!! I don't know what I was thinking about, but I'm almost sure it's too late to turn back now. Wish me luck.

~Tootles for now!

Fabric Post Card

Okay, I can't even begin to tell you how I got started with fabric postcards. All I remember is seeing one, maybe on a blog, I'm not really sure. I started thinking, I know just the right person who would so love getting one of these in the mail. I must learn how to make those. The next thing I know, I've joined a new yahoo group where we'll be making and trading fabric postcards. Now in this group there are a few people that have made these in the past. Our seasoned pros, I would call them. So I feel a little bit intimidated trading with them when I'm but a novice in this area. I figure, practice. I need to practice while the group is still young and we're still trying to finalize the details of the trade. Below is the pic of my first fabric postcard. I made it this morning while watching The View. I kind of like it, except for the pen mark going down the left side of it. I always keep the first item of whatever craft I start, so this one is mine. So the pen mark doesn't really matter, and a lesson has been learned. I shouldn't see any pen marks on the others. So, what do you think?

~Tootles!

Long Time, No Post

My how long it has been since I've blogged. I promised my next post would be all about me. So if you're interested, read on. Since my last post, that is the post before my giveaway posts, I have been let go from my job. That was a bummer because I had hoped to work up until the kids got out of school for the summer. With that happening, the creativity was sucked right out of me for a while. I got over that, and have started looking for houses because my dear hubby is moving us back to NC this summer. Yeah!! We are doing the happy dance. Louisiana is okay, but I've always felt like a visitor in this state, and long to go back home to NC. I'm a NY'er born and bred, but love NC. So anyway, I'm looking on the internet for houses, schools, doctors, and so on. Lots of work, little time for crafting. Then I have to start packing. I'm a procrastinator so I've been just thinking about packing, not doing any of it all. And then since I'm not working I thought what a great time to go on some field trips with the kids. In the past two weeks I've gone to see the Wizard of Oz with Anaya and we also went Easter egg hunting. I've been to the zoo with Justin, and a LEAP ballgame with Alani. I'm hoping that you all know what LEAP is. It's a series of tests the children have to take at the end of the year, starting in the 4th grade. It was pretty serious business for the children. If they fail the test, they fail the grade. Something I'm not happy with because some children just don't do well with tests. So an honor roll student will have to go to summer school or repeat the grade if they fail the LEAP/ iLeap test. Even though they've done well all year long. I think that sucks. Anyway, we'll see how well the children did in May. So the LEAP ballgame was a way for the children to let out some energy from wracking their brains with testing for a week. Now, the children are out for Easter Break. What fun, what fun!! But what was not fun was the tooth that broke while I was brushing my teeth. My husband asked have I been brushing my teeth with brillo. You would thinks so, huh? I go to the dentist who works on my tooth and puts a temporary crown on it. I got an infection from that and was in so much pain I had to actually take medicine to get relief. I don't like to take meds and will often deal with pain and discomfort instead. Not that time. I went back to the dentist, got my antibiotics and pain meds, and proceeded to be pain free. Two weeks later, and I now have my permanent crown. And no pain. Whew. Then I've been having knee pain. My sewing knee at that. So I went to the doctor for that, and he sends me for an MRI. Well, I knew I had a little issue with claustrophobia, but I had no idea just how much until I went into that death chamber they call an MRI. I was crying, praying, breathing heavily, and trying my best to keep that machine from moving me any further into the chamber. Finally, after 45 minutes, I'm set free. And I tell you, I will not be doing that again. The next time I'm asked if I'm claustrophobic I will not say, ' it depends on how small the space and how long I'm in it'. I will say YES!!! The MRI came back, and it turns out I have a fractured ACL in my right knee. My sewing knee. I was offered surgery, no thank you, and drugs, I don't think so. So instead, I have to do some exercises to try and strengthen my hamstrings which is suppossed to help my knee. Specifically, cycling for 20 minutes a day, walking, and definitely no lunges. Aw shucks. So, in between all of the goings on in my life, I've eeked out some time to do a little quilting. Not much, but I did manage to finish the quilt that was started with youcanmakethis. The pic below shows the front with a little bit of the backing. You can see on the binding, which I love to do while watching television, I had to use two different types of fabric becuase I ran out of the backing. I've been on a fabric buying freeze, gasp!! I know, because of not having a job anymore and trying to move and all. I like the way it looks though.
This is the front of the quilt. I love the scrappiness of it. I can look at each pinwheel block and tell you what the fabric from the block was originally used on. Cool!!

This is a doll quilt I did with the ladies from sewmamasew. The pic below is showing it sideways for some reason, but you get the gist. It was made from scraps as well.

This pic shows the backing. I was able to use the same fabric for the binding on this one.

With both of these quilts I did some stitch in the ditch quilting. I totally suck at that. I've been practicing my stippling but still do not feel comfortable enough to try it on a big quilt yet. On my table now I have some fabric cut to make a chinese coins quilt for Alani, and I have a quilt for myself in the works using Civil War Crossings fabric by Moda. Then I'll start on Justin's quilt. Can't leave him out. So, there you have it. The reasons I've been MIA from blogland. But I'm back now, and will be blogging a bit more. At least this week while the kids are out.

~Tootles for now!

Are you ready for another giveaway? How about Two?

I'm going to post this give-away because it's cool to get free stuff, but also because Judi has some really great stuff on her blog and her site. Judi is from Green Fairy Quilts, and she is having a jelly roll and pattern givea-away. The pattern is the cutest, using strips of fabric from one jelly roll. So head on over and leave a comment to get your name entered in the drawing. Answer a few more questions that she has and get your name entered multiple times. Also, Darci , who makes a lot of pretty things as well, is having a fat quarter give-away. She will be giving away three fq's from the new line Wonderland by MoMo for Moda. Really cool! So head over to both of these blogs for your chance to win. Good luck!
~Tootles!

P.S. I know it's been a while since I've blogged, and I pinky promise the next blog will be all about me!! LOL, that is if you have the slightest care at all.

~Tootles!

Give-away Time

I have been unable to get in touch with my lil handbag give-away winner, Ms. Donna, so I'm going to pick another winner. In the meantime, the wonderful people over at youcanmakethis are having a super fantastic give-away. They will be launching a new site dedicated to quilting, and will be giving away the Marie Osmond Quilter's Companion sewing machine by Janome. All you have to do is sign up for the newsletter to get your name in the pot. There will be other ways to add your name multiple times so head on over there and get your name in the drawing. And if the sewing machine is not enough, you will also receive two free quilt e-patterns for signing up for the new quilting newsletter. So you've already won even if you don't win the machine, but I would really like to win the machine. Good luck to ya!

~Tootles!

Time to pick a winner

It's Thursday evening, time to pick a winner for my first give-away. I am so excited! I used the random generator to pick the winner, and here is who they chose. Okay, so I can't figure out how to work the html to post the winner they chose, so I'll just have to tell you. The random generator, chose, the number 5. Yeah to number 5, who is, hold on let me go back and check, Donna. Congratulations!! Email me your snail mail address and I'll send this little cutie right out to you. Thanks for participating. Will be having another giveaway soon.
~Tootles!

Bend The Rules Sewing Chic Handbag

Good morning all. I've been up since 3 this morning, unable to sleep. So I thought, what better time than now to finish this bag that's been troubling me. Now, I've made handbags before, plenty actually, but this one gave me fits. I couldn't figure out, what turned out to be an even simpler step than I first thought it was. Wait, let me back up. I am in the Bend The Rules Sewing Chic Handbag Swap. You can click on the link to learn more about it. Anyway, as always, I like to try a pattern first before I use it to make something for someone else. So, this is the bag I've been working on. There was a step to the bag making I just couldn't figure out (glad I wasn't the only one though or I would've felt real crazy), but Adrienne ( the swap hostess) explained it to me (thanks Adrienne), and this is the end result.
I would have liked the straps to be longer, but I just wanted to be done with this bag so I can move on to making one for my swap partner. Luckily straps are threaded through the casing only and not sewn to the bag itself. So I can just take it out later and make a longer strap.

As you can see I put a pocket on the inside and magnetic snap closures. I also added a little key holder strap. I'm always searching for my keys no matter how small a bag may be. Whew, now I must go wake the children and get ready for work. Have a blessed day!

~Tootles!

Daylight Savings Time Already

Hello everyone. Let me start by saying that I totally did not get the memo about turning the clocks ahead before I went to bed last night. The children and I woke up much later today than normal. Then, Anaya's tooth finally fell out, thanks to her messing with it so much. So I decided to make her a tooth fairy pillow. What better time to use the little angel pattern I found. We are calling her a tooth fairy instead, and I sewed a little pocket to the front of her where we will put the tooth in tonight. Anaya just loves her.
Next I want to show you all the cuff bracelet I made for Anaya. Acutually I've been making lots of cuffs lately. They're a good way to use up scraps of fabric, and so easy to make. This one is pretty simple. Just a rectangle of fabric, fleece lining, and backing, and some ribbon I sewed to the top of the main fabric. I sewed them right sides together, leaving a space for turning. Clipped the corners, turned it and sewed it closed. Then I added these snaps. Cool!

These cuffs I made for my boss. The pattern is one I found at jchandmade. I made the pink one for myself and my boss liked it so much that she wanted one just like it. She then asked me to make some for her and her daughter to wear today for the daughter's baptism. So the big white one is for my boss, and the little one is for the baby daughter. It closes with velcro. The other two close with a button and loop.

I have some more things to do before the day ends (like cook dinner, make sure everyone bathes, LOL, you know, things like that) so I must go.

~Tootles!

Give-away Time

My, my. Seems lately I've been posting about nothing but give-aways. But I'm sure you all enjoy them as much as I do, so I'm going to tell you about two more. The first one is mine. Yeah!! I'm having my very first give-away. I told you guys a few days ago about the lack of participation for my Pay It Forward. Well, I have this cute little bag that I made( see pic below) and I will be giving this bag away Wednesday evening. Oh no, scratch that. I'll be watching America's Next Top Model on Wednesday. Let's make it Thursday evening. Okay, so you have until Thursday, March 12th, to enter for a chance to win this cutie.(edit- just leave a comment on this post to enter) I use my little bag to carry the essentials when I'm out with the children, like when we went to the zoo during Mardis Gras. Big enough to carry my car keys, wallet, and hand sanitizer.
Okay, so the other give-away is a Round Robin give-away by the lovely Barb. Barb always has such lovely things on her blog, so to win something from her would be wonderful to me. I especially liked the "Ugly Quilt" that Shelly won not too long ago. Anyway, Barb is giving away a cute little bag, actually 5 of them, and then the winner sends one of the remaining four bags to someone, and so on and so on. The rules are best explained by Barb, so go by Barb's and enter for your chance to win. And don't forget to come back here on Thursday the 12th to see if you won the little bag pictured above. Good luck!!

~Tootles!

Another Great Giveaway

I have another great giveaway for you all. The quilted pig is giving away some of her Japanese fabric. Being in Japan she has tons I'm sure. She's so lucky. Anyway, a winner will be chosen the evening of March 6th. So pop on over there and enter to win. Good luck!

Tootles!

Pay It Forward

Good morning all. It's been almost a month since I told you all about the pay it forward movement I have become a part of thanks to Shelly. Well, after all that time I only have one participant, the crafty Priscilla, and not the three that I needed per the movement rules. So, I will be having two give-aways this month. I'm not sure yet what I will be giving away, but they will make up for the two participants I'm lacking. So stay tuned, give-away's ahead.
Tootles!

Last two projects for February

Life has certainly gotten in the way of my blogging time. But I was able to eek out a few hours today to finish these two projects. Below you will find the apron I made from the new e-book pattern that Melissa from threeprincedesigns made. It is a reversible apron,and it was so easy to make.
Sorry for the fuzzy pictures, but we've had a long day.

Below you will find Anaya's doll baby laying in the doll carrier I made for her. The pattern is what I decided to get with the gift certificate I won from one of threeprincedesigns giveaway.

Anaya picked out the fabric all by herself. And now Alani likes it so much, she needs to have one for her cubbies. Will have to show pics of the fabric she chose when that's done.

So long for now, I am beat.

~Tootles!

Giveaway

I love giveaways, don't you? Well, Judi from greenfairyquilts is having a giveaway for one of her beautiful Posh Quilted Bags. To enter, you just have to tell her which of the bags you like the best. So click on the button in my sidebar and head over to Judi's for your chance to win. You have until the 27th of Feb. to enter. Make sure to tell her I sent you. Good luck!
~Tootles!

Bushfires in Australia

I'm sure everyone has heard about the devastation going on in Australia. Many have lost their homes, and sadly, many lives have been lost. Tons of people in blogland have made plans to help with this situation. Mrs. Martin's Quilt Shop is asking for people to donate quilts, quilt blocks, fabric, and batting so that quilts can be made and given to those in need. Also, thinking of the little children, if you can make teddy bears or other stuffed toys, it would be helpful. Auntie's Quaint Quilts has a list on her blog of other bloggers that have different ways you can help out. I'm sure any little bit that we can do will go a long way and would be greatly appreciated.

~Tootles!

Pay It Forward

Thanks to Shelly I am now a part of the Pay It Forward movement. I have seen this around before, but had no clear idea about what it was. Well, it's actually quite simple. The first three people to sign up will receive, within the next 365 days, some handmade goodness from me. The only catch is, to be one of the lucky three, you must agree to continue the chain of handmade goodness to three people of your own. Who doesn't like to get little goodies in the mail? I know I do. Just leave a comment saying you want to sign up, pinky promise to continue the chain, grab the button, post about it on your blog, and start spreading the Pay It Forward love. So what do you say, are you in?

~Tootles!

WooHoo!! I am up to date with the ycmt quilt. I must say I am quite pleased with this quilt and am already thinking of new quilts I can make with this pattern. We still have the borders to figure out, and things like that, but overall I am pleased.

~Tootles!

Thanks Melissa!

Melissa from threeprincedesigns has bestowed another award on me. I am not worthy, but boy do I appreciate it. This award is a "Thank You" award because Melissa enjoys reading my blog. How sweet is that!! I love her blog as well and visit it quite often. As a matter of fact, Melissa has lots of cool stuff going on at her blog that I'm sure you all will be interested in. Melissa shares tutorials, Fun with Family Friday (my favorite), and just recently, Monday at the Market. That's the day she shares different sites that are having giveaways, coupon deals, sales discounts and other things that we can buy to help stimulate the economy. So you all go check out Melissa's place when you get a chance. And thanks again Melissa, it's much appreciated.

~Tootles!

February is Black History Month

Every year, since I could remember, February has been called Black History Month. When I was in school, our teachers would dedicate this month to teaching us all about the contributions African Americans have made, African American culture, and African American history. Well, imagine my surprise when my baby tells me that they're not being taught anything specific for Black History Month. I try not to get on a soapbox about things, but if the children are getting out of school for 5 days to celebrate Mardis Gras, and are giving and receiving valentines to one another, then I believe some recognition should be given to the many African Americans that have contributed to the history of this great country. So, with that said, I will be sharing with you all some of the Black History facts that I'm going over with my children.

Black History Month began in 1926 when Harvard scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson, made it his mission to show the public that Black History wasn't only about slavery. It's first recognition was during the second week of February. Dr. Woodson chose this time because it also marked the birthday's of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social conditons of African Americans, former President Abraham Lincoln, and abolitionist Frederick Douglas(wikipedia.org).

Okay so now that we have the origin out of the way, let me share with you a black history fact. I'm sharing this fact with you because my babies often ask me why Native American's are called such, and if they were here first where did the other people in America come from. Good question, so I'll start with this bit of information that I obtained from Black-History-Month.net.

~Quote
The first Black Americans were the 20 blacks that arrived at Jamestown, Virginia about the latter end of August in 1619. Surviving evidence indicates that the first Black settlers were not slaves. It appears from the record that they were assigned the same status- indentured servitude- as most of the first White immigrants. At the time of the first detailed census in 1624-25, the 23 Blacks in Virginia- 11 males, 10 females, and 2 children- constituted some two percent of the total population of 1227. Among the Blacks identified by name were Angelo, Edward, Antonio, Mary and John Pedro ( Black-History-Month.net) ~End Quote

Whew!! So that's what 's going on in our house lately. Hope you enjoyed this Black History fact.

~Tootles!

Quilt update

Happy Tuesday everyone!! Today I want to share the quilts I'm making for the quilt challenges. This one is for the ycmt quilt. We're making this quilt up as we go so every couple of days Kim, the host for this challenge, will give us a new step to add to the quilt. For this step we had two options in which to lay our quilt, and I chose option 2, the not so easy one of the two. It looks kinda wonky because it's not sewn together as one piece, and squared off yet. Can't wait to see where we're going with it next.

This is the quilt for the calendar quilt challenge that Rachel is hosting. The bigger piece is for the month of January. I started out doing strips but decided I wanted to do something different, which is why I have the rectangle piece below it. That is the first piece of February's block. It's leftover from an apron I made for the Amy Butler Apron Swap that Holly is hosting. For this block I'm thinking of making it kinda log cabinish. Actually, I have no clear idea what I want to do with it yet, except that I don't want to do just strips like January.

Okay, so I have to get ready for work. Have a great day!

~Tootles!

Blue Monday!!

Happy Blue Monday Everyone!! Thanks Smiling Sally for hosting Blue Monday. After going through my contribution, head on over to Sally's to visit the other Blue Monday participants.

Today we'll start with Justin's NC Panther's pillow. I started on this pillow way back in December while my dear hubby was home visiting. He sort of suggested I make some Panthers stuff for ' the boy', as he calls him. I made the applique myself from a pic I googled. This pillow is lucky enough to also be a part of the One Project a Month Challenge, and gets on my finished WISP's list. Yeahhh!!!

Okay, so the next item also gets on the One Project a Month board and finished WISP's list. It is a hanging Sunbonnet Sue Quilt. I love Sunbonnet Sue and all of her friends. This started out as a child's quilt, but being self taught I had no idea how hard, but fun, quilting can be when I started it. So since I wanted to go on to something else, but wanted to finish this as well, I decided to make it a hanging quilt. I did the binding last night while watching The Closer marathon. Boy was that hard.

Here's a close up of the blocks. The stitiching on her hat is a stitch I just recently learned on my sewing machine that I had for over 6 years. I have 17 stitches on that machine and have been using only 9. I couldn't figure out how to get to the other 8 stitches until I started on this quilt a few months ago.

She is made out of scraps that I had from other projects. The back of the quilt is made from the dress above.

The background is muslin.

I love the orange dress. So that's my Blue Monday. Hope you enjoyed it, thanks for stopping by. And don't forget to go by Sally's and visit the other participants.

~Tootles!

One down, one to go, and another project complete

I am such a procrastinator. I have had the info on both of my swap partners for the apron swaps that I'm in (see sidebar to refresh memory), and today I decided to get started on them. I have finished one, and I pray that my recepient likes it. Of course I can't show it to you but I like it, and think it came out pretty good. I may start on the other apron after church tomorrow. I also have my calendar quilt up to date, need to take a pic of that. And I'm anxiously waiting for the next step of the ycmt quilt (again, see sidebar). Now I must get started on another project.
~Tootles!

An Award ? For Me ?

GASP!! That was all I could say yesterday when Melissa, from threeprincedesigns, awarded me with not one, but two blog awards. I started blogging to keep family and friends up-to-date. Never did I think I'd meet so many wonderful people, or that someone would think my blog worthy for an award, or two. Thanks so much Melissa, I'm honored. Okay, now on to the awards.

For the first one I need to list 5 addictions. Ha, that's all, just 5? Okay here they are, in no particular order.

1) fabric

2)the internet

3)crafting, sewing especially

4)Ben&Jerry's pistachio pistachio ice cream

5)my family

For the honest scrap award the rules require a little more digging than that.

The rules are:1) Honorees are to list 10 honest things about themselves - and make it interesting, even if we have to dig deep! 2) We are to pass the award on to 5 bloggers we feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

So with that said, here are 10 honest things about myself.

1)I wish I could win millions so I could spend my days sewing and crafting.

2) I am an introvert, and have very few friends outside of family.

3) I have so many allergies (indoor, outdoor, pet, and food) that my husband jokes I should live in a bubble. My allergist would prefer I walk outside covered head to toe, and wear a face mask. Honest!

4) I love to read and to learn about history.

5)My favorite tv shows are The Closer, Monk, and Psych.

6) I have so many crafting interests I often start something new before finishing the first project.

7)When I first started college I majored in Mortuary Science. I figured working with the dead would be the best job because they can't give you any problems. I ended up with a degree in Business.

8)I'm not only an Army Wife, I'm also an Army Veteran. I served proudly for 12 years.

9) Every night before going to bed I turn on the weather channel. They have some good shows on that channel.

10)My ideal job would be to work with small children (shaping the future), the elderly (could learn a lot from the stories they'd share), or as an art teacher (get paid to craft all day).

Whew!! That was difficult. Okay, now that I've spilled my guts to you all, I have to pass these awards on so that others can gasp and spill their guts as I did.

My honorees are:

1) Claudie of Tickled Pink

2) Cheryl of Peaceful Blessings

3) Aby of Abyquilt

4) Holly of MommyHolly

5) Molly of Molly's Place

Congratulations ladies! And thanks again to Melissa, and to my readers. Thank you.

Tootles!

Finished WISP's

Yeah for me! I have completed one of the items on my WISP list. As you may remember I have joined a challenge to complete one project a month. If you don't, that's okay. Just look on my sidebar and you will see a button that you can click on to learn more about it. Anyway, I have committed myself to so many projects, that it seemed I could not get my WISP's done to complete one project a month. But I eeked out some time and got one done.

This is an apron I made out of 3 bandana's. Peeking her arm out behind me is a trashbag lady I made. She still doesn't have any hair so she couldn't make a full body guest appearance. I may have to add her to my WISP list as well. Hmm, well back to the apron. The bodice part I learned from a fellow Apronista. Still didn't get it quite right to fit my small bodice, and I do mean small, but I like it and think it came out pretty good. Check back again for more of my completed WISP's as I'm determined to get more than just this apron done. Like Justin's Panther's pillow, and Alani's purse, and...
Tootles!

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day! And Happy Blue Monday!This little boat is a picture holder. A good friend of ours gave it to Anaya over the Christmas holiday because she loved it so much.

I got this vase from my boss. She was cleaning out her office and was about to throw it away. She asked me if I wanted it. Well of course I would take it, and thank you very much. This blue beauty did nothing to warrant being thrown away. I know it will make a wonderful addition to our house somewhere. To see more wonderful pictures of something blue today, head over to Sally's.

~Tootles!~