Book Review Gift

My second most favorite thing to do after sewing is reading. And my favorite reads are Amish based books. I love reading about the Amish, I love visiting Amish communities, I admire their commitment to family and God. And, of course, I love their quilts and cooking!!!

Well, I recently did a book review on Christian Book Distributors of Wanda Brunstetter's book "The Simple Life". I love that book, it is a devotional type book. Each day there is a little snippet from one of Mrs Brunstetter's books along with a little inspirational verse and a recipe. I read mine each morning, helps to kick start me :)

Well, I was lucky enough to be one of the first 5 to review the book...so I received a signed copy of her book "Going Home" and several book marks, one of which was also signed!

Just made me sooo happy :)

Dear Jane Secret Pal Package Arrived

My wonderful Secret Pal sent me this Awesome February/Valentine Package. It arrived on Friday, so it started my weekend off on a very happy note :)

Love all the Valentine things, they are just toooo cute, especially the socks :)

The fabric is so "spring-like", which is wonderfully welcomed, since as I type this we are under a winter storm warning! ( 5 inches of snow on the ground, another 4-8 possible and the wind has picked up so now we have drifting, and it 10 degrees) You guessed it I will be sewing :)

The bag is a Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Scone mix, which I will be trying very soon (yummy). The box of chocolate candies.....well, uh...they are all gone!!! They were very good (LOL)

I love reading the notes she sends too. Helps me to feel like I am getting to know her :) It's so nice.

Weekend Sewing :)

I'm running a little behind on posting my sewing accomplishments from the weekend, but as they say, "better late than never" :)

So here we go. First, I was able to get my February Basket Case Quilter's block done.

I haven't done much embroidery work for awhile, and I must admit I was a little rusty, but I will also admit that I very much enjoyed it. As a matter of fact I think I will be doing more embroidery work in the very near future.

I was able to get my Quilting the Psalms blocks caught up for February. When I first started these blocks, I just wasn't sure about the bright colors. Brights just haven't been my first choice in the past, but some of the bright colors are growing on me :) I really like the way the black makes the bright colors POP.

And I found my Dear Jane blocks again *grin* They were put on the back burner for quite some time, while I worked on the 8 Quilts for the grandkids for Christmas last year. Anyway, I was able to get 6 done over the past weekend. Looking forward to more this week. I have to admit I missed Jane, and I'm glad to have her back out. Oh...I have named my Baby Jane, She will be known as "Recollections With Jane". I have noticed that when I work on these blocks, that I think a lot... about the Civil War Era, Jane Stickler's life, as well as my grandmothers, mother, and my past... so I felt "recollections" fit.

Saturday Winter Wonderland

Saturday Winter Wonderland = A Sew In Weekend, OH YES!!!

This morning we woke up to about 5 inches of very wet heavy snow, you know the kind perfect for snowball fights and snowman building :) That is if you are into to that kind of thing...which I'm NOT, so I will be sewing & loving every minute of it.

The picture is looking out my back door this morning. The snow was so wet and the wind was blowing so much that the snow stuck to just one side of the trees, makes for pretty pictures.

I will update my sewing progress tomorrow night - hoping to have a lot to blog :) Back to sewing.

Oh, don't forget, you can click on the pictures to enlarge them for a better view :)

Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along!!!

I know, I know, I know...the last thing I need to be doing is another BOM!!!

But hear me out, this isn't the ordinary BOM, this one is different (LOL). Oh My Gosh, how many times have I said that???? Anyway this time it's TRUE. *grin*

This one is made using a Jelly Roll, see, now that is different. So just jump right on over to "Moose on the Porch Quilts", she's on my blog list, and check it out :) And this one doesn't take a year to make. Starts in March and finishes in August (still has 12 blocks, though). Yep it's more than one block per month.

I have a jelly roll, Recipe for Friendship by Mary Englebreit, that I had no idea how use...well now I do! And just so happens that I have 2 yards of a coordinate fabric to go with it. I think this will be a lot of fun.
Here is a picture of my fabric choices for this project *VBG*

New International Siggy Arrived :)

This beautiful siggy arrived in mail box today:)

This one was made by Simon Stanislava from Croatia!!!

Simon is new to the International Siggy Swap group, and says she is enjoying receiving so many different siggies. I know that I sure did enjoy receiving hers.

She also said the Gothic "T" in the center was for the first letter of my name.

This is how she personalized it :) Love this siggy, and looking forward to receiving a few more in the weeks to come *grin*

" Road to California" Give Away Giftee Arrived

Remember a few days ago I posted that I had won Elaine's "Road to California" Give Away...Well my wonderfully awesome package has arrived

And all the goodies were so nicely wrapped and hidden this wonderful

Road to California tote bag :)

Here is everything unwrapped.

Now does this look like fun or what???

First there is a signed copy of Jo Morton's "Timeless" book. So much to do in this book. It is almost like taking a class with Jo :) And the charm pack is from her Stafford County collection.

This is sure to make something beautiful.

And have you ever seen such a cute Strawberry pincushion???

I just love it!!! (Especially since I decided to start collecting pin cushions)

Here we have a wonderful quilt pattern called "Second Hand Clothes". There is a lovely Civil War story that goes with this pattern, about making comforts for soldiers, from the ladies of Chattanooga, surplus dresses. Then the Quilt Almanac Magazine...lots of wonderful ideas in here :) And two beautiful FQs. Love the colors and print.

And this cute little bag held the "Mini-Star Fat Eighth Quilt" kit.


Tis going to make an absolutely beautiful mini quilt.
These fabrics are so so very pretty. I think I will be starting this little project today :)

I told Elaine that it was if I were there picking these things out for myself.
I love everything, it's all simply PERFECT!!!
I can't thank her enough, I feel so spoiled.
Well my head is spinning with many many visions of quilty
things, how 'bout yours???
Thank you so very much, Elaine. You not only made my day, you've made my weekend. I will be reading and planning and sewing :)

UFO Finished!!!!!

I Did It!!! I actually finished an UFO before the end of January.

Well, just barely before the end of the month :) But I did finish it before midnight January 31. (LOL) I haven't joined any challenge group, just challenging myself to get at least one UFO done a month:) So this is a start!

I finished this little wall hanging around 11:00pm January 30th.

Five of these blocks are from a swap I did with a Snail Mail group I belong to.

Some of us in the group sew...so we decided to have a little signature block swap. The other blocks are some that I made for an earlier block swap with some of the ladies this group.

This is a really fun group, some of us live here in the U.S. and others are in Australia. We actually write and mail letters to each other, and there are always a few Round Robins flying around :)

We have even done Bible Study Round Robins! It is really nice to find something in the mailbox besides bills and junk mail occasionally.

International Siggy Received :)

I received this beautiful Siggy from Bernabela Moreno Alcala this week. She lives in Spain. This is my first Siggy from Spain :) Belonging to the International Siggy Swap Group has been such a joy. I have received 40 Siggys from about 21 different countries. And each one usually comes with a short note or letter, which is always fun to read. The variety of design and fabric is astounding! Each one is a true work of art, reflecting a little something about each individual. I am hoping to receive 50 blocks, at that point I will begin to put my quilt top together. It is sure to be an unique and beautiful quilt:)

More "Have To Do" BOMs!!!!!

Well, thanks to my wonderful, wonderful Sister-in-Law and "Blogland" friends, I have found 2 more "Have To Do" Blocks Of the Month *grin* And both are FREE patterns.

The first is from Bunny Hill and it is called "Snowbound". You just gotta know that this is going to be tooooo cute!!!And the second one is called "What Is Love" from Val Laird. This has embroidery on it, which I haven't done much of for several years, but I'm going to give a it a try again :) If you are interested in this one you will have to hurry to get it downloaded. It will only be available until February 13th!!! Oh, by the way this one is a table runner, so it's not real big :)

I really needed to quit looking at blogs...my list of I want to do these projects is growing again... and it's only January!!!
Just in case you are interested in either of these BOMs, the blog links are on my Blog list at the side of this page, Bunny Tales & Val Laird. (hehehe)

Christmas Gifts :)

My Dear Sister-in-Law made this wonderfully, beautiful, warm quilt for me for Christmas. She used my favorite colors and some of my favorite blocks. Is she AWESOME or what??? This quilt has already kept me warm on many a cold night :) And, "NO", I haven't shared it with anyone.

And just to prove she really loves me, here is the signing on the back of the quilt...No denying it now...I'm her favorite! (LOL)
She also made a matching pillow case.

And just in case I get out from under the quilt or leave the sewing room, and venture into the kitchen...she crocheted dish rags for me too :)

Yeah, she makes me feel pretty special.

OOPS!!! Gifties to Blog :)

I took pictures of these wonderful gifts I received during November & December last year; then in the hustle and bustle of the Holidays I forgot to blog them. So while cleaning up my computer tonight, I came across them again. And I decided it's never too late share good things with friends...Right???


The placemats are a Pay It Forward from Rosa :) These wonderful placemats are the beginning of my new kitchen. Chickens & roosters...tooo cute!!!!





The fantastic giant pincushion is a Christmas gift from a penpal in Australia. Let me tell you I have used it and used it. Love the size. Now I have one at the sewing machine (my cute little flower from last years secret pal) and this big one on the cutting table, PERFECT!








The hot pad and coaster set are from another Aussie penpal. I think they are just so very pretty. The coasters stay in my sewing room. No, I don't share very well. *grin*

I just love homemade items :)

#57 MY LUCKY NUMBER!!!!!!

Yep, #57 is now my Lucky Number! And that is why Snoopy is doing the "Happy Dance" and so am I * HUGE grin*

Over at Faithful Quilter: Elaine's Journey Blog...

I won the "Road to California" Give-A-Way she was offering.

Me, Me, Me, I was #57. Can you see me dancing????

Or maybe it's more tripping over my own two clumsy feet, I'm way

too old & chubby to be all this dancing. (LOL)

Anyway, "sew" many nice, pretty, quilty, wonderful things are in

Elaine's package. So exciting!!!!

I will post a picture when the package arrives.

Just had to share my blessing with everyone now.

Thank you so much Elaine :)

***Dear Hubby just read this post and says, 57 is my Lucky number

because that's how old he is, and how much more lucky can I be

than to have him!!!!! And to that...I say "No Comment"

Today's Progress...WOW!!!!

Ever have one of those days when everything goes absolutely perfect? No interruptions, you actually have all the fabric you want and the thread. And you really do get to sew!!! Well that's what happened for me today :) I am so happy :) And, I didn't even have to cook (love those leftovers and the microwave).

I was able to get FIVE, count them, 1-2-3-4-5 blocks done today. That actually gets me caught up on my blocks...YES, YES, YES!!!! So here they are, I'm sharing, bragging, whatever. They're done & that's what matters :)

This is the December Basket Case Quilter's Block. I wasn't sure I was going to like this one, but I do. Now, I am waiting patiently for the January block :)... Well, kind of patiently. I'm really trying to be patient...Come on Rosa, I want the January Block NOW!!!!!! ROTFL

The next 4 blocks are for the Quilting the Psalms quilt that I am working on. These blocks are making me step way out of my little box. I am more of a pastel, earth tones girl, and to be using all these BRIGHT colors...OH MY, not really me :) But I am finding myself being persuaded, slightly, toward some bright colors. But definitely not all bright colors!!! (LOL)

And my sewing helper for the day was none other than Miss Sassy. As you can tell, she was really a lot of help!!!! (Yah, right, lots of help) She just changed positions about once an hour or so. But at all times she was right in the middle of what I was doing :) Too funny. But of course now that it's getting late and time to go to bed...she's up and running and wanting to play :)

You know, it looks like she's telling me to keep the noise down in this second picture. What do you think???

January Dear Jane Secret Pal Gifts Arrived!!!!

This evening when I finally made to the mailbox, and boy am I glad I did get to the mailbox, I found a package from my new Dear Jane Secret Pal. Such wonderful gifts there were in the box:) A beautiful hanging cross, which has now found a place right over my computer. A big yellow M&M tin with M&Ms inside, these will be "yummy to the tummy" *grin* She said she chose Yellow to send some Sunshine my way, how very sweet. There was also a really cute box called The Power of Prayer. This little box is filled with awesome Bible inspired encouraging thoughts. These will come in very handy, so they will be staying right here on my desk next to my keyboard!!! And to top it off...my gifts were wrapped in 1930's repro FQs. How cool is that??? Well, it is really a lot more cool than you might think; you see I just decided in the past month to start collecting the 30's repro fabric - now how did she know??? The gift box also included a lovely card with a wonderful little letter :) I found myself really wondering who my Secret Pal might be...but that won't be known, to me, until December!!! The best gift of all was finding out that my Secret Pal is also a Christian. How Awesome is that??? Two year's in a row I have been blessed to have Christian's for Secret Pals :) Pretty cool, at least I think it is cool. I can only hope that I am as good a Secret Pal to my lady :)

2010 BOM....or "Here We Go Again"

Okay, New Year = New Block of the Month, just what I need, another quilt project. (ROTFL)

My Dear Sister-in-law found this wonderful BOM and showed me.
It's Barns, what was I to do??? I have decided to redo the kitchen in "farm stuff", remember? I can't turn this one down (LOL) The name, Quilt Barns, even screams, "put me in your kitchen!"

This AWESOME BOM is from http://thegoldenthimble.com By the way if you haven't visited there you really should. Besides the BOM she has oodles & gobs of really neat stuff to look at, and ponder, and read :) I love visiting there!

Well, when I decided that this was definitely a "Must Have" for me...I had to find some really neat fabric for all those barns I'm going to be "constructing" this year, right? *grin* So for the fabric I took a little visit to McKain's Quilting Fabrics, (online store) and found these wonderful wood look fabrics for my future barns :) I'm so happy! It just doesn't get any better than this...chickens, roosters, barns...what more could I ask for??? Well let's not go there (LOL)

2009 BOM Wall Hanging :)

Well here it is, all put together :) I usually use sashing or alternate blocks between the pieced blocks, but I decided to try it without this time. I think I like it, Yep...I do!!! This will do. I don't know what I'm going to do with it, but I'm sure it will find a home somewhere:)

Well all that's left to do is figure out what I want to use for the backing, and then get it sandwiched and quilted.

2009 BOM

Well here is the last block of the 2009 BOM I was working on.
I'm glad to have this one finished. It wasn't quite what I had hoped for,
but it will make a fine wall hanging...I hope :)

New Kitchen, Coming Up!!!!

I have recently developed a liking for roosters and chickens..don't know why, but I really think they are pretty!!!! Sooooo my gingerbread and apples decor in the kitchen will be changing to roosters, chickens, apple, sunflowers, etc. You know "farm" stuff!!! I have a lot of "collecting" of decor to do, that means thrift shops, goodwill, yard sales, and so on. But that also means some NEW sewing projects, Oh Darn What A Shame!!! *grin*

Well here is my first fabric purchase: Looks like curtains to me, kitchen curtains, that is :)
Wish me luck, I'll keep you posted :)

Civil War Love Letters Signature Block Swap

Earlier this week I received my wonderful packet of signature blocks from the Civil War Love Letters Group ;) They are AWESOME!!!!(The blocks and the People) LOL Anyway, I wanted to share a picture or two with everyone. The first picture is of the blocks that I received. The second picture is of the blocks that I made for the swap:) Can't wait to get this quilt together!!!

Aren't they just absolutely Beautiful? A HUGE Thank you to everyone that participated, and a very special Thank You to our SUPER SWAP MOMMY. :) She did a Fantastic job!!!!

New Year = New Secret Pal :)

Yesterday I received my first correspondence from my new 2010 Dear Jane Secret Pal.
She sent me this beautiful quilted postcard:) In my "thank you" email I mentioned wanting to learn how to make these wonderful quilted postcards...and another sweet person sent me directions as well as a blog to visit with a great tutorial. I will be trying my hand at these very soon:) Looking forward to another super year with the Dear Jane Secret Pal group!!!!

Final Dear Jane Secret Pal Gift for 2009

I was blessed to have the most wonderful, awesome Secret Pal for 2009. She made me so many lovely gifts and wrote such nice notes each month. And of course there was the CHOCOLATE!!!!! Oh sooo Good :) She sent me items from her state of Texas (magnets, sewing kit) such cute and pretty things. Great fabrics and tools, note pads and note cards, and a bookmark, and did I mention all the CHOCOLATE!!!. She really out did herself & spoiled me completely!!!! And if that wasn't enough, the last 6 months she made a quilt block to send to me. Each block depicted something about Indiana, Texas, or Friendships. Well, tonight I was able to sew the 6 blocks together for a beautiful wall hanging. Now it is ready to sandwich and quilt (VBG) The picture doesn't due it justice :( It is absolutely gorgeous!!!

With the December Package I found out who this wonderful lady was; and I found out that she has been following my blog (hope she still is). Since I don't have her permission to reveal her name, I won't, but I do want to thank her, here on my blog. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! You will never know just how much joy your monthly packages brought to me. They always seem to arrive just when I needed a little uplifting and blessing. My deepest heartfelt Thanks and God's Blessings to you.

Our Newest Family Member Update :)

Miss Sassy has finally "made", and I do mean made, our big cat, Samson, accept her.

She refused to leave him alone, she pestered him and pestered him until he gave in. It was really quite comical to watch. She chased, attacked, and used sneaky tactics (LOL), but she got what she wanted; and now they even nap together. We also have a big female cat named Patches. Uuummmm, that relationship is still in the let's say "beginning, refining" stage. (It has a long, long way to go!!!!) Patches is not quite so welcoming! There is still a lot of hissing going on. But thankfully all the confrontations are still "verbal" so to speak.

Now Miss Sassy didn't have to work very hard at all at winning over our grandson. (VBG) This is how they spend their nights...
So precious and peaceful.