Christmas is over and now onto the New Year

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

This is my first applique project.  A country Santa.  It was a great learning project.

The above are the Christmas projects I was working on.  I made about 13 mug rugs and 12 of the note pad holders.  They were so easy to make and everyone loved them.

It was such a beautiful Christmas morning.  The sun was shining and it was fairly warm for December.  So Terry and I had breakfast and then went for a walk.  I got to try out the new camera I got from Santa.

 Part of the walk goes along Lake St. Clair.  There were so many ducks on the lake but they were too far out to get a good picture.

This little fellow was basking in the sun.  I really love the zoom lens on my new camera.

I couldn't believe how many Canadian Geese were at the park.  This was just one group.  I guess they were resting up for the rest of their journey.

We were going to sit down and rest for a while but this furry fat fellow got to the bench first.

Today I sat down at my sewing table and looked down at my cutting mat.  It was in terrible shape.  Of course it was over 15 years old.  I checked the JoAnn's sale paper and lo and behold cutting mats were on sale 40% off.

I'm so glad I went.  This is my new cutting mat.  It is made by Fiskars.  It's the above green on one side and yellow on the other side.  Two mats for the price of one. Plus 40% off.

I got this 8" rotating mat too.  Great for trimming parts of quilt blocks.  Another great buy at 40% off.

Since I'm going to be making some quilts for Quiltmaker Magazine I decided to try this new batting.  It is made by Pellon.  It was $10.00.

They had Christmas wrapping paper 75% off.  I fell in love with this button paper.  Doesn't have to be Christmas to use it.

I ended up saving more than I spent which is always a good deal.

Sorry to be so chatty today.  Just trying to make up for lost time.

Wishing you all a quilty day.

Hugs, Cathy

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S

I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas and that Santa is good to all of you.

I will be busy making Christmas cookies today and trying to get in a little sewing today, whether it is by hand or machine. 

See you in a few days.

Hugs, Cathy

My Tree is decorated, Book in the Mail, and a WINNER

I got the tree decorated today.  I made the majority of the ornaments.  The rest were either gifts or a few from my childhood.  I even made the angel on top.  She looks a bit tipsy right now.

I love angels.  Here are a few that I made.

I ordered this book a bit ago.  I love everything in it.  Sorry for the reflection but I think you can still see that it is a Brannock/Patek book.  Lots of great patterns in it.

I got my first pattern for the 2012 Quiltmaker Scrap Squad.  Now I can't show you what I am working on but I can show you what I have cut out so far.

Can't tell to much from this can you?  Well that is good.  That way you will be pleasantly surprised when we all get our versions of the quilt done.

Now there was something else....what was it?  Oh yea.....the winner of the giveaway.
Drum roll please......."Libby Quilter"  Congrats.  I sent you an email and now I just need your address. 

Thank you to all the new followers and everyone who sent a comment.  I wish you all could win.  BTW..the most popular block was Pinwheels, followed by 9 patch and 4 patch.

Now I would like to say  "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to my wonderful daughter Kelley.  I love you.

Hugs, Cathy

Just a reminder....

When leaving a comment on the giveaway be sure there is a way to get in touch with you.  I have already recieved quite a few that are no-reply blogger. 

If you are a follower you will get 2 chances at winning.

Hugs, Cathy

Let The Party Begin....

Tomorrow starts the Quilters Gallery Blog Hop Party with Give-Aways.  I'm starting today as I'm going to be busy this weekend and didn't want to forget.

Here is my offering....An Omnigrid Mini-Foldaway and a Charm Pack (Collections for a Cause-COMFORT) by Moda. 

You have until Saturday, December 17th at Noon.  I will pick a winner that night.  All you need to do is leave a comment letting me know what your favorite quilt block is that you can make using 5" charm squares.  You don't need to be a follower but I would be honored for you to be a follower.  Good Luck.  Can't wait to see what your favorite block is.

Be sure I have a way of contacting you to let you know you won!

PS If you are a follower you will get 2 chances to win.

Hugs, Cathy

And Sew it Begins....

I guess winter is finally here.  Most of the snow has melted but I'm sure there is more on it's way.  And sew it begins......

I received my welcome to the 2012 Scrap Squad email this morning.  I am really excited about it.  I also received a hint of our first project.  Sorry can't show you....  But I'll let you know when our quilts are published on Quiltmaker's Blog.  And sew it begins.....

I signed up for the Blog Hop Party with Give-Aways.  The fun starts Saturday, December 10 through the December 17.  Over 130 bloggers have signed up already.  I will post more information in a few days.  And sew it begins.....

No projects to show as everything I'm working on are Christmas gifts.  But I will take pictures to show after Christmas.

Ohhh, I got a note from Victoria at 15 minutes play and she loved the star block I made for her.  I'm so glad.  I worry when I am making something for someone they won't like it.l

I hope you are all warm and snugly in your homes and working on something quilty.

Hugs, Cathy

Some Projects and Some FANTASTIC News

I've been working on a couple of things.

This is a block I made for Victoria @ Bumble Beans for the New Bee Swap.  I liked how it turned out, however....I goofed.  I've had so much on my mind lately (will tell you what at the end of this post), I got the size right, the dark colors right, the star right, but the star was suppose to be a light blue.  I sent it anyway with apologies.  She sent us some fabrics to incorporate in her block.  So I told her I would make a new block if she would be so kind as to send more fabric.

This is the block I made to send to Beth @ Love Laugh Quilt for a chance to win enough blocks for a quilt.  It went in the mail today.  Mine is very simple, some are very elaborate.  I hope I win.

Now I've been in a bit of a tizzy lately.  Around November 1, I got my copy of Quiltmaker's Newsletter by email.  I'm sure some of you get it too.  In this particular issue they said they were looking for quilters to be a part of their 2012 Scrap Squad.  You had to send them an email telling a little about yourself and 3 pictures of Scrap Quilts you have made.  So I sent them an email, with pictures on Nov. 2.  I got an email saying they received my email and would get back to me in a few days as they had publishing deadlines.  So everyday I would check my email hoping to hear word.  I was so anxious and then I knew I hadn't been chosen.  Monday while checking my email I saw a reply.  I was afraid to open it because I knew it would say....Thank you for your interest but the squad is full.....

What I saw shocked me.  It said:  CONGRATULATIONS, we would love to have you participate in the 2012 Scrap Squad.  My heart stopped.  I yelled, YIPPEE.  

Quiltmaker will be sending me a pattern that will be in an upcoming issue and will be making a scrappy version of the quilt.  I need to photograph it and send it to them.  The photos will be shown on line (with quilts made by the other squad members, we are 8 in all) and will have a chance of having our quilts in the magazine.

Needless to say I am thrilled.  I will be participating in 6 issues starting with the March/April issue.  I keep you up to date on what is going on.  Wish me Luck!!!

Hugs, Cathy

A Quilt, A Walk and A Winner

I finished my 4 little basket blocks.  The fabric I used to set them

is a very tiny window pane check.  I am really happy with the

way it turned out.  Now I need to sandwich it and put it on the pile

of quilts that need to be quilted.

Yesterday was so beautiful out that we decided to go for a

walk.  We went out to Metro Beach, but instead of walking by

the water we walked the nature trail.  We didn't see any deer this

time but we did see some swans.  I couldn't believe how long the necks are.

If you look at the far side of the pond you can just make out another

swan.  I think that is why this one was in such a big hurry to get to

this pond.  After I took this photo he flew to the side of the

other swan.

Let's see, I think there was something else that I was suppose to

post about.....what was it.......

Oh yes....the winner of the My Memories Software.

Drum Roll Please......

The winner is:

Sandie-call me Crazy

Sandie I will be in touch with you next week with the code

so you can download the software.  You are really going to

have fun with this.

Thanks to everyone who entered, sorry you all couldn't win.  But don't forget that you can still get the software by clicking on the logo at the top of my blog and save $10 too.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Hugs, Cathy

Friday Night Sew-In Projects

Didn't get too much done.  Life so has a way of stepping in.

However, I did start working on the November Primitive by Cheri Paynes Blog .

Isn't it adorable.  It is only 4" square.  I need to make 4 for the quilt.

All the pieces are cut out and ready to go.  I just love her quilt patterns.  Each month she has a new quilt she shares with everyone.

I finished another Mug Rug...

I just need to sew the binding down.  And I started another....

I love the shades of green.

Well, that is all I got done.  But I did have fun.

Hope you had a productive Friday night.  Until next time.

Hugs, Cathy

How Are You Doing??? (And a Reminder of the Giveaway)

Before I forget....Today is FRIDAY NIGHT SEW-IN  and Bonnie Hunter has posted the first cutting directions for the ORCA BAY MYSTERY.

I hope it is sunny where you are and hopefully warmer.  The sky is blue and so are my hands because baby it's cold outside.
So what is better than a cold day to stay inside and sew.  I've been busy but mostly with Christmas presents.  I can't show show you these projects as the recipients read my blog.  At least they tell me they do...lol

But I do have some ongoing and new projects I can show you.

These are my ongoing projects.  I have a few more spools made and now have 10 of the Jacob Ladders blocks made.

This is going to be a plaid quilt for my granddaughter Ashley.  She picked out some colors and got "Paint Chips" from the hardware store.  I matched as closely as possible but couldn't use one of her colors and substituted it for the dark sashing.  Hope she likes it.

This is a pattern by Sherri Falls.  I did mine side by side.  The pattern calls for on point.  So I will do that on the next one.  The border fabric I chose gives it a retro vibe.  I'm kinda digging it.
Don't forget about the giveaway on Saturday, November 26th.  You don't have to be a Scrapbooker to use it or enjoy it.  What I like is that after getting the software they send you emails with free downloads.  I got Halloween, Christmas, Embellishments, and background pages.  But you know me...I'm a plain jane.

I worked on my Quilt Journal some more....

This is the First Page

Here's a couple more pages.  I have to scan some more quilt pictures.  I don't have them all on my computer.  I think this is going to be a big album.

So all you have to do is leave a comment saying you are a follower and that you want a chance at winning the software.  If you don't win you can always get the software and saving $10 using the code on my sidebar.   You will be surprised at everything you can do with it.

Hope you are having a great day...The weekend is coming...Woo Hoo.  I'm spending mine making Christmas gifts and going to the Library with my Daughter, Kelley and Granddaughter, Cassidy.

Hugs, Cathy

I've Busy and a Giveaway!

I was recently contacted by Liz at My Memories Scrapbooking asking if I would be interested in hosting a giveaway of their My Memories Suite Scrapbook software.  Well I gotta tell you...I'm not a scrapbooker....I'm a quilter.  But I thought I would give it a try.

You know how much Terry and I love to go on nature walks.  So I decided to work on pictures from our walks at our favorite park...Kensington Metro Park.  It was sooooo easy.  There are so many different background pages, layouts, and embellishments to choose from.  I'm a minimalist so I don't add a lot of embellishments but I love how you can add text.

Since I am a quilter I thought what a great way to keep a photo and information of my quilts.

So if you are interested in receiving free software from My Memories, all you have to do is... Leave me a comment letting me know that you are a follower and want to be entered into the giveaway.  It's that easy.  I will be picking the lucky winner on Saturday, November 26, 2011.

Every few days I will post more pictures of what I'm working on.

We've been traveling.  Last week we went to the Upper Peninsula to visit my son Pat, his wife Courtney and my granddaughter, Ashley.   The weather was beautiful.  We walked around without jackets...it was wonderful.

It is an 8 hour drive to get to Pat's.  We stopped along Lake Superior as the sun was setting.  It was beautiful.

The next day we went to Presque Isle to go walking.

We ran into this fellow when we turned a corner on our walk.

I was so close I could have touched him.  I guess they are used to people.  It is so beautiful here.

It almost makes you feel that you are on the East Coast.

But the real reason we went was to watch my Granddaughter play hockey.    Now they live in Marquette and they had 2 games in Mackinaw.  That is a 3 hour trip one way.  We got up at 6:00am Saturday morning to meet a bus at 7:30 am.  Ah what a wonderful trip..  Nothing like being on a bus with 14 giggling, screaming, laughing and sugar crazed 9, 10, and 11 year old girls.  I wish I had there energy.

They lost their first game.  We had a couple of hours in between game so we had a picnic lunch by the Mackinaw Bridge.  My son got this picture of the team.

You couldn't have asked for a better day.  Ashley is 4th from the left.  Unfortunately they lost the 2nd game to but it was an edge of the seat kind of game.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.  It is sunny here although it is cold (38).

Wishing you a quilty day....

Hugs, Cathy

Sun Is Still Shining...

It is still beautiful here in Michigan.  Although it is definitely on the cool side.  Terry and I went for a drive the other day to visit a campground I used to go to with my parents when I was a kid.  "Portage Lake".

This is the country road leading to the park. 

There are so many trees at the park now.  When I was a kid there weren't any.  But as my husband pointed out that was a good 40 years ago.

This is a camping cabin you can rent.  It was nestled off the main road near the lake.

It has the cutest deck and what a view.  I could move in.

Now for some Quilt Pictures.  I try and switch out my quilts on a monthly basis.  I took down the Halloween quilts and here is what I have put up for November.

Not exactly an Autumn quilt but the colors work.  This is a "Country Threads" pattern.

One of my favorite "Debbie Mumm" patterns.

And "Rusted Moons" by Whimsicals.  I really love this one.

I've finished a few projects that I had laying around. 

Years ago I was in a 9 patch swap on "Interquilt".  It was a monthly themed swap.  So what does one do with all those 9 patches?  Make a Quilt.  The 9 patches are 3" finished.  Believe it or not I had to make some additional 9 patches.  I really love the scrappy look.  Now I need to find the time to quilt it.

 I am so in love with Scrappy Quilts.  This one came about because I had soooooo many 5" charm squares.  I found a pattern where you put two charm squares face to face and make the cuts for the block (Background and Foreground) at the same time.  Goes really quickly.

I'm packing today...no we're not moving.  Just going to the Upper Peninsula to visit my oldest son and his family.  Also to go watch my Granddaughter Ashley play hockey.  I promise I take pictures.  Until then.....

Wishing you a Quilty day filled with sunshine.

Hugs, Cathy