I follow Rosa's World blog and learned of this give-a-way there, I thought I would share ...
http://faithfulquilter.blogspot.com/2009/07/45th-entry-give-way.html
If you are interested in the Quilter's Stimulus package check out this blog. Elaine is having a contest.

Today has been a pleasant day. I began the day at church. We talked about being offended and what we can do when we have been. The Good Lord knows sometimes we are the offender.

We talked about living above our circumstances. God is in control of our circumstances. Praise the Lord, I am so glad I am not in control, I would mess up everything.

After church I fixed lunch. My husband was astounded that I still know how to cook. (I could have been offended). It was a good lunch but I ran down to my sewing room to work on some blocks. This is one I completed today. I am only 2 months behind, this is the May basket. I used felt to make the cherries and leaves which I intend to felt to the fabric very soon.

A few years ago I bought felt at a quilt shop in Missouri and recently I purchased the tools for felting. I made my sister a pin cushion and proudly exclaimed .."It only cost me $50." We laugh about that often but really the cost of her pin cushion is reducing as I use these items for other things. I have far too many interests and am master of none.

I later went for a 1-1/2 mile walk in the park with my husband and our son. the sun had gone down so it was bearable as it has been horribly hot and humid for the last 6 weeks. We finally had a little rain and the temperatures are now a cool 90 degrees. It is amazing how much better 90 is than 100.

I have enjoyed the day, slow and easy, no big surprises, a little sewing, good company and a good lesson to ponder this week. I am blessed.

Tiny Tote Swap

I have been involved in a several swaps with my online groups. We make various blocks in multiples and swap with others all over the world. However, I think this one intimidated me most because I had one little tote bag to make for a specific person. I wanted it to be special. We were given the guidelines but freedom to do as we pleased. The blue background fabric is called Botanicals but I thought of "Starry Night" as soon as I saw it and wanted to make my tiny tote from this fabric. I purchased some (enough to make a whole BIG tote full of tiny totes), went home and printed my LeMoyne star using the free download from Inklingo. (See Links to Love) Then after a few cuts with the rotary cutter a few stitches this tiny tote was born. I was very pleased, so off it went to my tote buddy Jillian, filled with prayers for her and her family, and good wishes from an invisible friend. Check out the Inklingo blog and the Inklingo sampler blog you will find all the information for making this adorable little bag.

Basket Case #1

I am definitely a basket case when it comes to sewing. I joined a group of quilters of this name and this is my first block to finish for the online group. As I look about my sewing room I see that I am a basket case in many ways. I have baskets of fabric, thread, notions, scraps, and of course laundry some clean and folded, some clean not folded, and you get the idea. I have baskets of books , patterns, cleaning supplies, dog toys, candy, gum, and dust. may be I should get some shelves.

Wedding Cake and Quilt

I mentioned before, I learned a life lesson at my daughter's wedding, well a few really. The one to which I was referring involves the wedding cake. I made this little wallhanging of her wedding cake for guests to sign. We decided in lieu of a book we would have the quilt since that is what I do. I do not consider myself a "quilter" because I have seen some of the most magnificent quilts and I am not capable of reaching those heights. However I do enjoy the process of making quilts for family and friends, therefore when asked I say, "Yes, I quilt."

My sister on the other hand decorated the beautiful cake for the wedding. As you can see it was striking. the groom's cake was also made by my sister because she is a cake decorator. Her husband is the baker. Together they create the most delicious cakes, do-nuts, pastries and pies you can imagine. When there is an occasion in the family of course the cake will come from Banky's.

Now here is the lesson...my brother in law the baker is also a biker, he looks more like the biker than the baker so I NEVER thought he wanted a quilt of his own. He asked me..'how many cakes before I get a quilt?' My goodness I was shocked....His cakes are the best cakes ever, ask anyone who has had one and then my beautiful talented sister puts the icing on the cake, like no other can. I was humbled and needless to say I am now enjoying the process of deciding what his quilt will be. Touched by the fact that Banky the biking baker would like to have a quilt made me very happy indeed.

As a reminder to all in within a reasonable distance of Memphis TN... the very best bakery is located in Millington on highway 51. Banky's is the best.

Here Comes the Bride

And a lovely Bride she is. As I said yesterday, the wedding is over but the work is still going on. I thought I would sigh with relief but I now have to put everything away. Wash all the dishes, tablecloths, curtains...on and on. But it was so good to have so many family and friends here to enjoy the day. This wedding was truly a family affair. We have eight children, the bride being the youngest. All the rest pitched in a worked hard to bring about this beautiful day for the baby.

Details @ 10

I love how the news baits you into watching and waiting. They always tell you all the things they will cover but are careful not to give enough information that you may not bother to watch. I have decided to try this technique. I have so much to tell but I don't have time, so....details to follow. We had a beautiful wedding, I received my Siggies from the Big Swap, Civil War fat eights, and I learned a little lesson about life. Details @ 10.

Wedding Planner?

No I am not a wedding planner but I have been planning a wedding. 3 months ago my daughter said she was engaged and wanted to get married in June. I thought Okay I can handle this...then she added, "In the back yard." I have an unfinshed house and a yard filled with everything my husband has ever owned. So we have been working feverishly for these three months. We have had to move, hide, cover, paint and build. Now it is "three days man far out".

I have said, the people who have been to our house will see how much work we have accomplished, those who haven't will wonder why we didn't clean up the yard a little. Oh well. in three days our youngest daughter will walk out of our unfinished home into the backyard filled with family and a few freinds with some old cars, trailers, lumber and flowers for decorations. She will feel the love of a family who pulled together to get ready for her day. She will see the past as she steps toward her future. Praise the Lord for He is good. Peace, Love and rock-n-roll. Three days man....far out.

The Great Inklingo Give Away

It has been a while since I last posted. I want to be sure everyone knows of the Great Inklingo Give Away! Check out the link on the left and sign up to win one of the wonderful prizes offered by talented Inklingoists all over the world. What is Inklingo you say? One of the most innovative new tools in quilting. Inklingo is software programs which allow you to print your pattern directly on the fabric with no templates, your printer does the work. It is fabulous. I made the hexagons on the Kimono Garden using Inklingo. Check out the giveaway and the follow the link to the FREE software download for a 6" LeMoyne star. You will be glad you did. Let me know how much you love Inklingo and when you win!

Kimono Garden

Kimono Garden is a charity challenge wall hanging inspired by the Victorian Elegance fabric line. I felt the Victorian era also embraced Oriental themes therefore I chose the shape of the Kimono. I used the software program by Linda Franz, Inklingo, to print my Grandmother's Flower Garden to achieve the Asian feel. The neckline consists of three diamonds, also designed by Linda Franz in Quilted diamonds. The wall hanging is embellished with crystal stylized dragonflies on the waistband, and enhanced by a simple yet elegant freehand quilting design.