I Am Thankful : : 16

Today is one of those days that started out rough, and has had a hard time gaining momentum -- I need to remember to be thankful.

I am thankful for -

- my handy husband, who can fix the dishwasher
- healthy children
- blue skies and sunshine, even though it is cold
- good coffee
- my mom - Happy Birthday mom! - she always encourages me in my creative endeavors
- finding solace with my creativity
- my functioning washer/dryer, to clean all the wet towels


You are welcome to join me in being thankful! I would love to know the blessings in your life - leave a comment and let me know :) Or post your own list.

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Clearing my head - again!

So, I have taken on a big project -- A big project with deadlines and secrecy. I can't tell you about it yet, but the moment I can, you will be the first to know!

But the project (which I sought out) has got me thinking a little crazy. Like I must deep clean the entire house - this week! or that my desk and book case must be purged! I can attest to the fact that my house is much cleaner, but sadly I know it won't last. Within 5 minutes of walking into the living room my kids have disassembled the blankets/quilts and pillows on the couches. They love to make a pile to jump in - much like a pile of leaves outside.

There are many days where I just don't care what shape the house is in, or I spend a half hour at 5 picking up and sweeping the kitchen real quick. My kids and Joe don't care either way, but I find I am able to really relax only when there is a semblance of organization in my home. Just call me anal Amy - I'm okay with it! Of course the kids are great helpers when asked to pick up after themselves, but I have to instigate it.

Anyway, with this project I don't plan to take a break, I hope to continue to use this outlet to keep me sane. I will have to change my focus a little but it's just a couple of months! And the next Quilt Festival will be just as important to me!

I'm so thankful for all you, unknowingly pushing me to think bigger, and beyond myself. Through this blog, I've found community and acceptance unlike any other. Thank you.



Random thought -- all my creative juices are NOT flowing in the kitchen. Would you all be interested in swapping family dinner recipes? I could put up a linky and we could explore together. I really need some help!

I hope that you are blessed and encouraged today.
Hugs ~
Amy
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Color Wheel Supplies --

Color wheel supplies:
Have you managed to collect yours? I thought a 6" hoop seemed more doable right now, use any size hoop that you have or want to use! I use the ruler to divide the space up.
I tried measuring and it didn't work! Just eyeball based on the number of colors you are using. I will be using 12, after dividing it into quarters, I eyeballed the thirds from there. If you are using a large hoop - you may need to put a few books under to draw your lines.
If you want a circle, look around the house for a few circles and audition the sizes.
Center as best as possible and trace. I used a cup base first, but it was too big. This is a 2 Tbsp measuring cup/spoon.
All of the floss colors are listed in this post. That is a great place to start if you missed it! I'll be back soon with a little news/explanation :)

Amy
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I'm a Winner!

That feels really good to say! I think everyone should be able to say that every once in a while :) Such a good boost! While the Quilt Festival was going on I managed to visit a few of you and left comments - one turned me into a giveaway winner.Rene had an unannounced giveaway and happened to select my number! How great is that!? Thank you Rene! I love the kit and never would have bought it for myself!
My friend Amy has started a group to share moments, all of them, not just the glossy perfect moments that often end up on the blog. So you should notice that I did not clear the entire table before taking these pictures, and I did not crop the extra stuff out either. There's lots more less than perfect in my house I will get around to sharing eventually. . . Amy wrote a great post last week that really resonates with me, and this idea - I encourage you to go read for yourself!


Blessings ~
Amy
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SewConnected & A Notion or Two

Good morning and happy Monday!

I got to work on my bee blocks for the month over the weekend. Some months are more challenging than others - but I love the diversity!


Allyn asked that we take the pieces that she cut and make these grandmother's fans. While it wasn't difficult, it was tedious, but I'm glad to have accomplished this more traditional block! Each square is roughly 6.5" - I've left them for Allyn to trim, that way she can trim them the way she needs them :)


Dee is making a house quilt for her sewing room! So cute! You can see the collection of houses in our flickr group.

And if you are interested in getting involved in a quilting bee check the discussion group over here - someone always asks!

Time to get busy!
Blessings to you all ~
Amy
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Sew & Tell

I spent Wednesday - sewing! I didn't do any dishes, laundry or vacuuming until after 4:30pm! Yeah, the place was a disaster between the kids and all my threads, but I was smiling. As has happened often, I had an idea for a bag that was keeping me awake, needing to be made. So I got busy!My little Sassy Tote. It measures 9" wide and tall, and 3" deep. With 2 interior and 1 exterior pocket.
It holds all that I need it too, but hopefully I won't loose stuff in it. Can you tell that's been a problem lately!?
Pretty prints on the back -- I love the Amy Butler Love prints!
I think my favorite feature is the outside pocket - I'm limiting my keys and phone to this pocket, so I can always find them.
And I have put together a pdf pattern for this bag! This weekend I am offering it for $3 right here via this paypal button at the top of my blog. (Go up to the top and click the "buy now" button.)

After the weekend it will go to $5 - so get it while it's hot! I will email the pdf as quick as I can, and you can make a new bag this weekend.


Sew & Tell is happening over at Amy's - go toot your horn and let us know what you got done this week!

I'm also thinking about Christmas, stockings and Advent calendar - anyone interested in a pattern for those?

I hope you have a great weekend, I think mine will be busy!
Blessings ~
Amy
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Embroidery Color Wheel Details

Well I'm so flattered that you all love my color wheel! I've worked on it here and there over the course of a month - it could be done faster, but I was mulling over options and need time to make decisions. Enough of you asked about the dmc numbers so I thought I would share.

304
321
666*
606*
741*
972*
725
726*
704*
471
702
701*
699
958
991*
503
501
826
825*
3746*
553*
552*
326
335
3733

I put the star with the colors I felt were directly from the color wheel, and I'm thinking my next color wheel maybe with those 12. Oh, and there's 26 colors here, it would be easier to eliminate 2 and have a easy, even number to work into the circle. I found a dmc color chart, if you would like to see the colors. I know there's a few esty sellers letting you select colors of floss, be sure to change the search to "supplies" and they will pop right up for you.

My friend Cassie worked with some Cosmo threads recently, and loved them! They are over a dollar a skein, but Cassie seems to think it's worth the extra cost. She sent me a link for a shop selling them in the US - if you love stitching it may be worth trying. I had a few frustrating knots and nests in my thread while working the color wheel, Cassie loves how smooth the Cosmo threads are, and I'm going to give them a try at some point!

So who wants to stitch with me!? I have a 12" hoop and just enough white fabric to fill it :) We will keep it informal and fun - I don't have anything to giveaway, but maybe a button for your blog if you insist. I'll share my design thought process in the coming weeks.

Blessings ~
Amy
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Color Wheel Project

My color wheel inspiration post started me on an adventure! As I usually buy fabric per project, I don't have a stash to collect color samples from, so I went searching for fabric online. My quick realization was that I could not afford to purchase the fabric needed, even for a small quilt. So my next thought was floss! I found a group of embroidery hoops for cheap on ebay, with a 16" hoop in it, and snatched it up. I searched for color wheel groups of floss online, but that is really hard to do on the computer.So I happened to go to JoAnn's the weekend it was on sale, and spent around $12 for a full color spectrum in floss, and a color wheel! An actual color wheel has 12 colors typically, I added a few variations of the colors to stretch my idea. I'm pretty excited about this, the texture is amazing! I love having a project for tv time, especially this time of year, as the nights are longer, and the snuggle cozy time is here. I used the full set of 6 strands, and just did what ever stitch I wanted to! Joe had to talk me down from a less random version and I'm so glad he did! There's a few spots I would like to fill in a little more, and make a few of the transitions less noticeable. But overall I'm super happy with it. I'm still trying to decide if it will stay on the hoop to be hung, or if I should attempt to make it into something more. I'm open to suggestions if genius strikes you :)

Did I mention that it's 16 inches across? It is a big hoop! I have a couple of smaller hoops that I'm thinking about doing another version with too, maybe just 12 colors this time. . . I'll let you know when that happens!

I also thought I should mention -- Hand Embroidery Network has been posting a stitch a day if you are interested in learning to stitch. They have great pictures and instructions. I would also say that learning is best with a needle and thread in hand :)

So what do you think!? Is this something you might try? Maybe we could stitch together? I'd be happy to share DMC numbers if you are interested.

I gotta run, load the dishwasher and get ready for the evening with the family. I hope you and yours are blessed today~
Amy

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New Quilt Festival Winners!

There's a couple of prizes yet unclaimed, so I have turned to my trusty random number generator to find some new winners! Let's get this wrapped up :)


Fabritopia -- Janet Brady -- Claimed!
Jona is offering a bundle of 10 fat quarters of Summer Soiree!


I Have a Notion -- Kelli -- Claimed!
Kelly is offering Eleanor Burns' book, Quilt In a Day!


Quilted Treasures -- Crazyqsis -- Claimed!
Kristina and Mary are offering a $30 gift certificate!


So Fun Fabrics -- Alissa -- Claimed!
Tisha is offering a $25 gift certificate!

Uberstitch -- Dolores -- Claimed!
Pam and Kristina are offering a $40 gift certificate!

Each of the winners needs to email me, (amy1399@gmail.com) with Name, Address and your sponosor/prize - to claim your prize! Thanks in advance :) I will confirm with you and then I will forward your information to the sponsor. If I don't hear from you soon. . . well I'm not sure yet!

Have a great afternoon ~
Amy
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LOVE in the mail!

Prior to the Quilt Festival, Michelle of Rosebud Quilting, asked me for my address and favorite color. (She's one of the lovely sponsors getting a package off to a winner this week!) I guessed that she was sending fabric - but didn't expect this :5 - 1 yard cuts of the very fabrics I've been stalking online! Even in her shop on occasion :)

Thank you Michelle - I think a new bag is in order for starters, and then a dress for a princess or two!

If you haven't checked out the list of winners - there's still a few I'm hoping to hear from by tomorrow morning.

Have a good evening ~
Amy

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Last Call!

Today is the final day that the Quilt Festival is accepting new links! If you've been thinking about it, but haven't done it yet - hurry up!! Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your community :)

A few of you have asked, if the links will still be accessible after this week is over - Of course!! The links will be permanent on my blog, feel free to take your time going through them - I know I will.

My plan is to close the linky tonight as I go to bed, and tomorrow work on awarding prizes - by random number generator. Hopefully I have a way to get in touch with everyone that has entered. (Just in case you don't know I'm on mountain time in the US)

Be sure to visit the sponsors - they have been a great support to me this week, and have lots to offer all of us!

Blessings ~
Amy
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A Glimpse -

Remember this post?

I'm not ready to share the whole thing, but this is what I have been working on in my off-computer time the last couple of weeks. . . more soon. I promise!! I'm super excited, and couldn't wait to share - sorry for the tease. Really I am!

Blessings ~
Amy
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600+ Quilt Festival Entries

And there is still time to enter if you have not yet had the chance to do so! The Festival will close Friday night midnight.

I would like to reiterate that it doesn't matter how long you've been quilting, or how many quilts you have made. This event is about building community, not how perfect your seams are! We want to see what you've been up to. And if you are new to blogging - don't worry about it! We've all been new to blogging at one point or another :) Ask for help - it doesn't hurt!

I've just started down the list - there's some amazing quilts, and even more amazing stories attached to them. Thanks again to everyone who is sharing their stories with their quilts - it's a huge blessing to me!

Time to go read -
Amy

PS - I'm planning to host the festival again next spring, but don't wait until then if you have something to enter now!
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Inspire. Dream. Create.

One thing about blogging is how small the world really becomes through my computer. I'm pretty sure you all have felt the same in the last few days with our Quilt Festival! Without this online community I would not have had the chance to meet Lisa --I was recently given an opportunity to select a necklace from Lisa Leonard, customized and everything! I spent the better part of one day looking over all the designs, and considering my options. Honestly, I could have chosen a number of options but found myself drawn to the simplicity of this open circle. And while I did consider putting my kids' names on it, I decided to make it more about my creativity and what I do here.

Inspire. Dream. Create.

The moment the box arrived I was giddy with excitement! I immediately put it on and have worn it since, barely taking it off to sleep. My first concern in wearing any necklace - will it be okay when it gets tugged on? I have 4 kids it's bound to happen. Shortly after putting it on for the first time - Owen woke up from his nap. He noticed it as I picked him up from his crib, I talked about it while he was checking it out, in his hands. The chain is sturdy - I am not at all concerned wearing it! I love it completely!

I should also mention that Lisa blogs too. She is a mom to two little boys and is loving every moment - even the tough ones. And, if you sign up for her newsletter you get 15% off your purchase!

Happy Browsing~
Amy
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Wishes

I do my best to be content with what I have each day, and not covet. But some days it is SO hard!

Here's a brutally honest picture for you -- my computer/desk space.I've been spending so much time here - I need to purge again! One of my wishes is a netbook, so I can sit on the couch and browse the quilt festival. Not to mention orchestrate it :) Today I'm feeling a little under the weather with a head cold - making it even more desirable.

My other wish is lots of Amy Butler Love! Dresses, quilts, bags - I would love to make it all with a bit of this fabric - I love the depth of color and those flowers are so fabulous!

So I just wanted to share before I imploded :) I'm going to keep wishing - do you have any wishes? I'd love to know!

Blessings -
Amy

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My Festival Entry - Fall 2009

I think I may have been holding out on my regular readers! I've had this quilt tucked away in a closet for 3 years I think. It's not something I want to use, it's an antique, and it is mine.

My Great-Grandmother made this quilt. I met her once or twice. I don't have memories of her - but I have this quilt.

Each set of blocks is made with the same tie as the center, some of them have been pieced a bit to make it large enough to go across the center.

Where they meet in the center is a black velvet appliqued circle. There's no batting, that I can tell of, it seems to just have the backing, which is a burgundy velvet. It is wrapped from the back to the front and expertly hand stitched in place. There's more pictures in my flickr if you want to see more of the ties.

I'm quite certain there is more to this quilt's story - like where did all those ties come from! Did they all belong to my great grandfather? But for right now that is all I have! I am very happy that it is mine and I'm going to dig a bit more and see what info I can find.

Enjoy the show!
Amy

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Quick Reminder

Hi Friends ~
I just wanted to make sure that everyone remembers how to play nicely. I've been updating a few links to send them to your posts instead of just your front page. I know that's where your post is today, but in a week it will be gone, and it is going to take a month (if not more) for me to get through all the links!

Also be sure to
- tell us about your quilt.
- link back to the festival in your post.
- actually post a quilt!
- when posting a link, use the link to your post, not your front page.
- if you link to a flickr pic, please pick one - not your photostream, and share about it in the description field.
- and no shops, if you are interested in being a sponsor next time, please email me.

Thanks everyone for sharing - I am amazed at your willingness to share from your heart!

Blessings ~
Amy

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Wow! Wow! and WOW!

Big smiles and waves to all of you!! You guys are blowing me away! We have over 400 entries in our festival already - amazing!! Thank you so much for your kind words in the comments - they have kept me going :) And I have yet to even started looking through your links - I will eventually though!

Did I tell you, I don't think I did! My blog, and our festival actually went to Market! Sharon Dismore of Sew Fun Computing had a lecture focused on blogging to self-promote. Lots of designers are doing it and she ran across this little, happy spot. Fun, fun!

I actually took a little time for the family today - and you didn't even miss me. Just a few things to fix up when I returned. And so this evening, Joe and I are going to a wedding reception for a friend that was married last month, sans kids!

Here's a quick pic of a little catch up laundry I got to yesterday finally - I had ignored it all week!
There's another 4 loads in process today - it seems to multiply!

I hope you have a good evening and keep enjoying the show ~
Amy
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