Taking a short break from ..........

getting the house ready to have most of the windows replaced tomorrow :) And which room needs the most clearing out ....... yep the sewing room cum guest room !!!! Tomorrow is going to be a busy day with the girls leaving which means a run to the airport, keeping Lucy occupied if we don't find somewhere for her to stay for the day, moving furniture away from windows as needed, a New Years eve party and putting everything back in place. Plus the van needs fixed :( Oh and our darling son is hosting a Wii party here tonight.

So with all the Christmas festivities, traveling, and other stuff I've done almost zero sewing for a while. What I have done is read a couple of books since Christmas, Circle of Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini being one of them. Loved the plot - interviewing prospective employees for two upcoming vacancies and the stories surrounding how the interviewees became involved with quilting. Won't tell what two of the Elm Creek ladies got up too since it would spoil the surprise for those that have never read the series. I'm about to re-read The Sugar Camp Quilt and then maybe read A Quilter's Holiday.
http://www.elmcreek.net/

Greetings and adieu

From our house to yours may you each enjoy this time of celebration. Christ is our Savior. May we each learn to walk beside Him and honor the love that Heavenly Father has for each one of us. While it may seem like there may never be peace in the world may we each cultivate peace in our hearts.
John and I were released as Nursery Leaders at church last week and I substituted yesterday. Our little group of 3 year olds led the way when they visited Sharing Time and answered questions about Jesus and his birth. Their parents are teaching them well.
As we prepare for our new assignment I wanted to leave you with these words from the Primary songbook.
"He Sent His Son."
How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent his Son, a new born babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice of death?
He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us?
What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.
What does he ask?
Live like his son.

Project update - grocery bags

No photographs to show of my projects because I've been doing some of my siggie blocks, a tiny bit of my fall wall hanging and you've already seen a picture of them. Rest of the time I've been preparing for Christmas and some other family things.


Having said that I've been contemplating fabric grocery bags. I've seen a lot of them in the stores but not seen many being carried around (which given all the "save the landfills" hype is somewhat surprising). I've also been looking on-line for a pattern to make some but did not like most of them (for my requirements). However here's one, with great tutorial, that with a little tweeking (sew the bottom reinforced edge into the inside)would work great. http://terryatkinson.typepad.com/atkinsondesigns/2008/11/fat-sack.html I'm going to make some next year. (Sounds so far away time wise but it's only a couple of weeks or so. Aaaaargh!!!!)
Our girls got home safely last night. They took a straight through flight and have lots of laundry to do today :)

Local Life - Bonnie Scotland

Now what has Bonnie Scotland got to do with the Nashville area?
If you are a fan of thoroughbred racing you will recognize the name. Originally from England he was 19 years old when he eventually settled at Belle Meade Plantation (founded 1807) which is about 10 minutes from my house. Some of his descendants include Seabiscuit, Seattle Slew, Affirmed and Secretariat. All the winners of the Kentucky Derby between 1972 and 1996 are descended from him.
Another great horse from Belle Meade was Iriqois who was the first American Horse to win the English Derby.
There's another Bonnie Scotland as well. I'm not sure if I should encourage this part since I am Mormon and don't drink. However Belle Meade has opened a winery and one of the wines is called "Bonnie Scotland". I hear it's quite good :) http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/

Scots Corner - A Scottish Icon

Can a person become an Icon? I think so.
When I was at college one of our field trips was to the Hill House in Helensburgh. Designed by the remarkable architect/artist Charles Rennie MacIntosh and his wife Margaret McDonald it proved to be a very thought provoking visit. Quite a stark looking building with a delightful interior. I would advise visiting on a sunny day so that you can appreciate the beauty of the view.
Like many other talented Scotsmen, Charles was not hugely appreciated in his homeland until well after his death. His economy of style and delicate designs put him well ahead of the mainstream and in some ways still does.
http://www.crmsociety.com/ is a fabulous site totally dedicated to his genius. The Cranston Tea room video is delightful and the presenters obviously appreciate the building and design ethic. His most famous building in Glasgow is the school of art which is well worth a visit.

Sewing 101 - Christmas ornaments

My youngest daughter is learning to sew. Here's her first attempt at making some fun padded christmas ornaments. She has some trees and flowers cut out just waiting to be put together.

Postcard Pizzazz exchanges

 both from Allison for geometric and double split complement

from Diana

from Mary

from Sue

from Claire

Local Life - our state Capitol building

I like our state Capitol building. I've gone on a couple of school field trips as a chaperone and had a fun time. The tour guides show and tell the kids all kinds of fun stuff that probably would not be readily apparent on a self guided tour.
It is quite rightly on the National Historic Landmark list and is one of the best Greek Revival buildings in the USA.
There's bodies buried in the walls !!! Specifically the architect William Strickland who died before the building was completed (It took 14 years to build.) and Samuel Morgan who oversaw the construction of the building. Stories abound that these two gentlemen haunt the building and have been heard to fight each other !!!!!
The tomb of President James K. Polk is on the grounds.
The building turned 150 years old in October and sits atop the highest hill in Nashville.
Free tours are Monday through Friday 9a.m. to 3 p.m. and well worth the visit. Farmers Market is just down the hill and would be a great place to go for lunch and pick up fresh supplies for dinner :) It's a bit of a hike down the steps but there's lots to see when you get down there.

Fall Quilt Swap

I've been sewing away on my wall hanging and got some of the hand stitching done yesterday. Here's a peek. I love to hand stitch and since I am "wimping" my way through life at the moment with a heavy head cold (courtesy of my hubbie) I decided to change my design from applique to straight hand stitching - 1 strand DMC #355. Between the fuzzy brain, stab stitches and pins I have a few body scratches to deal with :)

'Tis a gift - Very Quick Christmas Fabric, Button & Trim 2009 Swap

I recently took part in the "Very Quick Christmas Fabric, Button & Trim 2009 Swap" sponsored by Vicki at Tozz's Corner and Jenny of Elephantz. I sent the two top fabrics and Cheryl sent me the two bottom fabrics.
Go here http://willowberrydesigns.typepad.com/willowberry_designs/2009/12/swaps.html to see what else we swapped :) Her photographs are a whole lot better than mine and I forgot to take a picture of my package before I mailed it.
I'm looking forward to making a Christmas project with this lovely Figgy Pudding fabric.

Remember the funky santa/penguin/flamingo Christmas fabric I won recently? It's all now cut up and ready to make into a fun project.

Scots Corner - Beatrix Potter and Dunkeld

I love Beatrix Potter books. I've read most of them and used to read them to my children when they were young. We visited the Lake District a few years ago and skirted the edge of it this year.
Beatrix was born in England but every summer between 1871 and 1881 the family rented Dalguise House, near Dunkeld, in Perthshire. "The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Mr McGregor's Garden" was written while she was in Scotland and there is a Beatrix Potter Exhibition and Garden at The Birnam Institute.

Maggie at http://crossblackcountry.blogspot.com/2009/11/beatrix-potter.html recently spent a weekend at Yew Tree Farm (Lake District) and shared some photographs which are gorgeous.
Back to Dunkeld. Located about 15 miles north of Perth it is a gorgeous wee town on the River Tay surrounded by beautiful scenery, one of the tallest trees in Britain and great walks. Kenneth McAlpin the first king of Scotland (843 to 858) made Dunkeld the first ecclesiastical capital of Scotland. The "Little Houses" of Dunkeld built during the early 1799's are now in the care off The National Trust For Scotland. http://www.perthshire.co.uk/index.asp?lm=49 Dunkeld is considered to be one of the most complete 18th century towns in Scotland. Most of the original town was destroyed during the Battle of Dunkeld in 1689. The Cathedral was started in 1260 and is still in use.

Blog of the Week - Nikki Wheeler

Nikki is one of the Twelve by Twelve group that has been on the go for about a year. I love to visit her blog and find out what little art pieces she has produced in addition to the themed project. I find her work to be very inspiring in it's simplicity. She juggles that with her young mother duties though it can be hard at times to do so. http://nikkiwheeler.blogspot.com/
Congratulations to the group as a whole for the upcoming book release.

Project update - Fall Quilt Swap and Friendship signature blocks

Life is not all about Christmas projects. I'm working away on two swaps that are due in January.

The photo shows the start to my wall hanging for the Fall Quilt Swap. It's a variation on a disappearing nine-patch. I am planning on adding some applique.

The other big project is 24 blocks for a friendship swap. Most of that is done but I have to finish embroidering my name and state onto them which will take a wee bit of time.



Saturday - Debi asked for the start off pattern for my variation on the disappearing 9 patch.
Use two different fabrics one multi directional pattern and one plain. Cut 61/2" blocks 5 patterned and 4 plain.
Sew up as for a regular nine patch block.
ADD 21/2" borders with 21/2" cornerstone blocks.
Cut down middle of finished block in both directions.
Rotate the 4 new blocks into a design of your own choosing.
Since posting my start off picture I've done another arrangement that I like better.

Local Life - Christmas Celebrations in Nashville

There's usually plenty for people to see and do in and around Nashville at this time of year. Locals get to act as tourists for a while :)
Take a look at this site for some fun activities http://www.tennesseelife.com/winter/
Some things we like to do involve Christmas lights. We drive around different neighborhoods and often head on over to Gaylord Opryland Hotel to see their displays. (Park in the shopping mall car park and walk.) http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/a-country-christmas/more-things.html
There are enough plantation homes around to get a taste of old style Christmas's which is interesting. We live about 10 minutes from Belle Meade Plantation and may put that on our list of places to visit this year.

Tis a gift - our Christmas tree skirt

We have a fairly decent size artificial tree (I cannot do live ones, gives me the sneezies) and every year I put the same items round the bottom.
The tree skirt was made by a friend of mine from our days in Ohio. Her daughter developed a very rare condition that could only be treated in one state in the US. The family had to sell everything off to afford the move and some of the medical expenses. I bought the tree skirt and a few of her Christmas ornaments.
The cabbage patch dolls were made by a friend, also from Ohio, for each of our girls. She made a baby quilt from the same fabrics for our son.
The book is my collection of Christmas stories. My mother-in-law made the book with a few stories in it and I added the cross stitch. It is about falling apart now but we love it.

Scots Corner - St.Andrews

Well I could go with the place since I was born there or I could go with the person who played a huge roll in the start of Christianity or I could go with St. Andrew's Day which was celebrated yesterday. Mmmmm.

Before I head into what I will highlight let me tell you a dumb story. When I moved across the pond to the US I had a lot to learn about the culture. Learning from books, while a start, really does not prepare you for every day life especially when that move is quick and unexpected.
St. Patrick's Day rolled around and there was lots of celebrations around the country, many were televised. I got excited because I thought that the same would happen on St.Andrew's Day. I was so disappointed when nought happened. Not only that, there was no local celebrations. I confess I sulked for a while but then came to the logical conclusion that it must be because the US celebrates Thanksgiving at about the same time. So what did I do yesterday? Tidied up the front and back living rooms and put up our Christmas trees which will take a few days to decorate.
So I've decided to go with the Saltire - if you are not familiar with the name it belongs to the flag of Scotland and is also the name of the style of cross Andrew was crucified on.
The Saltire is supposed to be one of the oldest continually in use national flags in the world.
Deep in the history of Scotland there was a battle ... there's always battles. About 832 A.D. the Picts and Scots were facing the Angles. Oengus (Angus) II decided to pray for help. On seeing a white saltire against an azure blue sky he decreed that if they won the battle then St. Andrew would become the patron saint of Scotland. They won and the flag was born. There's a number of other stories about how the flag was born but I happen to like this one :)
More info can be found here http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/saltire/saltire.html
Yesterday was also the last day of celebrating Homecoming Scotland 2009. I gather there was lots of celebrations over the weekend and the Saltire was marched in style on Sunday from Athelstanford to Haddington. http://www.homecomingscotland2009.com/news/saltire-pictures.html

Blog Spot - A Quilt is Nice

Nettie at http://aquiltisnice.blogspot.com/ has a lovely, peaceful looking, blog. She takes very simple quilt designs and infuses a fresh approach with her choice of color and pattern. She welcomed baby #3 into the family about a month ago. I like the "finished" section in her sidebar. Click on the name and it takes you to the blog posting related to the quilt.

Project updates

I know I usually do my updates on Friday but yesterday we got busy shopping for family Christmas presents. Huge crowds in Target got me feeling just a tad claustrophobic :)

This week I have been doing small projects i.e. fabric postcards and making a start to my fall wall hanging swap. What's this photograph got to do with that. Absolutely nothing. Just wanted to share what's still blooming in the planters on our front porch. Makes me happy every time I walk up the steps :)

Thanksgiving

For those of you who celebrate may you enjoy your day. May we each have, or develop, a thankful heart each day and appreciate the blessings, however small, that we have in our lives.
I married into a "documented descendants of the Mayflower" family and my mother-in-law on occasion has been heard to joke that she is related to about half the dead folk in the USA :) We have celebrated many noisy Thanksgivings together with large family gatherings at her house but this year we are staying home and embracing the quiet side of life :)

Tis a gift - The Pink Glove Dance

You have to take a look at this YouTube video that was created to raise awareness of breast cancer.  Medline will make a contribution to Providence St.Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon and will be offering free mammograms to their local community. Way to go Emily MacInnes Somers for choreographing and getting so many hospital employees to participate in "The Pink Glove Dance"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw
The video is good fun but by the end be prepared to feel emotional. Many of us have been touched by the effects of breast cancer in some form or fashion either directly or through a loved one.
I had my annual physical yesterday and my regular mammogram appointment is next week.

Scots Corner - Orkney Islands

I have never been to the Orkney Islands but have long held an ambition to go there. I had a friend in school from there who could mesmerize everyone with her lilting accent, and my great-uncle's family was from there. It's one of those spots many Scots want to go to. Maybe it's the ancient remoteness, a hankering for times past. Maybe it's the wish to explore a wilderness of great beauty. 
My husband's paternal grandparents were both from Norway so it would be a great place to take him and my children since the land was in Norwegian hands from 875 to 1472. 

When we studied Neolithic history in high school the Orkney Islands always seemed to hold a sense of mystery and ancient drama. Talk of the standing stones, the brochs, the folklore, and Skara Brae would leave some of us in awe. It's only about 10 miles from Caithness to the Orkney Islands but as a youngster it might as well have been a million miles away.
The photograph shows the remains of the Kirk of St. Nicholas in Orphir courtesy of http://www.orkneyjar.com/

Blog Spot - Red 2 White

Felting is a technique that I have been somewhat hohum about, maybe because I have seen it badly done too many times. Having said that I visited Red 2 White and was impressed. I'm intrigued by "soap in a jumper" and the beginner tutorial is excellent. http://red2white.wordpress.com/ I recommend visiting her web page if for no other reason than the photographs are lovely and the finished articles are truly elegant.

Local Life - Expanding

There's a whole lot more to Tennessee than just my little town so I've decided to expand my horizons. Yesterday I was doing some research for a new section at my genealogy blog http://ourscottishheritage.blogspot.com/ "Images of Scotland" which you might like to have a look at.

Any hoo I ran across this fabulous blog http://abritintn.blogspot.com/ which is absolutely gorgeous IMHO. The author, Jo, is originally from Cheshire and has lived in Tennessee for about 35 years. She started her blog last year. Amazing pictures, lovely serene music. If you visit today her posting from yesterday is about the Northern lights in Canada :) The picture is one from her sidebar. She has England and Tennessee intermingled there.

"Tis a Gift - a Geta giveaway

The divine Geta from Romania has her scrumptious monthly giveaway up for you to participate in. The image shows part of it. I think I will enter. This one would look fabulous in my bedroom :)
Hop on over to her studio at http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.com/2009/11/november-quilt-giveaway.html and then if you have never been to her blog before stay for a while and visit. You will not be disappointed

Scots Corner - Edinburgh

I spent 5 years in Edinburgh attending Napier. It is now known as Edinburgh Napier University but when I attended it was known as Napier College of Commerce and Technology. I attended the Merchiston section of the campus. The design department was a tough one to get into and work through.
That has absolutely nothing to do with where I am going to send you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swjtKUBV8ls BBC documentaries like "A Picture of Britain" are fabulous and I like David Dimbleby's presentation :)
Edinburgh is a great place to hike around and just soak up the history. I love all the little nooks and crannies. Having said that one of my absolute favorite places to visit is the Scottish National War Memorial. http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/index/tour/highlights/highlights-scottish-national-war-memorial.htm The building is located with in the castle grounds. It is somewhat austere and unassuming on the outside but inside is stunning and thought provoking.
(Please excuse the lack of photos. I'm having issues with my posting today.)
I won a giveaway that is not quilt related :) It's a DVD for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009 and I'm gifting it to my dad for his birthday which is rapidly approaching. http://scotland4thesenses.blogspot.com/

Blog of the week - Little Red House

Mary Carroll from New Jersey has a fabulous blog (actually she has a number of fabulous blogs) called Little Red House. I've been visiting it for about a year now and have enjoyed looking at her fabulous photographs. She has developed a very atmospheric style that I love.
She has Mosaic Monday where other bloggers participate. Some do a mosaic posting, others change out their headers.
Today's theme is Pink and Gold. So delicate and lovely as is the background music.
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Lark Books Quilt It! Contest

I received an e-mail from Stephanie L. and thought some of you might be interested. Entrants have to create an original piece using at least 3 of the 5 following elements - bird/s, mountains, silver fabric/thread/item, recycled/repurposed material and beads. Go to  http://www.larkbooks.com/crafts/quilt-it-contest for more details.
(I have a total of 7 postings for today so keep scrolling down.)

Postcard Pizzazz - Autumn exchange

It's now later in the day. We were having our sun room and front porch inspected while I wrote the previous posts then I had to go out and about. After that Lucy and I needed to "veg out" for a while. Lots of home improvement programs on the T.V. to get ideas from :) Once our windows/sunroom/porch are taken care of by the professionals we are planning on redoing our bathrooms. (We might need help from a plumber.)
I love this card that came from Leah. It's beautifully machine embroidered and up there amongst the favorites I have received. I think autumn themed projects are such fun to do.
Lucy up-date. She is getting back to her bouncy self. The biopsy for her tumor came back as level 2 contained cancer and we are hoping there will not be any more recurrences at the main site. She goes back to the vet on Tuesday to get her staples removed and a scan of her heart done.

A surprise

This postcard was a surprise from Melva at Postcard Pizzazz. She made too many for her section of the "Scrap Happy" swap and drew two names. Love it.

Fabric postcard

This is for a PostcardPizzazz swap called "Scrap Happy". We had to use leftovers from other projects so I took some bits and pieces and cut them all to 11/2". After sewing all the strips together I fused them to the remains of a white block.
Now I need to finish up about 3 or 4 other postcard swaps and then call it quits for this year.

I won a giveaway

Robin L. was having a multi day giveaway at her blog a while back and I won some fun winter fabric and a fridge magnet :) This could make for an entertaining winter quilt. I wonder if Babette would like to participate. (If you visit my cross stitch blog you already know who she is.)
If you want to visit Robin go to http://rsislandcrafts.blogspot.com/

3 way exchange

I asked Angela Huddart if she would like to do a postcard swap. She said yes and could Janet McElroy join in too? I'm still making mine but this is what they sent. Love them both.
The purple sparkly one is from Janet and the brown autumnal one is from Angela. I'm liking the variegated thread edging a lot.
Their very interesting blogs can be found at http://angelasquilts.blogspot.com/ and http://jansmusing.blogspot.com/

I Am A Stitchers Angel 2009 ..... received

I am a happy camper. The package from Jean B. arrived last night. All of the wall hangings are gorgeous up close. Her hand stitching is lovely. My daughter loves the ice-cream cone so it may get hung in her room :)
Jean is from Canada and has her own design business called PatternsByJeanBoyd. Visit her blog at http://jeanboyduppercanadaquiltworks.blogspot.com for some interesting ideas. She is currently blogging about storing fat quarters.
The butterfly wall hanging has a section in the center where you can put a photographs. The current one is of flowers from Jean's yard.

BIIIIIIIG Blog Hop - Cross Country Christmas

Have some fun for the next few days. Visit http://gudrun.typepad.com/my_weblog/
to find out more details.
12 designers, projects, giveaways. FUN. FUN. FUN.

Project up-dates

I have completed the ornaments for the Learning FA Christmas exchange but you'll have to wait for photographs because I want to do a group one :)

I decided to redo the edge of my mini quilt for the Postcard Pizzazz exchange. It looks a whole lot better. It is straight but brainless me decided to photograph it on a cushion !!!!! Don't know what I was thinking.
A good chunk of my time this week has been spent working out my handout for the genealogy conference tomorrow. 3 pages now done and printed. I present after lunch so I hope everyone manages to stay awake :) The centerpieces for the tables are currently living in our sun room. We stuffed gift bags for everyone this morning and got the conference room set up.

The new winner is ...... and an update on Lucy

Dotti is now the new winner of my cross stitch giveaway. Please send me your mailing address so that you can receive your gifts. I have heard from Dolores and Lola.

Update on Lucy. She had her surgery and we are waiting for some test results. She appears to have some heart/lung issues. We should be able to get her home this evening.

Now Friday night. Lucy is home and asleep. We moved her doggie bed into the living room so we can keep an eye on her. She is currently sporting a belly wrap which has to stay on till the staples are taken out. She also has to wear a cone round her neck when we leave her by herself. We go back to the vet on Monday to have her wound checked and hopefully get the results back.
Thanks to those of you who have enquired about her.

Local Life - Frist Center for the Visual Arts

http://www.hellonashville.com/Articles/Attraction/98/The_Frist_Center_for_the_Visual_Arts_always_something_new_to_see.Cfm
This is a wonderful building that opened in 2001. It is located in what was originally the main downtown post office and much of the original Art Deco detailing has been kept or enhanced.
The kid in you will enjoy the Martin Artquest Gallery which is the children's interactive area :) Personally I looooove it !!!!
The galleries in the center are well laid out and local schools are actively encouraged to take tours (under strict guidelines i.e. no touching the exhibits.) My favorites are usually the smaller ones upstairs.
Current exhibits are Twilight Visions, Georgia O'Keeffe and Her Times, and Thomas Hart Benton in Story and Song.
Main web page -  http://www.fristcenter.org/site/default.aspx

Surgery

Our darling Lucy is having surgery today to remove a tumor from her chest. While running tests on her yesterday the vet discovered that she has heart problems.
"Eskies" are fabulous dogs and can live to the ripe old age of 20. Lucy is almost 7. The photograph was taken by Kristina for a class project.
Since I have to hang around the house today I'm going to try and finish up some of my swaps, small Christmas presents, packages for mailings and my presentation for the genealogy seminar on Saturday.

Scots Corner - The National Dish

My wee nephew loooooooves Haggis and eats it by itself with great gusto. I on the other hand am somewhat iffy about it but have eaten the full meal on occasion. (I think it's been about 3 times since I left the sainted motherland.)
When you read the recipe you might see why I have issues:)
Since I cannot bring myself to even type the thing up I'm sending you somewhere to see some pictures, even a YouTube on cooking it. http://tipdeck.com/how-to-cook-haggis Be warned one of the pictures looks like a giant slug.

Then head off to a fun story (or six) about this mythical beastie http://www.electricscotland.com/haggis/

In the course of my wanders round the WWW I discovered that the first recognizable recipe for Haggis was written in an ENGLISH cook-book. Oh nooooooooooo ....... My ancient ancestors would roll in their graves. (They came from France and also ate their own version of haggis.)

Some pithy writer has stated that if you take the oatmeal out of the recipe you are left with American hot dogs. I don't think so !!!!!!!!

Speaking of writing - The New York Times has an interesting article www.nytimes.com/1986/01/05/travel/fare-of-the-country-haggis-history-and-humor.html written initially from the perspective of an Englishman to a tourist before heading into the meat of the dish.

Giveaways alert

I've heard back from Lola thus far.

My other two winners have till Friday.

If I have not heard back I will contact the "in reserve" person from each of the drawings.

Blog of the week - Lady of the Floss

My flower of the week goes to Gabi.
I've been holding off spotlighting this blog because she has been working on a piece called "Coming to Water." It is now finished and back from the framers and is stunning. Scroll down her blog to see the progress from start to finish. It took a while which is not surprising.
Gabi lives in Australia though is not originally from there. Her blog has many fabulous cross stitch projects highlighted there and we are both members of the yahoo group I Love Cross Stitch.

So head on over to http://ladyofthefloss.blogspot.com/ and meet another Scorpio girl :)

Project up-date

The wall hanging for our front living room.
I'm still playing away. I'm doing some edge stitching round the "background " flowers and leaves in the center panel and adding in 3 dimensional leaves and flowers. Some are two pieces of fabrics sewn together, others padded. Still got a ways to go given all the fussy cutting and sewing small pieces together.
The picture shows the bottom right hand corner. I was originally going to do paisley swirls but decided that I like the leaves better.

And the winners are ......

Some family stuff has come up (good) so the drawing announcement will have to happen now.

By the very scientific method of assigning each person a number and having my kids pick one the winners are .......

Quilting giveaway - Dolores
Cross-stitch giveaway - Gloria H.
Teddy/bunny - Lola

So ladies congratulations. Send me your mailing addresses and I will send everything on their merry way.

Thanks everyone for joining in on my birthday week celebrations and Happy Halloween if you celebrate it :)