Hello Christmas Block swappers...

Just touching base with all of you. I have heard some blocks are in the mail and nothing from others. Please advise what your status is... Your blocks are due at my house Nov 27th .. which is today. I know I should have posted their due date in Dec. So if your still working on your blocks.. please get them here a quickly as possible.

Thanks

Friday Sewing in Ta Town

I spent some of today shopping at JoAnn's they had a lot of items.. buy one get one free or 50% off. I took advantage of the 50% off on batting. I purchased a boat load of it... well 15 yards is my boat load ;) lol I even purchased some new threads.. buy one get one. If your interested... there are still two days of discounted shopping at JoAnn's. Nov 27-28th....I might go again tomorrow and get the iron in interfacing that they are offering 10 yards for $2.99. I always use that in the waist bands of my aprons. I found using interfacing in the bands make them stand up and look nicer when worn.

I also spoiled myself and purchased...
A nice 26 spool starter set of Gutermann threads, a square up triangle ruler, a 24 inch by 8 inch straight ruler, a small pair of very sharp tipped scissors, and lastly a new 36X24 inch rotary cutting mat. everything I just listed was 50% off. I was telling Nadine that I saved $266.00. I was shocked... I always figured there was a huge mark up on things at stores.. my savings today just proved that :) ..lol Like I didn't already know that.. isn't it marked up 3 times what the stores pay for it??
On my way home from shopping I stopped and purchased some mugs for my mug rugs.
The rest of the day I finished up my 6 mug rugs, and decided what fabrics I am using on my Holiday apron that is due very soon. Tomorrow will also be a big sewing day for me. I have a lot to get done between now and Christmas... Wish me luck on getting it all done ;)
I hope all of my American friends had a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving day.

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday :)

Christmas Ideas

I thought it would be fun to share some of the creative fun I have found on the Web. I thought some of these would make wonderful fun Christmas gifts. So enjoy these items that I have came across ;)

Another Red letter day for APP :)
For those that love to sew. Here are the fun ideas I found on the web ;)
Enjoy and have fun sewing!!!

I found these little letters and bag to be an awesome idea for the small children in your life. These cute little letters can be made with the brightest fabrics to catch their eyes.. Each little letter also has a magnet inside to stick on any metal surface.. like up on your Fridge for those sweet love notes. They look easy and fun to make from the provided tutorial on the link :) You will find the instructions at
Chez Beeper Bebe.

Wow what a fantastic Apron I found:
The Henny Penny Apron
This has to be one of the most creative aprons that I have found.
I am definitely going to make one of these!!

I found this lovely apron and tutorial pattern at:
Penny Carnival

Boy's Drawstring Backpack
Photos and tutorial found at

Noodlehead.

I made a backpack for a young girl very similar to this one. I used two of her old tee-shirts.
When it was finished she thought she had won the perfect prize. It was an easy project and she was so happy. As sewers we are not limited to the provided tutorial. You can always use girly fabrics and make one for that little princess in your life.
I know this is a project that I will be doing very soon for my sweet nieces out in CA.

Now here is something that every woman could use. I know I could ;)
This awesome little gift idea was found at
dhbuscher.com

A Manicure Kit
I think this next idea is awesome.. you could make these for every Holiday. They look like they whip up very fast and could be fun to make. You could make one for every month of the year with a theme for that month. Find fabrics that would give you the feel for that event that will occur in that month. For example... Valentines day. You could use heart fabrics to make your top. Fun right???

Hanging Towel

You will find the tutorial at
Kleio's Belly

Here is some fun to be had.

Kiddo's Travel Desk Top
You will also find this clever children's gift idea at
Chez Beeper Bebe.
Run over there and take a look
What fun!

I can see these made with tons and tons of brightly colored and vivid fabric scraps.
I can see this used several ways. This to me is the ultimate way to keep that little one entertained while your away from home. You could add any toy or item in the pockets to make it the perfect on the go toy :)
Have fun creating this clever little tid bit :)
Also please take the time to look at some of of Chez Beeper Bebe's other fun downloads and tutorials. She has a lot of very fun stuff on her blog to make children .

Do you ever need a place to put things close to your front or back door??
I have found the perfect little pouch for you.
It is called :::

Kidlet Wall Pocket - Tidy Tote.

I found the tutorial on JCasa *handmade*

Who couldn't use some of these.. even the guys on your Christmas list :)
I found these fun
Market Produce bags
at

Tried and True

Last year our sweet and good friend Nadine made some little produce bags very similar to these using fabric on the top of each bag... she used veggie and fruit fabrics. She give them away as gifts and they turned out so darn cute :)
She advised that everyone loved them!!

I am so in love with this.. I was looking for an awesome lunch bag and lookie at what I found!!

Kawaii Bento Lunch bag

You can find the tutorial at:
Zakka Inspired

I don't eat Bento.. but I love this little bag.. how cute!!!

I am sure your bored by now with all my show and tell.. until next time happy sewing ;)

I need help :)

Hello ladies.. I was talking with Nadine this morning and we were talking about what to do for swaps next year. I know many of you are thinking ... I am so behind on my Holiday swaps .. how in the heck can I think about up coming swaps next year???? I have to tell you for a swap Mommie its never too early to think about swaps. I want to keep trying to find fun and interesting things for my ladies to make. If you come across and idea that is new and might be fun to make. Please comment or send a link about it. I have a few ideas in my head and Ms Nadine has a few .. so we will see what the new year brings... your ideas or suggestions are always welcome.

THANKS

Santa's Favorite Snack

1	jar (16 ounces) dry-roasted peanuts
2	bags (16 ounces each) red and green candy-coated chocolate candies
2	bags (16 ounces each) red and green candy-coated chocolate-covered almonds
1	bag (14 ounces) chocolate-covered peanuts
1	bag (7.5 ounces) white fudge-covered pretzels

	Print these coupons...
	About Concordance™

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Store in covered container up to 1 month

From Betty Crocker

It feels like Christmas in Ta Town :)

I have been working on Christmas blocks.. and both of my Christmas block sets are complete. I will have to post photos of those this weekend.. so keep and eye on this post for up dates ;) I also started my Mug Rugs for the Mug Rug swap. I have all of the appliques ironed down and the layers pinned together. I need to start the stitching around the appliques now. They are cute the way that they are right now but I want to add something to take them for ok.. to wow!! I think I have figured out just the right thing :)

I also have to start on a Holiday Apron.. I love to make aprons ;) I have some ideas in mind already. I would say but I don't want to spoil the surprise for my swap partner ;)
Tonite was the perfect nite to sew.. It was raining all day and the temps dropped. It started snowing on my way home from work. What a perfect nite to stay in and eat beef Stew and work on my Mug Rugs.
Since Nadine and I thought of this idea of hosting a Mug Rug swap...... I have had a lot of ladies asking me how to make Mug Rugs.. I can tell you these little guys are taking the sewing groups and the internet by storm.. If you haven't made a Mug Rug yet.. what you waiting for??? They are so darn fun, easy and fast...
Don't forget ladies.. the due date for the Christmas blocks~~~is quickly approaching!

Poor little Blog!!!

Poor little blog seems to be neglected a lot lately.. I have been playing those stupid games too much on Face Book. LOL I think that little jag is now over.. I sort of got ticked off tonite and decided I would only randomly play the games. Not two or three hours at at time.. heck I have been wasting precious sewing time on that silly site. Not to mention ... I have neglected my Blogging Buddies sites. I am going to set my self a time limit.. 30 mins on games and 30 mins on reading all the posts. That should be just about right :) Although I have met some fun and wonderful ladies on that site.. I don't want to loose track of them :)

This evening I sewed... and it was fun.. I have not been able to sew since Friday.. I spent the day Sat with a new blogging Buddie here in Ta Town. She came from Oklahoma to fabric shop and to meet me.. wasn't that awesome. LOL we only went to one fabric shop. Then we went and had lunch at one of the old diners here in town... and to round out the day we went to Cow Town.. its one of the attractions in Ta Town... it's pretty awesome. It's an old wild west town with actual late 1800's and early 1900's buildings from Ta Town... there are some wonderful fun Antiques in each building.. and yes I took photos.. I just haven't had time to upload them yet.. I will try and do that this weekend along with another post ;O)
Just a quick reminder..
Christmas Blocks ladies please get your blocks sent out on time.
They are due at my house on Nov 27th ;)

You've Got Mail

Hello Ladies APP has just assigned each of the participants their partners for the Mug Rug Swap. I hope each and everyone of you have a fun time making your Rugs for this swap.
I can tell you I have already gotten a lot of feed back on how much fun some of the ladies are having making their rugs. Some of them are making more than one ;) LOL They plan on giving them as gifts. Wouldn't you know it when I wanted to make two Mug Rugs.. the numbers were even!!! Darn the bad luck.. It seems like I always end up with two or three partners on each swap. Not this time!!! I just hate to turn anyone away! Ms. Nadine was naughty and was going OINK OINK at me for wanting to make two rugs.. the big MEANIE :) I should just take her off the nice list.. shouldn't I???
Have fun and remember please please get your swaps out on time! :)

UpDate :)
I have a second Partner now..
some how she didn't get put on the list ;(
Yeah for APP!!!

A wee one for the day :)

Photo by Shadymomma2008

Amish Humor

Sign behind an Amish carriage:

"Energy efficient vehicle. Runs on grass and oats.

CAUTION: Avoid exhaust!"

Another fun day in Ta Town :) or at least most of it ;)

Wow does time seem to be slipping away from me... Thank goodness I almost have my Christmas Swap Blocks done ahead of time... Yeah for me :) I have been spending the last couple hours or so.... sorting out and repackaging the AMAZING Halloween Blocks that I have received from the participants in my Halloween Swap!!

Those that participated you will love the blocks that you will receive in return.. Oh BTW while I am thinking of it Shannon you have to share with me how you made your over the top fantastic Block!! I have never seen anything like it!!
Not to slight anyone... You ladies you are just too clever for me. I have been totally surprised at your awesome and creative blocks this year ;) I always enjoy seeing all of your wonderful fun blocks.. I will try and post them soon for everyone's enjoyment!

Once again thank you everyone that played
in my 2010 Halloween Block swap :)
Thank you to those of you that sent the sweet extras.
I really like them :)

OH no APP dropped the ball again.

OH my goodness it looks like I dropped the ball once again.. yes we will be doing the Christmas FT Qt swap. The one we voted on!!!
I am so sorry this was not posted sooner..
I was having so much fun posting about the new
Mug Rug Swap I forgot all about the Swap we voted on!
Ok here goes.. this is what we will do....

Swap Requirements:
Send 4 Christmas themed Ft Qts
1 matching spool of thread
1 package of rick rack
1 yummy treat :) This can be anything.. Candy Cane, Hot Cocoa,
Flavored drinks, Flavored Coffee etc..
lastly
1 small handmade gift.. like a pin-keep, zipper pouch, mug rug if you wish :),
softie, potholder etc...
Of course you could make an Ornie for this handmade gift ;)
Please use what you have on hand for your small gift.
Have fun with this one.. the sky is the limit here ;)
We have recently posted an AWESOME tutorial from Nadine
for making Shoop Shopp Bags.
Enjoy making this small project ;)

Sign ups start TODAY and end NOV19th all packages must be Received NO later than DEC 15th. Everyone loves gifts in the mail this time of the year ;)

Send your request to join to:
[email protected]

I will need the following:
Name
Address
Phone number
Blog
International.. swap yes or no

Have fun and enjoy creating your small gift :)