Saturday, November 24, 2012

Belated Birthday Giveaway

In my last post (over a week ago) I had promised a "little giveaway" on my birthday (which was yesterday). I had planned on just staying home and sewing that day. I do not usually venture out on Black Friday, but DD#2 invited me to meet her at a local craft fair and it sounded like fun--haven't been to one in years. Afterward DH and I went to dinner (though we had gone last Friday since I didn't plan to go out on BF). On top of that, my two sons came over in the evening unexpectedly and brought a friend so we could play some games. What I'm trying to say is that I didn't just sit around sewing all day, so I didn't have time to post my giveaway, but I had a wonderful birthday. When I did get a few minutes to sew I treated myself to a feeling of satisfaction by finally sewing together the center section of my feathered star quilt. The star has been partially assembled and occupying a corner of my design wall since I took the class back in February. It feels so good to get it sewn together. Now I need to play with the borders. Not sure if this is the final choice, but I like it best of what I have tried so far. Once I get the borders and "on point", fussy-cut 4-patches sewn on I will decide if I want to add a final border or two and call it good, or if I should attempt to expand the pattern to a full bed quilt. We'll see.
So here is my "little" birthday giveaway--I meant that "little" literally. There is a Moda Mini Charm Pack, containing 42 2.5" squares of Harvest Moon fabric by Kansas Troubles. Then there is the Primitive Gatherings Tiny Tumblers pattern, which includes the tiny tumbler acrylic template. That is the size I used on the Tumbling Glory flag (see tutorial tab at the top). And finally I have included one of my Tuffet pincushions. The one shown is made in CW repro fabrics, but I can make a brighter one if that is your fabric preference. There may also be a couple of bars of my herbal soap thrown in (not pictured). This is just a "little" thank you to  my readers and friends in blogland who make life more interesting. If you would like to be included please leave a comment.

And speaking of friends in blogland, my birthday has been made a little brighter by some fun surprises that arrived in the mail. Mary sent this fun little bundle. Mary was the first blogger I actually met when she came to Utah a year ago. We met up for dinner and then attended a Jennifer Chiaverini book signing. I recently "won" a couple of batik fat quarters on her blog (it was kind of a set-up job) and she sent along some other goodies as well. There was actually one more candy bar than is shown, but I had no resistance when I opened the package. : ) Thank you so much, Mary!

The other little squishy came from my newest old friend. We live less than 7 miles apart in northern Utah, but were introduced through another blogger in Alabama. (Thanks, Denise!) Kris and I met Monday at her home and got chatting about life and admiring fabrics and talking sewing machines. We probably wouldn't have quit after three hours if it hadn't been for a previous commitment Kris had.  I am so happy to know her. We will definitely be getting together again. This arrived in my mail Wednesday from Kris--a total surprise. She has an ebay store (The Quilting Garden) and a blog (Lavender Quilts), so maybe you already know her. Thanks for the lovely surprise, Kris!


This little quilt finally went in the mail today--off to Randy in California. I know it is going to a good home!
Another feeling of accomplishment (okay, so it takes less for me to feel like I have accomplished something than it probably does for most of you)--I have all of the "units" made for Orca Bay, one year after Bonnie started posting the clues. This is as big as I could make it with the shirts I had. You can see that it is not all sewn together (about 1/2 of it is). Now I need to decide how I want to border it. I probably won't be doing Bonnie's border. Don't think I have the patience for it at this point and I think mine looks even busier than the original, with my stripes and plaids. I want something a little calmer around the edges. I actually found a great shirt that is black with purple stripes and I'm wondering if I can use it somehow.
 And finally, when my two sons came over this evening they brought this bouquet. I love the bright mix of colors. I always gravitate to multi-colored flowers and multi-colored bouquets.
 Now, notice the crocheted doily on which the vase is sitting. I bought that at the craft fair I went to with my daughter. A sweet elderly woman had crocheted these and snowflake tree ornaments, butterfly fridge magnets and a bunch of other things. They are all well done--this doily is gorgeous. She had it priced at $25!! Her snowflake ornaments were $1.25 each. The butterfly fridge magnets were often just given away to children who came by. My daughter and I told her she should charge more. Her husband told us that their daughter told them the same thing. We bought a bunch of the snowflakes, and then I got the doily. It is good sized--about 15" across. I couldn't take it at that price with a clear conscience. I gave her $40 and told her if I could afford more I would pay it because it was worth more.

This is a very long, wordy post. Sorry. I have been trying to make them shorter, but I guess I will let this one slide. Remember to leave a comment if you are interested in the belated b'day giveaway. I will let the RNG choose a winner Tuesday night and post the winner Wednesday.
Until next time,
Janet O.

64 comments:

  1. Thank you for the chance to win a lovely prize.
    Well done on Orca Bay!

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  2. "Joyeux anniversaire" & thanks for the chance to win. XXX

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  3. Happy Birthday to you! Your Orca Bay is looking awesome! Meeting Blogland friends is sure fun!

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  4. Happy Birthday! That little quilt going to Randy is beautiful. So nice you have such thoughtful friends to give you such cute gifts on your Birthday.

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  5. Why would you want to make your posts shorter? It is all good stuff! I would like to enter your giveaway....

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  6. Happy Birthday!!! Love your Orca Bay quilt! You post are always interesting to read. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  7. Happy birthday Janet :-) your Orca bay is looking fabulous and you just can't find doilies like that anymore. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  8. I love that you've had a wonderful birthday so far! I bet you made that ladies day paying more too! Loved your post, great stuff!

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  9. Happy belated birthday!

    Please don't fret about wordy posts ... I enjoy reading your posts ... just the right combination of quilting and everyday life to be oh so enjoyable!

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  10. I enjoy reading your blog, and enjoy seeing the beautiful mountain scenery. It is fairly flat where I live in Iowa.

    Jeam

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  11. I almost ordered this pattern yesterday when Primitive Gatherings had their sale. Such a cute one.
    Thanks for a chance to win it.
    I do know Kris from Lavender Quilts. She was one of the first people I met when I started blogging. Such a sweetheart.
    Happy belated birthday.

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  12. Happy belated birthday! Sounds like you had lots of surprises. Would love to make the tumbler quilt in your giveaway! Thanks for a chance.

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  13. Happy, happy, happy birthday!!! So glad you had a wonderful time with your family!!

    Your projects are wonderful and inspiring!!! Love the feathered star!! It is so very lovely!

    Of course I would love a chance to win!! What a wonderful giveaway!!

    The flowers and doily are gorgeous!!

    Happy day, sweet friend!

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  14. Happy birthday to you--and thanks for the chance to win! I am friends with Denise--we're in the same guild--and she IS a sweetheart!

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  15. Your feathered star is gorgeous just as shown! Glad you had a wonderful birthday. Sounds perfect. So nice of you to give the woman more than she was asking for the doily. It is beautiful and looks like it took a lot of work. So pretty under the vase of flowers. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. Enjoy the rest of your birthday weekend!

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  16. NO...don't make your posts shorter! I like them just the way they are! It's just like a real visit. So wonderful that you had such a fun birthday and were spoiled with fabric treats!
    Your Orca blocks look fabulous! Can't wait to see what you do with the borders!
    Are you starting the Easy Street?
    And did you see that Temecula has a new project starting in January?
    So much quilty fun...so little time!

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  17. Your quilt is beautiful! Happy Birthday!

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  18. a happy birthday janet! lovely gifts and sound like a wonderful weekend...

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  19. Janet....your feathered star is absolutely gorgeous! And the on-point border setting is wonderful with it! I can't wait to see what you do with it next! And your Orca Bay is wonderful. I love the sizzle the stripes give it! Thanks for having such a great giveaway! And Happy Belated Birthday! So glad you got yourself those lovely crocheted items.....what a treat! And you're right, she should charge more....they're so beautiful!

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  20. Love ♥ your little quilt and have never heard of "mini" charms! All look delicious and thanks for offering the chance to win, just celebrated my BD too. Oh well, not an easy one, a zero behind a new number. Ugh>

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  21. I love your blog posts just the way they are! You always bring a smile. I love all your quilts from small to large. Your big heart and kindness speak though your words. Your words of encouragement to me have been worth more than gold. Praying for blessings on you and your family!

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  22. Happy Birthday (Month) again! Glad that you have received some fun goodies in the mail, and the flowers are so pretty. Isn't it nice to know that you have raised thoughtful children!? Love your Orca Bay - are you starting Bonnie's new mystery?

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  23. Happy birthday! Thank you for the great giveaway!

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  24. ♪♫ Happy birthday ♪ to YOU! ♫♪
    ♫♪ Happy ♪ birthday to YOU! ♪♫
    ♪♫ Happy birthday dear ♪ Janet!!!! ♫♪
    ♫♪ Happy ♪ birthday ♪ to ♪ YOU!!! ♪♫
    ♪♫ And many more . . . !!!!! :)

    I'm so tickled you and Kris hit it off, that makes me *very* happy!!! It sounds like you had a lovely, fabulous day and that makes me happy, too! And please, don't cut down on the words in your posts ... I like your newsy, life-filled entries! Hugs, hugs, and many more hugs!!! :

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  25. A belated Happy Birthday. Your feathered star top is beautiful. Can't wait to see it finished.

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  26. Your posts are always interesting, no need to edit them to a shorter version. Something might be missed. Love the beautiful flowers your sons brought. How thoughtful they are. And the doily is lovely. Sounds like you enjoyed your birthday, and even thought sewing is wonderful, there's nothing like shopping at a good craft fair.

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  27. Happy Happy birthday!! It sounds like you had a great day!
    I do not make thimble quilts, so please don't draw my name:)

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  28. Glad you had a good birthday Mom!
    Would love to win your "little" giveaway :)
    The feathered star and Orca Bay look gorgeous...it's always a good feeling to get projects finished up :)

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  29. Please enter me in the giveaway. I personally like posts that have lots of stuff - both quilty and personal - in them.

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  30. Happy birthday. I'm new to your blog and have been enjoying it a great deal. You've inspired me with some new ideas starting with the setting for your Temecula Quilt Shop star quilt. I was in a creative slump around then so I thank you for providing the ladder for the hole.

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  31. Happy Birthday - it sounds like you had a great day.
    Thank you for the chance to win such a fantastic giveaway.

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  32. Love your Feathered star. I have the Marsha McCloskey rulers coming to make one. It's been on my bucket list all year. Thanks for meeting me last year. It's way more fun to really MEET our friends. I enjoy your long postings too.

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  33. Sounds like you had a great birthday - belated wishes from me!! Lovely special gifts. Your feathered star is beautiful and your Orca Bay also!! What a lovely giveaway offer - thank you so much for the opportunity to win :-) Also the doily is gorgeous!! I enjoy your posts, too, long or short!!

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  34. oh how sweet of the boys to bring you flowers, sounds like you had the perfect birthday!
    Happy Birthday!!!! oh my love that feathered star.
    thanks for the giveaway always fun to win something a friend made.

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  35. Happy Happy Birthday! Glad your time was well spent with family and finished up with sewing your feathered star--it is a beauty. And congrats on getting your Orca Bay together. Accomplishments of that sort feel great. And squishy packages are best, right? Thanks for the chance to win your NOT so little giveaway.

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  36. Happy Belated Birthday! Sounds like you had a great day and found some treasures as well! Thanks for a fun giveaway...I love a chance to win! :)

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  37. Happy belated b'day. I enjoy reading your blog and seeing what you are up to. Keep it coming.

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  38. Belated Birthday wishes, your Orca Bay is stunning!

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  39. HAPPY BIRTHDAY (a day late)!! Today would've been my 32nd anniv. And I've never done one of Bonnie's mysteries but started this newest one. I'm scared of the rulers she uses! HA Thanks for the giveaway!

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  40. happy birthday!!! today is my birthday and i am having a giveaway until 9 o:clock on my blog wont-to-bequilter

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  41. Happy Birthday for yesterday Janet.
    Great post, love the feathered start block...makes me want to do one...one day!
    That's a big achievement to get the Orca Bay done that far!
    Love the doily..oh yes worth much more, lovely of you to know it's worth...beautiful!
    Enjoy the flowers...great birthday giveaway.
    Julia ♥

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  42. Hi Janet - Sounds like you had a fun birthday and everyone treated you good. I'm so impressed with your feathered star quilt - that's on block I don't think I'll ever make cuz it just looks too difficult- love the fussy cut squares in the border. Hope we get to meet up in person one of these days even though we're a little more than 7 miles apart.

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  43. Your posts are well worth waiting for. The feathered star is wonderful and GASP! Orca Bay is stunning. Happy Birthday. . . I wish I could keep up with you.

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  44. Happy belated birthday Janet, sounds like you had a wonderful time. Hoping I win.. take care

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  45. Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday.
    The give away items sound fun. I haven't tried little charms yet.

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  46. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANET!!! I hope you had a wonderful day filled with everything and everyone you love most :*) I'm so happy we share a birthday month together :*D And I'd love to win your giveaway, so be sure to put my name in the hat!!!

    PS - love your long posts, so don't shorten them for my sake!

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  47. Happy Birthdaey. Your blog is always full of interesting projects and ideas. Thanks for sharing. Your Orca Bay continues to be one of my favorites. I'd love to be included in your give away!

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  48. Happy Birthday! Love your Orca Bay! I just finished piecing the back for mine and am sending it off to be long armed...may actually start and finish a quilt in the same year!!

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  49. I had trouble with the Orca border also, didn't have enough of the pieced units. So I just did a 3.5" black and white triangles in a sawtooth, looks almost the same,.. from 20 feet away.

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  50. Happy belated birthday, Janet.

    My birthday is on the 23rd of November as well. I wish I had known. We could have had a cyber birthday party together!

    I'd love to win your giveaway because a tumbler quilt has been on my "to do" list for a while now and was just needing to buy the template.

    The eye candy you shared with us is stunning. Gorgeous work as always.

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  51. Happy belated birthday, Miz Janet!

    Never apologize for the length of your posts... I always enjoy reading them... good stuff!

    Congrats on nearing completion on your Orca Bay! You're definitely right about needing a less busy border... it's really turned out well!

    What a score on the doily and snowflakes...

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  52. I love reading every single word of your posts! your Feathered Star and Orca Bay tops are simply stunning! The doily is a crocheted masterpiece, I know the maker was pleased by your generous spirit. Hugs to you, birthday girl, and many more!

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  53. Your feathered star is awesome! I like the border you have for it on your design wall. Also, amazing Orca Bay! I'm sure it feels good to get it mostly finished. I love doilies and that one is gorgeous. They are a lot of work, so I know she appreciated the extra $$. I don't think people nowadays appreciate them as much as they used to. Very sweet that your sons brought you flowers and I'm glad you had a very happy birthday.

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  54. THANK YOU FOR SHARING A SWEET GIVEAWAY! ALWAYS LOVE READING YOUR BLOG! JOYOUS CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  55. Happy (belated) Birthday to you!
    I would love to enter your generous giveaway!

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  56. Happy Happy birhday!
    looks like you got some fun loot! I love a friend who remembers to send candy - how fun!
    pretty flowers - how special.

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  57. p.s. lovely feathered star and cute dolly quilt!!

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  58. What a wonderful birthday you had! How great to share it with the ones you love...and who love you. Thanks for the chance to win these little goodies. I would love for them to come to my house.

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  59. i'm glad you had such a great birthday...wish i could have been there to help celebrate! as always, everything you do is amazing! i am inspired every time you post! love you, mom!

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  60. I love the story about the crocheted doily. It's a dying art and I'm so glad you gave the lady some appreciation (as well as the $$$).I'm sure you made her day.

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  61. Happy Belated Birthday - I'm afraid without a good internet connection over the weekend it completley slipped my mind :( It sounds like you had a grand day and I would love a chance to win your prize package!

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  62. Happy Birthday! I look forward to reading your blog each and every time I have free time. You do such beautiful work.

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  63. A belated comment for your belated birthday post....Glad to hear you had such a fun birthday! I've always wanted to try a feathered star. I found the fussy cut 4-patches very interesting. It's been fun watching your Orca Bay quilt come together. How sweet of you to offer the doily lady a bit more for her work. I'll bet it made her day.

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  64. Happy belated birthday! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I love your Ocra Bay! I bet you are glad that it is finished.

    Have a wonderful and Blessed day
    Kristie

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