Block 2 - January Bunny Hill's "A Tisket a Tasket" Block completed...waiting for April's release

....I completed the embroidery stitches this morning and anxiously wait for the April pattern to be released on the Bunny Hill website...please see my posts and link below if you are interested in sewing these FUN blocks.

After seeing all the other member's blocks on Flickr site, I decided to enter this project late. My sewing machine is too old to feature the blanket stitch, however I really loved hand stitching these blocks. This was my first project using hand applique.

I was happy to use several of my fabric 'scraps' for these blocks as the pattern pieces were very small and did not require purchasing 'new' fabrics. The blue celestial and snowflake fabrics above are actually from celestial themed fabrics I had collected on my travels for my Millenium Quilt which is still a WIP. I have assembled three or four blocks for my Millenium project using machine piecing technique, however have misplaced these blocks in my stash in the basement. I am now hoping to relocate these blocks and perhaps finish that WIP in 2009-2010!

And the weather outside is 'frightful', with fresh snow from last week, so I didn't feel guilty about consuming my time rather than the dreaded H word...and this is supposed to be spring!

Block 2 - A Tisket A Tasket Block of the Month

Here is Block 2 of the " A Tisket A Tasket Block of the Month" series. I can hardly wait to stitch Block 1 before the new design for April is released. If interested in these adorable 'free' quilting patterns (for personal use only), these patterns are available online here:

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns

I had so much fun making this block and my applique stitching is getting faster and easier with practice. Of course I am also doing Part 2 of the Mystery Garden Stitch Along. I have accumulated many Victorian theme fabrics and am trying to use my 'scraps' for these BOM blocks. When I saw the bird pattern, I immediately wanted blue birds as they remind me so much of cottage times at the lake.

I may even 'complete' a project soon, however I admire some bloggers who post all projects finished in one month.

Block 3 BUNNY HILL BLOCK OF THE MONTH

FREE PATTERN FOR THIS BLOCK HERE:

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns

I completed sewing this March block on St Patrick's Day!

This is my FIRST attempt to 'hand' applique and it was so much fun! I had found several tutorials on Google and used the freezer paper 'on top' method. I noticed most members are machine stitching their blocks however I have an old sewing machine. And I enjoy hand stitching.

I am now working on Block 2, a basket with two birds, then will proceed to attempt the January block of a snowman holding stars. Of course I have the Garden Mystery Stitch Along in progress, but decided to make these blocks as all these designs are too adorable!

I have learned lots about applique and am looking forward to more applique. I ripped out the bottom shamrock three times because green did not show well against the green basket as a background!

I would highly recommend making these blocks...so much fun. Please read my post below for more information if you are interested in these free patterns.

And better LATE than never is an IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH:

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Good Luck!!

Adorable FREE Quilt Pattern at Bunny Hill Designs

I could hardly wait this morning to check my internet site for the new block designed for March. And to my delight the design is of a bunny rabbit jumping over Shamrocks in a basket. And pattern is free on the Bunny Hill Blog Site. She writes:
I love a free pattern and I hope you do too! Please remember that these are "free" and at no time may they be sold or distibuted commercially. Have fun and enjoy!
Anne Sutton

A Tisket, A Tasket
Twelve Months of Baskets!

Yes, a Free Mystery Block of the Month from Bunny Hill Designs!

Now I have another 'just-gotta-do' project...is there such a thing as having too many projects on the go? I am enjoying my Garden Fantasy Stitch Along so very much and vowed to myself that I HAVE to complete one project before commencing a new one. Surfing these blog sites is so much fun...however can be a distraction for housewives.

Then I marvelled at the collection of blocks entered at Flikr:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/969252@N20/

Enjoy the site.

...and here is a cute little song you can sing while you are all sttiching. My mom used to sing this to us girls when we were young:

A-tisket a-tasket

A green and yellow basket

I wrote a letter to my love

And on the way I dropped it

I dropped it, I dropped it

Yes, on the way I dropped it

A little girlie picked it up

And took it to the market

She was truckin' on down the avenue

Without a single thing to do

She was peck, peck, peckin' all around

When she spied it on the ground

A-tisket a-tasket

She took my yellow basket

And if she doesn't bring it back

I think that I shall die

A-tisket a-tasket

A green and yellow basket

I wrote a letter to my love

And on the way I dropped it

I dropped it, I dropped it

Yes, on the way I dropped it

A little girlie picked it up

And took it to the market

(Was it red?) No, no, no, no

(Was it brown?) No, no, no, no

(Was it blue?) No, no, no, no

Just a little yellow basket.

There is no medicine like HOPE

Yesterday, browsing the local thrift store, I was anticipating what 'treasure' I would find. Then I saw a jar of old buttons. As I rotated the jar , I noted the buttons were all different colors, sizes and styles. Although I had absolutely no 'concrete' idea what I would do with them, I had to have them. Paying only $0.25, I proudly carried my purchase home. I was thinking how expensive buttons are in our modern department stores. Along with the buttons I had found little pieces of fabric, laces, and an old tablecloth waiting to be embroidered. I was in heaven!

If only these antique findings and buttons could tell us their stories, I said to myself. It was true, by themselves the buttons might have been insignificant to the person who donated them to the thrift store, but together they were manifesting my 'next' masterpiece. Yes, perhaps some of these buttons will be suitable for my next Button Block! You see, I have been eagerly following Pam Kellogg's blog posts and the progress of her Button Quilt. Pam's work is amazing! Click here to see all her thirty some blocks: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittyandme/sets/72157604118179469/

Each morning, I visit Pam's blog to inspire me. After seeing her beautiful accomplishments, I ponder what new project I am going to start. Then I look at the different WIP's gathering around my house, and resort to completing the crocheted project I have already started. Crocheting is very convenient to work on while my favorite show is on television.

I also eagerly anticipate my mystery stitch along which is starting March 5th. As I admire my last year's work, I eagerly anticipate this new mystery. And guess whose blog site I saw this beautiful invitation? Yes, I love Pam's designs and signed up already! You can see the design here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21401223

I sincerely hope these stitching projects will help me relax. As I create my projects, I renew my connection with God and nurture my relationships with others. I reflect projects I've completed, things that can bring beauty and love. And I am thankful to God for blessing me with my 'eagle' eyesight, hands and patience to create. It is amazing how completing a project elates me!

Yesterday I spent some time with a friend of mine and would I be 'dating' myself to mention we went to school together back in the 60's? Then, last week, I finished a letter to my penpal in Australia and thought back to our first letters we exchanged when we were only in elementary school. My Aussie friend visited Canada in 1999 as we celebrated our fiftieth birthdays together. Writing the 'snail' mail letter brought back many childhood memories.

Oh those childhooh days! Reflections of 'hope' as tiny crocuses poke their beautiful little purple buds through the melting prairie snow! Yes, spring is coming and as I watch the temperature gauge still lurking down in the minus digits, I anticipate the warm days of spring and summer so very much. As I stitch my next project, I will be counting the days!

Here is a quotation from my colection to ponder:

"There is no medicine like hope,

no incentive so great, and no tonic

so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow."

-- Orison Swett Marden

- seen on a chiropractor's marquee

I think we all need the reassuance of HOPE and better days to come!

Happy Valentine's Day - think Hearts and Roses

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone.

Some say Valentine's Day is just for lovers,

however I feel if you have LOVE in your HEART

then Valentine's Day is for Everyone Everyday!

May you all have Love in Your Heart Today and Always!

Etsy Thread Artists Giveaway

Etsy Thread Artists Etsy is having a team give away, easy to enter and to win. Visit their blog for complete details.

http://etsythreadartists.blogspot.com/

I am very impressed by the beautiful work, especially one of my favorite items, her Shabby Pink Cottage Roses Lace Doily Irish Rose is offering as a 'giveaway' here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6007596

All her work is beautiful!

Enjoy your visit to her shop.