Nervously riding out Irene

I am trying to distract myself from the ferocious wind and rain outside tonight. These are my first four star blocks in the Stars and Sprigs quilt I mentioned in my last post. I would like to do an applique block but I am a bit too tense for that.

I am grateful we don't have it as bad as other locations and we still have power. But, I sure do wish this storm will just blow out to sea.

Giveaway winner and new project

I did the random number generator thing on Friday morning and Annette is the lucky winner of the kit. I always felt like I was at a disadvantage if I was the first commentor on a giveaway but Annette's win proves that fear baseless. She was the first to leave a comment and she now gets the kit. For the rest of you, look for another kit giveaway soon.

"Stars and Sprigs" by Kim McLean

Available at: http://gloriouscolor.com

Today I was sorely tempted to order yet another block of the month program. Fortunately, that little voice in my head asked, "What? Are you nuts?" There is a U.S. shop that stocks a great variety of reproduction fabrics but is notorious for their high prices on block of the month programs. The "Stars and Sprigs" pattern by Kim McLean is so appealing in 19th century reproduction fabrics and the siren song of fabrics for six blocks/month was strong. At least until the 'little voice' slapped me around a bit and I saw the $18.95/month (for 18 months!!) price tag. The little voice also boldly pointed out that my stash contains plenty of such fabrics and if I wanted a block of the month I could make my own with fabric on-hand. So, that's what I am going to do. I ordered the pattern today and am headed to the stash to start pulling some of the boldest repros I own.

Look what came in the mail!! (and giveaway)

I was so excited to open a squishy envelope and find this great needlekeeper from Teresa W. I have to confess something, though. She sent it about 3 months ago and I only just opened the mail. I've been receiving several block of the month, mini of the month and a quarterly (or something) shipment for the Prairie Women Sewing Circle. Since the summer has been super busy (and the sewing machine's been in the shop) I've been piling the envelopes up to be opened at a later date. Well...this morning I decided to attack the pile of mail and I found my little treasure.

I have long wanted to make one of these little cuties myself. But, if I don't have time to open the mail then you can imagine I am not getting any projects finished, either. Besides, as all of you who continually make things for others, it is always such a pleasure to be the recipient of another's handwork. So, thank you, thank you to Teresa W!

Another thing I discovered today is that I have too many kits piled up. I am now unsubscribed from any and all monthly kit mailings and am giving the one pictured above away this week. It is from the current Prairie Women's Sewing Circle series and is called "The Quilting Gathering." The kit includes a bit of history, instructions and all the fabrics to make the top. Oh, there is a photo of the finished top, too. You might have to squint to get a good look at it. If you want a chance at taking on this project, leave a comment and I'll pick the winner Thursday evening. Be sure that I have a way to contact you if you leave a comment.