HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Being a fan of rats, bat, cats, and spiders, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Gee, for whatever reason, the other holidays don't feature these wonderful, fascinating creatures.

Have fun tonight and don't eat too much candy. Be safe!

I don't think we ever get tired of looking at leaves! Spring, summer, fall, and even winter. Each season has it's own special display of leaves. This is just one tree, across the street from me, and it simply glows when the sun is shining.

One of our local quilt shops had a garage sale last week end and this is what I picked up. The Moda charm packs were $2 each.....so how could I resist!? Also got a pattern for a needle/sewing box and a Christmas panel. No plans for any of it....just adding to the stash.



And this is what I received just for entering the little Valentine hanging (a few posts down). I already have this fabric marker and it's a $12 gift, plus they added the needles. I also received a coupon for a free yard of fabric and a 50% off of anything coupon. Not bad for simply entering the challenge!

Here's a great tip idea that just came in my newsletter from Quilters Club of America today. A great way to have a design wall without making it a permanent fixture, plus, it would be very inexpensive. My walls are covered in pictures so there is no bare wall space. This trick would enable me to put the little clips between hanging pictures, then take it down afterwards. Thanks QCA!


Winning Member’s Tip – Portable Design Wall
This month’s winning tip comes from member Janet Arnett:
“I have an inexpensive idea for a design wall. This idea works great at retreats and classes. I purchased two 3M Command Spring Clips and a flannel-backed tablecloth. The spring clips come with mounting strips that can be reused and are easily replaced. When I go to a retreat, I try to get a seat close to a wall. I mount the spring clips on the wall when I first arrive to give them a chance to adhere while I set up my sewing space. I then clip the table cloth up on the wall and I am ready to design. When it is time to go home, usually 2-3 days later, the clips are easily removed by pulling on tabs that release them from the wall. There is no damage to the wall, therefore no worries and it does not take up space in an already crowded sewing room. A tablecloth also affords a lot of wonderful space to display your project in process. Great for getting input from everyone in the room.”

This is my haul from a fabric and craft garage sale this week end. (I'm kind of focusing on fall fabrics right now.) I really don't know the full story, but the gal that has this yearly garage sale is a semi-professional quilter and crafter. My understanding is that she makes commissioned quilts for individuals and businesses. In any case, every year, she has a garage sale to move her old stash out of her house to make room for more fabrics. She sells her fabrics for 10 cents and inch and it's all quilt shop quality fabric. A great deal!




She also had boatloads of patterns that were 12 for $10. Another great deal when you consider the price of patterns these days. Here's my pattern haul.



Can't wait until next year!

Look what I won at Quilters Showcase ! It's a wonderful paper foundation pattern that is so cute!

And look at the size of some of these pieces!! 8 little bits of fabric in the size of a penny! I've been using paper foundations for a long time, but I've never worked with anything this intricate. I'm excited to see how it turns out, although it may be awhile before I begin this project. Christmas is coming very soon, you know!

And lastly, can you even guess what this is?! I was lucky enough to go to the Steven Curtis Chapman concert this weekend with my friend Joyce, and this is the BEST photo that I took. Steven is up there with his son, Caleb. Geeze......I even went into the bathroom for some light to see what was going on with my camera. It wasn't until I got home that I found that I had bumped the "secret" button that gives you the choice of photo settings for the circumstances. (Thus, the horrible pictures at the quilt auction, too.) I've never changed that setting and thought that my camera was broken. Must have been jostled and switched in my purse. Live and learn.....

Anyway, the concert was very inspiring and I would recommend going to one if you get the chance. The Chapman's have had a horrible tragedy in their lives and faith has carried them through.....and continues to carry them, day by day. I left there feeling rejuvenated, uplifted, and feeling even stronger in my faith. Go Chapman's!