ok. fine. I will disclose that the honey is the brother of the Book Garden owner.  Yes.  It is convenient.  Yes. It is just wonderful.  Yes. We get a good deal on books.  Now, with that all aside check out what they are doing…..

A CHRISTMAS BOOK SWAP

 An early Christmas present for yourself – if you will. 

The deadline to sign up is November 9th, 2010.

Now for the rules:

The books have to be Christmas books, either fiction or non-fiction. 

These can be your very favorite children's christmas book or a Christmas novel to read. 

Clickety Click here for more info— or contact them.

Have fun!!! I am in— wanna swap?   oh, hey– maybe i'll go shopping at the book garden store and get a good deal on my book i swap…haa haa!

girls- let me tell you.  Sometimes you get something in the mail and it comes in a big box— and you are like– what?  It was a doll swap + a few goodies.  What in the world would be in here to make the box so big?  Well, I'll tell you– LOTS of GOODIES!!!

Diana went above and beyond the swap and sent some wonderful things.    She covered all the bases to make me happy.  Gum, tic-tacs, life savers, licorice, lipgloss, a candle…. check them all out:

missing in the photo— large yummy candle, licorice and some tea!

Of course don't forget the most important part– the cherry raggedy ann doll.

Isn't she just dreamy?  No, really.  Doesn't her eyes make you think she is day dreaming?

I soooooo appreciate the goodies and the beautiful doll.  She is currently sitting in the living room enjoying the view…..

Hmmmmm.  I love swaps. Don't you?

Here is Diana's blog and website:

http://www.downhiddenfarmlane.blogspot.com

http://www.hiddenfarmprimitives.blogspot.com

Go take a peek and leave a comment.   She deserves a little pat on the back.

Want to see what I sent?  of course! here ya go:

Not nearly as filled as hers, but I think I did pretty good. please?

For some reason I am in the swapping mood— because I have again signed up for a few.  Ok. maybe quite a few….but I think I am catching on to what makes me inspired. 

I have a hard time finding and working on my own projects. I love to be 'told' what to sew. Do you do that too?

So I'll share my quick swap list — 2 christmas block swaps {i know crazy girl, but wait! After doing these I will have 4 fun christmas quilts- 1 for each child…..see where I'm going with this? oh, yea},  bird swap {finished and show off here},  Raggedy Ann Cherry girl,  My favorite Raggedy Ann,  {both girls are made and I am having a hard time deciding whether they will like their new home or stay here with me }, 12 days of christmas altered matchbook,  + the siggy swap with the group. 

Am I out of control, or just looking for something to do other than what is on my list?

Anyways– before I go and check out Swapdex again and sign up for another one– Take a look at the bird swap.

This one is from Erin from Denver, Co.  

check out their cute feet–

Thanks Erin!!

This one is what I have sent to her.   It actually stands on its own when you fiddle with the legs a bit. Similar to the pattern from the Focus Friday Book  Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. 

She did a beautiful job on the Alice doll. She is tall, thin and just cute!

Her clothes are made from Alice in Wonderland fabric, and I love her mini pin. {do you see her cute bloomers?}

Thanks Lynne !! She is sitting on the side table in the kitchen for all to see. She is randomly held and loved by visitors……

Here is what I sent to Lynne for the swap.

She is the queen of hearts and is 6" tall.

{i can't find my pictures i took of her!! ugh!! I took some awesome ones too—

I think my new Zune stole them, it has a theivery problem I am trying to resolve.

So, I stole this picture from lynne's blog. thanks!}

We went to the movie last night…. have you seen it yet? I really like it. Quirky, fun.  I saw it in 3-d when it first came out……last night…. regular-d but still good. the kids enjoyed it…..the honey, not so much. {funny guy. not enough guns and chasing i guess. you know}

The swap was put on by:

She always has some great ones going!

pst–Did you notice that this is the first doll i have made  with a painted face?….I kind of like it girls. It is fussy work, but it is really fun + the queen has that bright blue eye shadow– who doesn't love painting that?!

Can you see her skinny little legs sticking out the bottom of her dress? Love them!

Isn't she just delightful? I sure wish I had that talent….maybe someday.

Speaking of which—-can you help my someday come?   I seriously need some help girls……it's with this whole primitive thing.  

I know doll construction apparently {shop here for my patterns} so I am NOT lacking in construction and sewing them.  I am TOTALLY lacking in primitivizing them.  {is that a word? well, today it is} 

Terry is sending me some of her favorite links to blogs and patterns for making my own primitives.  I am thinking though that this is becoming an obsession and it needs some quick feeding {before I get distracted to something else} so —–send me what you know!!!

I need information and quick! blogs, sites, patterns, thoughts, ideas, tricks…..let me know!  I need to know….and NOW!!

Make an informative comment & give me your email address

and i'll send you a

FREE quick stitch pattern.  The bunny one!!

Perfect pattern for beginners and even kids.

**Offer open till Sunday***

pst— nothing like a bit of bribery to get you to talk.  Let's see if it works.

Isn't she just the cutest bunny ever? She is sitting so nice and all in my basket on the table for everyone to see.

She came with some fruit and a great big heart. What a lovely girl she is…..just love her. Thanks Pam!!! 

Here is what I sent Pam…. I had done a quick preview– but here she is:

Now girls, I have a hard time with the primitive stuff. All of the dolls I make are very playable. Their arms and legs are secured in the side seams, and I am really not confident in dipping those little bodies in a bunch of Tan dye. I definitly need to work on that one, I tell you.  It's not like I can blame getting dirty thing, you'd know that by stepping into the house….so I am not sure what the deal is.

 Anyone know a good teacher or book for me to go take a look at?

pst–I did sign up for another primitive swap….bunny one.  I must really want to get it I guess…..

pst-pst— I put up April's Focus Friday on the right sidebar. Take a pick and vote, so I know what I am working on next month.:)

Saturdays example: Jerika- going sledding with the girl scouts. I know it. I've known it for a week or so now. She went {i am not that stupid}, but did I send her with a lunch? Oh, how about some water? What? Did I know that? I should- I signed the papers. Lucky for her the leader is the best, and gave her hers. Jerika said she just didn't want to get upset so didn't worry about it until lunch time came.

Tuesday night— Jarom, had boy scouts. This kid has gone to boy scouts at the same time for around 6 months now. Don't you think it would be ingrained in my brain? Don't you think I would get him there on time and not 30 minutes late? Not as if we were racing around…we were sitting at home waiting for the clock to tell us it what time to go! Jarom- he showed up late, and then had to explain himself and hurry to make up the time missed on whatever they were earning for the night.

Do you think that maybe I do these things to make them stronger? Is it subconsciously on purpose? To handle situations where they have to explain, excuse or just blame it on the parents in front of others?  I mean, what would they be without the stupid parent around to make them a stronger person?  What kind of person would they be if there parents were smart and they got everything right?

Is it like tests at school?  You miss them, so then you will be embarrased and you will work harder at doing better so you 'dont have to do that again'

I am sure that when something comes up— I will hear a chorus of 'are you sure?'  Do I need?  What about?  

Crossing my fingers this coming week is better.

Not that I am pre-judging you girls, but are you a stupid parent too? Only of course to make your child smarter?

Just to make myself feel a little better—- a sneak at the Raggedy Ann i made for a swap

stupid parents can still make cute stuff

Owl Swap Blocks—

Brights Chritmas Swap–

I am still finishing up the other 24 blocks that go along with these. NOT 9 patches.

Aunt Pitty Pat's is in charge of both! I know, i am a sucker when it comes to swaps. And to think, only a few days ago i was whining about it.

This is what happens when you make too many 9-patches in one sitting:

Quick links are here and will be updated with each new border.

Are you making the Patchwork Round Robin with us?

Share it with us & Post your pictures here

Did you miss a previous border?

• Center Block Pattern

• 1st border pattern

• 2nd border pattern

• 3rd border pattern

• 4th border pattern

• 5th border pattern

• 6th Border Pattern

 7th Border Pattern

• 8th Border Pattern
• 9th Border Pattern

MEET THE DESIGNERS~~

Feb-       8    Becky                  

Feb-      22  Becky

March    8     Konda

March    22– Joy

April      12  &  OR 26   Donna

May       10  Robin

May       24  Angie

June     14   Molly

June    28

After posting about the round robin quilt show I got to thinking….I want to do a round robin. How could we do a 'swap' but not spend any money on mailing packages, and waiting…and waiting for the blocks to arrive and then send on. So I came up with a solution.  

{Plus, i was feeling bad because I didn't join the Utah Quilt Round Robin this year—the first in I think 6 years or so. I am sad}

There is a way for everyone to play along and even have others too….not just ourselves. Want to hear the solution? I am so excited. ok. here we go:

• There will be 2 round robins posted each month.  
• The 2nd and 4th Monday of the month
• Each pattern/post  will be for 2 sides of the quilt.
• Patchwork Round Robin will last for 5 months. Last round robin post will be in June

– How each round robin will work:

• When the 2nd Monday comes you will be directed to their link from here. {I will be the swap boss}
• You will follow the link and then recieve your pattern and a quick tutorial on how to do it and any templates you need. 
• You will then add to YOUR OWN BLOCK!!!   —doesn't this sound nice? You are in charge of your own fabric, colors, and time. weee—
• You can share the photos in the flickr group, blog or wherever else you post pics.
• I will have a link list on the side of all the players link love. mmmm.

– Would you like to play along? 

There are a few roles available:

—–Pattern/Designer

• Do you want to be in charge of a pattern? 
• Tell me what month you want and what week {only 1 time is requested, though you could do more if you like}
• You will of course have 1 week to come up with a pattern for 2 sides to add on and then show us how to do it.
• Designs can be pieced, paper pieced, or applique.  You will need to provide the templates if those are needed.
• You can make the 2 sides the same or different. Up to you. {it is easier if they are the same though}
• Cotton, wool or ribbon will be fine. Just make sure we know what we need in a material list.
• The borders will be for the opposite sides
• Borders can be any size up to 4" or 5" wide.  We don't need to end up with a king size quilt, or do we? no, just kidding.
• The beauty of others planning these sides is the variety of talents and ideas from others. There will be I am sure patterns for beginners, intermediates, and advanced sewers out there.  I am excited to see what everyone comes up with.

To help you with your confusion let me give you an Example:    

The 4th monday we got our new pattern.  You see it, do it and then add on.  Then you will write up the pattern, cutting instructions, piecing instructions and whatever else and make a little tutorial to show us how.   You will post this on your blog the 2nd Monday of the next month.  I will post here where everyone will go to find you and your addition.  That way nobody gets lost and can never find their way back.  Get it?

—– Piecer/Player

• You will just be playing along and adding to your own block along with us. No need to come up with the pattern. Just follow along and share your makings with us!

So this is what I need from everyone that would like to be part of the Patchwork Round Robin

• Name
• Blog- if you have one {you need this if you want to be a piecer please}
• Do you want to be a Pattern Designer or a Piecer/Player?
• Pattern Designers—let me know what week month you want {list below}  I will keep you informed of what is available or needed on the sidebar.
• email me  all the information

Designer/Pattern Maker– sign ups will be open until February 19th

Piecer/Player Participant– Sign ups will be open the whole time. When you join us–email me and I will add you to the list on the sidebar.

The first Center Block  and the first 2 sides will be done by MUAH.  I will give you the center block size and a design.  You can decide for yourself if you want a different center block or to do the designed one. 

Now, before anyone says anything smart like–hey, this isn't really a round robin…no one is working on mine, i work on mine…i say yup. BUT WAIT!!!  There are 'others' who are designing what you are putting on your sides…so it will cound. T+ I say so.

There will be a list at the end of all those who helped you make your top so you can include them on a label. Does that work? Does that count? Will you still complain, or just go along with my kookie round robin? 

The Center Block will be posted on February 8th -monday.

Here are the dates— {go check your calendar}

You don't need to do both dates….just one. Don't want to overwhelm everyone. 

If you are playing along grab a button-and spread the word– the more the merrier!

Quick show of some Round Robins I have done in the past. This is not what ours will look like {depends on the designers} but just to give you an idea of 'the idea' hee hee