I have three lovely giveaways for you today, but first I hope you stay a bit and snoop around, have a look at the tabs at the top of the page and see that yup the main priority here is quilting, in all stages of the process, with tips, several tutorials, delicious favourite recipes or books from time to time, and once a month, a Yin yoga pose that can help ease aching muscles and promote good health. Basically it's a bit about my life.
I started this blog just over three years ago as mainly a way to record my work, my thoughts, and to keep in touch with friends and family. Little did I know the wealth of friends it would bring me, friends who I consider friends of the heart, some of whom I've met and some yet TO meet... I love and always have loved writing, and it gives me that outlet as well. So without further ado, let's get on with it, shall we? (Not only my mum's English voice is often in my head, but of late it is the Queen's, since I am happily immersed in "The Crown" on Netflix at the moment - and I'm choosing it over Season 1 episodes of "Gilmore Girls" - gasp! - when I do sit down, which isn't often, to watch TV.) But I digress.
The first giveaway is something I've planned for a couple of months. It actually is one of my goals on my Q4FAL list, to make a second small giveaway prize with Windfall fabric. I'd hoped to have it as a my second freebie in the Autumn Abundance blog hop I was a part of in October, but the making of the big quilt, Windfall
and some life drama (selling and moving house, wait, no house to go to, so make that moving into storage) meant I had no time to make that second freebie. It evolved from original plan, and you will understand why, given that it is now December:
I love it posing in the branches of our friend John's Christmas tree, now freed from the pot! Here's a sunny shot so you can see it better:
This mini finished at 4 1/4" square and is quilted with Sulky threads: a red, gold and green metallic and a white rayon. The squares finish at 1/2". |
Here is the back:
In the hibiscus plant! Wait, you thought I was Canadian? I am! But we are fortunate enough to spend a few months in warm, sunny southwest Florida. This mini can be used as a coaster, a mini mini to go with your collection of them right, or as a Christmas tree ornament by simply putting a hanging thread on it.
The second giveaway is a $10 gift certificate to Pile o' Fabric. Alyssa ships fast and has excellent customer service. I have followed Alyssa for quite some time; hers was one of the first blogs I was attracted to when I first found QBL about 4 years ago. Just last week I decided to check out her sale (getting updates by email is great but also dangerous...) and I was very pleased to find some Avant Garde by Katarina Roccella!
Several other hunks (and I mean that in the "gorgeous" way as well as in the "piece of" way LOL) found their way into keeping company with Avant Garde. She saved me a little moola on postage (so sweet) and so I'd like to give back by sending her perhaps a new customer or three, wink! Supporting the smaller shops is very important.
None of these were more than $6/yard! Art Gallery, Windham Fabrics, oh and did I mention she has a wonderful selection of Kona solids? Although $10 isn't much, it should easily get you a couple yards of fabric. Alyssa mentioned that she just might throw in a fat quarter or two into the lucky winner's cart!
The third prize is a copy of my pattern in my Craftsy shop, (affiliate link), Blue Skies & Sunny Days.
Ahh, hanging in the branches of my friend's Japanese Weeping Cherry tree, mmm! Both quilts are for sale in my Etsy shop. |
Leave me a comment telling me your favourite Christmas ornament on your tree. Note, you must answer the question in order to qualify!
Followers of mine can get a second entry; just tell me how you follow me.
**If you are a no-reply blogger, please leave your email in your comment box (not a separate box, that's cheating!) so I can find you; otherwise I will draw another name.
The giveaway is open until Sunday, Dec. 11 and I will announce the winners on Monday, Dec. 12. I always reply to every comment but during a giveaway I will not be able to due to volume.
Good luck and happy hopping to all the blogs! How do you find all the blogs with giveaways? Click this link, or the button at the top of the post or the Sew Mama Sew link in the first sentence. 😀
It's a wonderful day today too because Angela Walters' first episode of the Midnight Quilt Show was uploaded about an hour ago!! I watched it already and downloaded the pattern, which is terrific, but even more TERRIFIC is her quilting on the quilt (like of course, duh) and also terrific is just HER. Love that girl. But you knew that if you've read this blog any amount of time!
Linking up with
Sew Fresh Quilts
She Can Quilt (for the Q4FAL when that linkup opens)
I'll go first!!! It's a hard one since EVERY ornament on our tree is special... We get one every year to represent the most important event, new family member, trip, etc. from the year. But, I'll pick... "Our first Christmas together, 1985" since that started the tradition.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago my daughter and I made wool felt ornaments and our favourites of those were the moose and bear... they are just so darn cute and we have a cherished memory.
ReplyDeleteI have so many favorites! One favorite is a pink flamingo from the Flamingo hotel an vegas.
ReplyDeleteThis is easy, an angel tree topper from our first Christmas, which was actually the top of our wedding cake.
ReplyDeletepatsystitch@gvtc.com
My favourite ornament is an angel, our younger daughter made her when she was back living with us and working closer to home, A little frail now, and always on a tilt, her face a ping-pong ball with eyes and lips outlined in pen, either blue or red according to what they needed to be, wings that have over the years become a bit tatty, but she is still " our angel".
ReplyDeleteAnd I follow you on my blog list of friends with Blogger.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a little anfgel with a china head that was a gift from my mother-in-law. Thanks for the lovely giveaway! cotten.gloria@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Bloglovin. Thanks for the giveaway! cotten.gloria@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSandra, I love your generous, creative spirit! 3 prizes!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament has been on our tree each of 33 years. It's a frosted white globe that says, "Our First Christmas Together 1983".
I'm a happy Bloglovin' follower of yours!
ReplyDeleteThree prizes...yeah for us. I currently don't put up a tree, so no ornaments. But I do love my Grinch ornament. LOL
ReplyDeleteI follow on Bloglovin and on Instagram.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a gold filigree angel that my mom gave me when I was first married.
ReplyDeleteI follow via Bloglovin
ReplyDeleteI just sent my daughters beautiful collectors ornaments off to her so she can decorate her own tree. (sniff, sniff) I am left with the ornaments from when the girls were all small and the ornaments needed to be very sturdy or stuffed. That being said, my favorite ornament that I have still is a goofy looking stuffed reindeer ornament. He has the best look on his face, which is why I bought him in the first place. He makes me smile every time I look at him!
ReplyDeleteI have you on my list of bloggers I follow on my own blog.
ReplyDeleteI have a glass ornament with a winter scene by Currier and Ives that was my mom's favourite.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to choose my favourite but I would have to say the handmade ones that I have are very special to me.
ReplyDeleteI follow you with Blogger.
Thanks for the chance to win
Sue
Hi Sandra!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a Christmas tree because I'm Jewish, but I do own one Christmas ornament and it's my favorite! It's a beautiful glass pug (Christopher Radko style) that my friend Eleanor bought me. She also gave me a beautiful stand, so it is on display all year in my office cubicle.
I'm a devoted follower. You are on my blog roll and I also follow you on Blogger to make sure I don't miss a single post!
Pugs and kisses to you, McGiver, Naala, Rocco, and Bella!
Nancy
My favorite ornament has to be a snowman, doesn't matter which one;-)
ReplyDeleteBloglovin.
ReplyDeleteMy sister gave me an ornament years ago that had a hand painted portrait of my first dog as an adult - a beautiful black & white & tan Afghan Hound. Does it count that I don't have a tree up yet? It's been a hectic December so far. :D
ReplyDeleteOh, and I follow you on Bloglovin'. If I could pick a prize, it would be that sassy Bella. lol
ReplyDeleteWe have a Hallmark ornament that I bought when my kids were little that has to be plugged in the light set. It has two little trains that go round and round and bells and whistles too. The kids still love that one and I know there will be an argument when it comes to who gets it!!!
ReplyDeleteI follow via Bloglovin
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the vintage Santa light up tree topper that we had in my childhood. basaran.family@rogers.com
ReplyDeleteI follow by email. Happy Christmas!
ReplyDeletebasaran.family@rogers.com
Gosh I have so many favourite Christmas tree decorations . My current favourite are the little lady and nutcracker my son bought me in Salzburg . And the ball my other son bought me in liberty when he finished his PhD , don't tell him I droppprd it . And of course the Henry viii and his six wives fir my daughter (don't ask)
ReplyDeleteI follow through bloglovin
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornaments--there are 2! Both belonged to my mother as a child. One is a mercury glass church, and the other A celluloid Santa Claus. They always top my tree, and Mom gets a call the minute they're hung. She loves that I cherish them.
ReplyDeleteI follow you by email, and also Bloglovin. Yours is a never to miss post...though it occasionally does happen, you know.
I'll be seeing you soon!
My favorite tree decorations have to be the things my boys have made for me over the years. You know, those adorable school crafts that you will never be able to throw away? yep, those. ;)
ReplyDeleteI follow on bloglovin, too! =)
ReplyDeleteI follow your inspiring blog with Bloglovin. :)
ReplyDeletemy favorite ornament on our tree I a small knit stocking. when we were firt married, we went shopping for ornaments. and we found these tiny little knit stockings. one was red and one was green. I put our names on the back and the year on the front. It has been 33 years and they are still holding up rather well.
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
My favorite ornament is the one made by Monkey with Popsicle sticks, pipe cleaner, and Pom poms. :)
ReplyDeleteI follow on email and bloglovin
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
Any that the kiddies made! 😄❤ and some religious ones....c'mon, I'm you're sister....hence there's no such thing as only ONE fave! Impossible to choose!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved this pink glass pinecone ornament that my mom ha on her tree. I coveted that! They spend the winter down south now, so I'm the proud owner of said pink glass pinecone ornament!
ReplyDeleteJulie.mirdoch@shaw.ca
my favorite ornament is a blown egg santa given to my brother by his 3rd grade teacher in the 1950's.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a frosted glass snowflake that I bought early in our marriage. I think it's special because it was one purchased during our lean times and has survived all these years along with us.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few but the ones I really enjoy seeing are the three angels that my friend(met on the internet) made for me.
ReplyDeleteI follow via email.
ReplyDeleteI actually have four favorite ornaments on my tree right now. Each grandchild's birth ornament. I bought special ornaments for each child and grandchild when they were born. When they marry and move into their own home-that is their first ornament on their first tree. My oldest granddaughter is getting married next year and will get her ornament then.
ReplyDeleteI follow by email.
ReplyDeleteSandra you are so sweet and funny! Very cute mini quilt too and I can't blame you for wanting to keep it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornaments are the ones the children handmade when they were little. Doilies, cupcake papers, popsicles stick, enthusiastic use of glue... LOL, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!
I follow you in every way I can!
ReplyDeleteI still have ornaments that my younger sister and I made probably 40 years ago. She has since passed and I can't seem to throw them away, although they are falling apart. They are in their own box with the the other decorations, and I look at them, reminisce, and put them back in the box as I decorate. People think fancy cars, etc are the treasures, but it is the little things that might not seem that important at the time, that are the real treasures. As long as you can remember them, you will be rich! ndfromsd(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThree wonderful prizes, my dear friend. You have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. Umm...if I win can I have the diva cat or possibly the handsome dog? Are those choices? I know you said I can't pick, but you know I had to ask. Bella is in the picture. Oh, yes and the question...hmmm. Favorite ornament. We have a set of handmade ornaments made by my grandma, that have pictures of family members in them. I think the one of my dad is my favorite, lets me know he's still around even though I can't see him.
ReplyDeleteBoo! I'm following you right now...turn around :)
ReplyDeleteI follow by email and bloglovin. ndfromsd(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYears ago when my husband and I graduated from college and moved to the Washington DC area for jobs, I asked my mom and his mom to send us each an ornament from their tree. My mom sent me my favorite faceted ball--I loved that one and fought my brother for the privilege of hanging it; I've since found similar ones at the dollar store. My husband's mom sent a metal Santa Claus. I remember watching as my husband unwrapped it and wept. We spent that Christmas apart from family but still felt close to them. We hang those ornaments each year and tell the kids about the three Christmases that we spent away from family.
ReplyDeletekthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
I follow by email. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWonderfully generous giveaway. My favorite ornament(s) are the handmade ones by the kids and grandkids that have their picture and the year made. The make me smile and cry at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI follow you through email. Love all your blogs.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet mini quilt. My favourite Christmas ornament is a punch needle St. Nick star I made in 2010. It was a free pattern by Sandy Gervais. It was my first time doing punch needle, and I loved it. I haven't done any since. But I do plan to do it again.
ReplyDeleteI follow you through my Canadian quilter blog list on my blog.
ReplyDeleteFavorite ornaments are the ones the Kiddos made when young...but my oldest daughter made me an angel a few years ago...such a sweet treasure! Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too!! 😊
ReplyDeletebearpaws9(at)copper(dot)net
Already follow thru email & Bloglovin☺.
ReplyDeletebearpaws9(at)copper(dot)net
Already follow thru email & Bloglovin☺.
ReplyDeletebearpaws9(at)copper(dot)net
Favorite ornaments are the ones the Kiddos made when young...but my oldest daughter made me an angel a few years ago...such a sweet treasure! Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too!! 😊
ReplyDeletebearpaws9(at)copper(dot)net
I follow you thru' email. I have a lot of favourite ornaments, but lately it would be the nice, big red cardinal. Two years ago, whatever I used as a tree-topper broke. I sat the cardinal up on top, which my grandson said was weird, but I really like him up there...so there he stays!
ReplyDeleteI follow you thru email & Bloglovin. My favorite ornament is an ornament my daughter-in-law gave to me in 1989 (before she was actually my daughter-in-law). It is a small girl with a winter hat and coat on, swinging on a swing.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament this year is the ones I just got finished with. My boss let me print out our company logo and make Christmas ornaments with them. We gave them out at the company Christmas party.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a little felt dove, handmade by my grandmother and the only momento I have from her.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on instagram.
My favorite ornament is a felt dove that I made in first grade. It was the start of my love of sewing!
ReplyDeleteI follow w/ bloglovn!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament on our tree is in honor of our son who passed away 10 yrs ago of a cancerous brain tumor.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a glass plum. I had it as a girl and it was broken by a neighbor when I was a teen. My Mother In Law found an exact replica and gifted it to me. Means so much as my own mom died young
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament/ornaments on my Christmas tree would have to be the ones that my kids have made while in headstart/preschool.
ReplyDeleteI am following you on instagram-jenblanton
ReplyDeleteI have some lovely ornaments my sister's given me over the years, some quilt-related, but the two glass balls with a picture of my grandson from last Xmas, only four months old, are my faves! annesimonot@sasktel.net
ReplyDeleteI follow you on IG (annsim64) & have your blog bookmarked so check it regularly. annsim64
ReplyDeleteOops... meant to put my email at the end of my second comment: annesimonot@sasktel.net
ReplyDeleteFollowing on bloglovin
ReplyDeleteI lots of favorites on my tree the ones the children have made are the best
ReplyDeleteWe buy ornaments as souvenirs on our travels. My favorites are some ornaments made of beautiful shells we got in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteI do not put up Christmas trees anymore but some of my favorite ornaments were my spaceship Enterprise that lit up, my singing bells and my nutcrackers. I still have these ornaments.
ReplyDeletetushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Favourite ornament? Probably the red and white striped glass balls. Purchased on clearance AFTER our first Christmas together, Because we couldn't afford them BEFORE Christmas. 25 years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to choose my favorite ornament but I think it would be my ornament that is hand painted by my mother in law. It has a barn and snow scene painted on it.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog by email.
ReplyDeleteI love putting up the tree, and my favorite ornament is a hand carved santa from Canada. Eileen ekmvalencia@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love angel ornaments on my Christmas tree.
ReplyDeletegml448@yahoocom
My favourite is a felt ornament I made at school and decorated with sequins and beads
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is a paper ornament of an angel that is 40 plus years old that was given to me from our neighbor when I was little. Sunnysky223@embarqmail.com
ReplyDeletemy favorite ornament on the tree is an angel i received from my mother's mom. She stands about 2 1/2" high. mdmn08 @ gmail com
ReplyDeletePick a favorite? That's tough! They all represent such wonderful memories. It is possibly the tiny little pickle I got the day I found out I was pregnant with my son (about the size of the pickle that day!). sarah@forrussia.org
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is the one my baby brother made for me when I left home and got married. He was only 6 or so and I bring the ornament out every year! He just told me this year he was totally lost when I left our family home 26 years ago! It broke my heart!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on bloglovin! Have a fantastic day~
ReplyDeletemy favorite is the little wooden sled
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornaments are the sentimental ones - gifts, personalized, from childhood, etc. One in particular is a handmade "present" ornament that my Kindergarten teacher gave me in 1982! It makes its way onto the tree every year!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite ornaments are the colourful glass ones. I love coloured glass. :)
ReplyDeleteI follow you via email. :) happy to have found you through the give away week. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a picture of my grands.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful giveaway. Your cat is beautiful too! My favorite ornament has the be the quintessential toilet paper snowman made by my son (and likely made by every kinder kid around!!). It always brings a smile to my face.
ReplyDeleteFollowing via Bloglovin. Namastay!
ReplyDeleteHow can I pick a favorite ornament? My mom makes some really pretty ones. Probably my favorite is the one for my little sisters first Christmas. It has a photo of her and she is just precious :)
ReplyDeleteemmaka(at)computermail(dot)net
Also I follow on bloglovin :)
ReplyDeleteemmaka(at)computermail(dot)net
I don't have many traditional ornaments on my tree- I like to hang photos and memory items (baby socks, photos, handprints, handmade items, spoons from places I've visited, keys from apartments and houses...
ReplyDeleteA small plastic, oddly shaped ornament covered in glitter and my name written across the side, made in Sunday School 52 years ago:)
ReplyDeletelstangl482 at aol dot com
I follow on bloglovin and am so glad I found your blog thanks to this hop!
ReplyDeletelstangl482 at aol dot com
My favorite is a glass church that belonged to my grandparents. The glass is very thin and fragile so I'm extra careful with it. Many thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteemyerly(at)outlook(dot)com
My favorite are 4 navy blue bell shaped ornaments with gold glitter lacy leaves on them.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is a snowman made from a toilet roll and cotton wool by my eldest son 25 years ago!
ReplyDeleteEmail follower
ReplyDeleteMy favourite ornament is a pom-pom kitty on skis that I made years ago.
ReplyDeleteI follow you via email.
ReplyDeleteFollow you on Bloglovin now. Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteemyerly(at)outlook(dot(com)
Beautiful giveaway gifts! Thanks for giving me a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite handmade ornament is the cinnamon heart that our son made with his Friday Group friends when he was three years old (1990). The recipe included apple sauce and cinnamon as I recall. It took a long time to dry out enough so we could hang it on the tree, but I put it up every year.
My favorite store bought ones were purchased a few years later. They are a silver and a gold star. I taught him the song I had learned in Girl Scouts "make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold' and we would sing that and talk about friends when putting it up on the tree.
Hmmm.... this better work. I hate typing things out (putting thoughts to paper, in this case computer screens) and then realizing I've missed a step and losing everything! I only recently found out about your page after failed attempts at "fb" ;0). Now you are in my favourites and I just check in every few days! All my ornaments are glass with personal pictures stuffed in of family and friends so I don't know that I could pick just one! I do have an audio one of my daughter when she was a baby saying "momma" probably that one. I do hope it is never recorded over!
ReplyDeleteI follow you now on BL. What a great title for your blog! I've enjoyed what I have seen today. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas ornament is a beaded Christmas ball my mom made! It has lasted many, many years.
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Follow you on bloglovin: Nicole Sender.
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
My favorite ornament on my tree is very old. It's a peach, (yes, the fruit) holding a hymnal and wearing a gold pipe cleaner halo. Sounds strange, but it was always on our tree when I was growing up. Several years ago, my mom was going to throw away (!!!) some old ornaments and I was lucky enough to save this gem. It's been my treasure ever since!
ReplyDeleteI follow you via BlogLovin!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a heart locket one that my mother, who isn't all that sentimental, bought for me after my 1st daughter was born. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteOur favourite ornament is a cable-car ornament that my husband owned before we met - my maiden name was Cable.
ReplyDeleteI'm now following you on Bloglovin'!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a wooden mommy/baby bunny ornament that my dad made the year my daughter was born.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament is a granny square Christmas stocking given to my oldest son when he was in Kindergarten. The teacher's mom made them for all her students--and she had a morning and afternoon class!
ReplyDeleteI'm following on IG. I see your doing 150 Canadian Women. I'm still on the fence - but I did wash3 yards of Kona Red. And I rarely prewash fabric--but reds are special.
ReplyDeleteIt's a miniature sleigh with a plaid wool blanket in the seat,,,tiny!!! Precious!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
kcummings71@gmail.com
I have two of my favorite. My favorites are the two my daughters made me when they were little. They are made with inexpensive "crystal" looking beads! They were so proud and I treasure them!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is a felt tree made by my daughter as a child.
ReplyDeleteI follow on BL.
ReplyDeleteso many favorites.hard to choose. today it would be my kids handmade ones. Thanks
ReplyDeleteIt is tough to pick a favorite ornament, I really love all of the handmade ones by my children, but if I had to pick it would be the xmas tree that was made from their handprints.
ReplyDeleteI follow your wonderful blog via bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteA handmade beaded ornament my mom made with an underlayment of my old pajamas from maybe 3-4 years old. It means so much now that she has passed.
ReplyDeletemindingmomma at aol dot com
I follow via bloglovin
ReplyDeletemindingmomma at aol dot com
My favorite ornament is a little silver heart, a reminder of how lucky I am to have people in my life that I love. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas ornament is a wooden nutcracker that was a gift.
ReplyDeleteI am following you on bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteLike many others, my favorite ornament is one made by my daughter when she was younger - a small construction paper tree, decorated with sequins and her school picture. She continues to craft special ornamentsomeone for our tree.
ReplyDeleteMy very first gammy (yes, spelled this way) from my 1st granddaughter
ReplyDeleteI am non Christian but having been educated in a convent we celebrate Christmas every year with a Christmas tree at home and loads of gifts for everyone. I have little hanging Santas on it and they are my favouite ornament.
ReplyDeleteNew follower on bloglovin
ReplyDeleteMy favorite ornament on our tree is the ceramic baby Jesus that we always put in the upper center so it is in full view.
ReplyDeleteI am following on Bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteI made a teddy bear ornament that has moveable arms and legs. Handmade is always the best!
ReplyDeleteI follow you with bloglovin. It's impossible to pick one favorite ornament. I cherish the ones my daughtersewing made, especially.
ReplyDeleteI have an owl ornament with button eyes that I love.
ReplyDelete