And the 5 winners are ... Rudolf and Christmas Wish

As promised, I am going to announce the winners. I was very happy with all your comments and feel blessed with so many good friends that I have met over the past year. As said before, I added some people to my list, who didn't leave behind a comment, but who do visit my blog and email me regularly, such as my parents, one of my sisters and my sister-in-law (((O:

So here is Laura 'grabbing' into the bowl ...

and picking the following names:

If you can't read the names on the picture, the winners are: Laurie, Satu, Natima, Francis and Maria (O: Sorry I can't give you the links to the blogs, but my computer is not doing what I want it to do and is constantly breaking off.

Laurie, you are the first one to choose from the giveaways, then come Satu, Natima, Francis and Maria. I will email the 'left overs' as soon as the first, second etc. has made her choice.

Congratulations!

On Thursday we had our third Quilting Bee. Look at the lovely project Mai made with us! It is Rudolf. Isn't he cute (O: It was really fun making him and I hope to make some more!

And last but not least, my finished Christmas Wish, which I have finished thanks to Melanie and Karen. This one will travell to the United States I hope this week. I am so bad at getting things posted, since the post office moved away )o:

I once again want to ask your attention for the Dromenquilts in my previous post. Six kind ladies UPDATE 10 LADIES !!! MAKE THAT 11!!! from all over the world have already volunteered to make one or two blocks. Please join this good cause! Kathy at Pink Chalk Studio has donated fabric for the quilts, which I will send to you as soon as I receive it.

Next week I will tell you about my parcel that I received 4 months later and some other projects I finished.

No quote today, because my computer is really freaking me out ...

Schnibbles - Picnic, Sharp Points, Giveaways and Charity Quilts

I finally finished my Schnibbles Picnic by Miss Rosie's Quilt. A wonderful quilt, which turned out very pretty! This picture was taken with artificial light and does not do the colors justice.

For this quilt I used the range "Have a Sheri Berry Holiday", by Sheri Berry Designs. Wonderful and happy fabrics to work with! If you click on the picture, you will see that the inner borders have the text of two Christmas songs: Have yourself a merry little Christmas and Jingle Bells. I really enjoyed doing that. And for the corners I used bells, for which I had to cut the fabric very uneconomically, because most bells were way too large.
The outer border is so pretty, with about 20 different fabrics. The charm packs 'only' had 20 different fabrics double.


Here is a close up of the bottom right corner. Click on the picture and you will see some words to the songs.
This quilt really needed a lot of time and attention, but I think in the end it turned out very pretty (O:

Yesterday I took classes in "De scherpe puntjes" - the sharp points, given by Jacqueline de Jonge. She is the designer of Becolourful, which some of you might know. Jacqueline also teaches in the USA several times a year. She is a wonderful person, very skilled and calm. She has a very pleasant way of teaching.

This was my result. I must say, it was quite difficult, because we were not only taught to make sharp points in a circle, but also to sew a circle within in circle. Jacqueline also showed us how to
use fabric economically. That was the part where I made most of my mistakes. So at the end I decided to do it 'wastefully' which is not really like me, but if you have to undo your work several times like me, you decide for it.

There are two very nice giveaways! One at Sinta's Pink Pincushion, which ends today and ...

... a suprise one at Alda's Gepatchtes und Gesticktes, which ends on December 16th.

That reminds me, that I will announce the winners of my giveaway on Sunday December 6th, since Laura won't be home on the 1st and she is the one to draw the names (O:

Now, I have finally found the perfect gloves. At the quilting bee I asked some ladies where you can get gloves for 'easy quilting'. At a regular house and garden shop. How difficult can it be *LOL* I have made my machine quilting quite difficult without them, but then it is even more fun to have them now!

And last, but definitely not least, I want to ask your attention for the following. In the Netherlands quilters make charity quilts for children with a severe or chronical illness. Stichting Jopie's Dromenquilts collects these quilts and wants every child who needs one to receive one.

In January 2010 Marie-Jozé at Handmade by Mai will be organizing a day at Naaimachine Totaal in Kerkrade to make charity quilts. I made one in May as you can see here. I was thinking that it would be very special to receive several blocks from abroad, so I can finish a quilt from it. Of course blocks from the Netherlands are more than welcome too!!!

Please email me if you are interested!

"From myself I am copper, through you, friend, I am gold.
From myself I'm a stone, but through you, I am a gem"
- Rumi

A finish, two 'working-ons' and vintage hexagons

Ta-da, I finished the Advent's calendar for Laura. As you can see, I took your advice and used the white fabric with Christmas trees. The colors are much brighter than shown on the picture. Have a look at the next picture. It is a bit better.



I found this pattern at Sew, Mama, Sew, a wonderful blog! It was designed by Elizabeth from Oh, Fransson! A very inspiring blog!
I changed the pattern a bit, since I thought the fabric was already busy enough, to make the blocks 'jump' as well. I didn't add the numbers either.
Laura loved it and will take it with her tomorrow (^-^)

A while ago I won one of Bev's giveaways. I chose the fabric with the large roses, because Bev often writes about her garden on her blog and there she mentions the wonderful historical names of the roses she has. This fabric will always remind me of her. Thank you, dear Bev for letting me win this wonderful fabric! Bev was one of the first people I started blogging and mailing with. She is a very special and talented friend (O:

And look what else arrived with the post this week ... the real vintage blocks from Lyn. Go here, here and here to read more about these blocks and the project. It is very special to have them here in my home. I asked Jos from Cybele's Patch to help me with making hexagons for this project, since to me, she is the hexagon expert! Looking forward to see you again soon, dear Jos!

And here is my progress on the Picnic Schnibbles for November. When I joined this challenge, I thought it would be a fun and fast project for each month. It is definitely fun but not fast at all. Lots of cutting, drawing lines, sewing, ironing, sewing, cutting, ironing, sewing etc etc. Sixteen lovely baskets to be made and then put together in a special way. Once again I learned to read the instructions before starting, because quite at the end of the pattern it shows you different ways of sewing the flowers and baskets. Of course I had already finished the initial way to make them, so I could only make 2 of the 5 choices.

Now this is definitely a WISP! I finished this top a long long time ago but was not sure what to do with it. Now my sister-in-law asked me if I would make her a quilt one day. She loves blue, so I searched for this top. And here it is. Bibi is not quite sure whether she likes it, but when I sent my SIL the pictures, she definitely wanted me to finish it for her. I think I will add three borders to it.

And this is a project I made a few years ago. While I was looking for something, I came across it. It is a big pillow, about 75 cm x 75 cm. The blocks are made by samplers for curtains. I am glad I found it again!

I saw this project at Sarah's If only I had chocolate. Kathreen at Whip Up is organizing a quilt block drive for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Australia. You can find all the details and the pattern for it here. I joined in for one block and hope you will too.

And if you have some more time left, here is another project for an organisation that fights childhood cancer. The tutorials given for the Friendship Stars and Friendship Star Variation are great to make, so have a try. Email the ladies at FabFanatic here if you are interested.

Then, there is still some room for 'European quilters' to join the virtual Euro Quilting Bee. Please let me know if you want to join. Look on my right sidebar to see some of the lovely quilters who have joined.

I love the quote I found for this week. It reminds me of all the lovely people I have met over the past year in blogland. Remember to join the giveaway in the previous post!

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

~ Leo Buscaglia ~

Giveaway time!!!

I've been planning to have a giveaway for a long time. For more than a year I've been blogging regularly and I didn't know my world would change in such a lovely way. I have met so many kind, generous, loyal, encouraging and dear friends. Thank you all for being there and having met you!!!

This giveaway is for all my loyal and regular visitors! I'd prefer you not to mention it on your blog. That way you also have a bigger chance to win (O: To my list I will also add those who do email with me about quilting and the things I make, but are unable to leave behind a comment.
All you have to do is leave behind a comment and be sure you have a reply mail. Tell me which giveaway you would prefer and why. The first winner is allowed to choose first, then the second etc. The fifth winner will get the 'left over'.
I chose patterns by some of my favorite designers.

The winners will be announced on December 1st

Gail Pan's 'friendship warms the heart' with the recommended threads included.

'A tisket a tasket' by Pieces from my Heart with some batik fabric.

'Butterful Magic' a bag pattern with stichery by Giggle Buttons. The sweet buttons are included.


Cinderberry Stitches 'The needle keeper' with the recommended threads included.


And finally a pattern by Melly & Me 'Black Forest', with three matching half fat quarters.

!!!!! GOOD LUCK !!!!!

Finally my last Christmas Wish block that I made together with Lyn, Karin and Melanie. It is now time to finish the quilt (O: We set a date to finish the whole quilt in three weeks. Enough time to send it abroad then so it will be there by Christmas!


Look what the postman brought me yesterday. Isn't this just wonderful!!! It's the Moda Bake Shop Sampler. It's a great way to preview the new spring Moda 2010 collections. A booklet is also added to it, with a collection of templates, layouts and the history of charm quilts.
It is so much fun to look at it and touch the fabrics!

'In the middle of every dificulty lies opportunity.'

- Albert Einstein

PS: I finished my Advent Calendar top and quilted it. For the sashing I used the fabric with the trees. Thank you for your advise! I will post it as soon as it is finished.
There are no Web Sampler Celbration blocks this time, since I am still waiting for the last two to arrive.

This and that and a European Virtual Quilting Bee

Today we had a beautiful sunny day. And of course I forgot to take the photos for this post when it was nice and bright. So, sorry about the pictures. The colors aren't what they should be.

Here is my fourth block of Leanne's House, that I am doing together with Jutta. Please go over to her blog and have a look at her Leanne's House block and ... the lovely Autumn stitchery she made for her Stitcher's Angel!

This is my 10th block of the Web Sampler Celebration Quilt 4. I still have two more to go, but they haven't been delivered yet.

This is my 8th block of the Christmas Wish stitchery by Gail Pan. I am doing this together with Melanie, Lyn and Karen.

Lyn at Bluebird Quilts is having a lovely challenge! Three years ago she bought some Vintage Hexagon Blocks made from old worn clothings and she didn't know what to do with them.

Now she came with the lovely idea to preserve these blocks by sending 17 bloggers some of the blocks and letting them make a quilt up to 70 cm x 70 cm, which the participants are allowed to keep! I hope I will be able to join! This is so very special!

The picture was taken from Lyn's blog.

Then go have a look at the blog Block Party. Twelve women in a virtual quilting bee, sewing blocks for one another with blocks designed by some wonderful women. Please go have a look! I was thinking of starting a European Virtual Quilting Bee, to keep the shipping costs down. Is there anyone in Europe who wants to join. If so, please leave behind a comment or send me an email, so that I can start a Quilting Bee. This should be so much fun!!!

Now I need your advise. I am making an Advent calendar for Laura. I am wondering what background I should use. Plain white or the one with the Christmas trees print. The white one is nice and calm, but I think the one with the trees is happier. What do you think?

Melanie and I have decided to make a tablerunner for every season. We have started with the one for Christmas, using this pattern by Alda. Go to her blog and you will find some wonderful tutorials on the left side bar. She just posted a new one yesterday.

The fun part about this pattern is that you eventually have 80 1,5"x 1,5" bonus blocks at the end, from which we will make another quilt. Not sure yet what I will do with them.

Do you recognize the range I used for this tablerunner? It is one of my favorite Christmas ranges this year!

"Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open."

- Elmer G. Letterman

Schnibbles Cindy Lou Who, a win, post from Germany and another finish

Here is a picture of my finished Schnibbles quilt Cindy Lou Who. I don't often say this of my own work, but I think it turned our beautifully! I love the fabrics and the colors. It is too bad you can't see the binding well, but it is a different fabric again, pattern like the red one, but then purplish/pink. Laura was quite suprised that I actually finished this quilt with backing and binding. Guess she knows me, because she said: "You usually only finish the top ..."

A close-up.

A few weeks ago I won one of Dzintra's blogaversary prices. Happy Hearts, a gorgeous stitchery pattern by Hugs 'n kisses. Thank you my dear friend Dzintra for letting me win this wonderful stitchery!!! It is going to be a very pretty stitchery quilt or maybe a nice cushion (O: I will let you know!




And look what was waiting for me on Thursday when we came home late from our visit to Laura in Amsterdam. A wonderful package from Gaby with beautiful Christmas fabrics and ribbon, a sweet pincushion that I will put next to me on the sofa where I stitch almost every night, and a lovely pin (click on the photo and look at the top left corner). Also have a look at the lovely tag Gaby made for me and the card she added with a very dear message.
Thank you so very much, dear dear Gaby (O: You know how to make a tired girl happy (((O:







And this week I also finished my Christmas Wish Quilt. The picture does not do it right at all, but I was too late to make pictures by daylight. I guess I should do it on time next time, because the weather was perfect today for taking pictures outside.



Here is my seventh block for my second Christmas Wish Quilt, which I am making together with Melanie, Lyn and Karen. Only two more blocks to go!






This week I only managed to make one block for my Sampler Celebration Quilt. The other one arrived yesterday. Now I have four more to go.

"Experience will give you the power to share

and you need the strength to care.

Wherever you go,

grow and glow."

~Bhajan~

Post from the UK and our visit to Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen, Aken)

My sixth block of the Christmas Wish that I am doing together with Melanie, Lynn and Karen. Only three more to go.

This week I finished two more blocks for my Web Sampler Celebration 4 Quilt. Eight blocks finished, four more to go.

As I said before, the more I make the easier and more fun it gets (O:

Then this week a lovely parcel arrived from my dear and special friend Melanie from the UK. I had send her some felt and autumn items and she wanted to do something back. I was totally stunned, when this all arrived! My parents were having lunch with us, when it came and my mother was excited as I was and I think my father was too, but he didn't really show, as an 83 year old dad *LOL*

Many many lovely buttons. If you look closely (click on the picture) you can see that there is a little bag with buttons for each season. Melanie and I have decided to make a table runner for each season, both of us not having made one before. These buttons will definitely give me inspiration!

When my mother saw the Cotwolds towel, she couldn't stop telling us about her visit to it. She really wants to go back some day. Since this towel meant so much to her, I told Melanie that I gave to her. She has many good memories there, so I thought it should be with her. For Melanie Cotwolds is very special too (O:

Ger and my dad enjoyed the candy (so did I) and can you see the lovely Halloween pin on the bottom right.

Thank you so much dear Melanie! You know you didn't have to do this in return, but you really made several people happy here (((O:

Please go have a look on Melanie's blog who just made another wonderful post. She is the one who inspired me to show you pictures of Aix-la-Chapelle, as was Stephanie!

And here are my pictures of Aix-la-Chapelle. Ger and I go there quite often for some shopping. This time however, we decided to be tourists and took a walk according to a marked walking guide. On the picture below you can see the mark for something special to be seen nearby. To follow the path, there was only one mark.

This is a bank window Very special.

Aix-la-Chapelle has many different statues. This tour took us along quite a few. Here is one of a girl carrying an Aachener Print. Look at her toes ...

This is a very special statue. You can move the limbs of the figures. I can't tell you what the statues are called, since I gave the tour booklet to a friend of mine, who wants to take her family for this tour.

Aachener Dom

A door of the old Stadhaus.

Part of the Stadhaus today.

A picture from the top of the Stadhaus staircase.


This was my favorite statue. Look at the lovely birdies sitting everywhere.





Be like the fountain that overflows, not like the cistern that merely contains.

- Paolo Coelho -