Off the Needles & Giveaway Goodies

I have finished my 6th pair of socks.  These are significant because they are the first pair of toe up socks AND they are the first pair done at the same time AND they are the first pair where the stripes match!  And I had a great time doing them.  The only problem I had was that I got the bind off a little tight and need to spend some time learning a better bind off that will give me some more stretch. 

I still have my gray socks on the needles and have just begun the heel.  The only reason there is no picture is that it would look just like the last one.  I will take a picture again when the heel has more definition.  Meanwhile, I am hoping to begin casting on a sweater.  This will be the first sweater I have tried so who knows how that will go.  I figure I might have it ready for next Fall, if I am lucky and really work on it.





I have begun some Spring Cleaning (around here that means furniture moving) and cleaning dust catchers.  It has been a while since I showed any of my collection of glass owls but recently I had to remove a small selection from a baker’s rack so I could move it.  This group found it’s way into the dishwasher this week and I was so pleased with how they sparkled after they came out.  There are a lot more but these looked so pretty sitting on the kitchen counter I just had to share them.  Now they are off to the bedroom where they reside.






And now, as promised, I must share my goodies from Stephanie at Loft Creations.  I won a giveaway of fabric scraps, leftovers from the patterns done for her new book.  AND she included a signed copy of her book, also.  Well, this was quite a wonderful gift.










There are strips of all colors and prints.  Bunches of strips.  I love all the bright colors along with the neutrals that I never think to buy.










Then there are bigger strips.  And look at that wonderful owl fabric.  I think I may have that in quilter’s cotton also. 











And even some large pieces of fabric.  Doesn’t you mind just get whirling with ideas?  Mine has.











But the first thing I found when I opened the box was this completed to, just like on the cover of the book but without the dresden plate.  Nothing like having a jump-start on a quilt, huh?

I haven’t had time to start even planning what I am going to do with these but believe you me I will be at it next month.



I have spent most of Feb trying to either get caught up or keep up with my BOMs.  Usually I do 3-4 a year and do pretty well keeping up which gives me 3-4 half completed tops as the new year begins.  But with people doing BOMs with 2 and 3 blocks per month, I was falling dreadfully behind.  I eliminated one BOM from my plan for the year and another from last year is coming to a close and for that I will be grateful.  As of now I am up to date with the owls, Alphabet, Knitter’s Gifts, and only 2 months behind on the fish.  Maybe I can do better next month and even get back to making quilts.




I looked over at DH last evening and this is what I saw.  I call this picture “Happy Pappy” because there is a really big smile behind all that pile of dogs.  There really is nothing like a room full of unconditional love.


Hope everyone has a great weekend.  We will be driving to Prattville, AL Sunday to see a quilt show.  I am very lucky that DH enjoys these shows and asks enough questions to make me sound knowledgeable as I answer.    Stay warm!!  Gari