My One Year Blog-iversary!!!

How time flies! I remember it was Easter 2008 when I started this blog. It doesn't seem possible that an entire year has elapsed since then. To celebrate this momentous event, there will be a give-away! Yeah!!!! To win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, March 29. I will draw for a winner on Monday, March 30. Nothing to guess at, no research needed--just leave me a comment. The prize will be something I have made--could be an appliqued or pieced UFO block--could be something else--you won't know until the drawing. So, for those of you who have just been lurking--come on out and leave a comment! Nothing bad will happen by de-lurking--I promise!

As you may have noticed, I have made a few changes on the bar to the right of the blog. At the very bottom, there is now a list of categories for the posts. I have not had a chance to "label" all the posts yet, but at least half are done. That way, you won't have to search through every post to find that one bit of wisdom you can't live without but can't remember!!!

Also, I've added two more blogs to my list. I enjoy both of these ladies very much and hope you will as well. Another item I've added in that category is the title of the last post--so you can easily tell if you've already read it. Please stop by "Quilts and Creativity" and go back a couple posts. Maria has a blog about how she budgets dollars for quilting in this tough economy. It is excellent and may help all of us survive with enhanced stashes in place!

Many thanks to all who left messages for Grace and Debbie. I know they said they emailed friends and relatives across the world--so they are now also international internet stars! What fun!

Will close this post for now. I have lots more to share in the coming days. But remember to leave your comments on this blog to be eligible for the drawing. And...do something nice for yourself today--you're worth it!

Hugs,
Sharon

Debbie and Grace

This is the story of Debbie and Grace, a mother/daughter team of quilters. Grace (the mother) and Debbie (the daughter) started my handpiecing Monthly Bliss 2 class in September 2007. Pooling their talents, they worked on one quilt. Working mostly from a scrap bag, colors for each block were carefully considered and Debbie's daughter Margaret helped in that department.

When the class ended in June 2008, most of the blocks were done. Debbie spent time near Christmas 2008 setting the top together. The choice of border/sashing material and setting triangles made all the blocks look gorgeous.

In February 2009 Debbie and Grace came to the current Hexagon Bliss class (also hand piecing) with the top done. Trust me when I say that the picture does not do it justice. Debbie recently completed my hand quilting class and has plans to hand quilt this piece. (Debbie, that's our story--just nod your head yes, even if that's not the plan!!!)

These are two of the nicest ladies you would ever want to meet. It makes me smile when I see them--either together or singly. And guess what? This was their first quilt--yes, FIRST! I can't tell you how proud I am of them both. If you'd like to leave comments for them, do so and I'll make sure they get them.

Alas and alack--will spring ever get here? It's been cold, blustery and rainy here in central New York. And tonight the temperature is dropping again. Are you quilting to stay warm?

I'm reading a really good book--"Julia's Chocolates" by Cathy Lamb. In places you laugh out loud and in others you want to just cry your eyes out. Well worth a read.

For those of you who may be interested, I still have a few places left for the handwork retreat. For more info, please go to http://www.sharonstroud.com/ and look under the retreat section.

Coming up--a contest of sorts. Stay tuned!

Hugs,

Sharon

Just Checking In

Blustery, frigid--brrrr! And just a few days ago it was in the low 50's. Just enough to let the crocus and daffodils start out of the ground. I think they changed their mind!

I took these photos a couple weeks ago and wanted to share them with you. The first one shows a chickadee and a woodpecker sharing a tree.

This is the same woodpecker--now sadly alone in his quest for food.

And keeping a watchful eye--a hawk. He's puffed out to keep warm!

Stay warm and safe. Settle into a comfy chair with a quilt (or afgan), a good book and some hot chocolate. Immerse yourself in total pleasure......while you can, 'cause you know that phone is going to ring ;-)