Are you ready?

Wow, it's October.

How did that happen?

Are you ready?

Let's start next Friday.

Am I the worst blogger ever?

No, I can't be.

I never really did love Facebook. Too many ads. I don't play games. Twitter? Not my thing. I'm not that exciting.

Instagram. Now that I like. Alot. I'm a terrible photo taker. I love to cook, but mostly the basics, hubs just 'wants to fill the hole' and isn't into anything fancy. Now my Dad, he was into that. I sure do miss him. Too much sometimes. My ipad is an older version and doesn't have the best camera. I can't text for beans so I don't take too many pictures with my iPhone, but maybe I should start. Some of the pictures I see are so amazing. I'm  assuming they are taken with a phone.

So, do you Tweet? Play on IG? Facebook? Blog?

Visit me on IG, let me know you follow me. Once I hit 400 followers there I have a super duper cool giveaway planned.

See you soon?

Quilt shows

Why do we go to quilt shows?

I like the interaction with other people. I went to the Rusty Barn sewing show in Phoenix today.

I met some really fun people. Did I take any pictures? Nope, not allowed. Did I think to ask, nope.

The other reason we go, shopping. I was a pretty good girl. Pictures to follow. I did splurge on an embroidery cd for Affairs of the Heart. I've always loved that quilt and have had the book for years. Now I might even make it, or start it.

Do you realize tomorrow is February?

Instagram

I don't know if you are on Instagram or not. There is an ongoing #thegreatfabricdestash and #isofabric and #thegreatfabricdestashiso (iso is in search of). If you are looking for some great bargains or some shocking finds (Tula Pink and Heather Ross at $45 per yard--really?). Loads of fun. Hint--see something you like type MINE and then enter and go back to enter your email and zip (ask me how I know). Hot items: Anything by Bonnie & Camille, Tula Pink, Heather Ross and ...

I'd show you pictures, but I'm a dork when it comes to saving pictures from Instagram.

Happy (fabric) hunting (destashing)!

Longarm fund is growing.

Is today really Wednesday?

Last week flew by...and I guess it it really is Wednesday.

If you are on Instagram, there is a great fabric sale on #thegreatfabricdestash

I've seen lots of goodies and have posted some myself.

Got to be fast...

Moving on

I've been thinking about my goals for the year and what changes I'd like to make.

I bought my longarm quite a few years ago, but with some very stressful job and family issues, it sat collecting dust for the past couple years. I really did enjoy quilting when I first got it. I was able to spend the time traveling to take some classes so I could be a better quilter. I got to be a demo girl at my local quilt shop for notions. I make a mean yo-yo. I branched out and became a vendor at the local quilt shows. Loved that. I enjoy meeting people and showing them a better way to do something and demonstrating new products. I miss that. Maybe one day I can do it again.

So, I'm building up my website and selling off my inventory. I want to start fresh here in Arizona. I want new inventory. I want to quilt for people again. I like making shop samples. It's really fulfilling to show someone 'hey that sample on the wall, I made it'. I want to sell my current longarm and upgrade to a different system.

I'll let you know when the website is live. Won't be pretty, but it will work.

The photo above is one of my shop samples loaded on my longarm.

Thanks for listening.

Happy New Year

I know today is January 3, but I've been doing some thinking about what I wanted to do for 2014.

I joined Instagram. It is pretty entertaining. Now if I could figure out how to save some of the great images I see there, I'd be a happy girl.

I guess you all know we've moved to Arizona. So I had to close down my business. Well, good news. I'm starting up again. The new name is Desert Vista Quilts. I've been working on getting a new website up and running. I forgot how much work that is.

So, what would you like to see in my store that you don't see elsewhere? I try not to sell things that you can get in big box stores, but offer the niche items. I've got some great gift packages coming as well. I think you'll like them. And, a great way to buy ahead for holiday gift giving. Yes, I am that type of person who likes to buy a little here and a little there. Less stress come November.

If you missed out on certain precuts in certain lines (think Comma, Mama Said Sew, etc.) I may have some that have been in storage. I have a limited amount, but once they are gone, that's it. I even have a little of Verna!

ps, if you got a reply from my Christmas post, be sure to give me your address so I can mail your little gift!

Merry Christmas (early)

Well, here it is the last Friday before the big holiday.

Are you ready?

We're skipping Christmas this year. We still are not quite settled. Lots of little repairs to do around the house (hanging light fixtures, curtain rods, fixing broken switches and outlets). Really you say? Didn't you buy a new house? Yup. Don't think we'll ever, ever buy another foreclosure/flip. We did get a good deal initially, but things are adding up. Yikes.

Enough whining.

Tell me what you are doing this year. Be sure if you are a no-reply blogger (lump of coal for you) that I have a way to get a hold of you. Auntie has some presents for her followers. What's on your quilty wish list?

Talk to you on Monday! Lots of (quilty) news!

How I spent my summer vacation, sort of

I've been putting this off forever. It's been crazy around the homefront this year.

Major events:

My husband decided to retire.
Sold our house (in six days)!
Bought a house in Arizona.
Moved. Wow, now I see why people sell their stuff and start over. Lots of trips to get it all down here.
Still unpacking.
Looking for a new job (me). Uncle is retired, remember?

I do miss the Navy moves. They come in, they pack, they move, you move, they come in and unpack. Life goes on.

So, in other words, I have a nice sewing room, but I don't have the shelf space I once did. So, I have a lot to re-home. Sad for me, good for you. I still haven't decided on a new website/logo yet. Still tossing some ideas around.

In the next few weeks, I'll be listing items here at some crazy good prices. Need a back? I have an overload of charm packs (some that are very hard to find), lots of novelty prints (think I-Spy), and some patterns/books too.

Looking for anything special? Let me know. I may have it.

What have I been up to?

Obviously waiting in line at the Post Office is not on the list. If you won a prize, it's coming this week.

Life keeps getting in the way of life. More on that to come. Maybe.

I got to do something fun for a friend and hopefully I can share more info on that soon (as I can get a photo). She is one of my oldest blog buddies and I just love her to pieces.

Is it Spring yet? I miss my babies. One turned out to be a little buck. Last time we say him he was a one point, Uncle says it's called a 'spike'.

Winner, winner, what's for dinner?

Sorry, couldn't resist!

Trudie, you are the lucky receipiant of the 12 piece Swatch Buddies!

Email me with your address...

Thanks for playing!

BTW, we don't have chicken for dinner on Sunday, normally it is reserved for pot roast. Not sure what's for dinner tonight, we had a late lunch.

Do you have a good crock pot meal? I need a break!

Happy Friday!

Saturday (tomorrow) I have a big chore. I have to, absolutely have to clean out my business room. Why you ask? Well, over the winter, it's cold and I moved what I needed to the dining room. Now I have to move it back. But, I've been tossing things in and out all winter. Yeah, you know how it is, out of sight, out of mind. Somewhere in there are they marbles I'm missing.

But, I digress.

Have you seen or tried these Swatch Buddies? I really like them. I have certain fabrics that I adore and use all the time. Think basics (not solids). I just so happen to have an extra 12 piece just for you guys! You know the drill, post how you would use it and share the love with your friends. Sunday night, I'll have Uncle pick a winner (let's say 4pm PST).

Yes, embroidery is back...more to come...

Winners, revisited

I know I'm late. If I told you why, well, you know the rest of the story.

I didn't hear back from two of the winners, so let's try this again.

I've emailed/posted two more winners.  Congrats!

Last chance

Good morning!

I just wanted to remind the winners to contact me. I have not heard from two. If I don't hear back from you by 6:00 am tomorrow (PST) I will choose another winner.

I have a new book to share (sorry, only have one copy). I think you'll like it.

Would you like a hint?

OK, it involves a special kind of thread.

Winners!

Oh my goodness you guys! As of 6:00 pm I have 329 comments and 131 followers. I must say I have had fun reading all of your posts. Hard to answer them all, but I did answer quite a few.

Allison is really one of my favorite designers. I have most of her patterns and quite a few are UFO's. (I have a short attention span sometimes.)

So, let's get down to the winners:

The winner of the mini charm packs (I have Marmalade and Tapestry, you can pick which one (I'll send you two)) is


Congratulations RachelC--you are the winner of the mini charm pack! on New Book!

in response to I haven't seen the book in stores here yet, but I know I'm going to want to make at least half of them!! Thanks for a fab giveaway opportunity! :-), by RachelC.

And the winner of two charm packs (one Honey by Kate Spain and one Posey by Aneela Hooey) is

sandraThursday, 10 January, 2013

Would Love to win a copy of the book ... or a charm pack. :o) Thanks for the giveaways!

And finally, the winner of the book is

Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.netFriday, 11 January, 2013

I am sure you will reach your goal:) I have become a follower. Thanks for the give away.

Congratulations! Be sure to contact me so I can get your goodies in the mail.

I have a dozen copies of the book on my website at $18.95 (instead of $26.95) and will post them first class mail (I'm guessing about $2.50?) for one week or until sold out. www.auntiepami.com

Thank you so much for playing and let's do this again soon! And, a special thank you to my friends Sarah and Allison.

New Book!

Have you seen this book?

You can see the cover quilts, but I stole, ahem, borrowed these images from Martingale so I could share. I want to make at least half of them right away. Some of my favorite blogs to read are featured. Can you guess whose quilts are whose?

Let's see---

Here is Miss Cluck Cluck Sew herself with her "Scattered" quilt. Look closer at the binding--I got mine! Yellows and greens are not my colors, but I sure do like this one. I can't find a nice light background, so I may have to put this one on hold a bit.

And, "Everythings Coming Up Rainbows"...I'm using Kona Cotton in Oyster for my background.

But, best of all you guys--I have a book just for you! Enter a comment to win and invite some friends too. Spread the love (please). I have some super duper cute charm squares on the truck, and if I hit the big 50 followers, I'll draw a name for the book and a name for a couple of charms and maybe, just maybe, some mini's!

Thanks!

ps have you started your Scrappy Trip Along (I hear Sarah is rocking it already) and I have my strips cut and have actually started the first block!

Drawing will be Sunday night, 6pm PST.

Happy New Year

Good morning!

Is it really 2013? Wow.

More to come.

Happy Thanksgiving

I just realized it's been almost a month since we've last visited.

What have I been up to? Well, quite a lot actually.

I have a new job! And, it's a promotion! I still work for the Navy but, I actually am challenged and get to use my education/experience. It's a small group of people I work with, so that's really nice. I'm still a cubicle dweller and need art/color for the space. I think I may look for a nice BRIGHT lamp. I have florescent desk lights, but it's not the same. I started a Pinterest board for ideas, so little by little, I can make it homey. I do have my trusty Keurig by my side. Love that machine. We did some experimenting. I love the Starbucks Eggnog Latte, but they are a bit pricy and full of stuff I probably should consume. But, if take plain old (light) eggnog and put some in cup (to taste of course), warm in the microwave and use an 8 oz and a 6 oz shot of Keurig coffee (I'm cheap and run it through the coffee pod twice), cheap(er) Eggnog Coffee drink! YUM!

Ok, suggestions are welcome on the cubicle decor. If I can take a picture, I'll post it. It's very brown.

Let the Holiday season begin!

ps We went to a restaurant for dinner today. Should have taken the $$ and stayed home. Oh, well. At least we were together and no dishes!

ppss Have you met Julie?

http://intrepidthread.blogspot.com/ She's got a fantastic new store and a wonderful sale tomorrow!

and have you met Jenny?

http://sewkindofwonderful.blogspot.com/ She invented the "Quick Curve Ruler" and she and her sister Helen are hosting a BOM featuring traditional blocks with QCR way... I'm out to get some bone background tomorrow and then time to sew!

Happy news!

Good morning!

Last week was kinda crazy. Monday I had a 'procedure', you know, one of those 'have to do' things. Piece of cake. The prep was worse than the test. Got a call about lunch time and was offered a new job! Of course, I accepted and start on the 5th of November. We took off to Portland Wednesday and Thursday for a quick little family get together with the DH's family. GPS took us too many weird routes, but once we got ready to leave, three turns and we were on the freeway. Lesson learned, don't hit 'alternate route', should be 'takes forever and you will want to scream'. The day after the party, we got up early and ran some Portland errands. Still didn't get to Ikea. I think we have a bit of anxiety going there. But, I really, really want to look for some new linens. We visited Bolt. A very eclectic little shop on Alberta. They carry all of the Kaffe Shot Cottons, so I got a few pieces to play with. Did I take any pictures? No, I didn't. Sad, isn't it? I even had my camera and my phone with me. The only pictures I took were of my chili dog at Weinerschnitzel and my #9 at Jimmy John's. I warned you, I'm not the best blogger and if I promised I'd improve, do you think I would?

Happy Thursday

What a crazy week. Monday was a very unhappy day at work. I knew it would be. So, on the way in, I stopped at my local Safeway and bought flowers for myself. a dozen long stem red roses, some white carnations (the small ones), some alstramaria (I'm sure that's SIC), and a nice heavy vase. I miss having flowers on my desk. My favorite roses are English roses, have you ever smelled one? Pure and sweet, with just a little dash of spice. Sorry to say not a part of the yard decor here (rememeber Bambi and her little ones). But just wait, I'm still thinking of putting in a Graham Thomas (my fav yellow). Hard to have them at home, my kitties think they need to nibble on plant life here. Plus, sadly, I am at work more than home, so flowers are destined for the desk. The photo below is my favorite climber, New Dawn. Mmmm.

What's your favorite flower for your desk or work area?