This is another of the beautiful blocks that I received from an angel while I took a break due to ill health. Thank you so much I love it and apologies that it didn't get included with the others when I shared them

A little give away.

I am a subscriber to Homespun magazine, and because I renewed my subscription for 2013 I received this lovely quilters diary in the post today.

How delicious would it be to see all of your appointments in this. I was going to keep it for myself, but in all honesty I don't use a paper diary any more- I use an electronic one. So, rather than let it go to waste and gather dust I have decided to give it away.

Just look at the gorgeous quilts that are featured in the diary

They are patterns that have all featured in the magazine so if you are a subscriber you can scour your back issues to find the patterns that this diary is sure to inspire you to create.

 

To enter the giveaway, just pop a comment on this post telling me your favourite part of the quilting process, easy as that.  Entry is open to all Australian members and followers of QBSA - sorry I am keeping this for Australian members only as the postage will be quite expensive for international.

 

The winner will be drawn after 5 pm on Monday 3rd December so it can arrive in your post box in time to put under your tree as a Christmas gift from me.

December partners allocated early

Hi ladies,

A number of partners have suggested that we have our December block swap partners allocated early so we have extra time to make and send our block.

So.... I am about to arrange the partnerships and start sending emails today.  Thank you to those of you that have already advised me that you are sitting our December, and some of you January.

Remember that you still have a week to complete your November swap and if you are running late all you need to do is send your partner a quick email.

Every January I clean up the data base, and old members details are deleted from my files, as its too hard to keep everything, I also am only keep records of who swapped with who for six months, so you may from time to time be allocated a partner that you have swapped with in the past, it is purely coincidence, as with 80+ members there are plenty of people that you may have never swapped with.

One of my goals when I started the group was to swap with every new member as they joined up, but with some months having 5-8 join in a month, this fell on the wayside.  Rest assured I keep track of who I have swapped with, whether it is the Christmas or 6 inch group, so can one day complete a swap with you.  This month marks the last swap with all of our members in the Advanced group, so I will work my way through the intermediate group from January onwards.  I have however swapped with a good number of the intermediate group, but even so with 47 in this group its going to be more than 2 years before I have met you all in swapping land.

I will also take this opportunity to wish all members and followers a Very Happy Christmas and enjoyable and safe festive season.

November block from Tarnyia in Australia

I received my block for November from Tarnyia in Australia today.  The earth tone colors are beautiful. She really did a great job in cordinating the colors. Thanks Tarnyia.

Beauty from Isa

Look at the beautiful block that Isa made for me this month! I LOVE it!! Isa also sent a tea towel (wouldn't you know - I am in the process of replacing all my tea towels - perfect timing) and a beautiful card. Thank you Isa!

From Christie Leigh

Christie Leigh writes.....I keep sending my blocks to you 2 make sure im on the right track, I just want to be sure im choosing the right fabrics and producing acceptable blocks I am open to critism so I can grow :) also I have taken up paper peicing and I love it!!

Well I think Christie Leigh is more than on the right track as a new quilter the love shows in her blocks dont you all agree.

Happy house

I had two partners this month, and my second partner is Sharyn from Qld that wanted a house in brights.  I have never made a house block before, so just like Sharyns October partner (Jeneta)
 I decided to design one myself. 

I have to say, its not as easy as it seems, the roof is the most challenging.  I was not happy with the fabric I used firstly, as it was dull in comparison to the bright house, so I appliqued a new roof on top, call it re roofing lol.

This house comes complete with a lush lawn, pretty flower box, dancing tenant and pet dog, it has a smart floral button handle to get into the front door.

Nov swap and some angels

 This is the block I sent Sue Preece for Nov

 Here are the blocks that I was sent by some wonderful quilting angels following some treatment I was having. All well now,and thanks ladies they are all beautiful

 This is the block that Sue sent me which I love. Thanks for being my swap partner this month. Must see about putting them all into a quilt as I am sure I have enough for a top now.

Tea time

Carolyn has asked me to show the tea cups blocks that she has made for Robyn.  This is her first attempt at applique on her new sewing machine and loved the results, and we agree, they are so pretty .

 Carolyn has also shown us all of the beautiful blocks that she has received so far in the swaps. 

Many many thanks...

...to wonderful quilting angel, Maria, who sent me this gorgeous block.  Your kindness is very much appreciated.

Ticks all of the boxes

I received this gorgeous block in the mail from Petah yesterday and it ticks all of my boxes
contemporary print in black, grey, yellow and white.  I love the fabric that Petah found for this block and it is beautifully made.

Glory Box of Blocks...

This week I have been busy with blocks coming in and going out...

first off this block is all the way from Scotland... Sue was my August partner and was going through a hard time with a sick Hubby... I did tell her that she was let off with my block but what a trooper she came through with a great block for me...

thank you Sue...

 Karen from NSW Aussie was my October partner and she wished for Ohio Star in pinks and purple...

this is the block that is winging its way to her this week...

 and this is the block that Karen has made for me... my wish is for either a Log Cabin in blue and yellow or a scrappy Spiders Web with a grey centre...

how perfect is this block...

Thank you Karen...

 my November partner is Rev. Traci from North Carolina and

 she wished for a Log Cabin in 

earth tones...

this is winging its way to Rev Traci this week also...

thanks ladies and thanks Sue

Luv Tarnyia xxx

Block for Beth

Beth is my second partner for November. Beth's choice is for a Friendship Star on white and this is the block I sent. Whenever I send a partner's block I imagine the finished project - quilt, table runner, placemats or other - there are some beautiful works happening out there.

Friendship Star from Jan to Beth -

Pam is my partner.............

......... for November. Pam has posted a picture of the blocks she made for me, and now they have arrived. I just love them, lots of purple to go with my other blocks. And an extra gift too.

Pam asked for a sample style block in Autumn colours -

and this is the one I sent her. I couldn't resist making a mug mat with some of the scraps.

Happy stitching, Jan

Log Cabin for Tarnyia

Tarnyia wanted a log cabin in traditional style with blue and yellow colors.
Log Cabin is my favorite block to do. This was fun choosing the colors for her.
She was my November partner.

November...

This is the block on it's way to Kerry in

Rowville, Victoria

I sure do hope she likes it & it fits with

her collection!

It's a group of 2 1/2" lil-squares

I cut them from the colors she'd requested!

Then one of my girls feel in love with the colors and is making

a lil-something from the other squares! 

Always sew fun! 

Sorry about the shadow on the lower right?
did not see it till I loaded this? Ooops!

Blessings~Lori from the USA

Blocks received from Erin

These are the two beautiful blocks I received from Erin yesterday, they are just beautiful, I especially love the one on the left with the beautiful aboriginal print...thank you so much Erin!!

Hugs!  Julianne

Blocks for Cathy in Canada

 

Got my 12" block swap done for November.  These are for Cathy in Cananda....she requested Maple leaf blocks..these turned out great, hope you like them Cathy!

Hugs! Julianne

quiltingwithcalicos.blogspot.com

Angel love

I received this lovely email today from Rosemary

Hi Sue,

What a lovely and unexpected surprise I received in the mail yesterday - not one but two blocks from two angels in lieu of blocks I haven't received. I was really touched and would love to thank the two ladies concerned. I know I can't do that personally but could I ask you to post my thanks on the blog please and tell them both how much it means to me to have "annonymous" friends like them. Both blocks are just gorgeous and I love them. Strangely too, there were no postmarks on either envelope so I have no idea where they came from.

The idea of guardian angels was such a good one by you Sue and now that my chaotic and less than happy year (for various reasons) is calming down I would like to become an angel myself so that I can help someone else who, for whatever reason, needs a little morale boost.

Block for Nolene

Nolene is my November swap partner. She asked for a Log Cabin. Log Cabin is one of my favorite blocks, I hope she likes it. I've just posted it yesterday.

Pams swaps

Pam has emailed me a pic of the friendship star block that she has received from her partner Donna for October, and the two blocks she has made for her lucky partner Jan for November