A Stitch In Time: February Finishes Giveaway Winner

The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense. –Thomas Edison

We're almost mid-way through March and I'm late announcing my own linky party winner. That's how life goes sometimes, and I'm sorry for the delay. Better late than never, right? I've been extra busy lately, but I managed to squeeze in some really cute little totes in February, and I have three finishes under my belt for March already, which I will blog about soon. I've sewed myself out from under any deadlines. It is pretty exciting because now I'm free-sewing, as in, I'm free to sew whatever I want. The possibilities are endless. I have a little project I want to work on over the next week or so and then I'm going to try to catch up on The Princess Bride Quilt-Along.

Speaking of finishes, thank you to everyone who linked this month! Everything was absolutely amazing and it was so much fun to click around and see your projects. Something went awry with Linky Tools in February and all the thumbnails went missing from about October to the last part of February. When I logged in today, I found there was a new option which allowed me to go back in and add thumbnails, so I puttered around with that. There were a few that wouldn't cooperate, but I got thumbnails for almost everything {and they may or may not be the ones you chose; I wasn't an auto-recovery, but I could link a photo from your posts}, which my OCD self is pretty happy about. It is much better than looking at a bunch of blank boxes. LadyBug drew the winner this month and she pulled out #26.

Congratulations to

Mara

at Secretly Stitching

Mara will receive two adorable mini patterns by Camille Roskelley from Thimble Blossoms, Puddle Jumping and Swoon. Make sure you check out her cute Baby Doll Repair. She also linked some adorable embroidery hoop art. If you haven't visited any of the other finishes for February, take a minute and click on a few. {I suggest Grandmother's Garden by P. and Mrs. DeWitt by Shay. Both quilts were once abandoned Ph.D's, but have finally found their way to the finish line, and beautifully so, I might add!}

The March Finishes Linky Party is open, so you can link up as you go throughout the month. Remember to include the March Finishes button {code found in the March post} somewhere in any post you link up. Code for a button for your sidebar can also be found at the bottom of the March post. The giveaway this month, sponsored by The Fat Quarter shop, is a charm pack of Kona in Bluegrass.

Today's post brought to you by:

Pretty Little {Mia} Maids {and Beehives and Laurels} All In A Row

We are daughters of a Heavenly Father, who loves us. –Young Women theme

Last summer a series of events happened that led me to buy yards and yards of the coordinates in Deena Rutter's Good Life fabric line, which is centered around the Young Women program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I wasn't directly involved with the Young Women {girls ages 12-18} in our ward, but I had a specific project in mind. It was one of those moments where I followed that little impression without knowing exactly why. I went to a couple of different quilt shops in town and ordered the rest on-line and in the end, had enough fabric to make 54 of those cute little Personal Progress totes. I had several thoughts on what to do with all of those, which included making them for the Not-So-Little Bugs to give as Christmas gifts for cousins, organizing an activity for the Young Women in our ward {congregation} to make them, selling kits on Etsy and selling them ready-made on Etsy. It wasn't something that was pressing, because I always have a zillion things going on. Besides, our Church encourages us to be prepared by storing up food and necessities in case of an emergency. I'm also working on storing up a two-year supply of fabric and projects. I think I'm nearly there.

When I worked on the totes I made as Christmas gifts, I realized that this wasn't really a beginner project. While they are simple and quick to put together, you have to be accurate and pay attention to the details, so contacting the Young Women leaders in the ward and suggesting it as an activity for them kind of fell off the list. But, one of my cute sisters {I have three sisters and they are all very cute} is a leader over the Young Women in her ward and when she saw the totes and that I had a surplus of fabric, she took 15 kits off my hands. Her ward reimbursed me for the cost of the supplies and I volunteered my time to make the embroidered labels for them, because they really do make the totes special. Hers are all finished and handed out to the girls in her ward and I'm hoping to see pictures of them really soon.

That left me with enough fabric for 37 more totes. Still, it wasn't really pressing, except for where to store the fabrics, which were all washed and mostly pressed by now. So, I entertained the idea of selling kits or ready-mades on Etsy again. Sometime. In the future. When I have a few extra minutes.

And then the call came and all the pieces fit together and that little impression to buy a bunch of fabric for no clear end made sense. You see, our Church runs on volunteers. Every position is filled with a volunteer, but not in the sense that you sign up to do what you want. Rather, you are "called" or appointed to do a certain job. You always have the option to say no, if you don't want to do it, but I believe that even if I feel unequal to the task, I will be blessed with the help I need to get the job done. In early January the Bishop {similar to a Pastor or Minister, but again is a volunteer} asked if I would work with the Young Women in the ward as, to use the lingo {we really do have our own vocabulary}, the Young Women President. At the time, I was so excited! Now, I'm mostly just super busy and a little overwhelmed. But I already love the girls so much and am still really excited to be a part of helping them know that God loves them, who they are and what their purpose in life is.

In my spare time, I've been working on birthday gifts for the girls in my ward. Here are eight I finished in February for the February and March birthday girls. {There are nine in the picture, but I switched out the light green ribbon on the one that is grouped together with two others in the middle for an orange ribbon and didn't have individual photos of the other two totes, so, there you are.}

This calling is a lot of work. On a slow week, I only have one extra meeting or activity with the girls. But most weeks there are two or three or four, which explains a little bit of why I haven't blogged much lately. It is taking some getting used to, but as I mentioned, I already love the girls and the six other women who are leaders with me. I am so excited to learn and grow with them. And now that LadyBug has turned 12, she is in Young Women with me. I'm so excited for her! And I'm looking forward to working on my Personal Progress with her. Which means I'd better make a tote for myself, too!

A Stitch In Time: March Finishes Linky Party

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
–John R. Wooden

Hi everyone and welcome to the March Finishes Linky Party. Yes, I am still here, just so busy I'm not sure whether I'm coming or going. I had a few finishes in February that I haven't had a chance to blog about yet, but that is coming up. And I'm well on my way to a few more finishes in March. I'm sorry about the thumbnails on the Linky. I guess there was some sort of problem with the hosting center that Linky Tools uses and about 97% of them have gone missing. I think the problem has been fixed. I guess we'll find out! Let the linking begin!

To participate in this month's linky party:
• Your project must be completed sometime in March 2014.
• Once you've got your project finished {as in done, finito, nothing more to add, ready to use/display/give away} with some sort of stitching in it, blog about it or post a photo of it on Flickr.
• Scroll down to see what other bloggers are up to and link to your own finishes.
• Please include the March button in your blog post. Copy the code in the text box below and paste it somewhere in the post you link for this month's finishes. The button is a link to this specific post, so that other bloggers can find their way over and link up too. If you'd like a button for your sidebar, the code is at the bottom of this post.
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-stitch-in-time-march-finishes-linky.html" target="_blank" title="March Finishes"><img alt="March Finishes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0yfYsAGxvaXR0YNYx7Z-u60a7RT9_dmcKcsVOPgjlL9ma-pAgwk9JXmgq3CcSCCzRvXaYiXueOCzknRT_qopN1JG7Dix8Zb_BCKK1glWEX9HX3j8aLtkPeC18v17bsp-b-RXnknsc9ir/s165-no/03+March.jpg" /></a> </div>
• Each time you link up a finished project, you're entered to win the March giveaway, a charm pack of Kona in Bluegrass.

• Thank you to The Fat Quarter Shop for sponsoring our giveaway!


The Fine Print {which might be boring but you really should read}:
• Your project must be completed during the month you are linking to.
• Projects must include stitching of some sort. For example: appliqué, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, practical sewing {garment construction, bags, curtains, etc.}, quilting.
• Projects must be completely finished. As in done, finito, nothing more to add, ready to use/display/give away.
• You can pick something new to do, but projects do not have to be started during the month. If you pick up a UFO, Ph.D, WIP and finish it during the month, it counts.
• Finishes must be completed during this month, but you have until 5:00 pm MST on the 1^st of the next month to link your post.
• Post about your finish and then link your specific post {instructions here} above. Links to your blog and not the individual post about your finished project will be deleted.
• Have more than one finish this month? Great! Post about each finish individually and then link the specific posts up separately. Each finish, and therefore each link you add, counts as one entry for this month's giveaway.
• If you've already posted about a finish for this month, there's no need to do a separate post. Just add the button to that post and link up.
• Please copy and paste the code below to include this month's button somewhere in the post {not your sidebar} you link up for this month.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-stitch-in-time-march-finishes-linky.html" target="_blank" title="March Finishes"><img alt="March Finishes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0yfYsAGxvaXR0YNYx7Z-u60a7RT9_dmcKcsVOPgjlL9ma-pAgwk9JXmgq3CcSCCzRvXaYiXueOCzknRT_qopN1JG7Dix8Zb_BCKK1glWEX9HX3j8aLtkPeC18v17bsp-b-RXnknsc9ir/s165-no/03+March.jpg" /></a></div>

• Don't have a blog? You can link from your flickr account. Just post a picture, include a little note about your finish and a link back here {code included below} in the description. Then join the linky party.

<a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-stitch-in-time-march-finishes-linky.html" target="_blank" title="March Finishes">A Stitch In Time: March Finishes</a>

• Want a button for your sidebar? Copy and paste the code below into an HTML gadget for your sidebar. This button is a link to the main A Stitch In Time Linky Party page, which always has the current month's finishes and links to all previous linky parties.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/p/a-stitch-in-time.html" target="_blank" title="A Stitch In Time Linky Party"><img alt="A Stitch In Time Linky Party" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZPuRS75OByqbpvvTh7tzjwrJa71J3Q2YlKJxg2WTUB1esPZ99CR9QjXCislmjFsx_Ej0Oa6oxFNG4KqfrWr2IBhOCcnkzH7xWfYcRkTYl3nCfNklmBBSK6_0Eq8oBNkrdxyKq4Cttbdq/s165-no/A+Stitch+in+Time+Sidebar.JPG" /></a></div>

• Make sure to visit a few of the other links and leave them some love {ie, a comment}. A good rule of thumb is to visit two links for every one you include.
• Winner of the sponsored giveaway will be drawn randomly from among the links and announced by 8:00 pm MST by the 5^th of the following month.
• Kindly consider changing your comment settings to the pop-up window option for faster and easier commenting for visitors to your blog. Instructions can be found here.

A Stitch In Time: January Finishes Giveaway Winner

If you think you're too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito. –Betty Reese

January passed by in a flurry {yes, that was a weather-related pun} and here we are, already a third of the way through February. I'm sorry about posting the January winner late this month. I've had a lot going on at work and at home and it has taken most of my attention. There are lots of good, happy things happening and I'll share in the next little while. In the sewing department, I did have a couple of finishes in January. I finished four of the six luggage tags we used on our Disney vacation. And I have a few more finishes in sight for February. One of my favorite things about this linky party each month is visiting all of your posts and seeing the absolutely amazing things you've accomplished. Thank you to everyone who linked up in January! I wish I had a giveaway for all of you, because all of the projects are worthy of it. But I only have one prize. Grasshopper drew the winner and he pulled out number 5.

Congratulations to

Christine

at MacDonald's Patch

Christine will receive a charm pack of Daydreams by Kate Spain from The Fat Quarter Shop. Make sure you check out her cute Nine-Patch Table Runner. She also linked an adorable pair of plush elephants that are for a new addition to her clan. If you haven't browsed through the other finishes for January, take a minute and click on a few. {I highly recommend Cynthia's Trip Around the World and Lisa's Yellow and Grey quilt.}

The February Finishes Linky Party is open, so you can link up as you go throughout the month. Remember to include the February Finishes button {code found in the February post} somewhere in any post you link up. Code for a button for your sidebar can also be found at the bottom of the February post. The giveaway this month, sponsored by The Fat Quarter shop, is two adorable mini patterns by Camille Roskelley from Thimble Blossoms, Puddle Jumping and Swoon.

Today's post brought to you by:

A Stitch In Time: February Finishes Linky Party

Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.
–Goethe

We had lots of finishes in January — thank you to everyone who linked up! I finished a couple of things too! And I'm excited for another month full of potential for fun stitchy finishes! I don't know about where you live, but around here it is c.c.c.cold. Staying in and working on a good project sounds perfect right about now. I have lots of plans and hopefully my schedule will accommodate them. I can't wait to see what you all finish this month! Let the linking begin!

To participate in this month's linky party:
• Your project must be completed sometime in February 2014.
• Once you've got your project finished {as in done, finito, nothing more to add, ready to use/display/give away} with some sort of stitching in it, blog about it or post a photo of it on Flickr.
• Scroll down to see what other bloggers are up to and link to your own finishes.
• Please include the February button in your blog post. Copy the code in the text box below and paste it somewhere in the post you link for this month's finishes. The button is a link to this specific post, so that other bloggers can find their way over and link up too. If you'd like a button for your sidebar, the code is at the bottom of this post.
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-stitch-in-time-february-finishes.html" target="_blank" title="February Finishes"><img alt="February Finishes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR8k2r3PTttq_2o_gKNK-IjAXJMKibwjlk7AVQUG0vlwTXKhEvpk2cx-QHl1X7OWMparAELc9K6m1yFpWgOhvmpCZEC6dy5UG57d_6uDRkdi3-IUUKn1APRmrF00NuCWg2bPy4ppwIoWb/s165/02%2520February.jpg" /></a> </div>
• Each time you link up a finished project, you're entered to win the February giveaway, two adorable mini patterns by Camille Roskelley from Thimble Blossoms, Puddle Jumping and Swoon.

• Thank you to The Fat Quarter Shop for sponsoring our giveaway!


The Fine Print {which might be boring but you really should read}:
• Your project must be completed during the month you are linking to.
• Projects must include stitching of some sort. For example: appliqué, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, practical sewing {garment construction, bags, curtains, etc.}, quilting.
• Projects must be completely finished. As in done, finito, nothing more to add, ready to use/display/give away.
• You can pick something new to do, but projects do not have to be started during the month. If you pick up a UFO, Ph.D, WIP and finish it during the month, it counts.
• Finishes must be completed during this month, but you have until 5:00 pm MST on the 1^st of the next month to link your post.
• Post about your finish and then link your specific post {instructions here} above. Links to your blog and not the individual post about your finished project will be deleted.
• Have more than one finish this month? Great! Post about each finish individually and then link the specific posts up separately. Each finish, and therefore each link you add, counts as one entry for this month's giveaway.
• If you've already posted about a finish for this month, there's no need to do a separate post. Just add the button to that post and link up.
• Please copy and paste the code below to include this month's button somewhere in the post {not your sidebar} you link up for this month.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-stitch-in-time-february-finishes.html" target="_blank" title="February Finishes"><img alt="February Finishes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR8k2r3PTttq_2o_gKNK-IjAXJMKibwjlk7AVQUG0vlwTXKhEvpk2cx-QHl1X7OWMparAELc9K6m1yFpWgOhvmpCZEC6dy5UG57d_6uDRkdi3-IUUKn1APRmrF00NuCWg2bPy4ppwIoWb/s165/02%2520February.jpg" /></a></div>

• Don't have a blog? You can link from your flickr account. Just post a picture, include a little note about your finish and a link back here {code included below} in the description. Then join the linky party.

<a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-stitch-in-time-february-finishes.html" target="_blank" title="February Finishes">A Stitch In Time: February Finishes</a>

• Want a button for your sidebar? Copy and paste the code below into an HTML gadget for your sidebar. This button is a link to the main A Stitch In Time Linky Party page, which always has the current month's finishes and links to all previous linky parties.

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/p/a-stitch-in-time.html" target="_blank" title="A Stitch In Time Linky Party"><img alt="A Stitch In Time Linky Party" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZPuRS75OByqbpvvTh7tzjwrJa71J3Q2YlKJxg2WTUB1esPZ99CR9QjXCislmjFsx_Ej0Oa6oxFNG4KqfrWr2IBhOCcnkzH7xWfYcRkTYl3nCfNklmBBSK6_0Eq8oBNkrdxyKq4Cttbdq/s165-no/A+Stitch+in+Time+Sidebar.JPG" /></a></div>

• Make sure to visit a few of the other links and leave them some love {ie, a comment}. A good rule of thumb is to visit two links for every one you include.
• Winner of the sponsored giveaway will be drawn randomly from among the links and announced by 8:00 pm MST by the 5^th of the following month.
• Kindly consider changing your comment settings to the pop-up window option for faster and easier commenting for visitors to your blog. Instructions can be found here.