Cindy had a little blog giveaway last week. I really, really wanted the "b" brooch. Cindy was having fun making these brooches that she decided to make everyone who commented a winner.
That is OK by me. But wait, not only did she send me the brooch, she included some fabric strings. Way cool, huh?

String Blocks

A few months back, I signed up for a CYOC (choose your own color) string block swap at the HGTV message board. The ideas was to make each participant 2 - 6" string blocks in the color selection of their choice. There were 23 signed up. This turned out to be a really fun swap for several reasons. For one thing the blocks were super easy to make. Because they are string blocks, there were no twisted seams and seam allowances are not important. You know I get bored easily, so only making 2 blocks in a variety of colors kept my interest. I had lots of strings left over for Heartstring quilts. For the first time ever, I received all the blocks from all the swappers on time.

I chose a dark green center string, with fall colors on the remaining strings. I think I will need to make more blocks to make this a more substantial size, but I really like the results so far.

Another CYOC swap was just started up at HGTV, so of course I have signed up again. This time only 12 swappers have signed up, so we all decided to make 4 blocks instead 2. I thought it might be a good idea this time to show you the blocks as I make them. It is interesting to see the different colors and maybe it might inspire someone to make some of their own. The deadline for this swap is way off at the end of October. I won't show you the ones I receive until I receive them all (it would be rather boring don't ya think).

Jeanclaire of California (also the swap hostess) requested a white on white center string with citrus colors of yellow, lime and orange.

Janae from West Virginia wants a white on white center with bright purple strings.

Sandie in Washington state asked for a black on black center with autumn colors strings.

More Orchids

This tiny little flower has a sweet delicate fragrance that you can only smell when the sun come up or the sun goes down.

This very odd orchid is one that was given to me many years ago. It has never bloomed before so it is quite a surprise. The petals are a pale, pale green color with spots. There are several blooms and they look like spiders.

Irksome phrases

There are certain phrases that Americans have been using lately, that are annoying. One of the most common ones is the use of the word like. "It's like raining out". Well, is it raining or isn't it?
Then there is "ya know?" "It's like, ya know, raining out". No I don't know, tell me about it.
But the one that seems to be in every sentance is the word basically. (I don't think I need to put that in a sentance for you). When did this word become such an important part of our everyday speech.
If you don't believe me, just watch Judge Judy or The Peoples Court and count how many times they use these words.
Have you noticed a word or expression that has creeped into our language and just annoys the beejeebees out of you?

Hurry, Hurry

There's a new etsy shop opening up with some outrageous fabric for sale. Randi is having an opening day giveaway. So hurry up and leave her a comment as the contest is over tonight at 6PM