Mail!

   I got the prettiest package in the mail yesterday.   Almost too pretty to open... but you know I did.  

 I won this wonderful jelly roll of 

Moda fabrics from   Sharon at vroomansquilts  during the Table Topper blog hop.

    The package is just an added bonus----great pattern to use for thread painted flowers.  Thank you, Sharon.  Check out her blog for wonderful ideas.  I thought she had the greatest variety of table toppers.  She has inspired me to put one of the table topper stands on my wish list.   Now to think about how I want to use the jelly roll fabrics!

  I sat outside yesterday and began reading one of the books I got at the quilt show.  Guess what it begins with?  A section on color, value and selecting fabrics.....I thought I was reading my earlier posts on color!  So I am giving  this book a giant/big/huge thumbs up. This  Piece O' Cake Designs book  offers  a good lesson on piecing backgrounds and using the negative space for visual interest.   The designs are simple and fun and not meant to be exact, but rather free and stylized....almost folk art.  I am not sure I am brave enough to cut without the ruler as they do--especially for the squaring up--otherwise it is a keeper.
  What caught my eye was the swirled stem and vine on the front cover.  It is just what I was thinking on using as an applique for the foot of the  bed runner I want to make using the fmq challenge techniques.   And the quilt of offset  leaves  has great possibilities for a future project.
  

OK, you can tell I am feeling better today and doing better with the pain.  

Fresh air + good night's sleep + chocolate + prayers + hugs == less pain!!!  And maybe the  meds too.

I am late in accepting a double dose of the Liebster Award from  Ashlea and Kim.  Think they figure I have lots of time now to share some blog love.  ;)  Thank you both for the recognition.  I will follow up with a post for some blogs I really enjoy.  I have done enough finger exercise today....just following doctor's orders.  Happy stitching.