Saturday, April 30, 2011

Saturday: More Catching Up, Le Petite for April, Worthy Cause

OK I am all caught up on sleep after traveling, storm watch, general insomnia, and a too busy partial week at work. Whew!  Hopefully life is back to its normal hecticness. 

I don't like to advocate for causes in this blog because that's not what you readers are here for so skip down to quilt photo if you want.

First up, now that the Royal Wedding is over with, please consider refocusing your attention to the storm victims in the Southeast.  The devastation is horrific and residents need help.  I humbly ask you to do what you can for the organization of your choosing and thank you for anything you do good thoughts, prayers, donations, quilts, whatever. Thank you.

There are too many worthy causes in this world and I am often overwhelmed by the great need out there and feel helpless with the inadequacy of my "discretionary" income each month (or lack thereof). But when I think that I have an extra $5, $10, or $20 when others do not, I know that every little bit helps.  My choice:  I follow @HomerBlindCat on Twitter.  Homer is the blind wonder-cat from the book Homer's Odyssey who has captured my heart.  Homer's mom and author Gwen Cooper has set up a donation account for Canat Veterinary Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Read the blog post here. 
Many vet clinics and animal shelters in Alabama were damaged by the tornadoes and the heroic staff of Canat Veterinary Hospital is taking care of any and all animals hurt or lost by the storm. Donation page is here if you so choose.

OK onto Le Petite project for April. 
 I took my Le Petite project for April to Michigan with me and was able to complete it there during a couple of sewing days with my mom and SIL.  The pattern is a Schnibbles called Brocante by Miss Rosie and the fabric is Bliss by Bonnie & Camille for Moda.  (I used leftover charm squares to make Mackenzie 2 bibs.)   The background fabric is from my mom's stash because I forgot to bring background fabric.  Thanks mom and I owe you some fabric!

The square-in-a-square pattern is more subtle in my version of Brocante. I'll be interested to see the other versions in the parade. 
 While I was gone my goodies from Fat Quarter Shop came.  I was so lucky to win a FQS gift certificate from the Eventide quilt along and here are the resulting goodies:  Fig Tree "Strawberry Fields" jelly roll, yardage of Christmas owls and sweet kitties on gray, and 2 patterns.  HUGE thanks to Thelma at Cupcakes n' Daisies and Kimberly at FQS!!!
Another package arrived while I was gone. Thelma who did such a wonderful job hosting the Eventide quilt along, made and sent mug rugs to all the participants.  How sweet is that???!!!??? I will send Thelma a proper thank you but I just want to say a public thanks for such sweetness.  Thelma--Really, the fun of the quilt along was more than enough and I will cherish this cute mug rug as well as the resulting quilt from the quilt along. You are too kind!


 As frequent readers of this blog know, I love to help out the Michigan economy when I visit and save up my fabric acquisition money especially for the trip.   Here's some goodies from my favorite quilt shops in Michigan:  Lake Street Mercantile, Guildcrafters, and Mabelena.  These are for my Civil War Block of the Week (that I am now behind on...)

9 comments:

dianne said...

there are phenomenal acts of kindness in our Circle and i am grateful to you (and to Thelma and Kim and Teresa and Gran and Pam and Ranette and Jennifer and Melissa and Annemiek and Anna and Shannon and i know i'm forgetting people) cuz you are my angels

Karmen said...

Hi Gretchen,
Thanks for telling us about Homer and the fund raising going on for animals who need help. I will just have to get Gwen Cooper's book. I love the video on her page. And I thought it was difficult to get a good photo of Kitten? Love your quilt too, by the way. Karmen

Cathi said...

I am so glad to know about the efforts those vets are making to help the animals affected by those dreadful storms.
Love your little quilt -- the colours are wonderful!

Thelma said...

Congratulations on finishing Brocante! That was on my To Do list for April, I didn't even get that project cut out! I've yet to see a quilt made from Bliss that I didn't just love, great job, it's a beauty.

You made the most of your $50 gift certificate from the Fat Quarter Shop, what a wonderful job of shopping, Christmas owls....how funny is that!

I'm thrilled to hear the USPS didn't let me down and that your mug rug made it safe and sound, I hope you use it!

Thanks for the tip on the opportunity to help the animals whose lives were impacted by the tornadoes in Alabama, I'm in!

Linda said...

Gorgeous, Blissful Brocante! Still working on mine...
Thanks for the info about the fund raising!

Nice goodies!! Thanks for helping our struggling MI economy.

Simone de Klerk said...

Your Broncante really caught my eye, Gretchen! Beautiful brightness.
Congratulations with your win (o:

Carol said...

Thank you for sharing about Homer's fund...love your Brocante...great goodies both in the mail and from Michigan!

Corrie said...

Nice wins! Your Brocante looks great out of Bliss. Congrats on finishing!

joanna said...

I will promise to try to design something you don't like next time..... in response to your comment on Sherri's post this afternoon :-0!!

Thank you!

Joanna