The Goatherders Christmas

Hola fellow goat herders! I have been absent, I know. I went out to clean the goat shelter, and then off to the chook shed....and before you know it, I was lost about what to do! I know you may have had similar old timers moments....haven't you?

My camera is at my sons house, so no pics yet, but I assure you that my mail today is worthy of so much more then JUST a pic. Janet sent me the most awesome quilt! I will treasure this forever. Janet, you have taken me soooo by surprise! You really outdid yourself, I can't wait to post a pic! The earthfamily is coming for Christmas so I can post a pic then. Janet...I am so thrilled, thank you so much!

I hope all the little goat herders out there  have a fun filled Christmas. Be warm, or cool, depending on what continent you live on, well fed, with family.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, peace on earth and pray everyone gets along. God bless us everyone...Elaine

Busy, busy !

Wow...ya'll liked the Sherbet Pips...sold out in record time! I can't wait for the line to come out in April. Oh...did I mention? I didn't save any for moi! What"? How can that be? I do have my eye on a few new lines. Are there any you want? I am going to order heavy on Sherbet Pips so that I have enough. I have already taken a few pre-orders for the fat quarter pack and at least 3 layer cakes. Anything you can't live without...let me know, via email, and I can put you on the pre-order list.

                                                                               

We finally got our tree up today, yippee! For the past few years we have had trees that may have been cut in, oh, I don't know, September? My SIL told me she has been buying hers at Home Depot. I don't know if you have those in other parts of the world, but here, in the US, it's THAT store you go to when you are doing a remodeling project, laying tile, painting, or just gutting the kitchen! We were very pleased with the trees that were there and the whole house smells like fresh fir trees! Love it! Very fresh, kinda smallish, but it'll do just fine. So where do you get your tree? Do you cut it yourself? I love that Christmas tree connection.

Since I have started work, 2 weeks ago, I havent' read any blogs...and miss reading the goings on! I better get reading. Have a great weekend, Elaine

Sherbet Pips is almost out!

The fat quarter pack is gone, so are the layer cakes and the jelly rolls. There are  only 4 charm packs left. I have the charms set up to accept shipping to Canada and Australia. Remember, the Sherbet Pips will not be available, as a line or precuts, until April. And everyone who bought, thank you. If you didn't get that chance, more to follow in April! Thank you again, Elaine
                                                                                     

Sherbet Pips is in!

An advanced shipment has arrived....when it's gone, it's gone until April! In my etsy shop...!

Just the precuts available now. Thank you!

                                                                             

Sisterhood of the Traveling Goat goings on

1) Mail my heart blocks to Shirley.

2) Calm Gordon down and get him in the envelope to mail to Kentucky tomorrow.

Gordon has been going to work with me the past few days. He is downright giddy! Ah, the history of Texas he has learned today! I only hope that he retains a wee bit to share with his mum!

I have been an awful procrastinating blogger this past few months...hope ya'll forgive me! I FINALLY went back to work last week and my life has been "interesting" for a bit now. I hope to get into the swing of things soon.

Remember, Sherbet Pips is coming...any day now!! Sweeeeeeettttt!!!!!

***Cyber Monday***

So, if you wanted to pick up a few Quiltmania magazines, now is the time! 20% off and I can fit more then a few in a flat rate envelope=wahoo!

If I take the cardboard out of the layer cakes + 20% off = 2 fitting in a priority envelope!

Just saying is all.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/soggybottomflats

Mail call and Heart blocks

This is Jax....secure in his feminine side, wearing a pink and black sweater. Gracie Mae is a nudist. She just can't help it.

                                 Tara, one of the awesome quilter swappers from the BeeBalm, a virtual quilting bee...sent me some home grown soaps, lavender lotion bar in a jar and orange lip balm.....oh Tara, you had me from home made! Can you see the itty pin cushion? It's a wee disappearing 4 patch! I love, love, love it all! The pin cushion is sooooo sweet! Tara....do you sell your soaps and other stuffs? My son has already requested home grown soaps for Christmas and I will have to hide these when he comes to visit! Check out the cute little burlap bag she packed the goodies in! You know Tara, I love you!

                                            










Tara also sent 4, yep 4 blocks for my quilt. Thanks Tara, you're very sweet! I can't wait to get started putting it all together.

                                                                               

I have been putting a couple of heart blocks together for Shirley. I had a charm pack from Tranquility in my sewing room and ran with it! I love all the colors. Although, the colors look kind of fall like....it's spring in New Zealand. Do you think the colors are too drab? Maybe I should have went with brights. So, what do you think?

                                                                        

Remember, if you are uncomfortable posting to New Zealand, you can always send to me and I'll tuck them in the package I am posting out this week. Please just let me know if you are sending something to me so I know it's coming...easy, peasy!  Send me a message and I'll happily send you my address.
                                                                                     http://www.etsy.com/shop/soggybottomflats

Don't forget~~~~~20% off in my etsy shop today until I go to bed tonight, lol. Who knows when that is. All you have to do is, choose what you want, add CYBERMONDAY in the checkout coupon code and you automatically get 20% off your purchase. Puleeeeese....I don't want to beat my hubs to count all that fabric at the end of December, he gets surly.

The Secret Sisterhood of the Traveling Goats

You know, it just sounds more decadent when you put the "secret" in the sentence, hee,hee! I need to be more mature, I know, I know.

Let's get on with it, shall we? Goat spottings:

                                                                                


These goats are running all over the world.....to the USA, Australia, The Yukon.


Resting in the paddocks, getting a wee bit dressed up a bit, transforming and moving on to the next pasture.
12 Goat herders from Iowa, Yukon Territory, Louisiana,  Texas, Western Australia, Kentucky, Texas, North Dakota, Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, and Alabama, all having fun and getting creative. Pop on over to the ladies' blogs and see what they are up to.

Later all, Elaine

Black Friday

Let me explain Black Friday here~~I guess I never gave much thought about black friday. I thought everyone camped out a week before the sales, literally camped....with tents, generators, campfire stoves, for the sales on Friday. The stores are getting a bit "off" by opening at midnight, 3 am, 4 am, or 5 am...just to lure the customers in for sales. I have never camped out, lol, please God, don't let me do that! Cyber Monday, is of course, Monday following Black Friday. Cyber monday refers to the busiest shopping day online, of the year. I did go to wikipedia and found some more info for those of you not living here in the states:

Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. On this day many U.S. retailers open very early, often at 5 a.m., and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season. Because Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, the day after occurs between the 23rd and the 29th of November.




The day's name originated in Philadelphia, where it originally was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. Use of the term began by 1966 and began to see broader use outside Philadelphia around 1975. Later an alternative explanation began to be offered: that "Black Friday" indicates the period during which retailers are turning a profit, or "in the black."



The news media frequently refers to it as the busiest retail shopping day of the year, but this is not always accurate. While it has been one of the busiest days in terms of pedestrian traffic at shopping centers, in terms of actual sales volume, from 1993 through 2001 Black Friday was the fifth to tenth busiest day.[1] In 2002 and 2004, however, it ranked second place,[2] and since 2005, it actually was the busiest retail day.[2]


In many cities it is not uncommon to see shoppers lined up for hours before stores with big sales open. Once inside the stores, shoppers often rush and grab, as many stores have only a few of the big-draw items. Injuries and even fatalities are reported. On Friday, November 28, 2008, Jdimytai Damour, a worker at a Walmart in Valley Stream, New York was trampled to death by shoppers who broke through the store's glass doors minutes before the store's scheduled opening at 5:00 a.m.;[3] a pregnant mother was hospitalized from injuries in the same human "stampede", though early reports of a resultant miscarriage were determined to be in error.[4] On that same day, two people in Palm Desert, California, were shot and killed in a Toys "R" Us store during an argument[5]



Many retailers close to Canada frequently attract cross-border traffic, so in 2009 several major Canadian retailers had their own version of the day by running promotions to discourage shoppers from leaving for the US.[6] Canada's Boxing Day has often been compared to Black Friday in terms of retailer impact and consumerism.


Yeah, I stay home. Conveinient for me, since I traditionally start my Christmas sewing that day, go figure, eh? If ya'll go out to shop, have a good time, I'll be here eating a turkey sandwich and drinking hot tea...

Black Friday is here 20% off everything in my shop

                                                                          
I have 20% off my in my etsy shop for Black Friday. There are no restrictions, no rules. I don't care if you live in Timbuktu or Sante Fe, just make your purchase and type in:

                                                        BLACKFRIDAY

in the coupon code area of the checkout on my shop. You still pay the same shipping, but if you live in Texas...your tax is ONLY on the new amount, not the previous amount.

                                                                        

Oh...did I tell you yet? I am participating in a promotion from Moda on the new line of fabric, not coming out until April...have you seen it yet? Sherbet Pips? I. want. it. all. Seriously.

                                                                              

                                                                                       Remember when I said I had lost my sewing mojo....I think I found it! I'll keep ya'll posted, should have the Sherbet Pips precuts only. We'll all have to be patient for April to get the yardage, bummer! But the layer cakes, charm packs, jelly rolls and bundle of precuts....will all be shipped to my etsy shop mid December....just in time for Christmas. Yes, I will be happy to gift wrap for Christmas.

Now I have some trees to grow for Sue in Dongara and some heart blocks for Shirley in New Zealand. Please see my prior post about making some blocks or even just 1 block for her project. Thank you again Shirley. God bless the miners and their families who have been affected by this tragedy. Elaine

The New Zealand tragedy

                                                                                 
New Zealand has had yet another tragedy, with a mine entrapment, and several families affected by it. A quilter in NZ, is putting out an all call for some blocks. Her plan is to make quilts for the families and children of the miners. Please go to her blog and read up on it.

Whenever I hear of horrific events, it never fails to amaze me, the heartfelt grace that quilters possess,  and are so willing to step up and DO something.

The miners and families are in my prayers, now, could YOU spare a block? She does have some specifics, so please read up on it. She also has her address available.

Oh, if you slip a block in a card , you can mail it first class without a customs form. You can also send it to me to mail for you. I'm getting a wee bit of something to pop into the mail, after the holiday weekend. Email  me if you want to send it to me, and I'll send you my address and I'll wait for your letter to reach me before I send it off to New Zealand.

Thank you fellow quilters, ya'll are awesome...Elaine

The funniest bumper sticker ever

Feeling rushed, heading into wallyworld....and there it was! A mini van with the best ever bumper sticker

All men are idiots

and

I married their King.

'ello...Mum?

It's me, Gordon! I am very happy today. Miss Elaine tacked me down to my flag and gave me a wee scarf. It's going on fall here and gets a wee bit nippy. (I think it needs a button or two on it, gets a bit windy here).

I have some balloons for company,

I even have my own itty bitty banner!

And, Mum.......she is making me a tree (with some funny looking somethings on the branches), hmm.

I better get back to directing....she just pulled the button box out and is beginning to drool! See you soon Mum, having the time of my life here, your loving Gordon                                                                           
                                                                                     

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Goat~~~another goat placed!

I thought long and hard, trying to come up with another way to "place" Gordon, my little Australian goat friend from Lizzie. A bunting is just right...

Now I just have to sew it down and send it off to Debbie, then off to DeeDee. It's about 20 feet long, 10 flags, each @ 8"x8" with a 10" space in between. I had found a very cute twill tape that says SEEDS on it, that I used for the ribbon. Overall I am pleased with it...until hubs pointed out that SEEDS is upside down. Some days it just doesn't pay to chew thru the restraints...                                                                                          

G'day....!

Hullo, Mum.....you there? It's me Gordon, your little goat boy. Mum....do we have an area code?

Hey Mum....a shop! Maybe I should go inside for a wee peek...

Oh looky Mum, the vintagey tablecloth fabric....

Wahooooooo Mum, cowboys live here in Texas.....!

                                                                                     You know Mum, it's kind of a black and white world here...or is it a bit Asian?

                                                                                  Mum....look at the cat, a bit queer, eh? Lounging on the pillow.  Hmmm, would be a good way to be.

Well, it's ok, but not quite "me", don't you think? Let me ask my Texas cousin, Garth....

He is not a "boy" mum, I am so confused now.....what shall I do?

                                                                                 I better go back in the house with my foster mum....she's weird Mum, help!

Oh wait....REAL tea china Mum...this is more like it! I better sign off now, here comes that weird foster mum again. I miss you, please send me grain for my teacakes...Love, Gordon                                                                                      
                                                                                    

Are you domestic?

I bought myself a book sometime back and have nearly worn it out! It is the most fun, informative, entertaining and inspiring book I have read in quite a few years. It's called THE GENTLE ART OF DOMESTICITY by Jane Brocket. You can buy lots of books on how to clean your oven, make your own cleaning products and even how to craft a zillion things for your family. That is being domestic. Domesticity is taking inspiration from your surroundings, making your home into a pleasureable place to be. She doesn't categorize people into bakers, quilters, or gardeners, but rather the idea that these people are all of one and more. She gently shares her intuitive sense of style, color and texture into her home all the while teaching the reader how to do the same in her home.

I would highly recommend this book to daughters, daughter in laws, sisters and even mommas. It really is that good.

I bought a few extra copies for my shop and have listed it there. Along with some new layer cakes, charm packs, pattern books, and fabrics. Pop on over to my etsy shop and see what's new.

                                                                                     

Thanks for looking, back to my book...have a blessed weekend!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Check out this giveaway

Carla has a giveaway going for several sets of blocks. She does such nice  work and has found these, hee,hee, our luck! While you're at her blog, scroll a bit until you find her stained glass quilt. Very inspiring indeed.

I belong to an online quilting bee and chose the disappearing 4 patch as my block o the month. These are the blocks I have received so far.

                                            
From left to right in vertical rows:
BeeBee~Lousiana
Kate~Australia
Lizzie~Australia
Sue~Australia   
Teresa~Michigan



Most of the fabrics are from the Origins line. Each member of this group is adding a special little touch of their own...aren't these blocks awesome? It's going to make a sweet quilt...JUST FOR ME ONLY. NOT TO SHARE OR TO GIFT OUT. Oops, sorry, no shouting, I know.

I'm getting a huge bunch of fabrics and pre-cuts in my etsy shop tomorrow, and yes, Origins has been re-ordered!

Off to bed for me, have a great rest of the week...Elaine                          

Traveling goats spotted!

Hurry on over to DeeDee's house, she has goats lounging there! What a lucky herder to have two of the little imps at one time...what will she do? Go check them out...

Come on down to Texas ya'll!

There is a saying here...I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as quick as I could! Enjoy.

                                                                                        

Old quilts

I picked up this little beauty, here in Canton at the flea market, last summer. I looked at it several times, circled the vendors stall a few times, popped over to check the price tag...it's a twin size, $125.00, hand quilted. Finally offered the vendor $75.00, listened to ranting and raving and how much this quilt means to her...and then she took the $75.00. So goes the wheeling and dealing of a flea market. Good times.

**DISCLAIMER**1) the vendor was @ 25 y/o, and not the quilter. 2) had no idea of the pattern name or it's age. 3) the quilt does have a white-white background, blogger is just trying to make me look weird today!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Goat~~~another goat spotted!

Here is a photo of Honey, my sweet little goat.  She will be visiting Suzanne, then Sue, then Jan and then home to me!  She will visit, Iowa, Western Australia, and Alabama.  I can not wait for her to return home so I can see what she had been up to while traveling! BeeBee

We all wish Honey Godspeed and good tailwinds...speaking for all the Sisters, Elaine

                                                                                         

Up-cycle this! or Playing along with Fee

I have wanted to blog on this for quite awhile, but kept putting it off. When I found Fee's repurposed Thursday, well, here was my chance!

I tried to drive by the Goodwill, I really did, but...







Have you seen the packets of linen dinner napkins and walked on by? Like, what WOULD I do with them?

The blue stack, with the house in the center, contains 12 napkins, all for $2.99. The red striped ones, 7 napkins for $3.99, a bit heavier weight. The yellow ones, 4 napkins and 4 rubber backed placemats, all of those for $1.99.

I took 2 napkins and sewed down 3 sides, added a couple denim handles....

I wasn't sure if the hubs  would use them, but when he found out you get 5 cents credit for every bag he brings in...he even uses the the one with fruits and foliage, lol!

The gingham bags were made from an upcycled tablecloth, found at a thrift shop for a few dollars. I actually made bottoms and sides for them. I am going to stick with just 2 bags sewn together, no sides. They get too heavy for old people like us. Makes us feel better about using less plastic...hate those bags... and helps us live a simpler life.