Comments are now closed on this blog post, winners will be announced shortly. (edited 1/22/ 11:59)
I started blogging in April of 2007 – almost 3 years ago – wow how time flies. At first I really didn’t know what to write and didn’t write very frequently. I finally decided to just write as I talk as though I was actually chatting with you. I am not very good about formal sentence structure and I know it! I just don’t care anymore – I assume if that is what a person wants to read they will go elsewhere 
About a year and a half ago I really got into it and started blogging on a very regular basis. To celebrate this 500th anniversary I am having a give away – winner will be announce in one week on Friday the 22nd of January.
There will be two winners. The rules are simple. Leave a comment and tell me where you are from and you get one chance. Blog about it and make sure you tell me and you will have two chances.
prize #1 included 20 light aqua hoffman batik 6" squares, 20 dark aqua hoffman batik 6" squares, a McKenna Ryan pattern and the other things in the photo.
prize #2 is another stack of both colors of batiks, another McKenna Ryan pattern and an assortment of other items in the photo.
The two aqua fabrics are the ones that I used in my Dutch Treat quilt which originally was going to be much larger than it ended up being. I had cut a lot of 6″ squares in preparation for the quilt so had a lot left over. The 3 bears pattern featured in the second grouping of prizes is the one that I used for the wall hanging in the motorhome. It is like new as you trace the pattern on to fusible web so the pattern is not disturbed in anyway. I had cleaned my sewing room back in the late fall and filled a basket with items that I do not used – possibly used slightly but not so you would notice. Some things were given to me that I never used as was not something I needed or use. I still have a basket – no longer overflowing but still full so plenty for future give away’s.
And the weather today with this warm up that we are having and enjoying!
slightly out of focus as I had to stand over to the side so my shadow wouldn't be on it. The little boy has no jacket this time and no little snowman in the corner Someone asked the last time I posted a photo of the thermometer what kind is it. It is from the Weather Channel and is digital.
I have been busy today organizing fabric – yes once again. I have decided that I will go ahead and start soon on the Little Brown Bird quilt after all. I have been undecided about it. I do not know if I will make the whole thing, but I am going to give it a start and decide as I go. I will be using a lot of almost solids – batiks and moda marbles. I want to make sure there is no bleeding so I have been washing fabric and pressing all day! And still more to go through in my wire baskets on the shelves. I will use a little of the other fabrics (prints) here and there but most of them I will wash as needed.
The Red and Green Traditional Applique quilt I will be starting first. I have the background fabric for both quilts on bolts on the shelf. The Red and Green quilt will be mainly moda marbles and batiks also with prints thrown in here and there. I have been collecting batiks and marbles for sometime now in preparation. I mainly get fat quarters and I have plenty of them. I might be organized enough tomorrow for a photo. My fabric needs organizing and I have a feeling it will take several days of working on it to get it all under control (and I have a very small stash compared to some of you I know).
Posted by Karen
Give Aways, Little Brown Bird, Red & Green Traditional Applique
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January 15th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Wow! 500 posts. i just had my 15th. I’ve got a long way to go. Congratulations.
January 15th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
500, congratulations!! That is quite an accomplishment. I love reading your blog and look forward to many more posts. I think you know already, but I am from CT. We, too, are having a little warm weather today, but not for long.
Jackie´s last blog ..Dreaming of Butterflies
January 15th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Do you always wash your fabric, I am from Yell county like in the movie true grit. I really really like the bear pattern.
January 15th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I’m from Richmond, VA and congratulations on your blog milestone! Keep it up!
Vicki W´s last blog ..Fiberactions Challenge – Initiative revealed
January 15th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Happy Blogiversary greetings from Dallas, Texas. Those aqua fabrics would be perfect for a little project of mine . . .
sophie´s last blog ..Fat Felt Flower Face
January 15th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Congratulations on 500 posts, Karen.
Thank you for such a generous giveaway! I have just recently become aware of McKenna Ryan and her work. Its lovely and quite different from anything else I have seen.
Hello from sunny and warm Melbourne, Victoria, Australia!
Miriam´s last blog ..Waterloo progress
January 15th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Congratulations on 500 blog posts! I don’t blog, because I’d NEVER get any sewing/quilting done here in MONTPELIER, VA (Not far from Richmond, VA)
January 15th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Congrats in your 500th posts, wow!, it’s a lot!!!. I’m from Costa Rica and I’d love to enter in your giveaway!, thank you and keep going!
January 15th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Congratulations! Love the fabrics. And one can never have to many doo-dads can one? LOL
I am from northeast Texas…the currently semi-warm and dry part of the state. ;o)
Sherry´s last blog ..Speaking of Ice…
January 15th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
I just blogged about your giveaway on my blog. Be sure to enter me twice! If you pull my name twice, do I get both? ;o)
Sherry´s last blog ..Blog Giveaway
January 15th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Congratulations on your 500th post! I’m from KS and OK. How? There’s a move in progress. I enjoy your blog. Either prize would be wonderful and might help get me back to quilting. Thanks for the giveaway.
January 15th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Congratulations on 500 posts. I’m glad you write like you talk. It makes you feel like a neighbor I’ve known for a long time when I read it. I’m from “near Chicago” IL but still in the cornfields.
Wanda´s last blog ..The binding is done!!!
January 15th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Thanks for the giveaway and congratulations on your 500th post. Since you write like you talk, I feel like I get to know you better with each post.I’m glad you post often and I visit your blog every day.
I live in Northern Arkansas where it is windy, foggy, and damp tonight. But the temperatures sure have been nice for the past week.
January 16th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Congratulations on reaching 500 posts – it is such a wonderful way to meet so many interesting quilters around the world.
I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada where we are having a mild winter by our standards- around zero to 5 above this past week. Edmonton is a large city in Western Canada ( the metropolitan area in one million people)
Happy quilting and blogging.
Warmest regards,
Anna
Anna´s last blog ..Flower Power…. Could it inspire?
January 16th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Congratulations on reaching the 500 mark – looking forward to the next 500!
Janet
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia Canada
January 16th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Great giveaway! Congratulations on reaching 500 posts! I put a link on my sidebar.
Doina from Romania
January 16th, 2010 at 4:02 am
CONGRATS on your post #500 Karen!!! Great giveaway’s! I have added your giveaway’s to the sidebar on my blog.
)
Norwegian Astrid from Mauritius –
Astrid´s last blog ..UFO #1 / OPAM #1
January 16th, 2010 at 4:08 am
Hi there, I just stumbled across your blog. 500 posts, now thats a milestone. I would love to enter your giveaway if I am eligible as I live in Crete. I am into crafts and the fabrics would be coming to a good home. Thanks.
Judith Burry´s last blog ..This is what I have been doing lately.
January 16th, 2010 at 5:12 am
Congratulations on your 500th Anniversary! Long live your blog!
Rebecca Potts Baker, Concord NC
January 16th, 2010 at 5:50 am
What wonderful fabrics and patterns. Thank you for putting my name in.
I’m from Caledon, Ontario Canada about an hour north of Toronto. It’s lovely to meet you – I’m off to explore your blog.
January 16th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Wow, 500 posts is great! Congratulations! Very generous prizes. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’m a transplant to middle TN, but I’m from the Black Hills of South Dakota:)
Vicki´s last blog ..New Year’s Resolutions II
January 16th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Sherry Hogan
Congrats on your 500 post
January 16th, 2010 at 7:39 am
What a great giveaway, and a fantastic milestone. Keep up the awesome work!
Caron Mosey´s last blog ..
January 16th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Congrats on the 500th post!!
I’m new to reading your blog
I’m Aislynn, from Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada..
Aislynn´s last blog ..Socks & Magic Loop
January 16th, 2010 at 10:16 am
500 posts! How can that be. Congratulations.
chris´s last blog ..Out My Studio Window and Around the House
January 16th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Say, I love that little guy on the thermometer! You know who/where I am: Marianne in Barre, VT, your DJSP for 2009! Happy 500th!
January 16th, 2010 at 10:58 am
You are always so busy and now cleaning, too. If I can get off this computer that is part of what I plan to do: some quilting then some cleaning then some quilting then some sewing. I am planning on a two day studio day: haven’t spent much time in there lately.
Gari´s last blog ..Still behind
January 16th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Vicky Welsh sent me over, (FB), I am so glad she did, the prizes are fabulous, but your blog is just awesome and I will definitely put it in my favorites! I am in NH! God Bless, Happy New Year!!
Erin Bennett´s last blog ..Happy New Year!
January 16th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Congrats on your 500th!…….unlike Wanda up above, I’m not “near” Chicago, I’m IN Chicago. Way up north by the lake.
I don’t blog – no time for that. I’d never have time to read other blogs.
I love McKenna Ryan too. I have a couple of her small quilts hanging in my kitchen.
January 16th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Hi Karen,
thanks for asking people to write where they’re from – I find that so interesting to read, especially how many international readers/quilters there are
500 posts is a very impressive milestone, well done. Especially in view of bloggers dropping off left and right this year it seems. I’ve already lost 3 of my favourites, booh!
Anyway, if I could only make a dutch treat quilt with those beautiful fabrics, too, but that won’t happen, I’m not patient enough
Cheers,
Christine (PEI, Canada)
Christine´s last blog ..Bring On The Lemons!
January 16th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Wow, 500!! I have a ways to go, but like just talking too, doesn`t really matter if anyone reads it or not. I get to get things off my chest. I love your blog and will add it to my sidebar, so I know when you post.
Tammy
tammy bowser´s last blog ..The Pennsylvania Farm Show
January 16th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Congrats on 500! I don’t blog but love to read them – and especially quilters since I quilt! Was invited yesterday by a local physician’s wife to see her antique quilts made by her great aunts and great grandmothers – (she herself is in her late 70’s) and the handwork is something to behold! If only I can get that small of stitches in my handquilting! Absolutely beautiful patterns and the stories were priceless! Here in Montgomery, AL today it has finally warmed up to 51 degrees but is rainy – staying in and putting two quilt tops together! Thanks! Teri Dingler
January 16th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Congratulations on your 500 posts, job well done! I’m from Finland, started blogging last May, quilting over 10 years ago. I landed to your blog via Google when looking for quilt blogs in the UK.
Hannele´s last blog ..Suunnittelua ja surfausta – Planning and surfing
January 16th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Congratulations on your 500th post! I enjoy reading your blog, you are always working on such creative things and do each so quickly! It is warmer here today too, in western West Virginia next to the Ohio River(I can see the hills of Ohio and Kentucky from the window!) We have had unusual amounts of cold weather and snow, so am very glad that it is almost 50 degrees out!
January 16th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Those batiks fabrics are wonderful. I live in a tiny community with one stop light called Conestogo. Its about 1 1/2 hours west of Toronto, Ontario. Today I would say its warm as its just marginally above freezing.
Heather´s last blog ..First Nations/Aboriginal Fridays – Beth Cuthand & Mary Longman
January 16th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Hi Karen,
Congrats on your 500th post. It’s taken me a very long time to pass 100 so I’m impressed. Just found your site from a comment on Pioneer Woman’t site. I will not only blog about your site but add a link from my site. I’m orginally from Michigan, but live in Vacaville, Ca now. I’ve been making blocks for about 3 years and recently just finished my first quilt for Christmas.
Debbie´s last blog ..I feel like Oprah!
January 16th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Congratulations! Love your blog…especially the DJ projects…
Anya´s last blog ..In a Rut?
January 16th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Oops, I forgot to mention that I’m from Wellsboro, PA.
Anya´s last blog ..In a Rut?
January 16th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Well, Karen, you are well read by those of us who enjoy your chats and projects! I’ve been itchin’ to do some four patch since you started those up. The DJ, well, I just admire anyone who wants to try it.
I’m Pokey, from Ontario, California, where lots of quilters are this week for “Road to California”. Yep, ten minutes down the street from me!
Pokey´s last blog ..Plaid Ticker Tape
January 16th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Hey Y’all! Congrats on your 500th post. That’s awesome. I’m fairly new to your blog, but have thoroughly enjoyed it.
I’m from Douglasville, GA.
God Bless You!
Donna Mc
Donna Mc´s last blog ..This says it all….
January 16th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I live in Helendale, Ca and I congratulate you on being a dedicated blogger. Myself on the other hand am not.
January 16th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Muchas felicidades por este nuevo aniversario, espero que sigas haciendo muchos proyectos tan lindos como lo que hemos visto en tu blog, y por supuesto sigas compartiendo tus vivencias con cada una de nosotras.
Un abrazo muy afectuoso
Odette
Odette´s last blog ..OCURRIO EN UN PESEBRE
January 16th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Just found your site. Just in time for your giveaway. I’m from NE Arkansas.
Congratulations on your 500 milestone.
Shirley´s last blog ..Spreading Our Wings
January 17th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Hi Karen!
Sure I want to join your giveaway! Congratulations with your 500 posts – wow, thats a lot:o)
Greetings from Merete in Norway
January 17th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Karen, Yahoo for a giveaway but even more important, Congratulations on your 500th Anniversary. I cannot even remember how I found your blog but I have certainly enjoyed it. Loved the photos you put of when you are traveling. I traveled to those places vicariously through you. Thanks for that. But more importantly, you have really encouraged all of us “out here” to pick up needle and thread and get quilting!!!! I always turn to your blog when I get bogged down or just don’t seem to be doing any sewing. Although I am not a big hand sewer (I love my machine!!!!), I do enjoy seeing your projects and am in awe of what you can do with non-mechanical sewing. So, again, Congratulations from Summerfield, NC and another Karen.
January 17th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Congratulations on your 500th posts! What a milestone! I am from northeast PA where today it is raining and melting what is left of the snow! I love the snow – it makes winter seem more cheerful than the grayness that’s underneath it.
Karen K´s last blog ..Caught Up?
January 17th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Wow, Karen, 500th post! Congratulations!
Best wishes from Moscow, Russia
Tatyana
January 17th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
I am from Yarragon South in gorgeous West Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Congratulations, Karen, on your 500th post!
Quentin
January 18th, 2010 at 2:28 am
Hi! I just stumbled upon your blog and I have enjoyed reading it. I am from Broken Arrow, OK.
Shelley´s last blog ..
January 18th, 2010 at 9:40 am
Congratulations, Karen. I just found your blog, thanks to Vicki W. I will be adding it to my GR so I can keep track of what you are up to. 500 posts is quite an amazing number; I’m up to 178! I live in Southern Maine but after retiring in September,I’m spending the winter in FL. Thanks for sharing…Kathy
Kathy W.´s last blog ..Suzanne’s great big giveaway and sale
January 18th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Congratulations on your 500th post! That’s a real milestone! Count me in for the giveaway; I just put a link on my blog, too. I’m from Salmon River, Nova Scotia!
Maggie
Patchmaker´s last blog ..Take a Picture, Someone Said!
January 18th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Congratulations on your 500 posts! What a sweet giveaway. Thanks for entering me
Jocelyn´s last blog ..Sweet little doll
January 18th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Wow, what a milestone, your 500th post.
Congrats from Cocoa Beach, Fl.
January 19th, 2010 at 8:38 am
I came to your blog only today. I am a reader from Sri Lanka.
Mystica´s last blog ..Elections and Books
January 19th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Hello…congrats on all the posts…just found your blog will be back to read more!
great giveaway and I’ll go post about it now.
Christine´s last blog ..day 1….A Simple Woman’s Daybook
January 19th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Hi Karen, This is Kclily from Oklahoma. 500 blog posts…WOW…I’m impressed. I just started blogging in July so I am still a newbie. Glad I am getting to work with you on the BOM.
Kathy´s last blog ..Planting Garlic
January 20th, 2010 at 3:33 am
Hello! I’m from Vacaville, CA and found your blog from my girlfriend Debbie’s blog. I’ve been quilting for about 5 years and blogging for less than a year. I don’t know if I will ever hit 100 posts let alone 500! Please enter me in your drawing for the cool quilting supplies.
Donna´s last blog ..Quilting Fun with my Girl Friend
January 20th, 2010 at 4:44 am
500 posts! Congratulations!
Miri´s last blog ..Sunlight and Shadow quilt: String quilt style
January 20th, 2010 at 6:02 am
Congratulations on your 500 posts! And what a greate give-a-way!
)))
Im Lena Karen from Norway
I have blog your give-a-way.
LeKaQuilt´s last blog ..Love Letter Blokk nr. 6, The Holly Leaf
January 20th, 2010 at 6:44 am
Well Karen, 500 posts! Hard to imagine that you’ve een posting that long or so many.
Count me in. Here in Whitby, Ontario, and an avid follower as you know.
500 Gee!
January 20th, 2010 at 7:49 am
I like your Blog–another 500 would be good for the world. Anyway, I am living in Utah and starting to get to know the Blogging World. It is helpful to get ideas and to get inspired on gray January days. We are hoping for more snow, mostly. Good for the water supply and always a great excuse to stay inside and sew.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Hallo, and congratulations. I’d like to have a chance in your give-away. I am from Norway, and I just found your blog. Happy!
tubakk´s last blog ..Jeg fant, jeg fant
January 20th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Western Kentucky is my home (God’s country!). Just found your blog, but I’m sure I will be back. Thanks for the giveaway and congratulations on 500 posts.
January 20th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Hello from northern Maine! We are having a few flurries today, but the temperatures are mild (for us!). I love aquas and green together and am in the process of organizing my sewing room to that color scheme. THe FQs may end up in a sewing machine cover or wallhanging for my special space. I’ve always wanted to make a winding ways quilt, so hope that template comes my way! congrats on making it to 500! People keep telling me to start my own blog, but I’m a bit intimidated by it. For now, I enjoy reading everyone else’s!
January 20th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Hello! I am Liv from the middle of Norway. I started blogging this month – and it is so interesting looking around at other blogs.
Congratulations with your anniversary – 500 is amacing:-))
To take part in a give-away is exiting.
January 20th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Oh! I just love your blog
I’m Mandy and I’m from Labrador City, NL in Canada!
Come visit me sometime lol!!!!
I can’t believe you’re having a giveaway… I’d sure love to win <3
January 20th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
My name is Christy and I am from Phoenix, AZ.
I just started blogging myself this year .. can’t imaging getting up to 500 posts!
Thanks for having this giveaway!
January 20th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Congratulations on your 500 posts!
What a sweet giveaway.
Grethe from Norway :0)
January 20th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Congratulations on 5oo posts!
I live in southern Indiana.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Congratulations on 500! Wow!
I’m from Washington.
January 20th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
I’m from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan CANADA. I love all things connected to quiliting and have been a quilter for 8 years.
January 21st, 2010 at 8:29 am
Hi Karen ~ I would love to be entered for your giveaway. I just found your blog this morning from a comment you made over at Bunny Hill about her quilt with the little houses around it. You were looking for the pattern…and then did a follow-up comment that you found it on her blog. I searched Anne’s site and never could find a link to it. Would you be so kind as to let me know where exactly you found the link? I would appreciate it! And…is this the quilt you are making in your most recent posts; I didn’t see the houses but I did see the little circles/yo-yos.
I’ve enjoyed my visit and loved looking at your sewing room. Congratulations on your 500th post. We just celebrated 5 years of blogging with our 1400th post!! So keep up the good work!
January 21st, 2010 at 8:30 am
oops, I completely forgot to say where I live….Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It’s beautiful here!
January 21st, 2010 at 8:45 am
Karen, WOW! Congratulations in your 500th post. You have a wonderful blog to visit, Thank you for sharing with us, & thank you for your help this am in getting over in the right spot to post.
)
I live in Kansas but really want to live by the ocean or in Australia
January 21st, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Congrats on 500!! That’s terrific! Thanks from Fort Worth for the giveaway!
Sherrill´s last blog ..
January 21st, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Congrates on your 500 post! Here is hoping there are 500 more!
I am from Eagle, Idaho.
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:26 am
Hallo, and congratulations on your 500th blogpost anniversary. I’d like to have a chance in your wonderful give-away. I am from Norway, and just found your blog.
Laila´s last blog ..Moon Glow – The Border Sea
January 22nd, 2010 at 6:31 am
I follow your blog since november, I live in France near Paris and
I began a DJ a few years ago and restarted it with a fine group of people on the internet, 111 blocks now. I appreciate your blog everytime I catch it with RSS.
Yolande from France
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:41 am
Hello from beautiful downtown Taylor Arkansas! I’ve been sewing quilt tops for a couple of years now but still consider myself a beginner. Love your blog!