August De-stash winner!

Congratulations to Gwen who said (in reply to the question on rainbows) "My husband and I were on an October vacation in the mountains-- driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The leaves were in full color and absolutely breathtaking-- couldn't imagine *anything* that would have made the scenery more beautiful--- UNTIL we rounded a curve and saw a full rainbow arcing from one mountaintop to another! We pulled over, took lots of photos and just enjoyed God's handiwork! Amazing!! :-) "

Gwen, I will be sending you your package as soon as I get your address. Check back on September 1st for the next months giveaway. There are still 4 more chances to win this year!

Pretty {little} pouch Swap

Round 5 is really fun. We had to pick a "level" for this latest swap and it looks like from the comments that all the swappers were either intermediate or advanced.
My partner had a beautiful mosaic with lots of helpful information. As usual, I have to put my spin on things, so I hope she likes it.
After lots of fabric "auditions" this is what I came up with

Silver metal frame, curry linen, spaghetti strips in a stunning teal/turquoise blue, cross weave silk, shot cotton stripes, Lou louthi and some Amy Butler (exterior)

Clutch interior.  All Lou louthi with a small pocket for "valuables".

These colors, especially the blues, remind me of a particularly showy bird ……. care to guess which one????
I really like how this one turned out, hopefully you do too Partner.

Always Bee Learning- August

August with Always Bee Learning-
OK ladies- here is the low down on my block for August. After you have all mastered the single girl, this should be a piece of cake. We'll be working with improvisational curves based on a technique from the book Quilting Modern by Jacquie Gering and Katie Pedersen. I found the directions VERY helpful and if you follow them you will have success. You'll be making pods, like these.

5 assorted pods in different shapes and sizes

They go quickly after the first one (since I recommend you read the directions for making that first one. I even read directions and you all know that I'm so NOT a direction reader).

I am sending each of you a package with fabric and some directions. The colors are mainly grey, pinks, oranges and some yellow. Please feel to add from your stash as long as you make the pods CONTRASTING. It matters not if the center is grey or the perimeter is grey. Please mix and match, both in size and color. Any grey is OK.

Please make sure you have enough border fabric (more than 1/2") so that I won't have pod tips meeting with a 1/4" seam. You do not need to trim your blocks. I am happy to do that.

The dimensions of the pods in the directions are only a suggestion. After your first one, please experiment with size.  I'm looking for variety.

I would like 4 pods per person. Please keep any left over fabric, or if you are scrap adverse, you can send them back.

I can't wait to show all of you what I'll be making with the pods……. and as always Bee Mates of the First Order, thanks!

August De-Stash Giveaway is here…..

It's August and it's time for another de-stash giveaway. The month of August is open to US entries only. I do love hearing from all my blogger fiends so PLEASE feel free to comment even if you are outside the USA.

This month it's "rainbow"…….

In order to be eligible to win this month you must tell me where you were when you saw a "picture-perfect" rainbow. That's all!!!

Details for the 2012 Monthly Giveaway:

I will post a photo of the give-away each month during the first week of the month- so check back often, so you don't miss out.

You will have until the 21st of each month to leave a comment.

Leave only one comment per person.

I will pick a winner and get your package in the mail on or about the 25th of each month (postal holidays and weekends excepted). (Make sure you don't fall in to the no-reply blogger category- if I can't get you I'll pick someone else). And don't forget to answer the monthly "question". Just saying "thanks for the giveaway" won't secure the win for you.

I know some of my followers are outside the USA. Because international postal rates abroad are much more expensive I will be doing international mailings only a few times during the year (these are big packages and costly to send). Please know- I haven't forgotten you and appreciate your following me- I really do. So, I will specifically post whether the monthly destash-give-away is open to international entries on any given month.

Thanks for all your support and good luck in 2012! Remember 5 chances remain to win this year- Go for it!!!