Friday, January 24, 2014

Friday Night Sewing, Grow Your Blog, And A Giveaway!

I love sewing on Friday nights.  It is the end of the week, sometimes there are great classic movies on TV, and it makes Saturday morning feel promising when I actually finish something or get a good start on a project the evening before.



I made this 20 inch block a year ago and could never really decide what to do with it.  Then suddenly I knew...a large pillow.  This project worked out perfectly (although photographing pillows is always difficult) as the pillow forms were 1/2 price this week!


I made an envelope back with minky, which was interesting to sew, and it is just wonderful.  This way I can switch out the pillow form if I ever get it back again from my son (he informed me it is the perfect size to use when gaming).


I had a little more time this evening to work on a Valentine embroidery piece...looks like I have a great start on tomorrow's projects.


Welcome if you are participating in the Grow Your Blog hop.  You can find a list of the over 500 participants here.  To make a cold and snowy weekend (actually we are expecting blizzard conditions) a little more exciting for me, I am giving away a $25 gift certificate to Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop.  Just leave me a comment of when your favorite time of the week is to work on your hobby.  If you are a follower, leave me another comment letting me know that for a second chance to win.  The giveaway will close on February 15.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

144 comments:

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Yikes Kristen!! That is soooo cute! Love the bright colors and I bet the back is so soft and cozy. Stay warm!

Lisa said...

When I opened Bloglovin and saw giveaway and that darling pillow I got really excited! I have to admit I even knew who would love it. So if I win I guess I will just have to make a cute pillow too! Thank you!

Lisa said...

I love to work in the morning during the weekdays after my Grandson gets on the bus!

DebraKay Neiman said...

I am more productive at night, maybe because I spent so much time on night shift as a nurse, before I retired. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

DebraKay Neiman said...

I am happy to be a follower on Bloglovin. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Your son has laid claim to a very fun pillow!! My favorite time to sew is Saturday morning :)

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Bloglovin Follower here!

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

GFC follower :) I love when we can make something from something else that we hadn't perhaps thought of it becoming. Does that makes sense or is it to early for me to be commenting on a Saturday morning!!??

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

I love sewing from about 8 or 9pm on a night - after I have come in from work, watched some tv, eaten, done the dishes, had a nap - then I am all perky and ready to sew.

Sharon E said...

I already follow :-)

Sharon E said...

Sundays are my best time to sew. We stay home and relax and I can usually get quite a bit done. Thanks for a chance to win!

Jeanie said...

I guess that any spare time is a good time to work on projects. I'm more of a morning person, so I'm more productive then.
Love your happy pillow!

Jeanie said...

I'm a follower! Thanks for the giveaway!

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Good morning Kristen....I work at my quilting mostly in the evening. Thanks for this chance.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Long time follower

Margaret said...

I like working in the early morning It is so quiet at this time. Thanks for the chance to win.

Margaret said...

I am your follower on bloglovin

Gill said...

I like working in the early mornings when the house is quiet!!

Gill said...

I'm already following you (GFC)

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristen, I'm Beth one of Vicki's GYB party volunteers. Your quilted pillow is fabulous... I love the bright blue you chose! I hope you have lots of fun at the blog party and wish you much success at "Growing Your Blog"!
Hugs and have a great weekend,
Beth P

beaquilter said...

lovely pillow, I quilt/ sew any time I want I'm a SAHM and have my own studio set up, it DO sew less with my baby now being 17m and very mobile but she helps me often too.

beaquilter said...

I'm a follower too

Jacqueline said...

I try to sew or hand quilt for at least 20 minutes a day, every day. Improves my mood and it is amazing how much you can accomplish. Thanks foe a chance

Jacqueline said...

I am a follower.

Michele T said...

I work full time, so any moment that I can spend in the evenings or weekends to quilt is my favorite time! I especially enjoy holidays ;-)

Michele T said...

I follow you and your blog via Bloglovin'!!

Vicki H said...

My grandson would love the pillow. Afternoons are my best time in the sewing room.

Vicki H said...

I follow you with GFC. Thanks for the great giveaway.

JoyceLM said...

Been enjoying your blog via Bloglovin'. I work 4 days a week, so I mostly do my quilting Friday thru Sunday. Thanks.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Kristen great pillow, love the backing! I love to stitch during the weekdays when I am off, and DH is working.....I have time to myself.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

I am a follower through e-mail

barbara woods said...

I sew in the afternoon

barbara woods said...

Follower by gfc and email

Amy C said...

Any day my kids will let me sit down to work on something. Which is not often.
campbellamyd at gmail dot com

Patty Antle said...

I love to craft everyday now that I am retired. I try to get some cleaning in-between! I had to look up the word minky - didn't know what it was. Am learning so many things through this blog hop. What a compliment that your pillow will go to good use!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm Linda from craftygardener.ca and I found your site from the Grow Your Blog event. I'd love to be entered into your give away. My favourite time to knit or crochet is when I watch tv in the evenings. It has been nice browsing through your blog.

Anonymous said...

HI,HAPPY TO FOLLOW >BLOG LOVIN'!

cobaltt16@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

HI,LOVE WORKING IN THE AFTERNOONS WHEN MOST OF MY HOUSEHOLD WORK IS FINISHED FOR THE DAY!THANKS FOR SHARING A GREAT GIVEAWAY!

cobaltt16@yahoo.com

Shauna said...

My favorite time to quilt is in the afternoon when the sunshines in the window, great light and just makes me happy.

mtnquiltr said...

Now I'm retired I can sew when I want to. That is soon to change now I will be caring for a 1 year old part time! I am more productive in the morning .

Shauna said...

I follow you with bloglovin

aspiritofsimplicity said...

your valentine piece looks just lovely. Visiting from grow your blog.

mtnquiltr said...

I follow on Bloglovin.

Lou said...

I like to sew whenever I can:) Since I have a longarm business I sew in between customer quilts:)

Lou said...

I follow you by email at louster388atyahoodotcom:)

Ashley cramp said...

Love the cushion.....and what a cheerful and happy blog you have a pleasure to visit!
popping by as part of the 'grow your blog day' Its such a lovely way to find super new blogs to read...I am joining along with you too
bestest weekend wishes
Daisy j

Brenda said...

Looks like you made some progress also on you FNSI! Love how the pillow turned out, I did a little hand work also. Yours is looking very pretty!

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

Love the pillow..I've been wanting to make one with Minky on the back and now I think I'll have to after seeing yours!

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

I'm already one of your followers :)

Bernadett said...

Hello ,

Nice to meet you.:)
I would like to take part in your giveaway.Lovely presents.:)
petitearmoire2@gmail.com

Greetings.
Bernadett

Unknown said...

I'm a weekend quilter, but my most productive time is really the summer when I have a break from work. kmcassie@gmail.com

EvalinaMaria said...

Hello from another 'grow your blog' participant. Are you enjoying this party as much as I do?
Evalina, This and that...

Sheila said...

What a sweet pillow this block has made . I am a follower since a while now , great blog !

lefuntz said...

I can't say that I have a favorite time. I recently retired so now it's whenever I want. I love the idea of backing a pillow with minkee. No wonder you can't get it back from your son.

lefuntz said...

I do follow you.

Karen H said...

Hello Kristen. I love to quilt in the afternoon on weekdays. Well actually weekends aren't bad either! Thank you for the chance to win and I hope you might be able to find time to drop by my blog for a visit!
Karen H
http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/

Mara said...

For some crazy reason I can only sew when it is sunny and preferably when my son is at school.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I work on things a little bit every day...I'm retired though! Thanks for the giveaway! Hugs!

Gillie said...

Thank you for dropping by my blog! The moves I mentioned are only a very few that I have done, there are a lot more! What a lovely giveaway but I will pass, thank you so much, I have so much fabric and quilting is not my primary craft. I agree with you about Friday evenings...full of possibilities!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm a follower now too! Thanks!

Susan Stanton said...

I'm a follower of you blog by email.
yoyopattycakes at hotmail.com

Susan Stanton said...

I work every afternoon and sometimes at night. Just love sewing and quilting.
yoyopattycakes at hotmail.com

ThreadCatcher said...

I like the idea of an envelope case for pillows...now to make one! I get up an hour early so I can quilt daily, anytime in the afternoon is a bonus. Thanks for participating and for the chance at your giveaway.

kathyinozarks said...

Hi Kristen, I am a quilter too-love your pillow. we have winter returning here too tomorrow night-very cold and some ice-enjoy the party and stay warm

Emily C said...

Love your pillow, very cute. I usually can sneak in a few hours between classes.

Emily C said...

I am a follower.

charlotte said...

I love to sew in the afternoons after work. My biggest chunk of time is on my day off though.

charlotte said...

I am a follower via bloglovin'.

Texas JennyWren said...

I am a follower and enjoy your blog very much.

Texas JennyWren said...

I try to do my quilt sewing on a saturday evening.

Rina Mason said...

I'm a night owl so my favorite time to sew is late afternoon thru early morning.

Rina Mason said...

I am now a follower

Jamie P said...

I am a super faithful follower!!!

Jamie P said...

My favorite time is anytime I can actually find time!!! :-)

Jan Baker said...

My favorite time to sew is on Saturday's. My two sisters come over and we work on our quilts.

Jan Baker said...

I follow you by email.

Farm Gate Creations Incorporating Hummingbird Quilting said...

I popped in from the GYB party, great blog, I'm now following.

Wendi said...

Monday morning.. I need a few hours of peace to sew after a long weekend with the kids home

Wendi said...

Follow on BL

Tami C said...

I really don't have a favorite time, but I do more in the evenings after dinner. I recently retired so it's really just whenever I want.

Tami C said...

I am a follower via Bloglovin.

Nancy said...

Hi Kristen -- visiting from the GYB event. What a cute pillow -- good luck getting it back from your son!
Happy to be a new follower here. xo

Elizabeth Edwards said...

hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. ( :
elizardbreathspeaks@gmail.com

Sue Kosec said...

Hi Kristen ... so happy to meet you through the sweetest girl ever (Vicki!)

Nice to meet you and I'll be back!

SuZeQ

Sue Kosec said...

Kristen ... I am a Follower so please throw my name in the hat twice!

Thanks!
SuZeQ

Carol Swift said...

Cute, cute pillow! I'm slowly working my way through some of the blogs involved in Grow Your Blog. Wow, there are tons of new ones to check out and some I already follow...like you! :O)

TheOutspokenYam said...

half_blue_sky@yahoo.com

The weekends and late at night when it's peaceful are my favorite time!

Wendy said...

Gorgeous cushion, it looks very cuddly. Your stitching is beautiful.

Cheri the Quilting Nanny said...

Your stars look great! That is one of my favorite blocks to make! My fav time to sew...mid morning. just after I get up and before the afternoon work starts! Thanks for the giveaway!

WhoMom said...

Love the bright colors in the pillow and minky is so soft and wonderful!

Pamela said...

I love your combinations of sewing and embroidery! Thanks you for your inspiring blog. I so most of my sewing on Friday nights too. It's a great way to end the work week.

Cherry said...

My favorite time to do some hand quilting is early Sunday morning before the rest of the house wakes up. As for machine work - any time I can grab a few minutes! Love the pillow!

Vivian said...

I love sewing on Fridays too, but I end up cooking instead then sewing on Saturdays since I work full time. I have never tried minky fabric, thanks for sharing.

Dawn Frisch said...

I generally sew during the week so that I can spend the weekends with my family. Your door stop is so cute! Thanks for sharing.
Dawn
array-dawn at cox dot net

Dawn Frisch said...

I've been following you on Bloglovin'!
Dawn
array-dawn at cox dot net

Brandy said...

My favorite time of week to sew is on Saturday, because I have the whole day ahead of me, and often I don't feel guilty of not spending time with my hubby, because he's off racing R/C cars. Thank you for the opportunity to win! I always enjoy seeing your projects on the hops :)
~Brandy

Anonymous said...

Your little doorstop is so cute. I'm not really into that kind of thing, but you're beginning to change my mind. I like to sew anytime of the day or night. Being retired has its advantages and eventually when I get my own sewing room, finally, it won't matter because I won't be bothering anyone else if I sew in the middle of the night! We are planning a renovation in which I will be able to accomplish that goal. Every once in awhile, I cannot sleep and I'm looking forward to using that time productively.

Lynn M said...

I love to sew every night lol. Thanks for the chance!

Lynn M said...

I'm a follower!

Brenda said...

My favorite time to quilt??? Anytime I can get a chance!

Heidi said...

I love to sew in the mornings when I can. Your Valentine stitchery is just so sweet:)

Treasures by Louise said...

Hello Kristen, That pillow is cute, I have never sewn with Minky but that gives me an idea for finishing a latch hook square as a pillow. Right now my favorite time to do Chain Maille is mid-morning when lighting is good and my eyesight is best. I like to beading anytime I get a chance. :)
I'm visiting from the GYB party and am glad to meet you. Stop by my blog for a visit. Louise from Lily and Jasmine Treasures

Sarah and Dan said...

Fav. time of week is anytime after the kids are in bed!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristen! Stopping by from the GYB party. Loved looking around your blog. I love working early morning and late at night. Stop by to be entered in my giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I'm following on bloglovin. Happy blogging

Suze said...

I am a follower via Bloglovin'. I found you through the Sewwequilt hops.

Suze said...

I work on my hobby anytime. I have fibromyalgia and with that some a sleep disorder. Sometimes I go 48 hours or more without sleep and then sometimes I sleep and sleep and sleep. So, I craft when ever I can. Thanks for a great giveaway. Thanks also for growing your blog.

Angie in SoCal said...

Any time of the week is quilty time, but life gets in the way, so I try to do some each evening. I'm here from GYB. It's been so much fun. Thanks for helping Vicki! Love your pillow and that cute valentine piece.

Unknown said...

My favorite time to work on sewing is late at night. It's really quiet and no phone calls. Thanks
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I follow you by email and bloglovin! Thanks
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

macmillanmarie said...

So nice to meet you and get a chance to learn a little about you. I am still making my way though the hop. Such fun. Thanks for sharing.

Birgit said...

Hi Kristen,

My favorite day to do crafts? Any day I have enough time. :)

Greetings from Germany,
Birgit

Unknown said...

My favorite time to work on my crafts is any time I can get in my sewing room, day or night. Jackie

Unknown said...

I love to work on my crafts any time I can get into my sewing room, day or night. Thanks, Jackie

Diana said...

Hi Kristen! Thanks for visiting me via the GYB party. I love your sweet little pink and white cottage :) All your work is lovely. So glad to have met you! Blessings, Diana

Diana said...

PS I'm a follower now :) Would love to win your prize.

Joanna said...

I sewed today, Sunday, but usually Wednesday and Saturday are good days for me to craft. I love your doorstop, too cute.

Joanna said...

I'm a new follower. Look forward to seeing what you create.

Beth said...

We do have many of the same interests. I will enjoy following you and your projects.

Anonymous said...

Hey Kristen, thank you for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comments! I look forward to our cyber friendship and will be back for a visit again soon!
Hugs,
Beth P

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristen...ty for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. You do lovely work...your little cottage is adorable!

Vicki said...

Hi Kristen...I am a follower on bloglovin'.

Vicki said...

I work on quilting EVERY day of the week in one way or another. I have a passion for what I do!!

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Visiting from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Nice to meet you. I can work at anytime.

LittleHouseontheDairy said...

Hi, the gyb hop got me behind on my regular blog reading. I always enjoy seeing what you make!

LittleHouseontheDairy said...

I am a long time follower on feedly
~Mary Ann
http://littlehouseondairy.wordpress.com

Carol D. said...

My favorite time to sew is starting midafternoon. Don't know why but that is my most productive time.

~ Toni ~ said...

Hi Kristen, thank you so much for stopping by my blog, Easy Street Ramblings (www.peddlerjo.blogspot.com). It is taking me some time to get through all of the blogs, so I truly appreciate your comment when you stopped in. I love the projects that I have seen so far. I love to longarm quilt with minky on the back of the quilt. I had not thought of using it for the back of a pillow. Thanks for the chance to win. Have a great day!!

~ Toni ~ said...

Hi Kristen, thank you so much for stopping by my blog, Easy Street Ramblings (www.peddlerjo.blogspot.com). It is taking me some time to get through all of the blogs, so I truly appreciate your comment when you stopped in. I love the projects that I have seen so far. I love to longarm quilt with minky on the back of the quilt. I had not thought of using it for the back of a pillow. Thanks for the chance to win. Have a great day!!

OhioLori said...

I love to sew on Saturday's....but any "Moment" I can squeeze in definitely works for me! lol

Happy Valentine's Wishes from Ohio!

OhioLori said...

I'm a happy follower of your fun & Awesome Blog...thru Bloglovin!

Love your Blog...always feel like I just spent a nice visit with a gooood Friend...thanks for all your sharing. :)

Linda H said...

Waving Hello Kristen, from cold snowy (presently stormy) eastern Canada. Dropping by on the GYB party, finishing up the last of the long wonderful list today!! Enjoyed browsing around your blog and viewing your wonderful quilts. Great to "meet" you!

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

Sending a belated thank you for commenting and joining my blog, Kristin! I have joined your blog, too! I haven't quilted in a very long time, but have learned so much from visiting the blogs with the GYB party. I am very curious to know what "minky" is exactly? I can see the fabric on the pillow back looks so soft and velvety. I work as a full time artist, but I have many many other hobbies, too, including jewelry making and sewing. My favorite DAY to create is any day! But more importantly my favorite TIME is in the morning, first thing when the house is all quiet and I've woken up with ideas the fairies have planted in my head the night before. Cindy from TheCranesNest.com

Wendy said...

hello, nice to meet you. I know I'm late for the giveaway but I'm still working my way down the GYB list! Your blog looks lovely so I'm going to have a poke around

Lisa England said...

I do most of my sewing on weekday afternoons, but I'm happy to sew anytime I get the chance!

Michele T said...

I most enjoy to quilt at any spare moment that I have... Mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekdays, weekends, holidays... Any time!!!

Michele T said...

I am already following you via Bloglovin' thanks!

Unknown said...

Cute pillow! I love the idea of the soft fuzzy on the back! Beth @ Words & Stiches, pbstrand@msn.com

Just Quilt It said...

Very cute and great to snuggle up to. I love your Valentine embroidery.

Just Quilt It said...

I follow on bloglovin. I quilt almost any day now that I am retired, and retirement is wonderful!

nicolesender said...

I work weekends so my time of the week to sew is Wednesdays and Thursdays.

nicolesender said...

Bloglovin follower: Nicole Sender

Anonymous said...

Cute pillow and I like the embroidery you are doing.

Mystica said...

I like the colour combinations so pretty.