Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Dots On Dots - My Day and a Giveaway

When I signed up for this blog hop I knew my primary goal would be to buy nothing...to work out of my fabric closet and to use what I have.  And I did it!  :)  First of all I had to decide what I wanted to make - would it be another mini quilt for my Ackfeld hanger, or maybe a new purse or a wallhanging, or what about a full size quilt (discarded that idea pretty quick!).  Then I remembered this wonderful book I've had for a year...or maybe four, but who's counting.  I've wanted to stitch this forever and when I thought about it I got that "let's do a happy dance" feeling.  For one thing I have a special blog friend I knew would love this and for another, it was just a happy kind of pattern.  This is the book I chose:
The name of it is Bunnies & More by Darcy Ashton and it's jam packed with the greatest bunnies.  I don't know if it's still in print or not - I've had it that long.  Don't say a word - you know you've had some that long or longer without using them!

I dug through my stash and found this wonderful brown and teal polka dot to make my first bunny.  And then I remembered that I had just done a Kona cotton swap with Jane and probably had a solid that would coordinate.  I found the perfect color!  This was the first little guy I made:
Isn't he just a doll!  How do I know he's a he?  Look at that face...that's a boy face.  Right?  Well when I saw him I knew he had to have a playmate so this is his friend:
How cute is that!  Of course two could never be enough and wouldn't you know, pretty soon they began to multiply like, well like rabbits.  :)  But at four I decided I'd better stop or they'd be taking over my sewing room and I have no litter box!  The last two I added were these:


I knew that bunnies would like it best in a flower garden, not in my sewing room, so I made them into a little table topper that will, eventually, make it's way out onto my deck.  But since I'm off traveling this week I'll just give you a peek at them as they look on the design wall:

 (I have no idea why this young lady is not behaving and turning rightside up!)




Now before you go hopping on down the bunny trail to see the rest of today's blog hop I promised you a giveaway.  If you'd like to win this little fall wallhanging leave me a comment telling me where you're from.  If you're a follower (and if you're not, why not?) leave a second comment for a second chance.
I didn't make this one - a friend made it and sold it at a craft show so I grabbed it knowing one of you out there would love to have it.

Thanks so much to Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt for the creation of the Polka Dot Blog Hop (I know it's Dots on Dots but I just love saying Polka Dot Blog Hop!) and to Corrie at Quilt Taffy for hosting us.  Be sure and check Corrie's blog for the full schedule.  Blog hops are a great way to insure that I get something new made so I'm grateful for that boost.  If you haven't joined one please do - it's lots of fun.  And now you're off to see the rest of today's lineup:

September 11th
Stitchin by the Lake  *** (this is me!)

197 comments:

Judy B said...

Your dotty bunnies are adorable! I live in the foothills of Northern California. Thank you for the great giveaway and for sharing you bunnies.

Judy B said...

I am also a follower!

Wendy said...

Marlene ... absolutely adorable! Just adorable :) The first looks like a chocolate Easter bunny ... just saying! I happen to be a long time follower from Montana but you needn't enter me in your giveaway ... I'm just thrilled to be a follower :) Thank you and happy hopping! (P.S. Check out my blog today ... I'm posting today also :) :) )

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Oh, you dotty dear! Love the bunnies, what a sweet table topper - hey, you're ready for Easter way ahead of time!

Britt-Inger said...

what can I say!!! Your rabbits are adorable!!! love them all.
And I am from Malmo, Sweden
Thanks for sharing

Sunshine Girl said...

I love your bunnies - arent they adorable - such a nice idea for dotty quilt.

Just Quilt It said...

Your bunnies are so cute, and you do great work!

Just Quilt It said...

I am a new follower!

Maria said...

They are so cute and adorable, well done!!!!!

Theresa said...

Love your dotty bunnies- especially the brown and teal little boy.

PJ said...

What wonderful bunny blocks! I live in the greater Pacific North-West.

Heleen Groot said...

Ooooh! Lovely, dotty bunnies! Too cute, really. Your appliqué is extraordinary. Great work.

Pam said...

Love the rabbits, I am from the U.K. the home of Peter Rabbit.

Pam said...

I am a new follower from Lincolnshire, UK

Pauline said...

I love your rabbits, thanks for showing.

Julie Fukuda said...

This summer I looked all over the place for some polka dot fabric for something I have in mind to make.(and you know I am not usually one to spend money on more stash)I just could only find a few random pieces.
You know I am in Tokyo and a long-time follower. I would be happy to settle for a few scrappy leftover dots.
Cute bunnies!

Catherine said...

I love bunnies! Very, very nice blocks.

I live in northwestern Arizona at the west end of Grand Canyon, a few miles from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Nice, but I won`t stand on glass to look into an abyss!

Catherine said...

I`m a follower. My visits are always enjoyable. Thank you for the very nice Giveaway.

Lyndsey said...

Your bunnies are adorable and are the starting point for another project as I have a daughter who just loves rabbits. thanks you for sharing and for the giveaway.

charlotte said...

Love your dotty bunnies. So cute. I live in Chapel Hill NC.

Thearica said...

Your bunnies are precious! Love the wallhanging!

Marla's Crafts said...

Those bunnies are so cute. Love the colours. The wall hanging is a nice give away. I am now a follower.

Debby said...

Greetings from the Washington, DC 'burbs (VA). Love those bunnies. I know Darcy's lovely applique and you did an awesome job with those. Now, that first bunny, the boy one: it's not his face that is the giveaway - it's that puffed out chest - go look and compare them! That is a puffed out boy chest! Thanks for sharing. Your work is beautiful!

Rosa said...

Beautiful dotts bunnies.You did great job.From Murcia,Spain,thanks for the chance!

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Precious bunnies, I'm not saying a word about book "collecting"... nope, not a word.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Following you... wherever you may roam. ;)

Karen said...

Love your bunnies, so very cute... and then to add the flowers... nice touch! Following you now..

Karen said...

Oh, and I'm from South Florida...

Sparky said...

Good Morning Marlene...ok, I have bunny envy lol and I know when "shell" sees these she will be hopping silly lol. They are perfect and yes he is a he...but it was the green one that struck me dotty...what an absolutely brilliant dotty project...I am glad you stopped, I couldn't take it anymore...I have to make me a bunny lol Ohhh and I think....yes I do...ahhh can't say anymore lol

Sheila said...

Wow, that is a whole lot of bunnies! Can't pick which one I like best. I am a follower from the Finger Lakes area of Western NY. Thanks for being part of the hop.

Dorothy Thornton said...

What a creative use of dots. I love your bunnies. They are adorable

Dorothy Thornton said...

I am a new follower. I live in louisiana by the way

Jeanie said...

Love the bunnies! They certainly did multiply!
I'm from Indiana.....enjoying a cool day today and cruising the dot hop. Thanks so much!

Jeanie said...

I'm a follower!

krislovesfabric said...


You inspire me to get out my bunny book, what wonderful dotty bunnies...I'm from Indiana and follow you as well :)

JudyCinNC said...

Shell is certainly going to appreciate these dotty bunnies. They are precious. Living in Clayton, NC where life is slow paced and tranquil. Judy C

beaquilter said...

adorable dotted bunnies!

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Those bunnies are the cutest!

Sharon B said...

Love the Bunnies! This hop has been great fun!

Sharon B said...

I am a follower too!

Sharrieboberry said...

I love that pattern and the dots make the bunnies doubly adorable.

It's better to have the book in your stash than to wish you had it and it's unavailable! That's my theory!

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Super sweet bunnies! Love the colors, the bows, the poses.
Congrats on being one of the chosen. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Cliodana said...

cute bunnys! i'm from trois-rivières (Québec-canada) You made great blocs for that blog hop, thank's for sharing

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

I am a follower.
From Pearland TX (near Houston), previously from the Chicago area.

Rose Prairie Quilts and Farm said...

I like those bunnies in dots, Darcy would love it.

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Adorei sua multiplicação de coelhos,tenho alguns e você acertou em cheio,coelhos não tem noção do sexo com proteção(piscadela).Sou seguidora e brasileira,obrigada.
tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

Truffle queen said...

Hi Marlene! Love your blocks! TOO cute! I'm from St. Charles, IL - come and visit! It's a great place! Thanks for sharing!

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

Love those bunnies they are super cute!! From the Rocky Mountains in Colorado!!

Truffle queen said...

Me again! I'm a long-time follower! Shame on those who aren't! Surely, they don't know what they're missing!!

Diane H said...

Follower. Love your polka dot bunnies! Thanks for a chance.

Diane H said...

I'm from north of Toronto, Ontario. We're already feeling like Fall here. Thanks for a chance and for participating in this fun hop.

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Love your bunnies and you did a beautiful job with the applique and the quilting! I love applique too, so please visit me on Thursday to see my dots creations.

kathy-o said...

I LOVE the bunnies - and the quilting is perfection!

Gill said...

I love your dotty rabbits!
I'm from England!

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

What a creative idea! I love the lop eared bunny....

pinsandneedles said...

Very cute bunnies! I'm glad I'm not the only one that buys books but doesn't get around to using them...besides taking 'picture walks', as we say in school...for a while.
I'm from the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL.

Mommarock said...

Marcia from Tx.. Love those bunnies my goodness I just wouldn't think to do something like that, and golly they turned out the cutest! I need to think outside the box, and come up with something cute to make. I bet it didn't take you a month of Sundays either...did it!

Mommarock said...

I am a follower, have been for quite some time.

Carol Swift said...

I love those bunnies! I used to have a huge black bunny named "Lily" and those cute blocks brought back all the sweet memories of her. Thanks for hopping along with us and sharing your dotty bunnies! :O)

sherry said...

those bunnies are sooooo cool.

Diann said...

I love your bunnies, especially the green and white one.

Charlene S said...

Long time follower from Louisiana.

Susan said...

Good morning to you from here in Eastern Oregon! Oh My Gosh I LOVE your Bunnies!! Beautiful job!

Susan said...

I too am a follower!!

Kathy H said...

What a great idea, making the bunnies out of the dots. It is so cute. I would love a chance to win your fall wallhanging. I am from West CHester, Pa. our leaves have started to turn and we have finally gotten some cooler weather so I am getting my fall decorations out.

Ariane said...

I love your bunny quilt!! It is gorgeous!!!!

Maria Kievit said...

Love your bunnies! Wonderful work, and it will turn out to be a nice conversation piece also on your deck! I sew from Wainfleet Ontario, Canada! Thanks for sharing.

Corrie said...

How sweet. Your quilting is beautiful around them really makes them stand out.

The English Ladies! said...

Love the bunnies! I'm from Boron, California.

The English Ladies! said...

I'm a follower!

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

Oh those bunny's are adorable! I almost bought polka dot fabric yesterday myself!

Denise :) said...

Marlene, your bunnies are just darling, darling, darling! You did a terrific job with them -- and the dots are just perfect! :)

Patty said...

Like everyone says--Love those bunnies. Good job!!
Patty from Kansas

Denise :) said...

And...I'm a follower! :)

Patty said...

And yea I am a follower.

Chris said...

Oh, I love your sweet little bunnies and would love to win your fall welcome banner.

Chris said...

I'm a follower!

Joyce Carter said...

Those are the cutest bunnies I have ever seen! I love this! I would love to have one like this in my living room to go with the bunnies that I have in there. I am from N.E. Georgia. Thank you so much for your giveaway.

Annie said...

Ah, Marlene, your dotted little bunny friends are simply adorable! What a delightfully darling little quilt they made into!

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

Dotted Bunnies...that is such a cute idea.

Smiles,
Kelly

Judith said...

Lovely dotty bunnies! How sweet! Thank you for sharing from sunny South Texas. Judith, Texas

Cecilia said...

Those are the cutest bunnies I've ever seen. I live in Leesburg, Georgia, where it is finally beginning to cool down some.

Cecilia said...

I'm a happy follower. Thanks for the chance to win such a pretty Wallhanging.

Lisa Cox said...

That is just the cutest thing!!!!
I would love to have that sitting on my sofa table in my 1935 farmhouse in Hale, Missouri.

Snoodles said...

A friendly hello from South Carolina....love your bunnies! The topper turned out beautifully!

Snoodles said...

Of course I follow you! LOL

Lisa Cox said...

I am a new follower via GFC as VettekLisa.

Gmama Jane said...

I LOVE your rabbits and I betcha I can guess who those are for!! A certain lady who loves bunnys!!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Gmama Jane said...

Of course I'm a follower,,,have been since I began blogging!! One day I'm coming to see ya in my 5th Wheel camper!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Susie said...

I love those bunnies they are so cute. Thanks so much for sharing and the lovely giveaway. Susie x

Susie said...

I am already a follower. Susie x

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

What sweet bunnies...love them! TFS

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

I'm already a 'hoppy' follower :o)

blueberrymoon said...

Bunnies on a blog HOP... I love it!! The blue one knocks my socks off!!

PolkaDotClassic said...

Lovely :)
Love them all but my favorite is def. the green little one
Thanks for sharing
Marta

BizyStitches said...

Love all your rabbits, they couldn't be any cuter. Thanks for the blog. I'm from central Kansas.

BizyStitches said...

I'm a new follower number 543 - lucky number don't you think?

sew.darn.quilt said...

I can see why you did the happy dance and I'll bet you did another when these little darlings all turned out so sweet. It's an adorable piece.

Michele T said...

I love bunnies - we raised them in our backyard when I was a child!! Thanks for the chance to win the hanging - it is sweet too!

sew.darn.quilt said...

I'm a new follower all set to hop down the bunny tail with you from the "hold on to your hat" province of Saskatchewan.
It's blowing like a banshee today,
some kind of effect from hurricane Leslie.
Thank you for the chance

Quilt n Queen said...

OMG Marlene, your bunnies are adorable...the lime green bunny is just the cutest!! Thanks for sharing and for your inspiration! Now, I have to get hopping along and visit the rest of the bloggers posting dots today. Enjoy your day, it is a 'pretty day' in Michigan and happy stitching! hugs Pauline

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Rosemary B Here: Oh your applique is so good! very inspiring!
Yep I am following and I am from Virginia
Thank you so much for sharing your creativity

Lisa said...

This probably the busy site on the hop today! Bunnies, hop, get it! I love your bunnies they are the cutiest. I am from WV thanks!

Guin said...

Guin here from Fresno CA. The dotty bunnies are the cutest thing EVER.

Needled Mom said...

Those are all adorable!!! You did a great job on them.

Needled Mom said...

I am a follower too.

Patty said...

I love your bunnies made of dots!

carla said...

Aw!!! Your bunnies are adorable!!!! I am from La Grange KY!!!! Cute give a way!!! Thanks

carla said...

I am a new follower!!!!

tink's mom said...

The bunnies are precious and the flowers set the blocks off very nicely. And of course I'm a follower.

barbara woods said...

love that thanks for the giveawat

Susan said...

What fun bunnies. I love, love, love them. I will just have to make some for my granddaughter. Thanks for sharing!

Susan said...

I am from Southern California. Lived here all my life. I am a follower.

Linda said...

Your bunnies are all just adorable! What a great use of fabrics!

Linda said...

I'm a follower, by the way!

Kathy L said...

Love your bunnies. Would love to win the wall hanging.

MoeWest said...

What sweet bunnies! I like the appliqued flowers you added to the quilt too.

MoeWest said...

I'm a follower. Thanks for the giveaway.

Brenda said...

I love your little bunny creations made with dots! So cute!

Brenda said...

I'm a new follower from western KY!

Lyn said...

Hi I am from CA. Love the giveaway! Thanks

Lyn said...

Yes I am a follower

gpc said...

I love all your bunnies! Absolutely adorable!

gpc said...

I am a (new) follower -- because why not?!

Anonymous said...

Cute bunnies! I'm from the South Hills of Pennsylvania (as of a month ago)!

Emily C said...

Aww, they are just adorable. I love bunnies.

JoyceLM said...

Love the bunnies. I'm from central North Carolina. Thanks for the chance to win.

JoyceLM said...

I'm a new follower. Thanks for the giveaway.

PJ said...

From Pensacola, FL and liking these rabbits. I've been looking for a rabbit block and this is my fave.

PJ said...

Just signed up to follow, what's not to love?

Purple Pam said...

Dots are one of my favs. Your bunnies are adorable. Congrats on a great project from your stash.

FarahLin said...

Those bunnies are just sooo adorable!! Your quilting looks fantastic as always.
I am already a follower.

FarahLin said...

I'm from Malaysia and thanks for the opportunity.

Rhonda D. said...

I love your dottie bunnies! Thanks for the chance to win!


wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Rhonda D. said...

I am a happy follower!!

wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sinta Renee said...

I have seen a bunch of quilts made from that book, and your blocks are by far the best! I love them all... you made me want to copy you now!!

Aurea said...

you have been very busy and produced some beautiful pieces. Hard to choose anything because I like them all.

Aunt Marti said...

Love your bunnies! They look so cute in dots.

Sheila said...

Love your bunnies , just adorable and dotty !Thanks for sharing your creativity with us .I am from Nova Scotia and yes I am a long time follower.

Laura Ann said...

I love your blue dotty bunny.. :) cute cute blog..

Rebeckah Austin said...

The bunnies are just too cute! (Make me a table topper like that one!! lol). I am from Anaheim CA USA. I am now a follower, because you have cute bunnies :)

Rebeckah Austin said...

The bunnies are just too cute! (Make me a table topper like that one!! lol). I am from Anaheim CA USA. I am now a follower, because you have cute bunnies :)

Cindy said...

Oh my goodness...I LOVE your bunnies! I had that book when it first came out...with such excitement to make a quilt (we were a rabbit 4H club) but it kept being pushed back in my mind while other quilts took over! Sigh. I eventually sold the book. How I wish I had kept it! Sometimes things take a while to get to, huh? Glad you made me smile with remembering.

SpartanBabe said...

The dotty bunnies - too cute! I am from Oregon. Thanks and hop hop hop!!!

sandra said...

Hi Marlene all of your bunnies are so adorable I fell in love with them. I am a follower and I am from Stratford Ontario Canada and we are famous for our Shakespeare Festival so come visit some time. Blessings Sandra

LJ said...

Who's counting? Oooone, twoooo, threeee, fooourrr, little bunnies. Aren't they just too cute! You are right, the first is a boy but then you made 3 girls!! I'll bet he's just loving having all those sweeties around him. :)

LJ said...

I am and have been following you; love your blogs and all your work. BTW, I live in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Karen said...

Those bunnies are adorable - particularly the green dotty one who's ready to give himself a scratch. Very cute! I'm from Wisconsin. :) Thanks for the chance to win!

evelyn said...

Love your bunny parade. They make a great little table cloth with the flowers.

evelyn said...

Yes I am a follower.

Sewgirl said...

How cute your bunnies are. Reminds me of embroidery that my mom would trace for me when I was young. You did a great job of updating the bunnies. And yes, the runner is very sweet. i would love to win that and hang it for the upcoming season!

Sewgirl said...

I am a follower!!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Ok...you know I'm about to totally pass out. Funny thing is that I have that book and haven't made one darn bunny from it yet. I think these with the dots are just soooooooooooooo fabulous!!!!
Don't enter me in the giveaway. Your friendship is what I love best.
xx

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Very nice projects....I am from New Brunswick, Canada

Margaret said...

Love your bunnies. I am from Michigan.

Sue said...

Your bunnies are adorable! What great work.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your bunnies are just the cutest! I think I just bought that book a couple months ago or one very similar! Thanks also for a wonderful giveaway, I'm in Iowa

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Of course I follow your wonderful blog!

Farm Quilter said...

I live on a farm in eastern Washington. Love your bunnies!!!

In stitches and seams said...

bunnies in bows .... cute ...love the little quilt that they became.
thanks for sharing and hast ing a give away as well
in stitches

Lesley said...

Your little bunnies are just so adorable! I'm from Nova Scotia, Canada.

Teresa in Music City said...

You're bunnies are absolutely my favorite for the day!!! How fun and cute and adorable :*)

Teresa in Music City said...

And I'm a follower :*)

Julie said...

I'm from Utah, but presently live in Michigan. Very precious bunnies!

Judy1522 said...

Your bunnies are so adorable thank you for sharing them. I am from Oregon.

Judy1522 said...

I am a follower

Janet said...

Love all your dotty bunnies! And this adorable hanging. I am from the Yukon Territory in Canada.

Anita said...

I love your little bunnies, they are so adorable!

Joanne said...

How fun! I'm from Ohio and I have LOTS of bunnies in my backyard, but these are much cuter. :-)

Joanne said...

I'm a follower. Thanks!

Barb N said...

I'm a follower from Idaho and I adore those bunnies! Especially polka dot bunnies - who would have thought? I guess you did, lol. Thanks for sharing.

Leah said...

The rabbits are spectacular. What a great way to use your dots!

Annieofbluegables said...

Very sweet bunnies. You are very talented. I am from Utah

Barb said...

I just had to smile...those are sooooo adorable!

Unknown said...

I love rabbits, real and otherwise. You have some very sweet ones in your blocks. Thanks for letting me know about this book!

Unknown said...

I am a follower by email posts.

Jeanne Gwin said...

Hey, I am from the center of the USA, Missouri, can't get much more central then I am. I love it here in Missouri and can only think of one other place I would rather live and that would be Wyoming. My second home from home.

Jeanne Gwin said...

Gosh those bunnies are cute. And I love the fall wall hanging. Thanks for a chance to win and sharing your blocks with us.

hueisei said...

I love all those cute bunnies. :)

Josie McRazie said...

My dear friend you know I follow! Your critters are as cute as can be! L O V E!

dream quilt create said...

I love your dotty bunny :)

Nanbon44 said...

the bunnies are so cute, my niece is doing bunnies in her nursery and I will be making the quilt. so thanks for a great idea

Lori said...

Your polka dot bunnies are adorable. I would love to win. Autumn is here. I am from outside Chicago, Illinois

Katherine said...

Oh, cute those dotty bunnies are! I love them.

Thanks so much for sharing and being part of the hop.

Kim said...

Your bunny blocks are so cute!

Suze said...

I love, love polka dots. I'm working on a polka dot quilt right now. I live in Broken Arrow, OK - a suburb of Tulsa. I think the book is still in print. Darcy is always at the quilt show (at one of the local quilt shop's booth) in January. A great way to get one of her autographed books, too! Thanks for a great giveaway!

OhioLori said...

Love your Bunnie's!!! I would be honored to win them! Thanks for the chance!

You do amazing work! These Bunnie's will be loved & treasured at my house for sure! :)

OhioLori said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
OhioLori said...

I'm a new Follower of your Blog.....from Mansfield, Ohio!

Thanks for a second chance to win your sweet Bunnie's! :)

Shannon said...

I live on the west side on the border between Idaho and Oregon. Those bunnies are so cute!! Great job!

Carolyn in Kentucky said...

I love your polka dot bunnies, they will make a beautiful wall hanging with the flowers. I would love to win the giveaway.

Bobbie said...

Your dotty bunnies are delish! way too cute! and your wall hanging is great- kudos to the the crafter!
happily following you down the bunny trail- goose trail or any trail by a lake

♥Duff said...

gooness! who knew that bunnies could be ever so dotty and cute?!

Vesuviusmama said...

I don't know if your giveaway is closed yet or not, but I just had to tell you how wonderful your bunnies are! I am from Virginia, but I am writing to you on a business trip in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Pat said...

What cute bunnies!

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower...

Anonymous said...

The bunnies are just delightful!
The polka dot fabrics make them even cuter (and you had all those dots in your stash???). Your quilt is so pretty... the flowers were in the book, too? I love those on the quilt! What a great book!
Thanks for joining in the fun and "hopping" along.