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.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Red, White and Blue! (And a Giveaway Too!)





July 9th


Stitchin' by the Lake - that's me!  When I first saw Madame Samm mention Red, White and Blue I was so excited - I mean, really, who doesn't love that color combination?  And Jane, bless her heart, agreed to coordinate the Blog Hop so I couldn't wait to sign up.  About two minutes after I sent that e-mail I went into a dead panic!  What was I thinking?  In the summer my husband and I volunteer at a mission in south Louisiana, 400+ miles from our home.  I always take my sewing machine with me, but truth be told I don't get a lot of time for sewing.  I felt a bit like the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland running around saying...hurry, hurry, hurry, no time to waste, no time to waste, no time to waste.  Did he say that or did I dream that?  :)

Several years ago I participated in an internet swap of red, white and blue blocks and I still have several that I made during that time - you might enjoy seeing those.





I had no idea what I would do for this hop but a few minutes here and a few minutes there.... I figured I could stitch up a few blocks for you to see.  First I went to Quilter's Cache because one of my reasons for the panic was ... I brought no books or patterns with me!  And if you ever need a pattern for a block, oh my goodness they have a million!  I wanted a few traditional blocks to add to the ones above and these were perfect:

 This first one I found is called Antique Tile...and I swear, it really does look like a tile, doesn't it?

Then I stumbled across this one, called A Dandy, and I thought it would be fun to make - Yankee Doodle Dandy!


 But I really got excited when I found Arkansas Cross Roads - I was born, raised and have lived in Arkansas all my life so it was perfect.

At that point I thought I was done but I do love machine applique and I do love quilting so these Hearts came to mind.


When I found out we were going to have a few days off for Independence Day I was thrilled because that meant I could go home and go through my books.  I love Art To Heart books and I found Uncle Sam in one called Easy Does It Patriotic.

I loved him so much I decided he needed to become a small quilt hanging for one of my Ackfeld Quilt Hangers so I added a bit of hand quilting with Valdani  Floss, a bit of free motion quilting, and a bright binding.  Don't you just love him?  I do!



What would a Blog Hop be without a giveaway?  Fun, yes, but absolutely so much more! fun if there's a chance to win a gift!  If you're a follower then leave me a comment telling me you are and I'll add your name to the hat for this hand embroidered tea towel, two patterns, and four red, white and blue fat eighths.    :)

133 comments:

1 Terry@ a quilting blog said...

What an assortment of fun blocks...love them all but Uncle Sam is my favorite!! I'm a new follower and look forward to more of your projects!!

2 http://thankfullga447 said...

I love your block and all the other blocks. I am a follower. gasuski@mac.com

3 Vroomans' Quilts said...

Thank you for mentioning the Quilter's Cache - yes a treasure trove of blocks! Just love the fabrics you used and Uncle Sam is just a fun mini for your hanger. I am a follower.

4 Sunshine Girl said...

Oooh they are all lovely. I particularly like the Uncle Sam one. Thanks for sharing.

5 FarahLin said...

Lovely blocks, Marlene. Thanks for sharing. I am a follower. Hope you have a great week ahead.

6 Grammasheri said...

Wonderful blocks! I love the Arkansas Road Blocks and Uncle Sam most of all. I'm a fan of Art to Heart books, too! Will check through my books to see if I have that pattern. A great post, with a treasure trove of inspiration!

7 Susannah said...

Great blocks!!!! Uncle Sam catches my eye. Always a treat to come here and see what you are up to!

8 Zuzan said...

Now a follower - what a wonderful block trail. I love the 'leftovers' in the beginning with Uncle Sam not sure what is happening. The wonderful fabrics make great blocks so thevery hard choice but the tile definitely stands out as a tile. Thank you for sharing & giving love watermelon, Minick & Simpson patterns and fabric. From Oz

9 Cherise said...

I'm already a follower! Great variety of blocks! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a Happy Day! :)

10 Marsha said...

One of the best results of the Blog Hops...finding new blogs that are worth following. I just signed up to follow through Feedburner emails. I love your Arkansas Crossroads and will be going to QuiltCache to get the pattern. Must add that to my growing pile of red,white and blues!

11 JoyceLM said...

Great blocks. I'm a follower by email. Thanks for the giveaway.

12 Teresa in Music City said...

Your blocks are so much fun! What a great variety there! My favorite is the hearts - I'm a heart person, but I also love the Arkansas one. I'm a follower and would love to win those cute fabrics & patterns! And who wouldn't love that sweet hand-towel?

13 Sheila said...

Wow, for a busy lady, you gave us quite an assortment of blocks to look at. I love them all, but if I had to choose it would be "Uncle Sam". Thank you so much for being part of the RWB blog hop. Have a great week.

14 Betsy said...

love your blocks. Thank you for the chance to win. I became a follower and look forward to reading your fun blog.

15 Michele said...

You did a great job and I love what you shared.

16 Kate said...

Great blocks. Your Uncle Sam mini quilt is very cute.

17 Sowing Stitches said...

:D
So thankful that I litterally somehow tripped accross this Red white and blue blog hop! Your great selection of blocks have stirred my imagination with wonderful possibilities this morning! Can't wait to try some of these blocks! I'm thinking a great way to beat summer heat!!! I am a follower via email.

sowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com

18 krislovesfabric said...

I'm a follower, what an awesome giveaway! :) You did great, love all your blocks but will agree Uncle Sam is the favorite!! Thanks for sharing so good to hop with you!

19 Sparky said...

Some very fine stitching there my dear...and you were worried you would not have enough to view..i say this was a perfect amount...and your tea towel and goodies sew sweet.

20 JudyCinNC said...

A wonderful array of blocks - not sure which is my favorite - have followed your blog for quite awhile and love your writing and projects. Judy C

21 Belinda said...

I've never seen Arkansas Cross Roads! I'm a gonna have to try that, being an Arkie myself. :) Lovely work. Thanks for sharing it all with us!
I just began following you this weekend. Nice little giveaway!

22 Sheila said...

I love the Quilters Cache site , just a wealth of inspiration and blocks .Your blocks are all great and I especially love Uncle Sam , really appropriate for the Red, White and Blue blog hop. I am a follower . Thanks for the chance to win but mostly for your great work.

23 Josie McRazie said...

I LOVE THEM!!! And Uncle Sam at the end did u find him on the quilters cache, too?? I love that place!!

24 Michele T said...

Great selection and I can't decide a favorite but Uncle Sam is very sweet! Thanks for sharing in the blog hop!

25 Gmama Jane said...

Marlene, Your blocks exemplify your love for primitive and docuentary fabrics. I just love them. I have to say my favorite is your little Uncle Sam! Don't you just love having mini quilts to hang for each season or Holiday? Your Give-Away is over the top!! Minnick & Simpson,,,my favorites...and hand stitching from you! A winning combination.
Great job my friend.
Blessings
Gmama Jane

26 Needled Mom said...

I love your blocks - especially the Uncle Sam one. Great choices. I find myself going to the Quilter's Cache a lot too. It is such a great resource online.

27 Teresa Quilts said...

I love your blocks! They are so inspiring to me. I am wanting to make a rwb quilt. I see some blocks I can use! Thanks for the giveaway! I am a new follower.

28 Quilt Doodle Designs said...

I love your collection of blocks, very nice! I am a new follower and look forward to reading your future posts. Thank you for the opportunity to win! Happy quilting!

29 Judith said...

Uncle Sam table topper is my fav, and heart always catch my eyes. Love your blocks and the fabric is just beautiful. Judith, Texas

30 Carol Swift said...

So many beautiful blocks, but Uncle Sam is at the top of my list--love him! I've been stalking, I mean following you for quite a while and love your blog.

31 Purl Buttons said...

They say, if you want something done, give it to a busy woman. When I started reading your post about your busy summer, I could not believe how many blocks you made!(I love Quilter's Cache, too!)

32 Margaret said...

I am a new follower. Love your blog so far. Thanks for participating and for all the cool blocks. I especially like Uncle Sam. Wish I had the pattern. It would make for a nice July quilt swap I am in.

33 Truffle queen said...

Wow Marlene! If this is what you do when you don't have time - what do you do when you DO have time?! lol LOVE that Uncle Sam! Haven't been to Quilter's Cache but Jane (of JANE fame!!) tells me she's a huge fan! So off I go! Thanks for sharing with us! Blessings! Oh yes - I AM a follower!

34 Joyce said...

Just became a follower..love your site!

35 Kathy H said...

I am a follower. Love your blocks and the Uncle Sam block is my very favorite.

36 Shelia said...

Wow these are wonderful blocks. You gave us some wonderful inspiration. Thanks for participating in the bloghop. Love the uncle sam block.
Following your blog.

37 Lyn said...

Yes I have been a follower in my Google Reader. I loved your blocks. Thanks for sharing.

38 Betty said...

Enjoyed your parade of blocks. Your Uncle Sam block is very nice.
Thanks for the giveaway.

39 Betty said...

I have become a follower as well.

40 The Slow Quilter said...

Love the block and the assorted fabrics that you have Uncle Sam is alway a favorit. Following you.

41 Gwen said...

Love your blocks!! And you are right! Giveaways are like the icing on the cupcake! :-) I am a follower-- thank you for the chance to win! :-)

42 Judy B said...

I am a new follower! Love all your blocks and the Uncle Sam just called out my name! Thank you for the giveaway

43 Carrie P. said...

I have used the Quilters Cache many times.
Your your Uncle Sam is the block I saw on sewwequilt.
It is so cute.
I am a follower. thanks for a chance to win your giveaway.

44 paulette said...

LOve your blocks!! Of course I am a follower! You are part of my Side-
Bar Family!! Thanks for the chance to win your wonderful and generous give away!!
Have a wonderful week!
Paulette

45 Sharon B said...

I love the Uncle Sam! I follow you!

46 Wendy said...

Marlene, dear, all of your blocks are wonderful! Your Uncle Sam is a terrific table topper and I too love all of Art to Heart's books :) Thank you so much for finding the time to hop along ... I wish you all that is happy and peaceful!

47 Chiska said...

I love your Uncle Sam! I'm a follower.

48 Cecilia said...

I really like your Uncle Sam mini quilt. I'm a new subscriber.

49 Rosa said...

All are awesome.Of course,I`m a happy follower.Thanks for the giveaway!!

50 mary said...

I am a follower and just love to see what you come up with all the time

51 Unknown said...

Love those blocks!! Thanks for offering the giveaway!

52 Linda said...

I love your Uncle Sam block. He is unique in this blog hop. I am a follower of your blog.
Lequilts.blogspot.com

53 Anne said...

"Arkansas Crossroads" is a wonderful block, Marlene. Love them all -- especially quilt blocks in red and white.

54 Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Marlene, For someone who was worried, I think not!! What a showcase of wonderful blocks! I love your fabric choices and Uncle Sam, too, too, cute!!! I am so glad you had time to hop, you have shared and inspired many today.

55 Snoodles said...

I love, love Quilters Cache...use it lots! Your blocks are wonderful, and your Uncle Sam is a treasure. Thanks for sharing in the hop!
I know exactly how you felt, cos that is how I felt after I signed up for the Bowls....heehee! I'm going crazy! LOL

56 Pokey said...

Wow, you have really put on the Red, White, and Blue blocks! They all look great, and Uncle Sam is the topper, imho ~ I am a follower, too, thanks ~
:-}pokey

57 MoeWest said...

Thanks for sharing a wonderful group of blocks. I especially like your Uncle Sam mini quilt. Thanks for a chance in your giveaway too. I'm a follower :-)

58 Chris said...

Lovely blocks! And an awesome giveaway. I'm a follower.

59 Teresa said...

I've been a Follower for some time. Thanks for a very interesting post.

60 Sallie said...

I love your blocks! Thanks for the great giveaway! I'm a follower.

61 Kathy MacKie said...

Love all the blocks and yes, I'm a follower!

62 Betty Lou said...

Great parade of red, white and blue blocks. Been a follower for some time now Connie.

63 Deborah said...

You really went to town! Beautiful work and a generous give away. Thank you. I enjoyed my visit.
Deborah

64 Jodi - usairdoll said...

What beautiful blocks you made. I did not know about Quilter's Cache. I'm going to have to check them out for sure. Love the blocks you found there. Thanks for sharing everything with us.

Thank you for a generous giveaway and the chance to win. I am already a follower.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

65 Rhonda D. said...

I love all your blocks! I am a follower via GFC & e-mail. Great
giveaway! Thanks for the chance
to win!

wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

66 Growing Old Fast said...

I really love your Uncle Sam quilt!! I am a follower of your blog and love all the interesting & neat things you post. Thanks for a chance at winning those lovely goodies. Pam Gonzalez

67 HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

Wow! For not having a lot of time, you sure got a lot done. I wish I could be that prolific ... but to every thing there is a time. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing. I love the traditional pieced patterns you chose to share with us.

68 Mrs.Pickles said...

what great blocks!! I am a follower of course :)

69 Tricia said...

Well now you have 512 follows at the point that I became a follower today. I like all you blocks but the appliqued heart stack block really draws me in. It is amazing what we can accomplish in a short timeline when the panic kicks in at full force. Thank You for the wonderful chance to win your wonderful assoctment of fabric FE's, patterns and that most delightfully stitched hand towel. I'm not familiar with the patterns so I would most definitly like to add to my small collection for scrappy quilts.
Sincerely,'
Tricia

70 Diana said...

What neat blocks, love the Uncle Sam as I'm from Near Troy, NY, home of Uncle Sam.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Diana
dianacarofano(@)gmail(dot)com

71 Maria Kievit said...

You found more red white and blue than you thought you had! Nice blocks. New follower.

72 Diana said...

forgot to say I'm a new follower.

73 Sandy D said...

I love your Uncle Sam Block nice. Your Arkansa Cross Roads would be nice made into a bed quilt. I am a follower.

74 Leesa Gentry said...

Never realized how much red, white, and blue could inspire to so many to create so much. Thank you for sharing your talent. As a new follower look forward for further inspiration.

75 BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I love all your blocks. That's more sewing than I probably do in a year.

I'm a new follower.

76 nanny said...

really great blocks.....

I love Lee Childs. Let me know if you love this book.

77 Sherill said...

Great Blocks! I am a follower, have been for quite some time.
Sounds like you are having a fun summer.

78 Linda said...

HELLO! LOVE THESE BLOCKS!
THANKS FOR A NEAT GIVEAWAY TOO!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

79 ritainalaska said...

great blox! but love your mini applique quilt! i am a follower!

80 barbara woods said...

i am a follower

81 Susie said...

Hi Love the blocks, especially Uncle Sam. Thanks for sharing and I am now a follower. Susie x

82 ~Kris~ said...

Love your Uncle Sam and thanks for the tip on the Cache website. I know i can use that.

83 Lee said...

Uncle Sam is sweet! Thanks for the fun and giveaway.

84 hueisei said...

Love your blocks! :)
I'm a follower.

85 Denise :) said...

What a darling, darling collection of RW&B blocks you've shared!! The favorite of mine is the Arkansas Crossroads -- it's a stunner!! The Uncle Sam block is wonderful, too. Great job!!!! (And I'm definitely a follower!) :)

86 Marcia W. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
87 Marcia W. said...

Uncle Sam is my favorite of your blocks. Quilters' Cache is a treasure trove of blocks. I am a follower too so please put my name in your hat for the drawing. Hope you enjoyed your time off!

88 Loris said...

Sweet blocks from your swap. I love your Uncle Sam block. It's perfect for the display hanger. Thank you for the chance at such a lovely giveaway. I love the embroidered towel!

89 Loris said...

PS I'm a follower :-)

90 Purple Pam said...

I am a follower for sure. Please enter me into your giveaway.

Thank you.

Hugs - Pam

91 BizyStitches said...

Love all your blocks. My grand daughter was born in Arkansas so I think I will try and find that block. Thanks for the great give away. I hope I win. teehee.

92 BizyStitches said...

I am a new follower and looking forward to more post. Thanks

93 Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Woo hoo! I love Uncle Sam and the stitching you did with Valdani! Too fun!
Love all your other blocks too. Need to make them into a quilt for a nap on the porch. :)
Friend and follower!
xx

94 Ruth said...

The Uncle Sam block is so cute! I love the Art to Heart books, but don't have that one. I am a follower and would love to win!!!

95 evelyn said...

Grace under pressure! You do so well under stress. I love all the blocks, old and new. The Antique tiles speaks to me.

96 KatieQ said...

Although I have visited Quilter's Cache many time, I don't remember seeing Arkansas Cross Roads before. I am strictly a NY girl, that block may be the closest I ever get to Arkansas. Thanks for sharing your beautiful blocks even though you were busy with mission work. I am a follower.

97 VickiT said...

I know you were panicked at first but you did a great job putting all those blocks up to show us. I really love the start with the red/white polka dot fabric. All the blocks are beautiful.

Even though you're miles from home, you did a fantastic job. Thank you.

Also, yes, I am a follower and would be thrilled with your package of goodies. Thank you for that chance too.

98 Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

All your blocks are wonderful. Especially love Uncle Sam and Arkansas Cross Roads.

I am a follower.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!

99 bets said...

New follower and love your little giveaway!

100 Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

Loved your Uncle Sam block!! Such great blocks!!

101 Brenda said...

Love your blocks! And the last one is wonderful and finished sew sweet!

102 OneOldGoat said...

I'm following your blog! Just love the the vintage tile block -and all the others! Love the tea towels too :)

103 sunny said...

Love your Uncle Sam block. I'm a faithful follower.

104 sunny said...

Love your Uncle Sam block. I'm a faithful follower.

105 Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful blocks and I can't believe how many you got done with how busy you are! Wow! I'm a follower, thanks for a wonderful giveaway!

106 Martha said...

Enjoyed your blocks and especially like the embroidery. Thanks for hosting a giveaway. I am now a follower.
mtower@bellsouth.net

107 Cindy said...

Love your uncle sam block-love everything art to heart makes, it seems, LOL. I subscribed to your blog via e-mail, hope that counts. Love your blog, glad you did this blog hop so I could find it. Thanks for the giveaway!

108 Dianne Mitzel said...

Love these wonderful blocks, I follow your blog, and enjoy it so much.

109 Judy1522 said...

Love your blocks especially the Uncle Sam one. I am a follower of your blog.

110 Pam said...

Love the blocks, beautiful work. I'm a new quilter, a new follower, and a subscriber. Thanks for having the giveaway. Blessed be, hugs, Pam!!!
playamom57@yahoo.com

111 quiltmom anna said...

Fun post- love the different blocks that you shared. I am a follower of your blog.
It is always nice to see what other quilts are doing and making. I find that inspiring and makes me want to try new techniques and patterns.
Thanks for participating in the blog hop. The patterns look interesting and I love your watermelon embroidery.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna

112 leanne said...

love all your blocks and that cute uncle sam table topper :)

113 Stephanie said...

I am a follower! Love your Uncle Sam hanging!

114
Anonymous said...

I Love your Uncle Sam Block! I would love to make this! I have a collection of Uncle Sams and this would be great with them! I Love our Watermelon Tea Towel. I love Redwork and Embroidery! Thanks for this Great Giveaway!

115 busyascanbe said...

Oh my gosh so many to choose ...wow you were so busy...and they are all wonderful..as always!

116 Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Everyone of them are so gorgeous!
Red White and BLue are my absolute favorite combinations!

117 LJ said...

Ditto, ditto to everything you said. Arkansas Crossroads was wonderful and I loved your Uncle Sam. Great stitching around the stars and the flag and the stripe on the border was perfect! Great prize/gift; thank you.

118 LJ said...

Oh, I forgot. I just signed up to follow you with Google Reader. :)

119 Mystica said...

The red white and blue combination is so pretty.

120 Sharon Dawn said...

Lovely work ...especially the Crossroads! You created quite a variety!!

121 Teresa said...

I am a follower and would love to be counted in for a chance on your giveaway. Your blocks looks great.

122 Carla G said...

Great blocks! I'm a follower! Thanks for a chance to win! :)

123 Gill said...

Great blocks!
I already follow you!

124 Alyssa said...

Love these awesome patchworks. :D

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colorado springs divorce attorney

125 pinsandneedles said...

I'm a follower and I love your blocks! I really like your Arkansas crossing block and wonder what pattern will emerge when you put several together. Thanks for sharing!

126 Catherine said...

My favorite block is your Antique Tile. It has become my favorite RWB block. Pretty nifty purse you made too. I hope you don`t mind that I`ve just become a Follower. I would like to enter your giveaway.

How wonderful that you volunteer. My niece spent nearly a month in India with her church group this past spring helping a new Christian church to grow and spending time with the children. She`s a dream!

Thank you so much. I enjoy your blog. A pleasant break in my day. And thank you for the comments on my RWB Blog Hop blocks.

Cathy aka Cate`s Linens.

127 Karen O said...

For being away from home, you were sure able to make a lot of wonderful blocks! I am a new follower, and look forward to getting to know you!

128 Brenda M said...

I am now a follower. Your blocks are lovely. Especially Uncle Sam!

129 Anda W said...

What a cozy blog you have! I am a follower, thanks! awolk at rogers dot com

130 Unknown said...

Hi,
I'm a new follower! Thanks for the giveaway and have fun at the mission!

131 Sandra J. Strickler said...

I'm a follower now! Great work!

132 Thearica said...

Make me comment #132 and your newest follower! Your blocks are excellent for the occassion and Uncle Sam... well we all know he is perfect! Great prize giveaway!

133 Janet said...

Great blocks! I especially like the heart.