Today's My Birthday

When I was 18 I thought that 30 was a good age to claim.  Now that I'm older than 30, I still think that's a good number and that's all I'm admitting to today.  I took this picture in my studio before leaving for work.  This is my favorite place to be in my home.

I actually celebrated my birthday over the weekend.  My husband took me out to dinner and we attended the Universoul Circus that was in town.  I just love that circus and I've been three years in a row.  The acts were awesome and I also got to do a little dancing.  If they are in your area, give them a try.  They have two acrobatic acts from China that was unbelievable.

I did get some quilty gifts as well.  My friend and I attended Toby Lischko's grand opening of her new retreat center.  While there I fell in love with this quilt, Nouveau Riche and the pattern is free from Hoffman Fabrics.  However, Toby also has acrylic templates which makes cutting so much easier.  Toby's website is Gateway Quilts & Stuff.  I didn't see the kit, but if you contact her, I'm sure she can help you.  I did have to substitute one fabric in the kit as she was out of it.

So, since I had this birthday gift since July 10th, I decided last evening to start my birthday quilt.  I got all the cutting completed for the blocks and even sewed three blocks.  I'll have little sewing time tonight as I go to line dancing class after work.  The curves are pretty easy to sew and so far, I'm enjoying the process.

As a gift from myself, I ordered something from Hancocks of Paducah.  I've always wondered what is in those scrap bags so I ordered one.  Inside was 30 approximately 3" strips about 30" long.  I didn't get to choose the bag so I was pleasantly surprised.  I don't like reproduction fabrics and was sure that's what I'd get.  It's also not jewel tones which are my favorite fabrics to play with.  This is a very nice grouping of fabrics in pastels and I'm now searching for a design so I can use them.  The main reason for being on the site was to order some Kaffe Fassett FQs.  I purchased the 2009 Collective Reds FQ bundle.  While there I couldn't pass up this great bargain for Moda's Sandy Gervais Frolic 45 piece FQ bundle (click on View Extra Large Image to see bundle) for $49.98.  That is $1.11 for each FQ!  They are so yummy!  I'm trying to buy fabrics not in my usual theme and I just love these so much that again, I'm searching for the right pattern to showcase them.  And the best deal of all was that they had a special on shipping.  I didn't pay shipping or taxes and they arrived yesterday, just in time for my birthday!  Isn't the internet a great place to play around?