Name That Blog

Dawn from As Sweet As Cinnamon is having a fun contest - she wants to know the reason behind the name for your blog!  Which I think is quite interesting.  Do you ever wonder how someone came up with their name?  What it means?  Wish you'd thought of it first? Go link up at Dawn's, do a blog post with what your name means and why you picked it, and you could win a Moda charm pack!

So - how did I come up with Allie-oops Sweet Happy Life?  Well, my aunt always called me Allie-oop, from the time I was born.  I changed it a bit, to OOPS, because I make so many oops while I'm quilting!  If you were in my sewing room with me, you would hear that word a lot, muttered under my breath in shock at my latest gaffe.


Sweet Happy Life is a song by Peggy Lee - not too fond of the song, but I love the sentiment!  I used to be prone to major depression, it took a long time and a lot of patience from the Lord to teach me to enjoy the moment, enjoy my life, and let go of the stress.  The littlest things used to send me over the edge, and now I can let them go.  It's not an easy life, but no matter my circumstances, it's sweet and happy, because the Lord has taught me to be content in all things.  I'm so thankful that I've gone from pessimism and depression to optimism and gratitude!  My blog title reminds me of that change every day.



So, what's your story?  I'd love to hear it!  Do a blog post and link up at Dawn's, join the party!

Give-Away

Cathy over at Big Lake Quilter is having a give-away - to celebrate her birthday month and her hubby's retirement!  Go congratulate them and enter, she's giving away a copy of Kay MacKenzie's Inspired By Tradition book.  She's going to have a give-away every week this month!

October Christmas Through The Year

Wow the year is winding down quickly, isn't it?  All the trees are changing color, and there is such a chill in the air, here in Allie-land.  Are you ready to make a gift for October?  I have some tutorials for you!

First up, from Karen Wilson, a darling book bag for your young'un....

Isn't that cute!



From Melody at The House On The Side Of The Hill, the prettiest ever hexagon coasters!

From Clare at Clare's Craftroom, a really darling spring bouquet, although I think they're great any time of year!

From Jocelyn at Happy Cottage Quilter, scrappy cards - brilliant idea!  Part one, and part two!

From Helen at Hugs from Helen, a great armchair caddy!


I think that's it for today, if I've missed you let me know. 

My son came in my sewing room yesterday with a package.  He said he found it under some junk mail on the coffee table...grrr.  It was all the way from Wendy in the UK!




The cutest little seat belt cozies I've ever seen!!  Don't they just look happy?  They sure make me happy!  Thank you darling Wendy!  Wait til my mom sees them...she's going to love them too!  Good thing she doesn't have a car. *G*

I hope you all have a great week, and that your weather is friendly.  Start thinking about who you're going to make a gift for this month, and gather your supplies - remember, it doesn't have to be sewn, just handmade!  I'll see you soon!

Christmas Through The Year September Winner!

But first, I did finish my Christmas gift, another lovely Carry Out Menu Holder from Karen Wilson's great tutorial!



This one is for my mum, she loves this color blue.

And I know you're dying to know the winner, so here it is, straight from Mr. Random Number.....

And that would be Fiona from BubzRugz, congratulations Fiona!!!!!  I'll be emailing for your address!!!

I need to apologize, I've had to clear out my Google Reader - earlier this week, I was trying to catch up on commenting on your blogs, and I just couldn't do it.  I've only had one day at home this week!  I hope things calm down next week, I really do.  I don't do well when I have to keep running errands.  I'm SUCH a homebody...

I took Sam for the casting of his mold for his back, the orthotists were a couple of comedians.  It wasn't too bad, but good thing he's not ticklish.  I would have never made it through.

Did you ever read Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine?  I did, and I have almost every issue.  I was a faithful subscriber for years.  No magazine has ever inspired me like that one.  Well, Mary is wanting to bring the magazine back, and is looking for folks to sign the petition to convince a publisher - you can go here to either sign it or leave a comment!  How I would love to see this in print again!

By the way, one quilt is bound, and I'm starting on the second after I get my dinner - yes, it's after midnight - I had a nap.  Big mistake.  Seems like I had more to tell you, I suppose it will keep!  Have a great weekend, I'll see you soon with our kick-off for October!

September Strut Your Stuff!

It's time for our linky up party, to show off the Christmas gifts you made this month!  Normally, this is where I also show off mine, a-hem, but it isn't made yet.  Told you I'd be last this month.

Don't forget to upload your pics to our flickr group as well.  It's always so inspiring to see the finished gifts!

We do have a couple of finishes from folks who can't post to their blogs.  Dolores made these two adorable knit hats - I can't wait to learn to knit!  Aren't they darling!



And O'faigh made this darling gift bag - so sweet and you don't waste wrapping paper!



I had to go out today, and while I was out I picked up some magnetic sheets - so my gift this month will be another Carry Out Menu Holder from Karen Wilson,  I just adore that project and I think it's brilliant.  Click on the Free Patterns/Tutorials page on her blog and check her out! 

If you haven't already, get your Christmas gift post done, then link up here - our giveaway this month is for another darling cupcake bag [thank you anonymous donor!], with a surprise inside!  I'll be doing the drawing at midnight on Friday night.  I can't wait to see what you've made!

Weekend Report

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday, it's a damp and drizzly day here - I fell asleep last night to the sounds of a torrential downpour, it was lovely.  We had perfect weather this weekend.  Saturday, Cathy and I went to the American Sewing Expo, do you want to see my loot?  There's not much of it, but I'm happy with it!  First I bought what I always go there to get, my hand sewing thimbles.



I LOVE those thimbles.  This may last me until next year.  Then, there was a vendor selling books mighty cheap, I got these two...




for $9.  Wow!  I hadn't planned on buying any books, but couldn't resist.  I also picked up some fabric to make stars for Johna'Lee, from the Quilts of Valor booth.



I told them her story, and they gave me 10% off the fabrics.  Isn't that so sweet.

The show was smaller yet this year, and crowds were way down.  A very sad indicator of our economy.  There were some new vendors, I hope they made enough to cover their spaces.

Sunday, we helped Cathy move some more things from her old house.  Thank goodness for teenage boys!  I was too tired to blog or sew last night [although I mostly supervised, lol].  I'm going to get the binding on the quilts today, and try to come up with a Christmas gift - I need to decide what to make!  I'll be back probably tomorrow for our link-up post.  Although I just realized tomorrow is Tuesday, and that's always a busy day for me...errands and a visit to Shirley.  I might be the last one this month to get my gift done!

By the way, if you're going to make stars for Johna'Lee, could you please include a dollar or two to help offset costs?  She didn't ask for that, but I think it would be a lovely gesture - quilts cost money, and she's got a Herculean effort going.  I don't mind asking for her!

I'll try to catch up on your blogs this week.  You've all been busy, and I'm missing you!