Monday, March 22, 2010

Busy Day and Big News

I certainly made the most of my day off. I spent the morning working on my sample overnight bag. I got to a point where I'm stuck and will have to bring it to work with me on Wednesday to get tips on where I'm stuck.

But, that didn't stop me from switching creative gears. On Saturday night I was Googling crochet stitch markers and found directions to make them. I have plenty of beads and thread from when I thought I wanted to add beads to my quilts. All I needed to buy was lever back earrings. I got those at work yesterday, a package of four for 90 cents. Before lunch today I whipped up a set of stitch markers for me.
If you're thinking to yourself, "those brown beads look like coffee beans." You're right! They are coffee bean beads. Not real coffee beans, but sure look like coffee beans. They came in an assortment of beads I bought from E-Bay.

Here are the stitch markers when they are being used in a crochet project. I think they are cute. I can make a couple more with coffee beads, but I have to buy more lever earrings.
After lunch I was cutting out a pair of shorts for Mr. E and talking on-line with my DIL. She asked me if I could make a lunch bag for Mr. E to use at his new day care. I thought about it for a few minutes and decided I could make one up quickly. Off I went to my studio, grabbed the necessary fabric and a couple hours later I finished his new lunch bag. I bet no other child will have a lunch bag like his!
Now for the BIG NEWS
I am at Post 496 and near my four year blogiversary. If someone had told me four years ago today that I would be at this point, I would have laughed. But, here I am!

A lot has changed in my creative life since I started writing my blog four years ago. I've gone beyond bed and baby quilts to sewing bags and clothes. I gave away all my DMC floss one summer only to start embroidering six months later. Finding a $20 Christmas cross stitch kit for less than $3 brought me back to cross stitching. Mr. E needing a baptism afghan led me back to crocheting and playing with yarn. I've always loved cooking, but reading cooking blogs have expanded my cooking and meal repertoire.

I want to thank everyone who stops by to read and perhaps leave a comment or two. I have made many new friends and I cherish every one of you. One gift bag isn't enough. So . . . drum roll please . . . I will be giving away five gift bags! Over the next five posts I will highlight one gift package and why it is important to me. To enter the drawing for the gift package, simply leave a comment and tell me what you would do with the items in the package. If you are a follower of my blog, tell me how you follow it - through Bloglines, through Google Reader, or whatever program you use. On April 1, my actual blogiversary, I will draw 5 winners, one for each gift. You can enter every drawing, but I will only accept one entry per reader per drawing.

There you have it, the BIG NEWS. I hope you check back tomorrow for the first gift package.

I'm off to crochet a row or two on my jacket. Then a hot shower and a good sleep. Mr. E will be here tomorrow, plus my niece and nephew will be here for the afternoon. Another fun filled day here at Coffee Time Stitches!

Sweet P

10 comments:

Melinda said...

I am glad you are posting more often. I missed you for a while.

aussiequilter said...

Gosh what an accomplishment so congratulations!!!My what would I do if I won one of your gifts?----- well I guess it would give me the inspiration to get crafting again.I really need some inspiration as I Seem to have lost my mojo at present as I'm so busy with sick family and my commitments to them.Anyway,congratulations .I love reading your blog and have it on my blog this sidebar which hopefully will send others to visit you.Cheers Teri

Mary Grace McNamara said...

Paula, I love your crochet stitch markers! I made some for knitting out of the circle side of toggle clasps used in beading bracelets and necklaces and such. But the lever back earrings are perfect for crochet markers, or knit markers if you need to open and close them. Love the coffee bean beads too..perfect for you!

The Patriots lunchbag is great for your little guy! You are surely correct saying no one else will have one like it!

4 years and almost 500 posts! Congratulations to you! Your celebration giveaways sound like lots of fun! I'll be sure to pop in each day and check them out!

Enjoy your day tomorrow with all your little friends.

MGM

country mouse said...

Oh my goodness, those markers are too cute!! I may try making some myself as I have started really getting into knitting. They would be great, and to personalize them is awesome!

Congrats on the blogging milestones. I haven't been blogging as long or nearly as many posts, I hope to keep sticking at it as long. Its been a wonderful experience so far, and like you I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people and gotten tons of inspiration. I am so glad I found your blog. Hope your whole week was as happy as your Monday!!

Nancy said...

I guess since I don't crochet or knit, I don't understand the stitch markers. I thought at first they were ear rings...lol

Isn't it amazing how our life changes little bits at a time and we don't realize it until we look back...

antique quilter said...

oh well we love coffee and love those stitch markers, they are just tooo cute
wow all those posts!
have always enjoyed reading your blog for years thru bloglines and share our passion of the best team ! GO RED SOX! and of course always wait and see if you post about truck day!
Kathie

Candace said...

Congratulations on 'four' years! That's quite an accomplishment, and I've enjoyed being along on most of your journey. I only discovered blogs about 3 years ago. Your stitch markers are very cute and innovative.

Libby said...

Congrats on your upcoming milestone. Blogging has really opened up the world, hasn't it?

Your markers are cute . . . . but don't you just want to make a pair for earrings, too *s*

Chookyblue...... said...

congrats who would have thought we would still be doing this and loving it after all this time..........

Bev C said...

Hello Paula, love the row counters for the crochet,very handy indeed. I enjoyed reading about how you sold your threads then were back into it only a while later. I am sure your family appreciates everthing you make. Have a great day.
Bev.xoxoxo