Monday, August 05, 2019

Happy Little Things

It's time for the Happy Little Things BOM to begin! If you are a new visitor to my blog, welcome! I have been writing this quilt blog since 2006, posting regularly about my quilty adventures and the process of making quilts. I also host a hand stitching link up every Sunday, so feel free to visit anytime!
The Happy Little Things BOM will run from August to December and we hope you will join in the fun and create your own version of this Jacquelynne Steves pattern. To learn more about this project click here and make sure to sign up for your free pattern delivered right to your email.
centre of block #!

Today you can get the pattern and start making the 1st block. 
You can chose to have a plain piece of fabric, an appliqué or an embroidery in the centre of the block
Embroidery is one of my favourite hand stitching activities, so that is what my block centres will be.
Hand stitching is my favourite way to enjoy time at the park in the summer. I take my lawn chair and sit by the river, listening to the birds and sounds of the water, and slowly stitch the time away.


Block #1
Once you have your centre block made, you surround it with some flying geese blocks and then add a couple of borders, and there you have it... the first block is done!
Most of my fabrics are from the Strawberry Jam fabric line, with a bit of grey fabric added. If you prefer to have your fabrics chosen for you, click here to buy the fabric kit that Jacquelynne has put together for this project.

And if a free pattern for a beautiful quilt is not enough excitement, there are also going to be prizes to win every month throughout the BOM! 


The giveaway price for the first month is an Olfa gift pack (for US and Canadian residents, and an alternate prize for international winners). You can visit the bloggers and enter to win at each blog, but you may only win one of the prizes each month.
To enter the prize giveaway at my blog just scroll down to the end of this blog post and click on where it says 'comments', and leave a comment about what makes you happy! The winner's name will be randomly drawn on Sunday August 11th. 
The draw has taken place and the winner is:
commenter # 122 (out of 228 comments)... Congratulations to Diana from Texas!

I'm so happy to be one of the featured bloggers and can't wait to visit all the blogs to see how they made their 1st block! Here's the blog list, so go ahead leave a comment at each one to increase your chances of winning one of the prize packs:

Kathy's Quilts (that's me!) 

228 comments:

1 – 200 of 228   Newer›   Newest»
sue s said...

A beautiful day outside enjoying the environment makes me happy. I had such a day Saturday, and I'm still happy!

Mary said...

Ooo, love the 1st block! Fun stitching. Seeing my Granddaughters Quilts under my 'Betsy' the Viking needle makes me Sew Happy! Last Quiltin Grandma Camp Reveal is on my Blog today. It's awesome

Meari said...

Taking a walk through the park makes me happy :) Love the view you had while stitching up block 1. Beautiful

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Pretty embroidered block 😍. I love to read quilting blogs, and visiting such talented quilters as you are makes me happy!

Geri A said...

My dogs make me happy. Flowers make me happy. having time to stitch makes me happy!

karen said...

Cuddling with my chihuahua mix makes me happy.

Katie Stovall said...

Working in my garden/landscape, and creating quilts to gift to my loved ones.

Sue Green said...

I love spending time with my grandchildren. Other than that, it's quilting and reading.

Sorcha girl said...

Hummingbirds at my flowers make me happy. Such small creatures full of color flying so fast.

Kathryn said...

I love spending time on my back porch, book or stitching in hand.

Cheryl said...

Lots of things make me happy...being with my family (especially my sweet daughter), my dog, rocking on the front porch, friends, coffee, books, quilting, naps, and Jesus.

Bette said...

I'm at my happiest when I'm outside - hiking, biking, but next best is in my quilting room.

MissM said...

Quilting makes me happy.

Sewcurious said...

I am so happy when I have an hour or two to sew in my sewing room!

Lee said...

Visiting with my family makes me happy!!

Julierose said...

Coling breezes and low humidity make me happy these days--[can you tell it's been VERY sultry here?haha] thanks hugs, Julierose

GranChris said...

I love how sweet the block turned out.

GranChris said...

Forgot to say my grandsons make me the happiest. They are wonderful

Liz Horgan said...

How do I pick one thing that makes me happy! So many things do--and I'm grateful for them all!

Quilting Babcia said...

I love this little block and especially the fabrics you've chosen. Happiness is a sunny summer morning sitting on the back porch with my latte and reading quilty blog posts, second only to putting the final stitches into the binding of a quilt!

Sharon said...

What makes me happy - a bright sunny day, my beautiful granddaughter, a piece of hand work. So many things make me happy.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I'm enjoying embroidery lately, so that's what is making me happy! That's a pretty block with a sweet design, Kathy! I'll enjoy following your progress with this quilt along.

Sally BC said...

I am joining in the Happy Little Things QAL, which is what led me to your blog. This is an entry for the give away.
I'm glad to see a Canadian quilter in the list. I live in Ohio now, but I was born in Canada and continue to be a citizen.

Rosemary said...

Life in general. My family and friends, quilting, sunshine, the ocean and being with the people I love ...

Jennifer said...

Sewing in general makes me happy, but I've not been able to sew much this summer. I am a caregiver to my husband who had recent cancer surgery. His recovery is going well, but he still requires my constant attention. I would love to win the OLFA bundle and spark my creative juice when I get the chance to sew again!

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

I like embroidery but find it takes so long. However, I can see one or two of these blocks having embroidery. Thank you for a look at your block and fabric.

Gail said...

Being with family makes me happy.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Your block is pretty - matches the focus fabric great!

Pam said...

I love looking at all the pretty quilts, embroidery, etc found on facebook and pinterest --- Just gives me so many ideas.

Ondrea said...

I love to cross stitch and mostly enjoy hand embroidery. I'm still deciding between embroidery & applique on this one - but I LOVE how yours turned out!!

SD said...

I'm excited to get started!

Millie said...

Quilting with friends makes me happy. Making new patterns and trying new things is extremely satisfying to me. Quilting in general is a stress re leaver.

Unknown said...

This is going to be fun. I'm learning machine embroidery techniques and will use mt learning on this project

MoeWest said...

Quilting, sewing and gardening all make me happy. Your block looks great!

Patty Ann said...

Cuddling with my grandson(the wiggle worm) makes me very happy. I love your block.

Vida said...

Finishing a quilt top then deciding how I will quilt.

CruiseToScrap said...

My daughter's delight in all thinks brings me the most joy.

ShirleyC said...

What makes me happy is to have uninterrupted time in my sewing room which hasn't happened much this summer! I love your block!

suesinger said...

Being with friends makes me happy

Elizabeth Barno said...

I'm happy about my husband, children, grandchildren, my dogs, flowers, and quilting.

Denise :) said...

Well goodness, there's a whole plethora of things that make me happy! Family, friends, my health, to name a few! But in this context, slow stitching always puts a smile on my face!! :)

Brenda said...

Family, quilting, hand embroidery. Your block is lovely, I look forward to seeing your quilt blocks each month. Have a great day!

Barb D said...

GOD, music, family, pets, hand embroidery, quilting, reading, Aquacize & so much more! :)

Mary Lou P. said...

Family, music and quilting make me happy. Though the order depends upon the day.

Tammy said...

Fabric & thread and sunshine and fresh breezes make me happy and green stuff growing like flowers and trees and grass

april dawn said...

My grandson is my happy. I can never be sad when I see him.

Beth said...

Being home with our dogs and cats (...and goats and chickens and horses) makes me happy. Sitting outside reading in the sunshine. Finding time to read. Calling my dear friend to catch up.

Jayne said...

Thank you for sharing your work. I'm always happy when I've finished another project and ready to start a new one

LeslieSchucker said...

Being with my husband, creating with thread and needle and my dog Rosie.

carol said...

My granddaughter makes me happy. She is entering kindergarten this month and I can't wait to watch all her enjoyment, growth, learning...an exciting time in her life. Makes me so happy.

Laura said...

Being in nature and just observing makes me happy.

Jollygirl said...

Holding my granddaughter makes me happy. She is such a happy little girl.

Sherill said...

I get Happy and excited at the beginning of a new quilt!! My loving husband always makes me happy!

karen said...

Oh, I think I'm supposed to leave email just in case! offkwilter@gmail.com

Gretchen Weaver said...

I'm actually joining in this BOM, think I'll do mine is blues and white. Eating ice cream with my grandchildren makes me happy!

Paula said...

Cats make me happy!

Joyce Carter said...

Getting to play in my sewing room makes me happy. Thank you for the chance to win.

Tami Minor said...

This block is so precious...love, love, love!

Val said...

Nature makes me happy! Animals make me happy!

Lauren said...

A beautiful day doing what I love baking, quilting, gardening with my ducks watching the dragonflies or just sitting in the sun all these make me happy.

Lydia said...

Being outside and just watching the world go by!

Teresa said...

I did go and take a look at the BOM program and signed up. I sure hope she sends me the directions for the first block. Yours is just adorable. What makes me happy - sitting outside on my porch and doing handwork. Been kind of happy lately, but cooler weather will be here soon :)

Little Penpen said...

Simple living makes me happy! I was so excited when I could finally leave the working world and stay home and live my simple life. I love your block.

Marian Esplin said...

Today being able to sit and sew after a week of busy running around and traveling. That made me happy too because I was with family. But I'm enjoying the peace and quiet of just the 2 of us right now.

Patricia said...

Hand sewing, all types.
patsystitch@gvtc.com

Deanna W said...

Joining along with this one...what makes me happy...quilting and spending time with my quilt buddies. Our September weekend can't come soon enough!

Stitchin At Home said...

My happy place is either spending time with my grandkids or fmqing.

Deb A said...

So...... think it is ok to start this one knowing I never finished the last one? Heck... I maybe got 2 of the blocks done. =). I think I should just do as you are an attempt the embroidery for something different.
As for what makes me happy.... playing with and petting fabric of course!

Joanna said...

Oh my, what to say. My garden, cat, faith, quilting, sewing, crafts, home, etc. all make me happy. I feel very blessed. I love your block; it looks perfect and beautiful.

Unknown said...

What makes me happy is helping others out. Picking out fabric, quilting, learning stuff. And also when I make something for someone and they like it.

Unknown said...

Also my name is Darcey.

Andrea said...

Simply pretty. Being an Aussie, lots of people have commented ahead of me - time difference - but oh it's a joyful day and love seeing your stitching being completed outdoors. Bliss.

Unknown said...

Life makes me happy. I am beginning to find that the greatest joys are often very small moments in time-- compounded they become life itself.

Sewmom18 said...

Time with family and sewing.

Sandi said...

Any day that I get to sew is a happy one!

Carol said...

I think I love challenges.i wish I didn't, it would make my life easier.

Julie said...

I am loving the chance to see new blogs out there. I love looking at what others do because I cam be so inspired by other people. Being a quilter makes me happy!

Vawndee said...

Watching hummingbirds, butterflies and bee’s enjoy my flower garden, outside the window while I sew.

Carmen N said...

I love learning new craft techniques!

Donna said...

I am very happy when I finish a project and give it to someone and their face lights up.

wendy said...

What makes me happy? Lots of things, but especially finishing a project!

Bonnie H, said...

I love my dogs! HIPPIECX44@AOL.COM

Unknown said...

I love being in my quilt space with my dogs hanging out on the floor, working on a project!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your version! I love it!

DLREB said...

My Grandchildren make me happy!!

Renea said...

Finishing a quilt usually makes me smile. And of course my 11 grandchildren bring tons of smiles to me.

Unknown said...

What makes me really happy is making things for my nieces and nephews and the sound of their giggles.

annbeck said...

Being a part of this BOM quilt group makes me happy. It's been a while since I've quilted and I'm just so happy to be creating something again.

Thanks, Ann

annbeckemeyer@hotmail.com

Sue D said...

So sweet--I like the fabrics and embroidery. Crafting with my grandchildren make me happy.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

I love hand embroidery, so relaxing. thanks for sharing

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

Beautiful fabric makes me happy.

jrquilts said...

spending a entire day in the sewing room ,no meals to cook no housework just sewing!

Veronica said...

Having time in my sewing room, creating and working on a variety of projects makes me so happy.

Shannon H said...

Having time to quilt. Shannon - shan-craft@att.net

Sarah said...

Nice fabrics! Lots of things make me happy but I love Sundays! Walking the dog, no housework, minimal cooking and spending the rest of the day doing things for me.....generally sewing!

eckypucky said...

Beautiful design! :o)

Judy said...

Thanks for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

I love Jesus, my family, my dogs and quilting!

Unknown said...

Oops, I thought my email would show who I am! (Not a techie)
--Kathy kjpsalm1914@gmail.com

lynn said...

Such a broad question, with so many answers -- time to sew and create, reading great books with my family, being outside soaking in nature, to name a few. Thank you for this offer!

SandraC said...

Sweet block! Sadly, I'll have to pass on this sewalong so I'll live vicariously through you 😃

Karen P said...

Quilting, having a good day (I suffer from a chronic illness), palm trees swaying in the breeze...

Brenda West said...

My husband is a construction worker so most of the week he is not home - usually has to camper live near site. My son has moved out and my daughter is in college - this is her last year home for summer. My favorite thing is when I get to have them home. I do many different crafting mediums to fill my time. That and having flowers in the summer. deanbren87@gmail.com

MissPat said...

Sunshine makes me happy! (And that reminds me of John Denver).
Pat

Kimberly said...

I need a chair that is comfortable for my back to sit and stitch outside! I will look into that! kimberlyclark72@rocketmail.com

Rozz01 said...

I am happy when I create a quilt out of leftovers.

Beckster said...

I love the color combination of orange and gray in your block.

sewingnana said...

Grandkids!

Gina's Custom Creations said...

What makes me happy? Well... my sewing room/space. I love the colors and the beautiful paint job my boyfriend did on the room for me. It's tranquil and a place I can relax and do what I enjoy doing most...sewing. But family also makes me happy. Getting to spend quality time with my 19 year old son, makes me the happiest. We don't get to see each other often enough...once or twice every 6 months or so, since he lives a couple hours away, and works almost every weekend.

Unknown said...

What makes me happy is when I find the right piece of fabric that will complete a pattern that I'm planning to make. Or when my grandchildren ask for a certain type of quilt because they are starting to understand what grandmas do.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Anytime I can spend stitching makes me happy, but also, right now, no weeds in my garden would put a smile on my face--lol! Love your little stitched block--so cute!

Lani said...

What makes me happy is finishing a quilt and gifting it to someone special.

Joyful Quilter said...

I'm in the process of moving to another state (buying and selling a house in the process) - any time I get to relax a bit and sew makes me happy.

Nancy D said...

In this day and age, a day without telemarketer phone calls is a very happy day!

pharmgirl75 said...

Being an auntie makes me happy! It's the best.

ckrut said...

I wanted to write food and fabric, but maybe I should say family instead!
ckrutjo at g mail dot com

Paula said...

I love spending time with family. Otherwise I love to be quilting, sewing, and crafting. Thanks for the giveaway.

Sharon Aurora said...

Many things make me happy. God, family, friends, nature, being creative, listening to music...

Quiltsmiles said...

The blessings my family and I receive make me happy. We are fortunate and will give back to make this world more harmonious. Kindnesses catches.

Carol R said...

God, friends and family

Unknown said...

It makes me happy that we are both Kathy! My husband and children also make me happy. And the thought of starting a quilting business with my Mom one day. First we have to move to the same zip code. We're pacing ourselves. ;) kathy [at] dynamicdorgans.com

Diana.Didi said...

I am happy surrounded by my loved ones and colorful fabric!!
Diana A
dgaheme@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Going to the beach with my dogs and family,making quilts for loved ones,and
cooking a good meal everyone likes

Karen J said...

My happy place is my new studio where I can quilt!

SandraBogo said...

What makes me happy is stitching, or reading, or just lying in a hammock by Lake Ontario where I grew up! Can't wait to spend the next few weeks back at home with my mom!

Janet O. said...

That is a really fun, pretty block.
So many things make me happy, but tonight I am looking forward to a good soak in my jetted tub (which hubby installed to help alleviate some of my back pain), and I would love to end the evening by falling asleep to the sound of rain on the roof. I am afraid that is wishful thinking. :)

Kathleen Gregory said...

I look forward to more time in my sewing room. I like to piece, it is like a jig saw puzzle, can't wait to see it put togehter

Unknown said...

Spending time with my wonderful husband, kids and grandkids. Also sewing.

Nancy Page said...

Love your version of Happy Little Things! Thank you for this great giveaway!

OhioLori said...

Love your Block! Lots of things make me Happy...this Summer my Best "Happy" has been all the time I've had with our Grangirlie making Heart Memories! She made her First quilt!! & second one in progress!! I'm soooo Proud! :) Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too! :D

Susan said...

What makes me happy? Quilting is the easy answer. Embroidery. Combining the two for a crazy quilt. Your block looks great! I like the gray blending with the other colors of Strawberry Jam fabrics. A beautiful block.

Regina Andari - workinouttheinks.blogspot.com said...

Your embroidery is beautiful, and I look forward to seeing more of your work. What makes me happy? Spending time with my family, of course, but also when my craft room is neat and tidy (hardly ever happens).
randari at Hotmail dot com

Barb said...

congrats on being featured - Your block is wonderful, I love that orange!
All quilting makes me happy, but especially the feeling you get when you start a new project, so much excitement and anticipation!

Judyk2310 said...

Great block and I love all of the ideas from each of you. What makes me happy? I'm a happy person and I love life and most everything. I get over excited when I see fabric that I must have. Do I need more fabric? NO! But I buy it and get giddy inside when I touch it!!

Claytonk said...

Seeing makes me happy! Also watching my kids play their sports!

Hannah said...

Thanks for getting us all thinking happy thoughts--faith, family, fun. So much to be thankful for.

SharShar said...

I'm inspired by the varieity in your group of bloggers.
sregcofran@gmail.com

Jessica Jo said...

Sewing makes me happy. It is my soul juice.

Kathy F said...

Thanks for sharing your block with us! I love the blue cover quilt BTW!

Rhonda said...

Great block cant wait to begin... thank you barussery@gmail.com

Phyllis said...

Working on my many quilting projects makes me happy. Being with my grand children is just the icing on the cake for me.

Shawna said...

I love embroidery, quilting and applique and gardening. One thing that makes me happy is using (or eating!) Something that I made.

JLP53 said...

Being able to quilt makes me happy. Love your block!

rosemaryschild said...

I am happiest when my children come by to visit me! Thank you, Susan

joanelle20 said...

Sewing and Creating for others makes me happy

Rhonda Best said...

Knowing that my family is healthy and happy makes me happiest. Spending time with them. mtmom57@gmail.com

Vanessa said...

It's summer and the children are out of school, so no quarreling makes me happy!

Rebadeba said...

Sewing for others always brings a smile- it's my go to when I'm feeling a bit sad. Now my daughter enjoys sewing too so sharing a passion for creating something beautiful makes me full of joy!

Michele T said...

Ooooh! I love the colours and fabrics you chose for your first block!

Vicki said...

What makes me happy. The easy answer is my dogs. But then I just enjoy being home.

DenKel said...

Lovely block! What makes me happy? Love starting a new quilt, love piecing it together, love gifting it to someone as a surprise....any opportunity to be in my craft room makes me happy! denise.ashby@aus.salvationarmy.org

Vicki said...

Easy answer my dogs make me happy.

Unknown said...

I am happy when I have a free day to quilt!

Brenda said...

What makes me happy ---- giving something I made to someone that genuinely appreciates it

judi said...

I'm not a fan of orange but it looks so nice in your block.

Diane' said...

what makes me real happy is doing anything in my sewing room.

SuzOH said...

My garden makes me happy, at least when it isn't full of weeds.

Unknown said...

Love following your blog, sew much I want to make! I'm retired and still don't have all the time to do everything I dream of!!!

Unknown said...

My grandkids make me happy--my cat, dog and parakeets make me happy--classical piano music makes me happy--and sewing makes me happy. More fabric? More tools? Oh, yes, that would make me happy, too. ;)

Nancy in IN said...

I love being outdoors, but when inside watching TV with hubby, I must be doing something with hands--needlepoint, embroidery, knitting, and hand sewing.

Quilting Addict said...

I enjoy lots of things. Navy Blue makes me happy. Quilting, sewing, reading, games, travel, Heavenly Father and my family. I am usually a happy person.

Melanie said...

I love everything stitching! It makes me happy to be actively stitching, reading a quilty book, magazine, or blog. I even dream quilting! LOL Thank you for your interesting and fun blog, Kathy.

Unknown said...

Family makes me happy. Sunrises and sunsets in all the beautiful colors. Day on water (not getting burned)...can be a lake, river, or ocean...just so peaceful!
Sewing makes me happy...tend to forget about everything else and love the finished projects!

orhedricks said...

My grandbabies and bright colored fabric make me happy!

Michelle J. said...

I'm happy with my family!

Tonya's Territory said...

My kids make me happy. It means me even happier if they love something I've made them enough to wear it!
froggytonya@yahoocom

Carol said...

Quilting makes me happy; hand stitching when I can't be at the machine is lovely too. Most of all, being with my kids and grandkids makes me happy!

Shari K. said...

Things that make me happy...hiking, sewing, visiting with friends!

nancy said...

So many things make me happy and give me pleasure. I do get mighty happy when I finally get a quilt finished--that last binding stitch is great.

June Alton said...

Many things make me happy! Sunshine, quilting, animals and friends top my list.

Becky said...

A walk in the fall with my dog makes me happy.

Bea said...

Loving that blue quilt.

works4me said...

That is a pretty block.
My cats and my husband make me happy.

Unknown said...

First time visiting your blog, very inspiring!!

joolz said...

What makes me happy??? Quilting, snuggling with my cat, spending time with my nieces and most importantly travel. Kenya is my favorite!
julie.mirdoch@shaw.ca

Juno19 said...

You do beautiful work; I love your idea of stitching outside listening to the birds!

Tanya Simmons Weiss said...

I'm happy that I can sew and share my creations with family and friends!

Linda said...

These things make me happy:
God
Family
Friends
Animals
Sunshine

Susan said...

Many things make me happy. Sunshine, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, my hubby, music and this list goes on.

acottagequilter said...

Spending time with my grandbabies makes me happy and a nice day with lots of time for quilting
Gaylemiller61@gmail.com

Jill said...

Riding my bike around the lake in our town makes me happy! Thanks for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

quilting and seeing my grandkids makes me happy

Karen said...

Quilting, friends and a cuppa tea make me happy.

pam.wters59@gmail.com said...

I love embroidery too I don't seem to do it as much as I like. I really like your block

Lisa England said...

Doing and making things for family and friends makes me happy.

Kate said...

Very pretty blocks, love your fabric choices for this project.

Pam K said...

I love doing all kinds of quilting, embroidery and wool applique.

MastiffSue said...

Being able to spend time quilting makes me happy.

Zar said...

Love to sew.. Ü

Brooke said...

Doing something with my hands - quilting, stitching, crafting - makes me happy.

Sandy said...

My family and making things for them. quilts, microwave cozy, pillows, table runners and place mats, Christmas ornaments, etc. Just finished making golf putter covers for grandson and son-in-law.

Beckahn11 said...

being a live and able to do the BOM and spend time with my family makes me happy! I realized after our house fire that family is what's most important!becnewell1(at)gmail(dot)com

GDodger said...

Love the embroidery and fabric you are using.

babysnakey said...

I'm just learning how to do embroidery and applique for the Happy Little Things BOM!! I'm totally loving the hand stitching with embroidery, and looking forward to learning applique next. I love doing anything quilty, and now embroidery, and particularly making and gifting quilts to family and friends makes me super happy. babysnakey@live.com.au

Sherri C said...

I love so many hand crafts. I like to keep my hands busy and make things to share with others. Share the joy!

Unknown said...

I love incorporating hand-embroidery into quilts. I actually just picked up some hand embroidered blocks today, from someone who could no longer use hers, so I am looking to incorporate themm into a future quilt.

Kaye M said...

Making things is what makes me happy, whether it's a full-size quilt, a pillow, a tote bag, or a wall hanging. I love to sew! tkmattson@hotmail.com

Linda said...

My new little granddaughter makes me happy. ljbisme at msn dot com

Glenda X said...

Sew much makes me happy but mainly JESUS! I've been sewing for 50+ years & enjoy reading all of the seamstresses blogs so that I can continue to learn! Thank you! Glenda @ mainlineministries@hotmail.com

Lynn said...

I’m just learning embroidery. My first block of the month club. My first quilt block!

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