Wednesday, February 18, 2009

In the Local News . . . (or Bad News/Good News)

Did you see we stole Lance Armstrong's bike? For the past several weeks, we've heard a lot on the local news about Sacramento hosting the Amgen Tour of California. We were told that hosting the race would bring tourist money into the Sacramento area at a time when businesses could really use a shot in the arm. Then it looked like the weather was going to turn bad--and it did. Still, that didn't seem to keep any of the spectators away from the event. The kicker, though, was learning Sunday that sometime Saturday night, an equipment trailer was broken into and several racing bikes--including the one Lance Armstrong rides in time trials--had been stolen. Way to go Sacramento! Yeah, that was sarcastic. And yeah, I know it wasn't all of us in Sacramento who stole the bike--probably just a couple of us citizens--but gosh darn it! Couldn't it have happened somewhere else?

And have you seen the stories about California's big budget battle? California has something like the ninth largest economy in the world and our governor and law-makers can't agree on a budget, so our state workers are facing lay offs, the state can't pay its bills (or issue tax refunds, for that matter), all state-funded projects are coming to a halt, and huge cuts are being made everywhere. And still they can't agree on a budget.

Because of the budget problems, we're looking at major job losses in our state. That, in turn, means the housing market will likely get worse. It also means taxes and other forms of state revenue will decrease. And the state will be even harder pressed to raise the money to fund the budget--which they can't agree on anyway. Catch-22.

Tonight was the second session of the Hey Ghoul Friend class and one of my gals nearly missed it because she works for the State Senate. Over this past weekend, Saturday and Sunday, by my calculations she put in as many hours of work as I do in a normal week. And after our class? She had to go back to work until 3 a.m. when another member of her staff relieves her. Crazy!

And that bad weather I alluded to earlier? Today was the worst of the rain--more specifically, late afternoon was really nasty. In order to get to quilt class, I had to drive through several flooded intersections. Two of my ladies called and said they couldn't make class because the weather was just too bad.

So I figure it's up to me, now, to dispel all this negativity hovering over my city. How? How about a giveaway? How about two giveaways? How about two giveaways and a freebie? Yep, maybe THAT will bring some good karma to Sacramento!

First up:


A fairly simple applique pattern designed to bring a breath of spring air your way!

Second:



That old favorite, Yellow Brick Road.

Third:


The freebie. Sometime in the next several days--as soon as I can find time to get it all together--I'll post a tutorial on how to make yourself a St. Patrick's Day tabletopper/wallhanging.

So here's what I'd like you to do. Leave a comment if you want to enter either giveaway and tell me which one--the applique pattern or the Yellow Brick Road. (If you want to enter both, you'll need to leave two comments, so I can put each in the correct drawing.) I'll do both drawings late Friday night and announce the winners on Saturday's post. I'll probably include a couple other little goodies to send to the winners. By this weekend, I hope to have directions for the St. Patrick's Day quilt posted.

And if this karma thing works? By next week, Lance will have his bike back, California will pass a budget, and the sun will come out again. And you'll all know who to credit with turning things around, right?!

70 comments:

  1. Hi Kim, I would like to have the applique pattern if you pick me. I already have the Yellow Brick road one. Love the St. Patrick's Day quilt. Keep up the good work to free your state !!!Bonnie in Tx. baw78413@yahoo.com

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  2. Boy I can hardly wait for the St. Patrick Day quilt tutorial!!! Cute!

    The Bike being stolen, the unbalanced budget and the effect on friends and families in the state of California and the flooding in the streets is enough to drive one to quilt. What a blessing, hey. Your class was fun and the witch has a cuter wardrobe then I....

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  3. Please could you put my name down for the applique pattern - it's very pretty. Looking forward to the St Patricks day quilt tute. Must make one for my son - called Patrick - lol !

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  4. well, I better comment then...just to save your economy and hopefully ours will follow.( I just can't understand how our fabric purchases weren't enough!!)
    I think the applique pattern is particularly lovely, but I really want to make that clover table topper...very cute!!
    love tracey

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  5. Well, I have to comment just so I help to get the good karma in motion. Maybe then the snow will stop, Lance will get his bike back, and the stubborn legislators will finally agree to do their job and pass the budget. I'd like the cute applique pattern to come live at my house.

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  6. Hi Kim
    Love your shamrock table runner, can't wait to see the tutorial. Don't worry I am from IL we have our own problems, we are in a horrible economy just impeached the govenor and now Senator Burris who was appointed by the old Gov, is in deep do-do. What a sad state of affairs.
    Luckily everything is happy and care free in my sewing room, my happy place.
    Dorothy

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  7. Love the applique pattern. Already made so many YBR, I think I could write the pattern from memory!! LOL

    It's sad that you won't get your tax refund. I mean, you let them have it for a year tax free and then they squander it. Dang!!

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  8. I'm sure Lance has insurance but ya, that is really embarrassing that some boneheads stole his bike. I hope it wasn't my nephew! LOL He's been down here in California, he races bikes too, he wants to be Lance someday. LOL I can't believe because of ONE jerk in the state senate, 20,000 are getting pink slips in the mail. That's what I heard on the news, ONE vote! I just did my taxes last night, wonder if I get the IOU.

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  9. Hello Kim!
    Follow your blog everyday from here in the midwest. You're a great inspiration for me to stay on task with the many projects on the cutting table. I love the applique pattern too. YBR has been in my pattern bin longer than I care to comment on. Keep up the good work.
    sue

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  10. I would love to enter your draw for the posie pattern. Every morning I look so forward to reading your blog. Can't wait to start your free St. Patty day table topper.

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  11. I look forward to the St. Patty's pattern, that would look great on my side table. Thank you!

    I live in California too. All these new taxes they want to lay on us makes me ill.

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  12. Free tutorial and a giveaway! COOL! If picked, I would like the applique pattern please.

    thank you!

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  13. I really look forward to reading your blog...you have such talent and a wonderful way of sharing it! I am looking forward to the tutorial...how awesome! Good luck with the economy...it is looking grim all over. I would accept either pattern...thanks so much!

    Mary Jo in Iowa

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  14. I would love the yellow brick road pattern. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  15. No give away entry for me! I really hope that your karma fixing works! I hate when the kids come home from school telling me all of things that are going to be cut.

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  16. Yellow Brick Road - I've been meaning to buy it!

    And I heard about Lance's bike - how crazy! And tell your friend thank you - at least someone is working in Sacramento!

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  17. Oh, I'd love to win the applique' pattern...and it's always sad to hear about woes in California...they always spill over here in Nevada since our economy seems to be so dependent on tourism from California. Love the St. Patrick's quilt too!

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  18. I'd like either book - I have very few quilt books and no stash at all - my friends threaten to take me shopping and make me buy fabric. I buy fabric - but almost always just for the project I am doing.

    I love the St. Patrick's Day tabletopper!!!

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  19. Hi Kim,

    The St. Patrick's day topper is darling! Thank you so much for sharing with us. I guess I might be the only one in the quilting community not to have made a YBR quilt. Could you please enter me in the drawing for that one. Thank you.

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  20. Good morning,
    I am on my vacation, but I check your blog everyday. I have tried looking for the cherry apron panel in every quilt store I go into. I have two more on my way home today, so I will look for the panel.
    I would like the applique pattern, so please enter me in that drawing. Also am looking forward to the St. Patrick pattern.

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  21. You can have the Amgen tour - they come here to Santa Ynez every year and you can't go ANYWHERE in our tiny towns because of all the bikes everywhere and traffic! Lance also trains in the SY valley - I've seen him a few times.

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  22. Hi Kim,

    Thought I would help the karma in Sacremento and enter your drawing for the applique pattern. I also love the St. Pat's table topper. Will look forward to your tutorial on how to make it. My 1st grandson was born on St. Pat's day and I know he needs one for his room.

    Still love your blog and your sense of humor. Wish I lived closer and could attend your classes.

    Ellen in Kansas City

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  23. Ick, I won't be crying over Lance's bike. Sorry about the money issues, I think almost all the states are in the same situation ours was a while back and they always fight over money. Our last Gov got us back on track and we had tons of money then this current guy came in a spent it ALL! Now we can't do anything and medicaid, schools, police are being cut so he doesn't have to cut state jobs or spending which has gone up 85% in the last 3 years!!
    I really need to move OUT of this country. Lovely St. Paddies quilt!!

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  24. I think you have already turned things around just with your happy thoughts! I would love the Posies in My Pocket pattern...it does ooze spring.

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  25. I think I have just the right fat quarters waiting for the St. Patrick's Day table topper. I'll be waiting.
    I have looked at the Yellow Brick road lots of times, but never purchased it, so I could use that for a quilt for my sister who loves blues and yellows.

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  26. I love your blog. I read it every day and love your sense of humor.

    Please put me in the drawing for the applique pattern. It is my favorite part of quilting at the moment.

    Linda - nana947@hotmail.com

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  27. Great giveaway! Please put my name down for the Yellow Brick Road pattern! And I can't wait for the table topper tutorial! Try to say that five times fast! LOL Thank you! :0)

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  28. Ilove to read your blog daily and would love for you to enter me in the draw for the applique pattern,
    Sue....

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  29. Oh, I would like the "applique" pattern, already have the other pattern.
    Hope things get better for all you who live in California.
    libertythreads@charter.net

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  30. Hi,
    I read your blog every morning with my coffee :)
    Please put my name in the Posie pot.
    I am looking forward to St. Patrick's Day because my grandbaby will be 2 on that day.

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  31. Every Kansas-dwelling quilter should own Yellow Brick Road, so please put me in the drawing for that one. Can't wait for the St. Pat's table topper tutorial!

    May the sun smile down on California once again... and soon!

    Thank you for a great giveaway.

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  32. Hi Kim
    I would love to win the ybr pattern--I've not made it yet! I can't wait for the shamrocks--I had so much fun with the pumpkins!
    Lurking Linda

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  33. Love the Yellow Brick Road pattern!
    Your St. Patrick's Day table topper is really cute...can't wait for the tutorial! Thank you.

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  34. I would love the yellow brick road pattern. I have been trying to find a neat quilt to make and it looks perfect. The tutorial looks interesting too. Thanks

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  35. Heck Kim.... nobody thinks bad of Sacramento for the act of one individual stealing a bike... this stuff happens EVERYWHERE.

    Since I already have the Yellow Brick Road pattern, I would love to be in the drawing for the applique pattern. It is a cutie!

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  36. I'll be watching for the tutorial - this table topper looks GREAT!

    I'd like to be entered into the draw for the applique pattern please!

    Nancy
    nancyrose123@hotmail.com

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  37. I hope everything works out for your state. It's really sad that one Senator is causing so much pain for people. Seems to me that the "Terminator" needs to make a little visit!

    I would like the Yellow Brick Road pattern.

    I love the shamrock wall hanging. I was wondering today if you were going to make something for St Patricks Day.

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  38. Okay since your governor is sort of funny, I'll relate a bumper sticker war that was going on at work for a while. There was a guy from MN who had one that said "my governor can beat up your governor" this was the Jesse Ventura era. so one of our Wisconsin guys made his own.... "My governor can SPELL governor"

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  39. The weather sucks here, too. Come on Spring - we're waiting!!!
    I'd like to enter the draw for the applique pattern... wait, no... the yellow brick road... no, the applique. Sigh. How can I decide? They are both so nice.

    Okay, okay... the yellow brick road pattern.

    Thanks. Hope things clear up your way and that the snow melts in my part of the world!

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  40. HI Kim,
    I hope too that the Sun will come out tomorrow ( for some reason the song from the musical Annie is playing in my head ) I think this a fun way to host a giveaway -
    I would like to enter my name in the Yellow Brick Road pattern.
    I think your shamrock pattern is very cute and I will look forward to seeing your tutorial.
    I hope that soon there will be some thing that will lighten the financial burdens of people all over- the news is distressing and frightening at the same time..

    Great post Kim,
    Regards,
    Anna

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  41. Yellow Brick Road, babee! I've been meaning to buy it...but you know how it is...too much fabric, not enough money for patterns!

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  42. I have more bad news... KLSX is changing it's format this Friday at 5pm. NOOOOOOOOO! I don't know what I'm gonna do without listening to Adam, Teresa and Bryan... and then Frosty, Heidi & Frank. OMG!

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  43. They recovered Lance Armstrong's bike! Hurrah! The sun came out for a bit today. Can't help with the budget issue. I think they are on the wrong track. Raise the sales tax and stop hiking up taxes that hurt the poorest among us. Couldn't resist that. I really like to win and I want to win the applique pattern. I am boycotting the whole yellow brick road kind of quilt....Cheer up Kim!

    --Julia

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  44. I heard they recovered Lance's bike down here in the South Sacramento area.

    Looking forward to your tutorial.
    Thanks!
    chris in Sacramento

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  45. Would love to do a ybr. Your st paddys day topper looks great and I should probably make it seeing as how I am from Ireland. Please enter me in the draw. LOVE YOUR BLOG
    marilynmckinnon@hotmail.com

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  46. Please can you enter me for the applique draw. I'm trying to make my 2 daughters quilts using their baby clothes and this would look so beautiful!

    Thanks
    x

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  47. Yellow Brick Road for me please. And how cool is that - we all win with a Shamrock tutorial. Thank you Kim so much for your kindness.

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  48. We had the tour come through our small town in the mountains yesterday! It was a fun thing to see. I have had two of my sons get their bikes stolen up in Chico. One thief even left behind the bike they were riding! Talk about a place with bad karma! Anyway, please put me into the drawing for the applique pattern. Thanks for the give-away!

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  49. I would love to enter for the applique quilt.

    Thank you

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  50. I would like to enter for the yellow brick road pattern.

    Thanks--

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  51. Hi Kim Wow great giveaways. I love all your tems so Pick me. But I do love to applique. Linda

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  52. Hi Kim Wow great giveaways. I love all your tems so Pick me. But I do love to applique. Linda

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  53. Hi Kim can't wait for the tutorial on the table topper. Please enter me in the yellow brick road pattern.Thanks Brenda

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  54. I have that border fabric for the St. Patricks Day topper in my stash! If by chance I win a the giveaway I plan to donate to my guild. I already own Yellow Brick so applique is my choice....not really my choice but if I win...guilds! I have so many applique projects I haven't even touched!

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  55. Well, I guess I must be greedy because I want to enter for both. So here is one comment for the stitchery pattern. It is very very cute. I admire those who do stitchery so I need to learn and this is a no risk way to do it!

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  56. So here is my comment for Yellow Brick Road. I know that this has been a really popular quilt but I have never made one. You are always so generous with your giveaways. I am glad everyone in your house is finally well or almost now

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  57. Hi Kim!

    I just came from a doom and gloom financial meeting in our school district. I guess we're all getting hit. I would love to win the posies pattern. I have never done an applique quilt. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.

    Kim

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  58. Kim--yes, me again! I'd also love to win the Yellow Brick Road pattern. It looks like something a beginner like me could do.

    Kim

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  59. Please enter me for the applique pattern. I heard that Lance's bike was found, hopefully this is the start of a trend for good things in California.

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  60. Oh I'd love to win the yellow brick road pattern and help solve all the problems!!!!!!!!!

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  61. I couldn't comment yesterday because I was on our sick lap top. I hope this improves the carma...looks like it is working for Lance Armstrong!

    I will comment twice because I would enjoy either pasttern. I just enjoy your blog. I know there is always a smile waiting:-)

    e-mail: bgailey@hawaii.rr.com

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  62. Second post...either pattern, good karma and good fun!

    e-mail: bgailey@hawaii.rr.com

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  63. Would love a breath of spring with that applique pattern right now. Espesially after driving home through that snow storm last night. The wind had the snow drifting badly. Love your blog, read it faithfully every day!!!!
    Minniestitches

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  64. Would love a breath of spring with that applique pattern right now. Espesially after driving home through that snow storm last night. The wind had the snow drifting badly. Love your blog, read it faithfully every day!!!!
    Minniestitches

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  65. Hi Kim

    I would luv to receive the applique pattern--I have yellow Brick Road! I can't wait for the St. Patrick's tutorial--I will do that immediately, just like I did with the heart pattern you sent to me--luv it, luv it, luv it!
    I am beginning to stay up just to read your post every night! I can't get enough of it! Thanks so much!

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  66. That's what I get for skimming over this message a couple of days ago. Cute patterns. Please enter me in the drawing for the Posies pattern.

    Cute St. Patrick's day quilt, I'll be looking for your tutorial.

    Have a Good Day!

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  67. I'm a fairly new reader of your blog, and let me say that I love it. I really look forward to reading it every day and am so happy that you post almost daily. If you pick me I would love the applique pattern!
    shaunsnews@hotmail.com

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  68. I would love the Posies, looking forward to spring with flowers, green grass and warmer weather. Can you guess that I'm further north than you are?

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  69. I would like to enter for the applique pattern. Will be looking for the shamrock tutorial, the scrappy stars one is great and in use right now. Thank you for all you share!

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  70. Please put my name in for the yellow brick road draw. Thanks for taking the time to post the St. Patrick's Day quilt, looking forward to the tutorial.

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