April (Fools,Showers,Surprise)

April Fools' Day, or All Fools' Day, is the first day of April. No one knows where the custom began, but some historians believe it started in France. They had a New Year's festival that was celebrated from March 25 to April 1, and they would then exchange gifts. But, later, King James IV changed the holiday to January 1 for New Years. The people that still celebrated it April 1 were called 'April fish' and sent mock presents. April Fools' Day may also be related to the ancient Roman spring festival Hilaria, which celebrates the resurrection of the god Attis.

This is my second - yes second - basket mini quilt using just my favorite basket block from the 'Blessing Baskets' project. My first mini was my Doll Quilt Swap - and I wanted one for myself. It will stay on the design wall while I consider adding a border or two. **linking up with PatchworkTimes**

This is the first block in the Sew Hooked Garden Party paper pieced block a day blog hop - see side button. I LOVE to paper piece and this will be another scrap buster as I am just going to the scrap bin on this one.

And with encouragement from Marcia, I decided to show what all this messy cleaning has been all about. No 'beginning' picture, but this is HALF of my huge center hallway. I had everyone's 'leftovers' from my three kids stashed here and it was finally hauled off to the recycling center. Now I have a 10' x 14' area to set up my sewing center - so I can have a living/dining room back. The shelves have been assembled and up; and I am slowly sorting-tossing-boxing to ship off to Sarah and then I'll share more.

And I appologize for not posting winners on the 1st as planned but forgot that was Palm Sunday and I had family visiting for the day. Yes, I found a tote with some 2" squares that looked like I was starting another Postage Stamp Quilt, so my backdrop for the winners. Hafza of Hook'N NeeldE is our international winner and Patti of Pattilousquilts is our USA winner. I will be sending both a personal e-mail for mailing information. Congratulations ladies and thank you all for your support and friendship.

SURPRISE!!

You will find me here today. Was that hard to keep a secret and I am honoured and thrilled!!

CLOSING THOUGHT

'April cold with dropping rain
Willows and lilacs brings again,
The whistle of returning birds
And trumpet-lowing of the herds.'
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon