Back to School Days Blog Hop Party & Giveaway!

I'm soooo excited.

This is my very First time participating in a Blog Hop Party!

Whoo Hoo! Turn Up the Music...Let's Boogie!

And YES...you can sign up for my very first "Giveaway"...keep reading...you'll find out "for what" and "how" and all that important stuff. [before we go any further...don't hate me...but the giveaway will only be shipped within the USA "this time" - I'm sorry my International friends, maybe next time]

The theme of the party is "Back to School Days" and I pondered a bit...wondered awhile...what could I blog about since all of our 'kids' are furry have paws

...plus it's been a really loooooooong time since I've been to school.

I remember I loved little bags and pouches to get my school stuff organized when I was a kid - there's nothing like a new little diddie bag to start the school year out right. I started thinking about my USB cords which were driving me to distraction. Jumbled in my computer bag...I was forever pulling the e-reader cord out when I wanted the camera cord...or the IPod cord when I was looking for the cell phone cord...you get the idea. 

I've seen some cute little cord holders...with zippers...and I don't mind zippers...but I never have the right size...or right color...and ok...the truth? I may not 'mind' zippers but I don't jump for joy when I have to sew one in a project . Then my quilt 'sista' Deanna sent me a link for a folded tissue holder (think 4-patch folded coaster - you remember those dontcha?) and I got an "Idea". If I changed the shape...just maybe....and "Ta-da" - now my cords are 'coded' and 'neat' - and no longer a tangled web of wires.

Aren't they cute? The one with music notes holds my IPod cord... the one with letters you might guess holds my e-reader cord. And finally I have a "Keeper" for my cell phone cord (that would be Snoopy) because I made it today so I could show you how too! (Wow...my FIRST Tutorial!)

First you'll need 5 squares of fabric. I used "charms" of our cutie new Peanuts fabrics from Timeless Treasures.

You could use just about any size square - just size your circle (next step) acCORDingly.

Now for a circle pattern. Mine is about 4-1/2"...it also looks aLOT like the lid to my yogurt container...because it IS the lid! There's always something circular around you can trace if you look hard enough...and it's usually easier than trying to draw that perfect circle. Stack all 5 squares of fabric together....

with the lightest square on top....remember Wrong Side UP!

Pin your layers together and cut.....

Remove the pin...and gaze upon your 5 circles

Now off to the ironing board you go...pressy pressy 

Next...time to arrange your fabrics....

Now place your freshly pressed half circles in place...starting with "a" then "b" (just like school, huh?)

Then "c"...

Now "d" 

Pin to hold all layers in place and move on to the sewing machine.

Use a 1/4" seam and to insure "nice curves"...use a small stitch. Keep watch - don't let your half circles flip out of place.

Sew completely around - overlapping your beginning and ending stitches.

Trim threads...now Turn Right Side Out!

Press Nice and Flat! If you look at the first picture of "3" keepers...you'll notice I topstitched the one on the top left...that was the 2nd one I ever made. I really can't decide which I like better, plain or topstitched. It's up to you.

Time to hide the Cords in your Keeper!

I hope you'll make some Keepers of your very own. Of course you are free to make these for your pleasure and feel free to sell them at your craft shows. If you post pictures...I'd love to see them. And I know you wouldn't dream of copying my pictures - but please feel free to link back to my blog.

OK...It's Give Away time! Are you Ready???

Since the Peanuts kiddies here always remind me of school...and school days is the 'theme' - our give away is a wonderful very 'healthy' 1/2yd cut of the border stripes fabric from this line and 4 fat quarters (one each of the fabrics I made my new little Keeper with)...I just love Timeless Treasure fabrics!

To enter for our Give Away Drawing (deadline to enter is midnight Sept 3rd)..please leave a comment below..and I would LOVE if you LIKED our Shop Page on FB (Country Crossroads - see link on the right). Include your email if you don't have a profile that I can easily find you at. Remember again...I know... I'm a party pooper...but only entries with USA addresses will be considered...however my International friends...I hope you'll still leave a comment because I soooo want to know you've come to the party! Oh and if you are 'anonymous'...chances are your 'email' will be too...I can't reply and let you know if you've won because I won't know who you are. 

THANK YOU QUILTERS GALLERY for the FUN and for hosting this party! It Rocks! Don't forgot ya'll...click the Blog Party Link on the right (at the top) to find more Party Fun! Or click HERE...that'll work too!

Thanks so much...I hope you had fun. I know I did! I hope to see you again soon...alas...I'm consistently "inconsistent" with posting to my blog on a regular basis...*sigh*....but I keep trying!

Lynn...The Thimblemouse >"<

Update 9-4-12
Congrats Lisa Cox our Give Away Winner!