Hello and happy Monday! And happy September! This post was supposed to go up a bit earlier today, so I apologize if you stopped by this morning and didn’t find it 🙂 Anyway, it’s time for the Happy Little Things free block of the month pattern. And of course there is a giveaway to go along with it!
The Happy Little Things Free Block of the Month Pattern
If this is your first time hearing about this fun and free block of the month, you can go here for all of the details and the preliminary cutting instructions. But then visit this post for this month’s Block 2 information. I really am going to get caught up with these blocks, and soon. I waited to make block one because I wanted to use our Summer Sweet fabrics for my block…and then August got a little crazy. But soon I’ll have the first two blocks made and ready to share!
Happy Little Things Participating Bloggers
- A Quilting Life (you are here)
- Podunk Pretties
- The Crafty Quilter
- Flamingo Toes
- Allie Oops Sweet Quilting Life
- Happy Quilting Melissa
- The Quilting Nook
- Kathy’s Quilts
Happy Little Things September Giveaway Information
This month’s giveaway is a wonderful prize package from Aurifil–an Aurifil Designer Thread Box. These boxes are such a wonderful way to begin or add to your Aurifil threads. Here are the giveaway rules:
- This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada.
You can enter at each of the participating blogs listed above; however, there is only one prize per person for this month’s giveaway (you won’t be able to win on more than one blog). - My giveaway is open through Sunday, September 8th, and I will contact the winner to get shipping information on Monday, September 9th.
- To enter leave a comment mentioning your must-have notion(s).
- Be sure to leave your email address if necessary, so I can contact you.
Best of luck!
What do you think of this month’s free block pattern? Share in a comment below!
Good luck with the giveaway and thank you so much for stopping by!
Sandy Allen says
I definitely must have my rotary cutter and seam ripper!
Carla Toppass says
Well unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) one of my most used notions continues to be the ever popular seam ripper!!!
Robyn O says
My must have notion are my machine quilting gloves. They really help provide extra grip with free motion quilting.
Michelle Dalke says
My most used notion is actually a pair of tweezers!
I use them to help poke out corners for little zipper bags, grab the bobbin thread when I change my bobbin, assist my seam ripper, and I’ve even used them to help thread new needles! Can’t get along without my tweezers!
Ruth Bogt says
My must have notions seam ripper and good rulers
Jill says
As much as I hate to admit it, my must-have notion is the seam riper also.
Sue Vilsack says
Must have good scissors and a seam ripper! mastiffsue1@gmail.com
kathy B says
beside my seam ripper, I like my ‘purple thing’
Julie B says
I am fairly new to quilting so right now my must have notions are everything, I just want it all. Not sure what some things are used for but I am sure that I will need it sometime.
Kathy B says
I always want my seam ripper and ‘purple thing’ by the side of my machine
Martha Austin says
My seam ripper is always in reach!
Karen A says
Gotta have my rotary cutter and mat.
Christi says
My brass seam ripper is a must have.
Amanda Best says
Rotary cutter, of course, lots of different rulers, I like OLFA the best, and my add a quarter ruler for paper piecing.
Sandi collins says
I must have my rotary cutter and 1/4 inch sewing foot
Stephanie Woodward says
My must have notion is my rotary cutter. I did start quilting with scissors, need I say more?
Susan says
My must have notions are my rotary cutters, cutting mat and acrylic templates/rulers.
Jessie M says
Aside from the obvious needle, thread, and pins, my must-have notions are my rotary cutter & mat, rulers & tape measure, and marking pens.
Lydia says
I must have pins. I’m a big pinner?
Tammy says
My must have notion is needles. I have different sizes and types for all sorts of machine and hand projects.
shoshana vogel says
both my magnetic pin dish [don’t ask me why !], and the dounut bobbin holders!!!
Patricia Ludwiczak says
My must haves are my Creative Grid rulers – love them!
Em Davis says
Best notion is my very sharp rotary cutter. A dull blade makes the work harder.
Claudia Sweger says
Must have my tiny curved embroidery scissors.
Joyce Schroeder says
Oh, I would love to win this prize! My favorite notions are my quilting thimble with the ridge, my snips with shallow blades and super sharp edges for trimming applique work, straw needles and a great assortment of thread to make those applique stitches as invisible as possible. I couldn’t be nearly as successful without them.
Lee says
Love my rotary cutter!
Cindy Smith says
My seam ripper is never far away.
Tiffani Francis says
My must haves are my rulers and templates.
Charlotte says
Rotary cutter, mat, and 1/4 inch sewing foot are all must haves for me.
Carlie Holdredge says
Cute, Sharp, little Scissors, with a cute scissor fob!
Evelyn Bryan says
I love my snips, abhor my seam ripper, but keep both handy at all times.
Christianne Rush says
My rotary cutter, mat, rulers, seam ripper, and a pair a small scissors for clipping threads
Brenda West says
My must have notion is great directions on how to make something. As a beginner – been self teaching, I really like when the patterns for making something are well spelled out. Thanks for another great giveaway.
Rhonda says
The notion I use most is thread. It seems I run out consistently.
Cecilia says
My must have notions are my 1/4 inch foot, Creative Grid rulers and my rotary cutter.
April Lopez says
For my hand sewing I have to have my Unicorn Thread Gloss and I have to have a seam ripper near by because I will surely need it!
Malea says
I think my rotary cutter and cutting table are the best go-to tools I have. I’m on the taller side of things, and that table really saves my back!
Rosemary Buehler says
My seam ripping trio: seam ripper, battery seam ripper and scotch tape to remove the tiny leftover threads.
Lynn says
I love the new navy Olfa mat
Maureen P. says
I need my leather thimble for my EPP hand work and glass top pins for piecing my blocks!!
Denise :) says
My embroidery scissors are a must have! (Which is evident by the 12-13 pairs I have lying around my sewing room/home). But also a rotary cutter, my cutting mat, and my acrylic square rulers! 🙂
Sarah says
Looks like I’m in good company on this, but I could not survive without my trusty seam ripper.
Debbie Myers says
I love my Martello ergonomic rotary cutter!
Debbie Myers says
I mean Martelli
Susan says
My magnifying glasses ans a seam ripper for sure!
T Holzer says
Good morning, Sherri. My must have notions are my Angler 2 and my Clover awl. I rarely sew a stitch without these! Thanks for this chance!!
Brenda says
Like many others have mentioned here, I must have my seam ripper. I thought it was just me!
Teresa Knittingdancer says
I must have my seam zipper and rotary cutter.
Angie C Danilovich says
My must have notions would be rulers. I am new to quilting so I’m still trying to master the rotary cutter, but it is my next must have.
Elizabeth A Barno says
My must haves are my June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler, rotary cutter, and my 1/4 inch foot!
Barbara says
My rotary cutter is my must have notion in my sewing room!
Patti says
I would say my must have has got to be rotary cutters because they save me the most time = more time for sewing/quilting!
Wendy S Zick says
When I sew with my treadle my favorite notion is my threader. It’s not easy to thread from the side without it.
Cathy Meidinger says
My Creative Grid rulers are something I can’t be without. Cathy M
Traci Gardner says
My trusted Seem ripper and Rotary Cutter! Can’t sew without them! ?
Deanna says
My must have notion is a set of good sharp scissors and of course Aurifil thread
Susan Green says
It’s really tough to narrow down, but my must have notion is my Roxanne thimble for hand quilting.
Marilyn says
My partner in crime Ms. Seam Ripper.
Rosemary Barron says
So many things I think I must have but I have developed a special relationship with MY PURPLE THANG … Silly but I use it all the time.
Shaughna says
My must -have notion is a seam ripper and a good pair of thread snips.
Marti Buurkarl says
I have a love/hate thing going with my seam ripper. But it’s my rotary cutter with a brand new blade that steals my heart. I never met my great grandmother, but I’ve heard stories of her cutting out her pieces BY HAND, one at a time, so they were always perfect. Oh, what she could have done with a rotary cutter!
Kathi says
My must have item is my rotary cutter and mat.
Sandy Justice says
I just have my seam ripper , along with my olaf cutter ,and my scissors that are mine and nobody else in the house better use my scissors that for my fabric ,it’s war if I find out someone touches my scissors,,,
Angie says
Thanks for giveaway. Great thread is always a must have for a quilt. I love aurifil. I also would like to have some heat resistant magic pins. ekrichmond2106@yahoo.com
Susy Dowers says
My favorite tool right now is a light I stick on my sewing machine that is adjustable.
The older I get the more important good lighting is.
Brewster Karen says
I too started quilting when scissors were the only option…definitely the rotary cutter!!
Sandi S. says
I am embarrassed to say my much needed is my seam ripper!
Sarah says
Definitely rotary cutter and mat. Couldn’t live without them!
Patricia Coppage says
My ‘must have’ notion is definitely my rotary cutter! I don’t know what I did before I got mine!!
Melody says
Gotta have that rotary cutter!
Leslie Sitton says
My seam ripper with a light st the end.
Cindy Berry says
Love my rulers and rotary cutter!
Cece says
With so many helpful notions, it’s tough to pin it down…
Pamela Richards says
I llove rulers — but when I see a seam ripper —I just have to have it!!
Hannah W says
I’ve been buying needles for everything recently, hand piecing, binding, quilting, my machine…loving the good ones I find.
Christine says
My must haves are, ruler, rotary cutter, seam ripper, radio.
Patricia Anderson says
My rotary cutter and seam ripper
GAIL CLARKE says
I love different rotary cutters
Laurie H says
My must-have is my “quilters toolbelt” filled with rotary cutter, duck-billed scissors, seam ripper, pins, pencils, and 1.5x6in ruler. I strap it on when I am.cutting and piecing. Keeps my most-used tools handy without cluttering up the sewing table. Also love the Stripology ruler by Creative Grids!
Connie R says
My most used and favorite thing–a pair of Gingher snips. They are all metal, no plastic to break and sharpen like a dream. They have been next to my sewing machine for about 40 years!
Dianne Mann says
I can’t do without my walking foot. It’s a must when quilting.
Jayne P says
I like to use a really sharp pencil for marking so I have to keep my own secret supply
Carol Blake says
My seam ripper and rotary cutter are my most needed items!!
Pam says
My most-used sewing notion is my seam ripper! A close second is my rotary cutter. I actually stopped quilting many years ago because cutting out all the small pieces was such a drag! Rotary cutters brought me back into the fold!
Cynthia T says
I make sure I use my seam guide to mark my 1/4” on my sewing machine.
Leigh Anne Humphrey says
Absolutely love my wool pressing mat!
Marcella Harville says
Rotary cutter and seam ripper! Lol!
Sally C. says
My rotary cutter!
Vickie says
My go to is my instruction books and my adjustable usb table light. Helps me see my stitching better.
Monica Kostak says
Seam ripper…and sometimes if my husband is available, I’ll have him seam rip 🙂
Marie Merry says
I can’t sew without my pins!
Vickie says
My most necessary notion above all is my pair of Karen Kay Buckley scissors for clipping threads, no matter if I am hand stitching or machine stitching.
Angela says
My must have is a seam ripper!
KAREN GRANT says
I have lots of fun gadgets but probably wouldn’t make quilts if it wasn’t for my rotary cutter.
Mary Lou P. says
Can’t make it without my seam ripper and needle threader.
Mary Marcontell says
I love my rotary cutter!
Debbie Huber says
Must have notion /notions. I really use pins for intersections of seams. I definitely use a seam ripper when my seam allowance goes off, and I couldn’t live without my rotary cutters and rulers.
Lori Graham says
Definitely my thimble!
Mary Scarnecchia says
My rotary cutter to trim up blocks and my seam ripper. I not only use the seam ripper for pulling out stitches .. I also use it to hold pressed seams down as you are piecing the sections together. This way the pressed seam doesn’t flop over.
Janet T says
Fabric, thread, rotary cutter, ruler, machine. The list goes on. Can’t have one without the others!
Helen Lord says
Good needles and thread! Plus a sharp pair of scissors.
Joan Avery says
I need my seam ripper and my 1\4 inch seek g foot!!!!
Kathy E. says
I do love working with my Kai scissors and Epic sewing machine. Without them, I’d be painting.
duchick at gmail dot com
Caroline Yoneda says
My ever present notion companions are a pair of very sharp small snips, a leather thimble, and, hemostats.
Bethni Lee says
Must have notions?? My purple thang, good ruler, seam ripper, rotary cutter, pins, 1/4″ sewing foot, and….well, just about all of it I NEED! The whole shebang! Every needle, thread, ruler and anything else I can get a hold of!
Kathy Cummings says
My necessity is Aurifil!! Thank you!!
Sarah Wunderlich says
My must have notions are an Olga rotary cutter and mat, and a surgical seam ripper.
Tori Ehlers says
My must have notions are my seam ripper, 6 in ruler, cutting mat, rotary cutter, and straight ruler.
Denise Nash says
I love my Clover seam rippers! As a teenager sewing my own clothing, I hated seam rippers. I would do most anything to avoid the dreaded tool. And yes, I am sure it showed in my clothing. I have come to see it as a tool which improves my work.
Jenny Naylor says
I must have my rotar cutter, mat, and rulers. (Oops that’s 3 ? )
Deborah Urich says
My favorite thing is my stainless steel nippers that I have had for over 30 years now. I cannot sew without them.
Teresa says
Ruler and cutter, seam ripper
Stephanie Hironimus says
My must have notion is my rotary cutter with a sharp blade!!
Rebecca Buchanan says
Oh my, this is not easy–other than the must have tools like rotary cutter, rulers and scissors, my ‘luxury must have’ is my rotary cutting mat. Love it for cutting smaller pieces and for EPP. Thank you for offering such a great giveaway opportunity!
Veronica says
My “must have” notion that I cannot do without is my seam ripper, as there always seems to be a bit of “unsewing” to do.?
Mary Milnarich says
I’m new to quilting but have embroidered, sewn, and cross stitched for years. All my tools are great to have but my favorite one is my Ott lights! I have 4 of them . Good lighting is a must for any type of sewing.
Patty says
My little Tooltron spring action scissors . I love those little things!
Leloy Albright says
Must have a sharp pair of embroidery scissors to clip those pesky little threads 🙂
Karen says
I have to have my rotary cutter, mat, and rulers!
Darlene Walrath says
My seam ripper and my thimble for hand sewing the binding on quilts.
Marilyn M. says
I use a handy awl.
Bette says
Rotary cutter, really good scissors, and of course, an “unsewing tool” are my must haves.
Judith Martinez says
I have to have a seam ripper!
lee says
I love my scissors , rotary cutters and my wonder clips!
Ronelle says
The notion that is ALWAYS with me is my rotary cutter.
Pam Jolly says
I have lots of notions I love, but thread is my must have notion.
Jessica Hansen says
Thread is naturally the most important notion 😉
Other than that I use my cutting mat a lot
Stacy Crundwell says
A few of my must have notions…my 1/4 inch foot for my machine. Doesn’t matter what I do…without it I am a disaster! A sharp blade on my rotary cutter! Caffiene! And Pandora with Bruno Mars LOL! Notions are things that are things/tools that help you sew/quilt right?
Helen Mashburn says
I would loive to have rotary cutter. A must have. Hope I have spelled correctly, have a vision problem.
Ruth Ann Hessert says
My bendable light. attached to the end of my machine is absolutely the most handy lighting for my machine sewing..
I.The bendable light that bends around my neck and has 3 adjustable light settings on each end is the BEST for handwork!!
This mont’s block looks very pretty and fun to make!
Carol K says
My must have notions are a good quilters ruler and a very sharp rotary cutter. With those two items you can cover a lot of territory. I’ve never used Aurifil threads before but I’m reading a lot about it and would love to win me some.
Tonya D Flores says
I love my Purple Thang! It’s so handy for so many things. Notions are so much fun, I love finding new helpful tools!
Rebekah Newell says
my number one used notion would surely be Mr. Jack! Cant sew without him!!
Ann says
I have a seam ripper always ready 🙂 But I have loved learning to use a rotary cutter and various rulers. Still learning- and love your tutorials!
Amy Salamone says
My must have notions are my seam ripper, rotary cutter & scissors.
Cathy Rowley says
My must have notions are my scissors and Aurifil thread!
Freda L says
Rotary cutter and seam ripper.
Shadow says
My must have notion are my super fine glass head pins. With as often as I sew over a pin or go to press without taking one out, these are must have characteristics.
Patti Guyton says
I have learned to consider my seam ripper a dear friend.
Judith A. Echeagaray says
I love my stylus! I love to sew tiny blocks and it keeps things in line!
Carol says
My favorite notions are my dream ripper, rotary cutter and cutting mat.
Peggy says
Hi Sherri, Love the new Summer Sweet line! I have to say my seam ripper is high on my list of favorite and most useful tools. The block is adorable and while I cannot fit completing it in, I love seeing what everyone else does with this design.