Where I live, the average is a mere 32 inches or so. This year, we ended up with 42 inches. Plus, it's cooler here than say, Oklahoma, although it can get hot. The weirdest thing is how dry this winter has been so far. By this time last year, and the year before for that matter, we were running out of places to pile snow. One of my kids moved to Olympia, WA recently. That locale seems to be getting plenty of moisture lately! I think 'effective precipitation' is really the key, as others have already pointed out. Overall, I think we're seeing fewer "three day rains", where it comes down slowly but for a long time. It's all big downpours now, with the accompanying runoff. But with this current drought, gotta wonder where we're headed for the next growing season. +oM

dian - the link is $3.49 per HALF Yard - unless you saw a different source. If you did, please share. It looks like a few people have the book. From the previous discussion, I started reading the Elm Creek series (I'm on #3)- Now I get it. I put a hold on "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" at the library. I am 5th in the line (so it will be a long while - that's okay.) I called LQS - they have a few solid blacks, I am going to try to get there before they close, so I'll let you all know. The problem, I made a B'day Block using the Connecting Threads Black - the black looks spectacular (DH even noticed the contrast - he usually has no opinion). I only bought a yard to test the fabric & add to my stash. Compared to everything else I am finding, the richness of the black outweighs the tighter weave I would prefer for what adds up to about 28 blocks and more (I was going to buy 7 yards). Life is full of compromises-I decide to order more this morning-Connecting Threads doesn't carry it anymore. I'm flexible - so one more look see at the QS. In fact, if the price is close to the online prices, I really prefer to support the small shop to keep them in business. Thanks to all who share our expertise. Here is a link that might be useful: Previous Sylvia's Discussion

I hesitated to add to this, but then I thought about the fact that you are trying to get respones from those who don't participate, so here it is... When I first visited the quilting forum, I was drawn in by the idea of the Birthday Block Exchange and that is usually my one activity that I do on the quilting forum. I did participate in a few FQ Swaps. For whatever reason, I don't get interested in the lotto. I echo what nanajyane said. I don't think there is anything in the rules that would make a difference to get me to participate - just not my thing! There are very nice quilters who oversee the group and participate in it, so this is not meant as any criticism of them. Since I am unlikely to participate, I will not go on to answer the other questions. Overall, participation in swaps seems to be decreasing. (I also do some swapping on the GardenWeb side so I notice it there as well.) I think part of that is the economy and also partly the price of postage. I'll bet interest will pick up later in the year!

With the price of everything going up these days, I have been saving my scraps, even the small pieces. And I find myself buying more fabric quarters these days which I supplement with cheaper solid colored fabrics. I plan to start some scrap quilts in 2012 such as Lemoyne Star, Grandma's Flower Garden, and Flower Basket Applique quilts. Quilts that will take me a few years to make by hand sewing/quilting to stretch out the projects. I have never made a scrap quilt before. I currently have 4 quilts that I am working on and hope to have that group of quilt projects finished some time in 2012. Am spending less money on gardening this year and rediverting those funds to quilting supplies. And I try to catch things on sale. And I have a relative in another state in a metroplex area that has a Jo-Ann's nearby so they do some of my shopping for me and mail it to me. I email them online coupons that are only good for a day or 2 and they can use them immediately for me which is really great. I am in a rural area with only supplies of fabric available to buy are at Walmart, Hancocks, and Hobby Lobby so not the greatest selection if you are wanting fabric in multiples of one color like 3 different prints of pinks. And for future quilts I am considering using a new bed-sheet for the bottom of the queensize quilts as I have heard that is cheaper than buying 9 yards for the bottom of quilts that measure 110 in x 110 in. My family likes to have a lot of length on the sides of their quilts. And I am checking out quilt books from the library before deciding which ones to buy that way I don't waste money on books that just collect dust. I checked out one book from the library this week "Amish Quiltmaker: From Small Projects to Full-Sized Quilts" by Bettina Havig and it tells of how they use pencils to trace decorative quilt patterns on to the top of the quilts before stitching them by hand where they have areas of solid fabrics - I am going to try using a pencil and see if it washes out - if it works that would sure be cheaper than disappearing fabric ink pens. And I plan to slowly invest in quilt products such as stencils that I can use and reuse on several quilts. And when I find quilt patterns that I like that are free on the internet I print them out and put them in clear pages in a binder. Websites aren't maintained for forever. So even if it is a quilt that I might like to make 5 years from now I print out the pattern as that website may not be available in 5 years. And I like to look at ceramic tile adds in magazines as it gives me ideas of new block designs to make to accent quilts. It is always great to hear of frugal quilting ideas. We only have 1 vehicle so I get to town when hubby takes me as we combine trips or I catch a ride with M-I-L once or twice a month. So I have to plan ahead and know exactly what I am getting as it may be 2 weeks before I get a chance to go back to town. Thank you for all your frugal ideas. :-) Best to you, Sandra