tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31455459012172404962024-03-13T10:00:21.713-07:00Lazy Daisy QuiltsTaking life one quilt at a time...Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-43554352034953858762014-01-05T21:30:00.000-08:002014-01-05T21:30:30.737-08:00Picasso<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was only one item on my youngest's wish list this year. She is horse C-R-A-Z-Y.</div>
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She set her dreams on a specific horse, named Picasso, from the American Girl store.</div>
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Luckily, Santa delivered. </div>
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Christmas morning was VERY merry and bright.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Gr3xlqcjM/Uso2jBU0k5I/AAAAAAAABAM/xp5RFQYvxRQ/s1600/DSC_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Gr3xlqcjM/Uso2jBU0k5I/AAAAAAAABAM/xp5RFQYvxRQ/s1600/DSC_0656.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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But if you've ever shopped at the American Girl store, you know that merry and bright comes at a price. I actually feel a little jipped to be honest. For what I paid to spring him from the store, I feel like Picasso should do a little more than just stand around.....like maybe help with a load of laundry or two.</div>
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Or twelve.</div>
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But I digress.</div>
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Grandparents on both sides do a superb job of spoiling my children, so I get off on easy street when it comes to shopping for my kids. Picasso was my only purchase for the little one, but I wanted to have a few "extras" just for fun. So, I got some bright scraps of flannel and fleece and a pack of pink bias tape and set out to kick up Picasso's fashion sense.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QegxI_WvuFg/Uso2j76yZtI/AAAAAAAABAU/gdSjb1zWAf4/s1600/DSC_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QegxI_WvuFg/Uso2j76yZtI/AAAAAAAABAU/gdSjb1zWAf4/s1600/DSC_0661.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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My son works at a horse barn, and every time we drive up there to drop him off, she comments on the feed bags and horse blankets. I drafted simple patterns, and used velcro attachments so it would all be easy for little fingers to use. She was <u>thrilled</u>, and that made my morning.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbU0P_wL3cE/Uso2joo0P-I/AAAAAAAABAQ/2xTUTNXpo3M/s1600/DSC_0662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbU0P_wL3cE/Uso2joo0P-I/AAAAAAAABAQ/2xTUTNXpo3M/s1600/DSC_0662.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wasn't the only one hard at work on top secret projects.</div>
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I found plans on the internet for a horse barn, and enlisted Papa to help me create Picasso's Palace.</div>
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She had NO IDEA there would be a huge surprise waiting for her at Nana and Papa's house. It was so exciting. Her siblings and cousins are all much older than she is, so everyone made a big fuss over her new barn and made her feel super special. It was a sweet Christmas memory I will never forget.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbzundWUA8w/Uso2lTpmuYI/AAAAAAAABAc/43LN7nwNbDA/s1600/DSC_0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbzundWUA8w/Uso2lTpmuYI/AAAAAAAABAc/43LN7nwNbDA/s1600/DSC_0684.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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Lucky horse.</div>
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Lucky little girl.</div>
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LUCKY ME. My family loves and appreciates the homemade, and I have a super talented father-in-law who made my Christmas dream come true!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eklSgvcMCe4/Uso2mPA6-cI/AAAAAAAABAs/LSdhNp1Jhls/s1600/DSC_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eklSgvcMCe4/Uso2mPA6-cI/AAAAAAAABAs/LSdhNp1Jhls/s1600/DSC_0686.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-43327532423456263192014-01-02T20:10:00.000-08:002014-01-02T20:10:20.972-08:00New Year. New Blogging Goals.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I started this blog intending to record my sewing adventures. I used to share sewing projects on <a href="http://www.magnolia-manor.blogspot.com/">my family blog</a>, but very few of my family member readers are interested in specific Moda lines or pattern names. :-) The majority of the blogs I regularly read are specifically quilt blogs, so I thought this would be a fun way to join in that community, but my blogging aspirations proved a tad ambitious.</div>
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I've left this space quiet (or stone silent!) for quite some time now. Blogging is a guilty pleasure for me, and I set it aside to give more time to other things happening in our household. But truth be told, each time I complete a project, I hear a tiny voice in my head that says I should really revive the quilt blog!</div>
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I really have missed spending time here, so I'm stepping up and declaring 2014 as the year of shared projects! I look forward to joining back in the online fun, and I'm setting two goals for myself:</div>
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1. Don't feel guilty about computer time.</div>
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2. Don't let the amount of time I spend on the computer grow into something I need to feel guilty about! :-)</div>
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Ahhhh.....that allusive balance thing!</div>
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I actually did a decent amount of sewing for the holidays, which was a first for me. Also, I kept some of what I made, which is another first!</div>
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First up, I used fabric from my stash to make a little runner for my kitchen table. I love using my wooden bread bowl as a centerpiece because it isn't too high and doesn't get in the way of conversation. However, I don't want the iron stand it sits in to scratch my tables, so I always keep it on some kind of fabric. This was made from some old fat quarters I was saving. The black print has cute elves on it.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqVjpN_yVn4/UsYsY-PI_PI/AAAAAAAAA_k/maLBO8QHT6s/s1600/IMG_2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqVjpN_yVn4/UsYsY-PI_PI/AAAAAAAAA_k/maLBO8QHT6s/s320/IMG_2757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next little runner (more like a big place mat) was an impulse project born of an impulse purchase! When I was checking out at my LQS on day I happened to pick up a mini charm pack of Moda's Christmas Countdown. I just sewed 35 of the mini charms together and bordered them with some solid green and red squares cut from my stash. I bound this one in black solid.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hA_nVSrRlM4/UsYsY6X2hHI/AAAAAAAAA_o/6YYclKcJbt4/s1600/IMG_2760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hA_nVSrRlM4/UsYsY6X2hHI/AAAAAAAAA_o/6YYclKcJbt4/s640/IMG_2760.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The coffee table in our living room is a massive piece of wood. It is actually made from an old door from an abandoned building in Mexico. I love the table, but it is BIG and DARK and needs something soft and colorful to lighten it up a bit. I hadn't really planned on this project, but it was a happy accident, and I like how it provided a little base for my apothecary jars. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-Z6BIIhxnk/UsYsZ4TEeeI/AAAAAAAAA_s/JmSX9-EYQrE/s1600/IMG_2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-Z6BIIhxnk/UsYsZ4TEeeI/AAAAAAAAA_s/JmSX9-EYQrE/s400/IMG_2761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I used up the scraps from another table runner project and made myself a little Christmas purse. This was so fun to carry during the holidays! I love how soft it is. This pattern is called In From the Cold by Kate Spain for Moda, and I'm just crazy about it. I paired it with a red chevron print for the base and a green print from V&Co.'s Simply Color line for the handles and lining. That big green button was a dollar on sale at Joann's! Score!</div>
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I based the construction of this purse loosely on a pattern called Mill House Inn Tote Bag from Moda Bake Shop. However, I changed the sizing to accommodate the size of my patchwork, which was dictated by the number of scraps I had. It was kind of a figure-as-you-go maneuver!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJoRDsq-Tgo/UsYsksE2AII/AAAAAAAAA_8/jPd1yR36wUU/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJoRDsq-Tgo/UsYsksE2AII/AAAAAAAAA_8/jPd1yR36wUU/s400/IMG_2759.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Recently I find that small projects are extremely gratifying.</div>
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I love making quilts, but I have not had as much time to devote to them this past year.</div>
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It's sometimes nice to spend an afternoon and end up with a finished project that you can put to use straight away. And that's just what I did with these three!</div>
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Thank you for taking the time to stop in if you are dropping back by after my long absence. I look forward to posting more of my finished Christmas projects in the coming days!</div>
<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-35571366639979792452012-06-06T08:49:00.000-07:002012-06-06T08:49:23.008-07:00Birthday Bag of Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some time ago I made my daughter a set of rainbow bean bags. I actually made two sets, and tucked one away for a future occasion. A recent invitation to a neighbor's birthday party provided the opportunity to get out the bags, fill them up, and get them ready for a very special little girl.</div>
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These were so much fun to make. They are a great scrap buster too! My older boys enjoy them as much as my four year old. There's something satisfying about tossing bean bags. :-)</div>
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I used some scraps from my Valentine's quilt to make a drawstring holding bag. This was my very first drawstring bag, but it certainly won't be my last!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17DNOHzJxcI/T8955I3lQsI/AAAAAAAAA94/8Q-NuGmlw9g/s1600/DSC_3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17DNOHzJxcI/T8955I3lQsI/AAAAAAAAA94/8Q-NuGmlw9g/s320/DSC_3513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What a quick and easy (and incredibly useful!) project. I loved making this. It is fully lined, with a squared off bottom. I googled for tutorials on drawstring bags and combined several techniques to come up with my own pattern. It is incredibly easy to do.</div>
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A perfect gift bag for a special homemade gift!</div>
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<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-67648203947267552072012-05-20T05:41:00.000-07:002012-05-20T05:41:36.884-07:00A Birthday Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I bought two charm packs of Lily Ashbury's new line called Tradewinds for a quilt. The minute my daughter saw them she begged for me to repurpose them into tote bags. The bright colors and bold patterns in this line are just like that....love at first sight that demands instant use!</div>
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The color scheme is a departure from my norm, but these brights are so much fun to work with. I used a simple market tote pattern; very basic with straight line quilting, a boxed bottom, quilted handles, and a small pocket in the lining.</div>
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We found the bling at Joann's - two for one, no less - so I'm obligated to make the second tote. :-)</div>
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This one was for my daughter to give to a friend on her 19th birthday. The report was that she liked it a lot. It makes me so happy when my kids and their friends appreciate the homemade stuff. Now I have to make the second tote for my daughter. Hers will have a paler color for the lining. I have it all layed out on my sewing table....just need to get to work.</div>
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Then I also need to go buy two more charm packs so I can have them on hand for their originally intended purpose! :-)</div>
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<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-50580126215494854522012-05-19T06:58:00.003-07:002012-05-19T06:58:33.998-07:00Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mother's Day broght a little crafting this year. I made an ipad case for my Mom.</div>
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I put a quilted pocket on the front to hold her charger.</div>
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My favorite part. :-)</div>
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I think I need to start adding tags to everything.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wXqMvixbQs/T7eka6EYPeI/AAAAAAAAA8I/rIbUn6gA95c/s1600/DSC_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wXqMvixbQs/T7eka6EYPeI/AAAAAAAAA8I/rIbUn6gA95c/s400/DSC_3430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't have a pattern for this...I just made it up based on a basic zipper pouch concept.</div>
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I also made a set of tissue covers. One for each lady at our mother's day luncheon.</div>
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I followed the quick and easy tutorial from <a href="http://www.thecottagehome.blogspot.com/">The Cottage Mama</a>.</div>
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They were fun to make, and practical too!</div>
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Paired with a pack of pocket tissues, they made a fun and quirky gift, considering there are lots of spring sneezes this year in the south! </div>
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<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-78131955674558202362012-05-12T07:17:00.001-07:002012-05-12T07:17:25.124-07:00Star Spangled Table Runner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a church around the corner from where we live that offers an amazing music program for children. My son has participated in choir there for the past two years with several of his friends. This week was their huge spring performance....a circus theme, and my son played a clown.</div>
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The woman who directs the youth choir is a talented, generous, patient soul who my son adores! This week marked her 20th anniversary of working with the children at this church.</div>
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My son wanted to do something special for her to mark the occasion. I've never even met the woman face to face, let alone knowing anything about her color schemes or decorating preferences. In situations like that, I find that going seasonal is pretty safe. I figure even if people aren't into "crafty" or "homemade", maybe they would display a seasonal item briefly each year?</div>
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So I decided to go summer-y with red, white, and blue.</div>
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I found this pattern for free online by doing a google search for quilted table runners. (Sorry! I can't seem to find the link again.) The pattern called for only ten blocks, which was super small, so I added five more. Honestly, I would have liked it to be even bigger, but I had a major time constraint. So, this is more of a topper than a runner. Maybe that will give her more options for places to put it?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OtO3AHi-vs/T65qXNFPeVI/AAAAAAAAA7M/FuxbM6m0GC4/s1600/DSC_3367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OtO3AHi-vs/T65qXNFPeVI/AAAAAAAAA7M/FuxbM6m0GC4/s400/DSC_3367.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I really like the play of color and design, both of which are on a very petite scale.</div>
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This is where I got a little greedy. I purchased fat quarters for this project, and when it started coming together I really liked it. </div>
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A lot.</div>
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So much so, that I abandoned my original plan of using my left overs for backing because I wanted to hoard the fabric and make a second topper for myself. (blush)</div>
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Instead, I pulled this small print from my stash and simplified my design for the backing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5OJaO-R8gzs/T65qwGsEyhI/AAAAAAAAA7s/aNr2z_Kn410/s1600/DSC_3370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5OJaO-R8gzs/T65qwGsEyhI/AAAAAAAAA7s/aNr2z_Kn410/s320/DSC_3370.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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The verse Hannah chose for this project is Exodus 15:1</div>
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"I will sing to the Lord,</div>
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for He is highly exalted."</div>
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Perfect for a choir teacher, right? ("C9" is her signature.)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bilSTnQ5Qgw/T65qhRIBGOI/AAAAAAAAA7c/gp2C8WxXtCc/s1600/DSC_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bilSTnQ5Qgw/T65qhRIBGOI/AAAAAAAAA7c/gp2C8WxXtCc/s400/DSC_3372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We purchased a mason jar, some red marbles, a patriotic bow, and a bunch of carnations to include with the gift. My son went out and gathered some greenery to add to the fullness of the bouquet.</div>
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It makes me really happy that my pre-teen considers something homemade to be a special way to honor someone he loves. He thanked me many times for taking the time to do this for his teacher. I hope he doesn't outgrow his appreciation for simple, homemade art! :-)</div>
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<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-64628404471685857572012-04-26T10:29:00.000-07:002012-04-26T10:29:00.481-07:00Oma's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of all the quilts I've made, I really do think this one gets top billing as a favorite. I made this for my Mom for Christmas in 2010. My kids call her "Oma", which is German for Grandmother.</div>
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The pattern was adapted from a Moda Bake Shop tutorial. The "recipe" called for a layer cake, and I substituted charm squares and added borders.</div>
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I'm consistently drawn to Fig Tree fabrics. The color palettes that she uses are always directly in line with my liking. But this Fresh Cotton line was particularly captivating to me. So soft and fresh.</div>
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I love the tiny, dainty prints and the general "old time" look of these fabrics. The colors are intense, yet calming. It's just a great look. I think this pattern really showcased the fabrics well too.</div>
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I stippled this quilt with a creamy yellow thread. I did this on my old machine (my new one was a gift that year!) and the thread gave me absolute fits. I bought it for its color, but the entire experience caused me to forever pledge my loyalty to Aurafil, which is my FAVORITE brand.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx15udNg5-A/T5mAiRUTfdI/AAAAAAAAA6A/F3EZTU9hC0o/s1600/DSC_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kx15udNg5-A/T5mAiRUTfdI/AAAAAAAAA6A/F3EZTU9hC0o/s320/DSC_3159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I went whole hog on the back. I usually piece quilt backs because in addition to giving it a fun look, it is far more economical. However, I bought yardage of my favorite print for this back. It was a worthwhile splurge. This print completely reminded me of the wallpaper in my grandmother's spare bedroom that I used to sleep in as a little girl.</div>
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I love this fabric. Bunches.</div>
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The flower basket embroidery design was a freebie from my LQS, and the verse Hannah chose was Psalm 33:4.</div>
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The Lord has indeed been faithful to my sweet Mom in so many ways throughout the years. I knew she would be grateful for the reminders of that truth.</div>
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I couldn't believe my Mom actually let me put the new puppy on her quilt for photos. :-)</div>
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(I won't show you the ones where the dog has big mouthfuls of this quilt hanging from her jowls. That would only prove upsetting to my mother. Hee hee...)</div>
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Thanks for letting me share Oma's Quilt.</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-35973778615801229962012-04-25T06:37:00.000-07:002012-04-25T06:38:05.002-07:00Gran Gran's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mailed a quilt yesterday to a very special lady.</div>
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I made this for my husband's grandmother. Can you believe she is almost 95 years old and just lately moved into assisted living?? She has been active in her apartment at that location for many years, hosting bridge club and working on her artwork. She recently transferred into the assisted living portion to get a little more help with her daily doings and meals.</div>
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My MIL suggested that GG might use a light weight lap quilt in the air conditioning.</div>
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A reason for a new quilt?? I'm on it! :-)</div>
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This is the embroidery design that I did for the back label. It was a free pattern from birdbrain designs.</div>
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The front of this project is pieced using fabrics from a fairly recent Carrie Nelson line. I thought the bright and happy colors were good for springtime, but they were too light, in my opinion, to back a quilt that was made for function. I was so happy when I found this April Cornell print at Joann's. Although I wasn't specifically looking for green, the overall print coordinated with the rest of the fabrics, and it was dark and busy enough that GG can put this to regular, vigorous use without having to worry about spots, stains, or spills. </div>
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I designed the pattern myself, and made it small enough to be used as a lap drape while sitting in a chair.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nukZKNmjyps/T5f0039sabI/AAAAAAAAA4A/nfWos4-94tg/s1600/DSC_3125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nukZKNmjyps/T5f0039sabI/AAAAAAAAA4A/nfWos4-94tg/s640/DSC_3125.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is my daughter's job to choose a verse for every quilt I make. She chose a Psalm for GG.</div>
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"I trust in your unfailing love;</div>
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My heart rejoices in your salvation."</div>
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Psalm 13:5</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-KsTAkBnYU/T5f05J8K6kI/AAAAAAAAA4I/f19Hp9RA818/s1600/DSC_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-KsTAkBnYU/T5f05J8K6kI/AAAAAAAAA4I/f19Hp9RA818/s400/DSC_3189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp55PlfzMVc/T5f09XAptgI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/BXf7elRBJbo/s1600/DSC_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp55PlfzMVc/T5f09XAptgI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/BXf7elRBJbo/s320/DSC_3192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the quilt in my favorite corner. (Never model a quilt that you are about to mail away in your favorite corner. It makes it hard to part with! Ha!)</div>
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GG is an artist and writer, and has completed hundreds of paintings, sculptures, rugs, and books in her lifetime. The painting on the wall is one she did of her husband, who was an avid fisherman. It is one of my husband's very favorite paintings. We "share" it with one of his cousins....we agreed to trade it back and forth every few years so both of our families could enjoy it. The green pot on the little wooden chest was also made by GG.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AYaLC2cBCs/T5f1AdmQ-FI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/mo52FBk3PSg/s1600/DSC_3193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5AYaLC2cBCs/T5f1AdmQ-FI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/mo52FBk3PSg/s320/DSC_3193.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I admire GG for her creative spark. Papa (in the painting) was an amazing artist in his own right as well. They shared a love of creative endeavors, and his many of his sculptures are on display in the community where they lived.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Cck9BCOrU/T5f1Jsifn5I/AAAAAAAAA4w/fH5YW_lRJ_E/s1600/DSC_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7Cck9BCOrU/T5f1Jsifn5I/AAAAAAAAA4w/fH5YW_lRJ_E/s640/DSC_3200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's always fun to start a project when you know from the start who the recipient will be. It gives you time while you're working to really think of that person, recount memories, and give thanks.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8_VBjoItXs/T5f8d4ZMUbI/AAAAAAAAA5M/De9gboymcTo/s1600/DSC_3202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8_VBjoItXs/T5f8d4ZMUbI/AAAAAAAAA5M/De9gboymcTo/s640/DSC_3202.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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GG has two children, five grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren......and one new quilt.</div>
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This has now been sent to Kansas to live with GG.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzrLe_4_5go/T5f8i-wglPI/AAAAAAAAA5U/2jtiDbBvJa8/s1600/DSC_3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzrLe_4_5go/T5f8i-wglPI/AAAAAAAAA5U/2jtiDbBvJa8/s400/DSC_3203.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-91963725145158013232012-04-23T17:26:00.000-07:002012-04-23T17:26:41.020-07:00A Golden Oldie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today I'm sharing one of the first quilts I ever finished. I made this in 1994.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a Christmas gift for my parents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clearly, powder blue and mauve were all the rage in '94. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why I decided to pair it with that purple floral background? Anyone's guess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's funny to see how fabrics change, but I do still love a good old fashioned sampler.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This pattern was a sampler class that I took at a LQS. I originally made this in Christmas fabrics, then reused the pattern to make this quilt. That original Christmas quilt is still just a topper, packed away in a cedar chest waiting to be quilted.........someday! (Maybe.) Hard to get motivated on some of those golden oldies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPQtkwvE44E/T5XxPQ1LqHI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/s7JnZZ6D7pc/s1600/DSC_3144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPQtkwvE44E/T5XxPQ1LqHI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/s7JnZZ6D7pc/s640/DSC_3144.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom still keeps this on her guest room bed in springtime.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTN44LsffuA/T5XxSxmMxRI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/okdGBbaBpoI/s1600/DSC_3145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTN44LsffuA/T5XxSxmMxRI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/okdGBbaBpoI/s400/DSC_3145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll always be sentimental about this one. I was so proud to have finished a quilt!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EK84RgF89Js/T5XxZ10pS-I/AAAAAAAAA3o/CoWislTN1wU/s1600/DSC_3150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EK84RgF89Js/T5XxZ10pS-I/AAAAAAAAA3o/CoWislTN1wU/s400/DSC_3150.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-88764160723103615562012-04-15T20:22:00.002-07:002012-04-15T20:22:38.759-07:00Well, Shucks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LS9ixITrpY/T4uQUVXuCEI/AAAAAAAAA3I/MG36pJEcXGM/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LS9ixITrpY/T4uQUVXuCEI/AAAAAAAAA3I/MG36pJEcXGM/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a feeling this recent development may cut into my quilting time. :-)</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-76929582301896978392012-04-11T13:54:00.001-07:002012-04-11T13:55:05.758-07:00Baby Kate's QuiltI'm rather tickled with the latest project to roll off the machine. It's always fun to get to work on a small project in bright spring colors! My neighbor just had her third baby girl in less than four years. She has her hands full! In an effort to get to know her a little better, I thought it would be fun to put together an over the top GIRL quilt. So, I pulled out the sweetest, brightest, most feminine colors I could find. This is an older Moda line....Spring Magic, I believe??<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I designed the quilt myself based on the types and amounts of fabrics that I had available. Of course, this design begged for straight line quilting, which always gives such a clean and classy look, but I did add some stippling in the vertical striped border, just to add some interest.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNAIiWlLc-c/T4Xq8YQ6FyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/JV7CILPCwS8/s1600/DSC_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNAIiWlLc-c/T4Xq8YQ6FyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/JV7CILPCwS8/s320/DSC_3004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcZDj-8wD-M/T4Xqq2qwgvI/AAAAAAAAA1w/bL8eELM3LHo/s1600/DSC_3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcZDj-8wD-M/T4Xqq2qwgvI/AAAAAAAAA1w/bL8eELM3LHo/s320/DSC_3000.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I backed this one with a solid piece of yellow micro-dot. I normally piece my quilt backs and add a hand embroidered label. Since I had not done that here, I felt the back was just too plain. I went to bed last night wondering what I could add to give it a personal touch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then it hit me. So I got up, turned on the lights, grabbed a needle and two lengths of embroidery thread, then crawled back under the covers to stitch this little lamb. I knew if I didn't just get up and do it I would lay awake thinking about it, which probably would have taken twice as long. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I know. I have quilting sickness.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pieced together odds and ends to make a scrappy binding, which also gives some extra color to the back. I just love polka dots, and the micro dot seemed like a great fit for a little baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNAIiWlLc-c/T4Xq8YQ6FyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/JV7CILPCwS8/s1600/DSC_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiZzOhgka2Y/T4Xq2Z2XrWI/AAAAAAAAA2A/weZfVHABpcM/s1600/DSC_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiZzOhgka2Y/T4Xq2Z2XrWI/AAAAAAAAA2A/weZfVHABpcM/s320/DSC_3003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did a running stitch to make a circle around the little lamb, which served as the perfect guide for this quilt's verse, which is from the book of Matthew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me...For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The little label made me very happy, and compensated for the simple backing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KiZzOhgka2Y/T4Xq2Z2XrWI/AAAAAAAAA2A/weZfVHABpcM/s1600/DSC_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFhk51TT5wo/T4XqxF8HqhI/AAAAAAAAA14/BT6dhD19u0g/s1600/DSC_3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFhk51TT5wo/T4XqxF8HqhI/AAAAAAAAA14/BT6dhD19u0g/s400/DSC_3001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My favorite part of the quilt is this little monogrammed panel on the front. Emma loves fairies right now, so that was my inspiration in choosing this little design to embroider.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA_KvWtrKYk/T4XrBgogoII/AAAAAAAAA2Q/ajjzeBohTI4/s1600/DSC_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WA_KvWtrKYk/T4XrBgogoII/AAAAAAAAA2Q/ajjzeBohTI4/s400/DSC_3007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It washed up beautifully, and is completely soft, crinkled, and cuddly. It is all bundled up and ready to swaddle a mighty adorable little baby girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9cazkAB51M/T4Xvem4RyhI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/NPRlSY6XmkI/s1600/DSC_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9cazkAB51M/T4Xvem4RyhI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/NPRlSY6XmkI/s320/DSC_3010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks taking a look at my latest!</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-67689399201801121952012-04-10T19:07:00.001-07:002012-04-10T19:08:38.868-07:00In a Zip!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to send a care package of goodies to my college freshman and her room mate, who happen to have birthdays just a few days apart. I used <a href="http://www.ihavetosay.typepad.com/">Randi's</a> tutorial to make fun zipper pouches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvQgdZxtMIA/T4ThnPsPQ6I/AAAAAAAAA0g/p9AACx3f9-Q/s1600/DSC_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvQgdZxtMIA/T4ThnPsPQ6I/AAAAAAAAA0g/p9AACx3f9-Q/s400/DSC_2906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The thought of properly installing a zipper has always given me a case of the vapors. But when I saw Randi's tutorial, it gave me hope that even I could accomplish this.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ad0wmoqCB_Q/T4ThsqlSx-I/AAAAAAAAA0o/p7MqLYs2yzM/s1600/DSC_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ad0wmoqCB_Q/T4ThsqlSx-I/AAAAAAAAA0o/p7MqLYs2yzM/s320/DSC_2907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And as it turned out, I was turned on to zippers! Once I started, I was hooked. These little pouches are sincerely addictive.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59mHuvJ3Fqc/T4ThyJ05reI/AAAAAAAAA0w/kyvzINx_C2g/s1600/DSC_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59mHuvJ3Fqc/T4ThyJ05reI/AAAAAAAAA0w/kyvzINx_C2g/s320/DSC_2908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that they make such great stash busters.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM1WT04Ld50/T4Th3aNuK3I/AAAAAAAAA04/I3ngBBM83B4/s1600/DSC_2909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM1WT04Ld50/T4Th3aNuK3I/AAAAAAAAA04/I3ngBBM83B4/s320/DSC_2909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even decided to "go green" and use <i>color coordinating</i> zips. Fancy stuff.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I filled them with fun trinkets, including these bird nest pendants that I made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Sdodp6HtI/T4TiJpk9KPI/AAAAAAAAA1I/UjC3ItfHAVs/s1600/DSC_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Sdodp6HtI/T4TiJpk9KPI/AAAAAAAAA1I/UjC3ItfHAVs/s320/DSC_2885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are great tutorials on you tube to learn how to make them.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5zyUKICtyc/T4TiOn_UnwI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/wFP8TxDZpPk/s1600/DSC_2888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5zyUKICtyc/T4TiOn_UnwI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/wFP8TxDZpPk/s400/DSC_2888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Such a fun little treat to sneak in the mail, and the girls loved receiving them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks, Randi. Mission successful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjGrJiuWIaU/T4TmmXD4ydI/AAAAAAAAA1g/ZnavVRNcuZY/s1600/DSC_2930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjGrJiuWIaU/T4TmmXD4ydI/AAAAAAAAA1g/ZnavVRNcuZY/s320/DSC_2930.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1333928904"></span><span id="goog_1333928905"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-24212378394547409382012-04-09T12:39:00.001-07:002012-04-09T12:40:34.254-07:00A Mouse House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So much for my dazzling idea to host a week of blogging leading up to Valentine's Day. My confident plan was immediately followed by out of town guests, broken pipes, sick children, etc. etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life happened. And so did March. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moving right along....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have accumulated a few projects during my break from this space. This first idea was one that my Mom shared with me. She saw it on a blog somewhere. I'm notorious for not keeping track of the cute things I see, so I apologize that I can't link back to give the original creator credit for this cute idea. I'm not the one who thought up this concept.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a very cute way to repurpose an Altoid peppermint box. You just jazz up the outside...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0MeSZe4K-U/T4M4AAocAgI/AAAAAAAAAzg/D6FYcGOUdfA/s1600/DSC_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0MeSZe4K-U/T4M4AAocAgI/AAAAAAAAAzg/D6FYcGOUdfA/s320/DSC_2915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...cozy up the inside...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsAAMnxJKAQ/T4M4Ea8jGzI/AAAAAAAAAzo/_9WgWoQ1h-4/s1600/DSC_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dsAAMnxJKAQ/T4M4Ea8jGzI/AAAAAAAAAzo/_9WgWoQ1h-4/s320/DSC_2917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and create a little someone to live there!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbNbYnfMwBE/T4M4Hnk3UDI/AAAAAAAAAzw/AFEis8RDZ9s/s1600/DSC_2919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rbNbYnfMwBE/T4M4Hnk3UDI/AAAAAAAAAzw/AFEis8RDZ9s/s400/DSC_2919.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How clever is that??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's the perfect size to throw in a purse or diaper bag to have a quiet activity during church. Young kids just love anything in a miniature size.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOLMgnbbEYc/T4M4MN9zQbI/AAAAAAAAAz4/XtYkSJjUXls/s1600/DSC_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOLMgnbbEYc/T4M4MN9zQbI/AAAAAAAAAz4/XtYkSJjUXls/s320/DSC_2920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I gave this to my four year old for Valentine's Day, and she has spent hours fiddling with it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZI32wnjZd8/T4M4Sl62w_I/AAAAAAAAA0I/6RJW_6DpZjc/s1600/DSC_2925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZI32wnjZd8/T4M4Sl62w_I/AAAAAAAAA0I/6RJW_6DpZjc/s320/DSC_2925.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She plays and plays and then tucks her little buddy under his covers, whispers something sweet, </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBOvjr6E94I/T4M4XzA-40I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/1f8J9REAnYE/s1600/DSC_2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBOvjr6E94I/T4M4XzA-40I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/1f8J9REAnYE/s640/DSC_2926.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and closes the lid! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aocQlAAk5Mg/T4M4cg5o2XI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/foflonnurEk/s1600/DSC_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aocQlAAk5Mg/T4M4cg5o2XI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/foflonnurEk/s320/DSC_2927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The end!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zypdoa3vSk/T4M4Pw81ANI/AAAAAAAAA0A/SCDnDJVqy-w/s1600/DSC_2923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Zypdoa3vSk/T4M4Pw81ANI/AAAAAAAAA0A/SCDnDJVqy-w/s320/DSC_2923.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-30324589199555293452012-02-05T08:49:00.000-08:002012-02-05T08:49:04.169-08:00Bloopers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've got my Valentine craft on this weekend. I've been able to finish up a few projects that have been in the works and I'm feeling pretty chipper about that. So much so, in fact, that I thought it might be fun to host a little Valentine party this week. I'm calling it <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: red;">LOVE LIVES HERE</span></b>. Each day this week I'll show a little Valentine project, and I even have one silly tutorial to share. So tune in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was completely motoring on a Valentine table runner Friday night. Full speed. Pedal to the metal and loving the roar of the walking foot. Paying way more attention to the episode of House Hunters than to my work, apparently, because believe it or not I quilted AND TRIMMED the entire thing before I ever bothered to flip it over. And once I finally did this is what I saw....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R12dVseWIpw/Ty6uBMx9NvI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Eem5hBxtE1Y/s1600/DSC_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R12dVseWIpw/Ty6uBMx9NvI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Eem5hBxtE1Y/s320/DSC_2111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OOPS.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My backing extended a good four inches past one side of the runner and didn't even cover the other side. How could I have completed an entire project without noticing????????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Since the machine quilting was already done (and looked dashing from the front, I might add), I didn't want to add another row of stitching. Of course, this backing was some random remnant from two years ago and finding more would be impossible, so I pilfered through my trash can, rescued some discarded trimmings, joined them, hemmed them, and got busy hand stitching them to the edge of my backing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SHEESH.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCXBCiLJ3J0/Ty6uEXwWS4I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/CK8nxdTj-NI/s1600/DSC_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCXBCiLJ3J0/Ty6uEXwWS4I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/CK8nxdTj-NI/s320/DSC_2112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the bright side, I'm rather proud of myself for staying in the game on this one. When I first realized my mistake I sat completely confounded, drawing long, hard sips from my Sonic sweet tea straw, trying to come up with a feasible solution. Too often, when I hit a major road block on a project I "set it aside for later". It's the crafting equivalent of a graveyard. But this time I stuck with it and I'm glad I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, I was on to my BIG project. The one that was intended to be quick and easy. Fast and fun. One should never, ever start a quilt with that mentality!!! It's been nothing but bloopers from the start on this one. Yesterday, I added to my list of troubles and woes when I realized that, no matter how I cut it, my backing was too small. So, after my <s>second</s> <s>third</s> fourth trip to the quilt shop for a solution to the problem, I pieced my backing, and when I flipped it over I saw this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right side up birds fraternizing with upside down ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mJROdcRSEo/Ty6uIvStq9I/AAAAAAAAAzY/0RlG4hIWf7I/s1600/DSC_2123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mJROdcRSEo/Ty6uIvStq9I/AAAAAAAAAzY/0RlG4hIWf7I/s320/DSC_2123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grrrroooooar.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I've spent so much time on this I should press on and make it right."</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"No one is going to notice the back since I intend to hang this on a quilt rack anyway."</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I can spend an hour fixing it or a lifetime of regretting that I let it be wrong."</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I should save the time and move on to another project...I'll accomplish more that way."</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyone else hear quilting voices in their head? Am I the only one??</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So.....guess what I did??</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You'll have to come back this week to see the finished project and find out the answer. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Y'all have a great day yelling at the TV and eating finger foods. And if you decide to spend some time quilting....learn from me and pay attention to the back of what you're doing! :-)</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-90974079923905138232012-01-30T17:59:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:59:07.074-08:00Hopping Down A Rabbit Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always have a hand project going to keep me busy on car trips, at baseball practices, in the doctor's office, and so forth. These projects don't ever move along very quickly because I don't usually get them out to work on here at home. However, we had some family movie nights planned this weekend, so I settled in with my current embroidery endeavor, which is a Crabapple Hill pattern.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My color in these photos is completely wacky. I should retake them all tomorrow in proper light. But well intentioned plans like that have a way of never getting done, so I'm sharing the ugly pictures with bad color. :-) These are actually done on white fabric, not blue!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_YRFbLL6sM/TydISFjbNSI/AAAAAAAAAyo/i1eO1bd1zOg/s1600/DSC_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_YRFbLL6sM/TydISFjbNSI/AAAAAAAAAyo/i1eO1bd1zOg/s320/DSC_1945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I originally bought all the DMC floss as instructed on the pattern, but I quickly abandoned the official rules in favor of picking whatever colors pleased me at the moment. That way, I don't have to think (or plan) too hard.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACR5YQ1cVdQ/TydIZ9seylI/AAAAAAAAAyw/JtX22WDyFH8/s1600/DSC_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACR5YQ1cVdQ/TydIZ9seylI/AAAAAAAAAyw/JtX22WDyFH8/s320/DSC_1947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have three blocks completed so far and am working on the fourth. There are five blocks total in this set. I have not fully decided if I will construct a quilt to be displayed at Easter or if I will make a spring table runner for the dining room. At the rate I go on these hand projects, I have plenty of time to decide!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_HjGP8ZmRc/TydIfb7mPKI/AAAAAAAAAy4/Cx_MuoNAL6w/s1600/DSC_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_HjGP8ZmRc/TydIfb7mPKI/AAAAAAAAAy4/Cx_MuoNAL6w/s320/DSC_1950.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've also been stitching a label for my latest quilt backing. This is for my Bliss quilt. My original plan was to embroider a gnome by the little house, but now I'm thinking about leaving the empty space so I have more room to write. In truth, I'm eager to finish the label quickly so I can get this layered and on the machine!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYKxS2ov0pA/TydIj5VuuhI/AAAAAAAAAzA/OcE4O6QwG2A/s1600/DSC_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYKxS2ov0pA/TydIj5VuuhI/AAAAAAAAAzA/OcE4O6QwG2A/s320/DSC_1976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope everyone's week is off to a great start!</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-66093883899205517862012-01-29T13:49:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:50:01.549-08:00Neat as a Pin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.happylittlecottage.blogspot.com/">Happy Little Cottage</a> made one, and I am grateful to her for providing the link to the tutorial, because the minute I saw hers I became a green eyed monster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nemYOtUUBV8/TyW9PLhPSUI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/I7i4OxO_XOE/s1600/DSC_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nemYOtUUBV8/TyW9PLhPSUI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/I7i4OxO_XOE/s320/DSC_1932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I simply couldn't imagine getting on with my Valentine quilt until my pins had a new, happy, <i><b>Valentine-y</b></i> place to live.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4GsfIxHWSk/TyW9Qyq21kI/AAAAAAAAAyY/l2nTmtF0b4k/s1600/DSC_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4GsfIxHWSk/TyW9Qyq21kI/AAAAAAAAAyY/l2nTmtF0b4k/s400/DSC_1939.JPG" width="345" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was amazingly fun to make. And addictive too. I can see why <a href="http://www.happylittlecottage.blogspot.com/">Happy Little Cottage</a> couldn't stop at just one. I'm happily flirting with the idea of making a cathedral window pillow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Someday. For now, it's back to our previously scheduled Valentine quilt.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRhJwQxfVaI/TyW9Upj22VI/AAAAAAAAAyg/G62bzonSwNw/s1600/DSC_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRhJwQxfVaI/TyW9Upj22VI/AAAAAAAAAyg/G62bzonSwNw/s320/DSC_1941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A question for those of you who love making pincushions...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you like to stuff them with?? I used crushed walnut shells and fiberfill in this one. I'd like to know what others find works best.</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-46639108204782781722012-01-23T09:59:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:59:17.517-08:00What I'm Loving This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOmfYcgWdQc/Tx2fGe-_uJI/AAAAAAAAAyA/iabYaN4kARs/s1600/DSC_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOmfYcgWdQc/Tx2fGe-_uJI/AAAAAAAAAyA/iabYaN4kARs/s400/DSC_1919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have two quilts going at once right now and I'm loving it! My Bliss top is ready to be layered, but first I need to piece the backing. I also started an impromptu Valentine project which has been a lot of fun. I love piecing patchwork...simple, rhythmic, therapeutic. I also love being awash in a sea of reds and pinks. Just makes me happy. And who doesn't need a little Happy on a Monday morning? :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-11935057071738944412012-01-13T21:48:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:48:36.760-08:00Bobbin Buddy<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/01/finish-it-up-friday-week-10.html">Amanda Jean</a> made one today, and the minute I saw hers I knew I wanted one. I'm always inspired by her clever ideas, but I thought she really outdid herself this time. I had no intention of a project today. No kidding....I happened to be making an appetizer this afternoon to take to an open house tonight, and the recipe called for a tiny can of olives, exactly like the one she used to make a bobbin holder! I took it as a sign that it was meant to be. :-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I sure hope Amanda Jean considers imitation to be a sincere form of flattery, because I couldn't really think of a way to improve on her perfect design. In other words, I shamelessly copied!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htkfKfkDvE4/TxETNh4MHII/AAAAAAAAAxI/IYvdATXrEaY/s1600/DSC_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htkfKfkDvE4/TxETNh4MHII/AAAAAAAAAxI/IYvdATXrEaY/s320/DSC_1809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PIB54Rr-U0/TxETKJAiMYI/AAAAAAAAAxA/YxtkVRBu3oA/s1600/DSC_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PIB54Rr-U0/TxETKJAiMYI/AAAAAAAAAxA/YxtkVRBu3oA/s320/DSC_1808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not the machine quilting diva that she is, so I embroidered my label. I really LOVED the look of her linen, but I don't own any of that, so I made do with the Kona I had on hand. I also lined my can with felt so my bobbins don't clang. (I know. I couldn't help myself.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGnsqla_VfM/TxETZ-NEL-I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Ap0zMP_E3QA/s1600/DSC_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGnsqla_VfM/TxETZ-NEL-I/AAAAAAAAAxg/Ap0zMP_E3QA/s320/DSC_1815.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is this the cutest thing? Makes me want to go wind a dozen bobbins, just because.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making one was so much fun....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UtzTC-0Y2-c/TxETRLoTllI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/Cov3LpmRtu0/s1600/DSC_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UtzTC-0Y2-c/TxETRLoTllI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/Cov3LpmRtu0/s320/DSC_1811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...they multiplied!</div><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One for me, one for a friend, and one for the sweet lady who is teaching the quilt class I'm attending tomorrow.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0krCtwfOww/TxETdpapLWI/AAAAAAAAAxo/9Giabxdpv8g/s1600/DSC_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0krCtwfOww/TxETdpapLWI/AAAAAAAAAxo/9Giabxdpv8g/s320/DSC_1819.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just need to eat two more cans of olives before I head to class! Ha!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YVbD90HaFQ/TxETgoGOkAI/AAAAAAAAAxw/7ainQBMkDd8/s1600/DSC_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YVbD90HaFQ/TxETgoGOkAI/AAAAAAAAAxw/7ainQBMkDd8/s320/DSC_1822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm linking up with Amanda's Finish-It-Up-Friday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks, Amanda Jean, for a fun Friday project!</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7LRwliJKM4/TxETj3Nm6hI/AAAAAAAAAx4/Ges4KV7ZZ2g/s1600/DSC_1824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7LRwliJKM4/TxETj3Nm6hI/AAAAAAAAAx4/Ges4KV7ZZ2g/s320/DSC_1824.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fabric = Verna by Kate Spain for Moda</i></td></tr>
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</i></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-53363127881857618962012-01-13T07:31:00.000-08:002012-01-13T07:31:18.022-08:00Bliss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So last weekend Wendy and I went to the quilt shop together to pick up our BOMs. While we were there we noticed a class being offered this Saturday for a quilt we both liked. It didn't take us long to rationalize that a Girl's Night would be a great way to start off the new year. So we signed up. Without calling our husbands to make sure our schedules were clear. We're crazy like that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hadn't anticipated signing up for a class, and in an uncharacteristic effort to be especially thrifty, I wanted to try to make the class work without having to buy new fabric. So, Wendy and I dug through my stash. She noticed my jelly roll of Bliss by Bonnie and Camille.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's my favorite jelly roll. I was saving it for a special occasion. No pattern could ever be deemed worthy of taking the coveted Moda ribbon off that jelly roll. So, when Wendy suggested I actually use it for the class, I snorted all over her sweater. It just so happened I had a little yardage of Bliss too. Just the right amount. And there really wasn't money in the after Christmas budget for new fabrics. And then the nearly unthinkable happened. My four year old ripped the ribbon off the jelly roll and untangled the entire thing into a heap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FATE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've never had more fun cutting fabric. I worked on it Tuesday, my "blissful" day off that I wrote about yesterday. Those sweet and cheerful colors and patterns are just plain fun to touch. I cut out all the pieces needed for my class, then I savored and squandered every smidge of scrap I could possibly muster. I wasn't willing to let a snip of this precious fabric go to waste. I made two blocks to use for pillows. This was all that was left of my jelly roll when I was done with it. Not too bad!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That sweet sign used to hang in my kitchen. I took it down over Christmas break to hang something different in its place and it got set on my sewing desk just until I could decide where to go with it. I've rather enjoyed seeing it there, so I think I'll hang it permanently in my sewing nook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQsUJ6H2GhU/TxBJYU2pSeI/AAAAAAAAAwg/g9QlSJvJtmo/s1600/DSC_1754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQsUJ6H2GhU/TxBJYU2pSeI/AAAAAAAAAwg/g9QlSJvJtmo/s320/DSC_1754.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the first pillow I made from the scraps. I'm thinking I need to trim it in pom poms, don't you?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSGwEbYm2fw/TxBJdCSeC4I/AAAAAAAAAwo/vWd6Ul-WaKg/s1600/DSC_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSGwEbYm2fw/TxBJdCSeC4I/AAAAAAAAAwo/vWd6Ul-WaKg/s320/DSC_1755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My second pillow. My first ever Wonky Block! How much fun to make!! This took me hours to do...I watched an entire DVD while puttering with it. I have not squared up the outer edges yet to fully set the "wonky" angle because I want to get my pillow form first. I'd love to do an entire quilt of these someday. They are really fun.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv55gA5mPU0/TxBJiYLTJmI/AAAAAAAAAww/OOhMrUqQeYs/s1600/DSC_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv55gA5mPU0/TxBJiYLTJmI/AAAAAAAAAww/OOhMrUqQeYs/s320/DSC_1756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've got all my pre-cutting and sewing done, and am fully ready to head to class tomorrow. I'm hoping to have a completed quilt top by the end of the night. I'm anxious to see it all come together, and hoping it proves to be Bliss worthy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iPq8hrTGhA/TxBJlpW5CLI/AAAAAAAAAw4/PABuGNkJY0I/s1600/DSC_1759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iPq8hrTGhA/TxBJlpW5CLI/AAAAAAAAAw4/PABuGNkJY0I/s320/DSC_1759.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about you? What's on your weekend sewing agenda??</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-49761549314927596682012-01-12T10:24:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:24:27.846-08:00A Pressing Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">WHEW. My sweet daughter climbed aboard a plane back to college Tuesday morning, drawing our extended holiday break to an official close. We had a wonderful Christmas, but boy was it l-o-n-g. Between December 15th, when she arrived home, and January 10th, when she headed back to school, we had precisely TWO DAYS without company in our home. As much as I dearly love to entertain and adore being surrounded by family and friends, I spent every drop of my emotional, physical, and financial resources and really needed to recharge my battery a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We drove home from the airport in the rain. Temperatures were only in the 40's. It was gray. And cozy. Emma was at preschool, and Max had class away from home. It wasn't my day to carpool. I came home, made a pot of coffee, climbed into pajama pants and fuzzy slippers, and retreated to my sewing nook for the entire day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heaven.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, my rock star husband came home from work and I took a dinner break. He did all the dishes, played a game with the kids, and completely handled bedtime routines so I could crawl back into hiding and sew some more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd never loved him more. What a hero.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The day was BLISS. It was like a healing balm that completely refreshed my soul, and I woke up yesterday ready to face the whole "re-entry" process and get life back on a normal track around here! Breaks are super fun, especially when surrounded by constant chaos supplied by Many Excited Children, but after several weeks I was craving structure, routine, and schedule. BADLY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, here's a peek at what getting back to normal looked like around here...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I transferred all my information to my new calendar. Isn't a new calendar thrilling?? I have a two calendar system going this year. My mother in law gave me a functional, practical calendar book (with lines!) that I just love. I keep that one by the computer to keep track of absolutely everything. I also need a second calendar; one that hangs in plain sight and displays all the family activities so the hubby and the kids (theoretically) can know what is happening and when. This doesn't stop them from asking me incessantly, but it makes me happy to know there is a place on the fridge that I can direct them to for useful information. IF they would just look. :-) Anyway, the official family calendar rocks this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a gift to me from my awesome friend Jackie. Did she hit it just right, or what? Love it! (It comes complete with patterns to make each of the 12 quilts. So fun.) I feel so organized. (And busy.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKMQ-UOwjDY/Tw8lP81PEPI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/GJCD-Ul-DoI/s1600/DSC_1762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKMQ-UOwjDY/Tw8lP81PEPI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/GJCD-Ul-DoI/s320/DSC_1762.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Go9c0YvDQ/Tw8lSI4N3JI/AAAAAAAAAwY/5ZxnE0uRg4w/s1600/DSC_1764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Go9c0YvDQ/Tw8lSI4N3JI/AAAAAAAAAwY/5ZxnE0uRg4w/s320/DSC_1764.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tidied up the sewing space too. The absolute worst thing about being a quilter? (And quite possibly the ONLY downside?) You're destined to have a completely disgusting ironing board. Is it just me? Oh, how this grosses me out. I hate for things to be dirty. So, I decided to "splurge" and start the new year with a CLEAN slate instead of this ugly mess. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HmqgqVl1Dyc/Tw8Wk5bSG4I/AAAAAAAAAvA/qdNjvSDLkTg/s1600/DSC_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HmqgqVl1Dyc/Tw8Wk5bSG4I/AAAAAAAAAvA/qdNjvSDLkTg/s320/DSC_1746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Super Target, I love you. Twelve bucks. I'm such a happy girl. It doesn't take much. And look! It's dark gray! Maybe that will hide the stains for longer??</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_MRvCqvlw4/Tw8WvCUWg2I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/bXmFfu8RSuI/s1600/DSC_1750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_MRvCqvlw4/Tw8WvCUWg2I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/bXmFfu8RSuI/s320/DSC_1750.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I've been having some iron issues for some time now. They've come and gone over time, but lately they've come. And stayed. I'm getting this on my fabrics, and I'm NOT HAPPY about it. Hubby got me a deluxe Rowenta about a year ago. The gift was so sweet and thoughtful that I didn't want to replace it, but no amount of cleaning seems to help. Really, when this happens on a block that is already pieced it is so incredibly frustrating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzbehOeJzhw/Tw8XQziF5tI/AAAAAAAAAwA/qATCB1ZsXEo/s1600/DSC_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzbehOeJzhw/Tw8XQziF5tI/AAAAAAAAAwA/qATCB1ZsXEo/s320/DSC_1758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today, while choosing my ironing board cover, I checked out the cheap-o irons. I found one that looked pretty good but had no price. I sent one of the boys to scan it and he was gone forever. Turns out, it wouldn't scan so he went to find a manager for help. The manager couldn't get it to scan either, so she looked it up in the system and made a special sticker for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wasn't even sure I wanted to try a new iron, but when he came back with this I figured I'd be crazy not to try it! A $40 iron for $10? I even asked the lady to confirm this for me because it seemed too good to be true and I didn't want to be dishonest to the store. She assured me this was correct; that it was a clearance item. Well, a mighty fine how-do-you-do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7O55baY9pdY/Tw8WzWgu-SI/AAAAAAAAAvY/nAmC0QvHee0/s1600/DSC_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7O55baY9pdY/Tw8WzWgu-SI/AAAAAAAAAvY/nAmC0QvHee0/s320/DSC_1751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just unpacked it so I have not given it a test run yet, but my new pressing quarters sure look snazzy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_M4CDZbgDU/Tw8W4Wt0nFI/AAAAAAAAAvg/d8NnbFcQQAM/s1600/DSC_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_M4CDZbgDU/Tw8W4Wt0nFI/AAAAAAAAAvg/d8NnbFcQQAM/s320/DSC_1753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes it's the little things that make getting off to a fresh start feel exciting. Here's to a happy (and much more quiet) January! </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-85662950761595603742012-01-06T08:12:00.000-08:002012-01-06T08:12:55.626-08:00BOM - January<div style="text-align: center;">My block of the month is due this Saturday, so last night I fed my Mom a taco salad in exchange for her keeping me company in the sewing nook and helping me get this block completed.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8YTjxG7DLg/Twcbkq-Nx-I/AAAAAAAAAuw/x9tb6-9yeDM/s1600/DSC_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8YTjxG7DLg/Twcbkq-Nx-I/AAAAAAAAAuw/x9tb6-9yeDM/s320/DSC_1673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the three I have completed so far. Nine to go! Jury is still out on this color combo, but I'm going to give it some time. It's growing on me.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HLXtUp4yL0/TwcboGgU0nI/AAAAAAAAAu4/DBnzatiPbK0/s1600/DSC_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HLXtUp4yL0/TwcboGgU0nI/AAAAAAAAAu4/DBnzatiPbK0/s320/DSC_1675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-8135129649916982592011-12-31T13:32:00.000-08:002011-12-31T13:32:08.388-08:00One More Thing!<div style="text-align: center;">I also wanted to add that I have a family blog. If you are interesting in reading more about our daily life and what I do when I'm not sewing, I invite you to come take a peek at <a href="http://www.magnolia-manor.blogspot.com/">Magnolia Manor</a> in the new year!</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-8212102822313680402011-12-31T13:28:00.000-08:002011-12-31T13:28:36.529-08:002012 - The Year of the Perfect Exposure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not one for making resolutions. I'm much better at making plans than I am implementing them, so I kind of save myself the disappointment. However, I do have fun making creative goals. The kind that are fun to achieve. Not the "lose ten pounds" kind that you have to work too hard at. I like the "buy more fabric and make things" kinds of goals. ;-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To that end.....I'm declaring 2012 the Year of the Perfect Exposure. I have a new camera. She's a beauty. But you know what? Good cameras don't take good pictures. You still have to learn how to operate them! So, it's my goal to learn. I enjoy taking photos of my craft endeavors, and now I'll be even more motivated to keep up with that. This is still a quilt blog - it's my first love. But I'm also excited to nurture my growing interest in photography and hopefully make this space here even more fun to look at.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9eFSFIIoQw/Tv96ipT5pEI/AAAAAAAAAuo/sAGiQjlOkZs/s1600/DSC00877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9eFSFIIoQw/Tv96ipT5pEI/AAAAAAAAAuo/sAGiQjlOkZs/s320/DSC00877.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd also be breaking with an awful long standing tradition if I didn't give my sewing space a once over and make a very unofficial list of goals (not resolutions!) for the coming year. There are some obvious ones that stand out to me, so I'm going to put them in black and white and see if that motivates me to stick with them. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">UFO Management.</span></b></span> The increasing number of UnFinished Objects around here has officially exceeded the number of projects completed in 2011. I have things stashed away that I'm still very excited about and would really love to see finished. (Anyone else harboring pinwheel blocks from Rachel Griffith's pinwheel sampler??) SO....for each new thing started I'd like to see one half worked item completed. This surely tops every quilter's list. It's trite but true....I'm tackling the stack!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>BOM.</b></span></span> Wendy and I are doing a block of the month together, and I aim to keep up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. I want to have a pillow fight. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Pillows</b></span>.</span></span> Specifically, new pillows for the couch. I'm adding that to the list of acceptable reasons to buy new fabric. When I see the right collection, I'll know it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. I want to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SWOON</span></b></span>. This is my year to finally use my Thimbleberries Swoon pattern. I've had it for several months and have a few things I need to finish up first before I feel justified starting it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. I have a Christmas quilt that I need to finish. I know, I know. Trust me, I know. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Whatever you do and where ever you are tonight, I wish you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-44893053259164797962011-12-30T11:16:00.000-08:002011-12-30T11:16:43.076-08:00We Made A Little Merry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sguIXz-vqz4/Tv4NRfnMY4I/AAAAAAAAAuc/DQypKgUN2_I/s1600/DSC_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sguIXz-vqz4/Tv4NRfnMY4I/AAAAAAAAAuc/DQypKgUN2_I/s320/DSC_1392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a busy and full Christmas here, and the party continues well into January while Hannah is still home from college. Lots more in store in the next few weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Christmas Eve and my gift from my son. He's quite the shopper, yes?? I loved it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you had fun making merry too. I'm actually thinking of Valentine projects. Anyone else in my boat too??</div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145545901217240496.post-63214116452622063492011-12-25T06:03:00.000-08:002011-12-25T06:03:50.856-08:00JOY TO THE WORLD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWrDLKw7UXQ/TvcsgKEdn9I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/FkdytZUTVVA/s1600/DSC_1418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWrDLKw7UXQ/TvcsgKEdn9I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/FkdytZUTVVA/s640/DSC_1418.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>May the PEACE of the Christ child fill your heart and your home today.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>I value the friends I have found in this space, and I pray a special Christmas blessing for each of you.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Merry Christmas 2011</b></span></span></div>Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06176222801354114646noreply@blogger.com1