tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3698321733326199402024-03-13T09:57:48.369-06:00Little D and MeDeannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-10240107509703607752014-06-12T19:47:00.002-06:002014-06-12T20:12:16.934-06:00summer's here<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been warmer and so we've been outside mowing the lawn, making some improvements... </div>
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I've been busy in the house too. </div>
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This was the peek I gave to Laura for our Traveling Quilts group. </div>
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This was the second quilt I worked on and the second that I think I love! I now have Gina's quilt in my hands and it's definitely a different style than mine, so I hope I can make something she will love. </div>
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I was also invited to join a group called Warm Wishes for a summer swap between some wonderful swappers. I was given <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/89059478@N08/" target="_blank">Samantha </a>for my partner, and I couldn't have asked for a better fit! Our mosaics even match.</div>
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I pulled these fabrics to make a special something for her. </div>
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The special something is almost done, but I can't show it off because it's a surprise. Here are some tiny little peeks of some fussy cut bits I included.</div>
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I also made a set of nesting bowls for Samantha - this was something she asked for and I said I would make for her, so at least I can show them off. I used a tutorial from <a href="http://aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com//2013/03/gathered-round-basket-3-sizes/" target="_blank">Spoonful of Sugar</a>.</div>
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I love these bowls because they are not so deep as baskets, perfect for holding clips , washi tape and thread.</div>
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Lorna of <a href="http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Sew Fresh Quilts</a> put out a call for pattern testers a little while ago and I signed up to help. Lorna is coming out with a new pattern, well 2 actually, the Ombre Sewing Studio mini quilts. I chose to do the I LOVE 2 SEW pattern. I swapped out the green for yellow because I didn't have enough matching shades of green.</div>
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I also swapped out solids for prints in the heart. </div>
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I love how unfinished quilts look hanging in windows. The light gives such a neat effect.</div>
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I bound the mini in some leftover strips I had, so because the strips were only 1.5" wide, I did single fold binding. A little different than double, but it worked out okay.</div>
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The heart.</div>
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The spool.</div>
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I quilted with straight lines an inch apart across the width and used Kona Deep Blue (I think) for the backing.</div>
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I was planning to give it away, but now I'm not sure because a) I kinda like it myself, and b) I noticed some skipped stitches in the quilting (after a needle change, it all turned out good), and I'm always worried about giving away less than perfect gifts... We'll see.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-66462276850328671902014-05-03T19:39:00.000-06:002014-05-03T19:39:22.029-06:00when do I have time!?<div style="text-align: center;">
Oy! I am so glad I will be done with teaching by the end of June. I feel like I don't have enough time to do everything - and I'm only teaching two classes. I've resorted to printing off a calendar just for sewing deadlines. I have to make a couple dresses to finish an order, and an apron as well as bee blocks and swaps. I know, the last two are really optional, but I like to have variety in my sewing. I also started a quilt for my mom, but that is on the back burner right now.</div>
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A friend of mine is having her first baby this June and she asked if I would make baptism outfits for her. In our church, we baptize babies when they are a week or two old, basically as soon as possible, so baptism outfits need to be small. For our kids, we kept it simple and I made a large swaddling blanket from cuddle satin to wrap our babies in. Way easier and no having to dress a tiny baby in something relatively more fussy.</div>
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Back to my friend though... They don't know if they are having a boy or a girl so she asked for a gown and a tiny tux. I finished the gown first as it was easier. This is the tiny tux.</div>
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Although it is tiny, I'm not sure it's tiny enough! I told her she better have a fat baby if it's going to be a boy :)</div>
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My daughter turned 4 a few weeks ago and I always like to make something handmade for a gift. Last year I made a housecoat for her. This year she was in need of a new backpack to carry odds and ends around in. I found a very detailed tutorial by Angela Pingel <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/04/sliced-tutorial-owl-tag-along-toddler.html" target="_blank">here </a>and worked away on making the bag in the evenings.</div>
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It was definitely a lot of work, but so worth it. I changed the owl out for a zipper pocket on the front and the mesh pockets for elasticized fabric pockets on the sides.</div>
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D loved it and that makes it even more worth it. I didn't use twill fabric for the outer, but I did interface it with some good stiff interfacing so hopefully it will hold up just as well.</div>
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After all that difficult stuff was done, I needed to sew something simple. Something that didn't require interfacing, buttons, or elastic. Enter fabric basket. Such a simple sew, even though it does require interfacing. Seriously, once you make one of these, you just want to make more because they are so satisfying to make.</div>
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This basket is going to be sent off my my 4S swap partner. Last round we made <a href="http://learningtosewasigo.blogspot.ca/2014/03/little-things.html" target="_blank">drawstring bags</a> and filled them, this time it's fabric baskets.</div>
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My partner was very helpful, commenting and giving specific information for what she likes. Based on her likes, I decided to make bearpaw blocks in bright colours with low volume background.</div>
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I offered up some backgrounds and a decision was made for the black linen. I would have loved to have done a low volume background so the bearpaws would have seemed to be floating, but this wasn't for me, so black linen it is.</div>
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And it did turn out beautifully.</div>
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I added two rows of handstitching in yellow to brighten up the black a bit. Love it!</div>
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Lastly, for today, I finished up round 1 of the Traveling Quilts! Yay! I was a little confused about what to add because in my mind what was sent didn't really seam to match in any way. But I figured it out - just hope <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/owlyjulie/" target="_blank">Julie </a>likes my take on it. </div>
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I can only show a sneak peek because the whole thing is supposed to be a surprise, but I wish I could show it all! I didn't make the undies, Julie did, but I did make some of the bits that snuck in to this picture. And now it's off to <a href="http://applepiepatchwork.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Shena</a>.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-70655843214527849222014-04-16T14:20:00.000-06:002014-04-16T14:21:01.637-06:00mmmmm, fabric<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.madaboutpatchwork.com/" target="_blank">Mad About Patchwork</a> recently celebrated their 6 year birthday and had a sale to go along with it. Well. It's a Canadian shop with very decent shipping costs and they were having a sale. No fabric diets over here.</div>
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Pam also recently put together these wonderful <a href="http://www.madaboutpatchwork.com/Stash-Bundles.html" target="_blank">stash bundles</a> just in time for the sale. So handy when shop owners group colours together for me. I picked apart some of the bundles and ordered fat quarters from some of the blue, pink, and red groupings. But this bundle needed to be bought in it's full glory.</div>
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May I present the <a href="http://www.madaboutpatchwork.com/Stash-Bundle-in-Pink-Orange.html" target="_blank">Pink-Orange bundle </a>courtesy of Mad About Patchwork.</div>
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I'd almost call these colours coral and I love them!</div>
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I almost wanted to buy a few more of her stash bundles, but I resisted. I should really use some stash first. </div>
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I am curating a bundle for a Modern Maples quilt to make for myself. I'd love to have this quilt done for the fall. It would add much needed colour to my living room and add a cozy feeling with such warm colours. I'm slowly adding to this grouping. </div>
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I've got some reds, teals, purples, oranges and browns. I'm not sure
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I've joined another round of the 4x5 Bee. I really find this bee a little hit and miss. I've done two rounds now and each time I get a little more specific based on what was sent to me the last round. These are the blocks I plan to use. </div>
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There are 7 here, two of which I made, meaning there are 5 that don't fit in very well. What do you do with them? I'm not sure. They may become cushions over time for gifts or tote bag panels. </div>
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For this round I am making this block. I found this <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/me1issa/13555049264/in/faves-58034271@N08/" target="_blank">block on Flickr</a> and loved it, so easy choice this time around.</div>
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It's actually a super easy block made by sewing strips together and layering and cutting and sewing back together. The tutorial is <a href="http://weshallsew.blogspot.ca/2014/04/shape-shifters-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here </a>on Melissa's blog. The only thing I changed was I took off the small outside navy corners and swapped them for yellow corners in keeping with my colour scheme of navy/magenta/splash of yellow.</div>
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And I'm finally making good progress on my Modern She Made swap item. I decided to do a set of 4 placemats. They are pretty simple in design, but I'm hoping they will get lots of use.</div>
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But before I continue on with these, I have to make two birthday gifts, one for my niece who is turning 7 and would like a purse and one for my daughter who will be 4 (!) next week. I am hoping to finish up a backpack for her. And when did she grow up to be 4!!!</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-24540452572951971772014-04-04T14:28:00.000-06:002014-04-04T14:28:05.813-06:00sewing with minions<div style="text-align: center;">
Unexpectedly, I've been sewing more commission items now than when I wanted to. Before I really caught the quilting bug, I had a small Etsy shop with some little girls dresses, and I was hoping sales would pick up, but I didn't have the patience or get-to-itness to keep up my shop. It actually takes a lot of time to post things! I had some sales via my shop, but I let all the listings expire and now I pretty much ignore it. However, I also have a FB page attached to my shop and that's where most of the action is. I have a couple customers who keep coming back and they keep me as busy as I ant to be because now between mothering, teaching, and quilting activities, I don't have much time for commissioned outfits.</div>
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In the end, I have a hard time saying no, and so when people ask, I make.</div>
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This set of three outfits is for a set of sisters aged 12, 3, and 1.5. These girls' mom makes chunky bead necklaces and she will be doing a photo shoot in May with her girls modeling her necklaces. She asked if I would make a set coordinating outfits for her girls. </div>
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I am in love with the pink dress and I really want to make on for my girls now.</div>
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I was also asked to make another chef set for another little girls birthday.</div>
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D loves to model these for me when I'm checking to make sure the ties are long enough.</div>
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On the quilting side, I was asked to join the Traveling Quilts - Canada group on Flickr. Really, how on earth could I say no to such fun! I started with picking out colours - navy, lime, and aqua - and then got going on what my starter blocks would be.</div>
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I went with a 12" paper pieced star (I completely don't remember what pattern this is!) and then added a couple of things I love.</div>
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I did sew them all together, but after doing so, I saw that other members left their blocks separate and I kinda thought that was a better idea. However, I was in no mood to seam rip and so I sent them as a whole. If any of you Traveling Quilt members are reading this, feel free to take my blocks apart to make things work.</div>
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Yesterday we were given instructions for our do.Good blocks and since they were super quick and easy to make, I whipped them out and sent them off already. April is going to be a busy month for me, so the less I have waiting, the better.</div>
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On the home front, D, who will be 4 this month, asked if she could sew on paper. After a few trial runs on my dots, she came up with her own design. She proudly informed me that this is a Y.</div>
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The other munchkin is also keeping me hopping. Such a blurry photo, but this is really how she is 80% of the time. </div>
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If you've watched Despicable Me 2 this will make sense - We call K our purple minion. Really, she does the whole 'BAAAA' thing too!</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-69439725197456539562014-03-12T15:52:00.001-06:002014-03-12T15:52:10.860-06:00a finish!<div style="text-align: center;">
The evolution of my quilt....</div>
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Done!</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-24514112868852485492014-03-08T13:36:00.002-07:002014-03-08T13:36:45.629-07:00little things<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been sewing a lot of little things lately.</div>
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I had a mom contact me about making her daughter an apron with a hat for her 2nd birthday. She wanted something bright and bold. Well, the pink here really is that pink!</div>
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The main fabric is a Novella print from Valori Wells and I love the dark with bright. It's the second thing I've sewn from this fabric, so now I only have scraps left, but that's okay because I find myself sewing more with scraps lately anyway.</div>
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After seeing some mini samplers pop up here and there, I've fallen in love with mini blocks. So when I joined the Simple Sweet and Scrappy Swap on Flickr, I knew the drawstring bag I was making would incorporate some mini blocks. </div>
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The bag pattern is Jeni Bakers <a href="http://www.incolororder.com/2011/10/lined-drawstring-bag-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Drawstring Bag tutorial</a>, and the piecing is done by my math. The blocks finish at about 2 inches.</div>
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I have to add a few things to the package yet, but here's what I'm sending out to my partner. We had to fill the bag with crafty things, but the only thing my partner specified was fabric! So, more fabric and less other stuff for her.</div>
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Some more mini blocks. But these ones are going to be made into a wall sampler for myself. I'd been holding on to this mini charm pack of Simply Color for a while now, trying to decide how to use it, and this seemed perfect. Only, because not all prints have doubles in the pack, I'm limited in what blocks I can make as I like to have each block in a main print and colour.</div>
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They will finish at 3inches. It's kind of fun working with such small pieces.</div>
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Then there are the not so small pieces - </div>
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I am slowly making progress on my Feathers quilt. I'm hoping to have it done by the linky deadline of March 14, but I have to teach two days next week, so I'm not sure it'll make it! In any case, it will get done soon and then it's on to the quilting part. Sure will be nice to have a nice quilt on our bed.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-71977431305262492652014-02-19T20:22:00.003-07:002014-02-19T20:22:57.282-07:00angeling <div style="text-align: center;">
Late last year I participated in the Simple & Sweet Scrappy Swap and I sent out a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90468326@N02/10602482973/in/pool-2229284@N20/" target="_blank">needle book</a> and also received a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58034271@N08/10731506316/in/pool-2229284@N20/" target="_blank">fabulous needle book and some pretty fabrics.</a> It was a great swap.</div>
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But there were some others who were still waiting to receive, almost 4 months later. One member posted that she had not yet received but she was willing to play along for another round, so I volunteered to make and send her a needle book. All I asked for was her favourite colours and then I looked through her favourites on Flickr and got to work.</div>
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Her colours were green, pink, and aqua, and they all went well together, so I used them all together. For the center block, I made a 3" mini pineapple block I found at <a href="http://katiesquiltingcorner.com/2013/06/paper-pieced-pineapple-pincushion-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Katie's Quilting Corner</a>.</div>
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Katie, who this needle book is for, also had mentioned earlier when the swap began, that she liked the tied style of needle book. Well, her wish was my command and tada, done.</div>
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Luckily, when I had ordered felt, I also ordered a bright green and so I stuck with the green/pink/aqua for the inside too. The pockets face inward towards the center so that whatever goes in them will not fall out the top or bottom. </div>
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I sent it out along with some fabric and a couple other little things and I hope it gets there soon. I showed a sneak peek on Flickr and she already loved it, so that's a good sign.</div>
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I'm in love with this tiny pineapple block! I saw a sampler mini quilt done for another swap and I think I might have to make myself such a thing. I've already been looking at miniature blocks to make. I'd like to do 3" blocks and have a 12" finished mini. </div>
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Another added to my quilting bucket list.</div>
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For the Happiness circle of do.Good Stitches, we were asked to make two star blocks with the only specifics being the colours yellow, aqua, light gray, and white.</div>
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I'm starting to run out of aqua so many people ask for it in bee blocks.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-14306817117228791862014-02-07T10:44:00.000-07:002014-02-07T10:44:05.227-07:00blocks blocks and blocks<div style="text-align: center;">
I've joined the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/4x5modernquiltbee" target="_blank">4x5 Modern Quilt Bee</a> for another round this winter. I find bees like this to be a little hit and miss as you don't know if the blocks you'll be getting back are going to fit in with your idea, if the colours will work.... And you never know if you're going to have the fabric needed to make blocks for your hive mates. For example this round, one hive mate wanted orange in her block and another wanted cream. I have almost no orange except in scraps and pretty much no cream, so I really had to dig. My first attempt at cream was a fail - I posted a picture and she wanted something lighter. Anyway, I did get them done, and I hope they'll work for my hive mates.</div>
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These are the blocks I received last round and one more I made. I was going for magenta/plum with navy and a touch of yellow with a low volume (no taupes or creams) background. The top two blocks don't really fit in with my idea, but they might get use elsewhere.</div>
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These are the blocks I made for this round. I decided to make something other than a star and then found a photo on Flickr of a jumbo economy block. Decision made.</div>
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I don't think I showed this here yet, but I received this mini in the Doll Quilt Swap. </div>
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I am completely in love with the colours and the design. It's already hanging with my other minis and my quilt wall is growing.</div>
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On the side, and very sporadically, I'm still sewing outfits on comission. This outfit is, obviously, for a little girls who's turning 2. Her mom wanted a rainbow outfit and an appliqued shirt with a cupcake and the number 2. </div>
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As always, I hope I get to see a photo of the birthday girl wearing her outfit.</div>
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I'm still plugging away at my Feather blocks too. These particular blocks almost had me beat, but in the end I'm winning. I think I only have 5 or so more to do like this and then it's on to some easier ones. </div>
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I'm kind of excited to see these all together.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-39319965087916312212014-01-17T10:19:00.002-07:002014-01-17T10:19:17.104-07:00a finish and a start<div style="text-align: center;">
I joined the Doll Quilt Swap for this round kind of selfishly as I hope to have a mini quilt wall one day. Of course when you join a swap you don't only receive but you also have to make. That's always fun too as I make things I probably wouldn't have tried before. Like these economy blocks.</div>
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I was so stuck on how to quilt this mini because everything is so square. I finally decided to do a cathedral window type quilting over the squares to add some round shape to the quilt.</div>
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I finished it off with some straight hand quilting on the diagonal to add some more movement. I bound it with black and white spots to match the black and white print around the centre.</div>
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It finishes at 17" square and I'm ready to send now once I gather a few extras.</div>
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I also made a start on my Feathers Quilt! This excites me because it's for us - I get to keep this one and put it on my own bed. </div>
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I'm going with jewel tones on black Chambray and I love how it's turning out so far. Somehow it's kind of tricky to get a good photo of the colours.</div>
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I'm caught up on the quilt along - done A-D blocks.</div>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-19864215654971958212014-01-06T12:00:00.000-07:002014-01-06T12:00:11.389-07:00my finish<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you call a quilt top a finish? Or do you wait until it is quilted and bound and then call it a finish?
I think I will call finished tops a finish. </div>
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The pattern is modified from Modern Designs for Classic Quilters, Kelly's Must Stash
pattern.</div>
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My diamonds are a little different shape (user error...) and finished
size is 34"x43"</div>
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I made this top using mostly scraps that I was going to give away because I had
used lots already and was a little bored with them.</div>
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It was fun to find and arrange fabrics that flowed from one colour into another.</div>
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Like this pink bordering on lavender aka purple to tie these colours together.</div>
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This quilt will be going to the Pregnancy Care Centre in Edmonton as part of <a href="http://fabuloushomesewn.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Fabulous Home Sewn's</a> sew along. </div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-86252998821927750642013-12-28T12:38:00.001-07:002013-12-28T12:38:11.423-07:00moving along<div style="text-align: center;">
Hey look! I did manage to get a photo of my girls wearing their coordinating outfits. K in her new dress and D in her ruffly skirt. </div>
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The dress fit perfectly and she managed of course to get chocolate on it while nomming on her cupcake. </div>
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I also printed off all the paper piecing papers for the Feather QAL. </div>
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That is one large stack of papers! I am upsizing the quilt size to a queen without upsizing the feather pattern. I'm adding on to the bottom and side of the original quilt size to make a quilt that should end up finishing at 88"x100".</div>
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These are the final colours I'm going with. I originally had yellow in as well, but it got lost in translation - aka I didn't have a space for it when I coloured in my block map. But I'm fine with that as I wasn't so sure about the yellows anyway. </div>
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Can't wait to start! </div>
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Actually, can't wait to be done!</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-89762485586613461422013-12-21T11:54:00.001-07:002013-12-21T11:54:47.361-07:00a birthday dress<div style="text-align: center;">
My baby turned 1 today. </div>
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She is such a character - so different from her sister. K is loud, moody, pushy, and a go-getter whereas D was soft, quiet, 'emotionless' (so some said, but I knew better), and calm. It is so much fun to have two such different characters running/crawling around my house.</div>
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For her birthday, I made K a sweet little dress.</div>
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The dress is an Ottobre pattern and I'm so proud of how professional it came out. My invisible zipper really is invisible! And the piping lined up perfectly to boot.</div>
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The bubble is prefect and the dress is completely lined so there are no exposed seams. </div>
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I made D a coordinating skirt from another print from this line. I don't know what line it is, but I know I bought them together to match. I always thought coordinating but not matchy was cute for sisters and this is the first time I'm doing it for my girls.</div>
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Will definitely need a picture of that.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-16352343591409973722013-12-10T13:31:00.000-07:002013-12-17T14:05:14.526-07:00falling in<div style="text-align: center;">
I've recently made my baby girl a winter coat for church. Silly, eh, to make a coat specifically for Sunday. We go to church twice on a Sunday and since we were kids, we always had a neat coat for church. And I suppose I just can't shake the habit. I have a 'neat' coat, and so does my husband. Just fitting the baby had to have one too ;)</div>
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The pattern is from the 6/2012 issue of Ottobre. I made a size 80 (the size K wears now) and it's a bit big. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAxVnAB8MpU/Uqd0IhSQkSI/AAAAAAAAEC4/VVddR96vn3I/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAxVnAB8MpU/Uqd0IhSQkSI/AAAAAAAAEC4/VVddR96vn3I/s400/IMG_2589.JPG" width="350" /></a></div>
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I'm particularly impressed that I remembered to add satin in the sleeves
so her clothes don't ride up to her armpits. It wasn't in the pattern,
and that is the only change I made besides leaving off the ribbon at
the waist.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVseGY30fCE/Uqd0IEXKzrI/AAAAAAAAEC0/zzGbcJXaWWo/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVseGY30fCE/Uqd0IEXKzrI/AAAAAAAAEC0/zzGbcJXaWWo/s400/IMG_2590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't have any velvet ribbon to put at the waist and now I regret finishing
it off before ordering ribbon (aka waiting two weeks for velvet ribbon
from the States). Oh well, it's still so cute on her since K has such chubby cheeks and the coat is a little bubble.</div>
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I've also decided to participate in the Feathers QAL over at <a href="http://www.add-crafter.com/2013/11/feathers-qal-announcement/" target="_blank">The ADD Crafter</a>. This quilt will be for our bed! I had started one for our bed before, but my husband thought there was too much pink. What!? Not manly enough?! </div>
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Anyway, so this quilt will be jewel tone scrappy with black Andover Chambray for the background. Now I just have to decide what range of colours to include. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6d5mrbYN9qg/Uqdzy_asBYI/AAAAAAAAECs/gYnlutClZ4Q/s1600/page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6d5mrbYN9qg/Uqdzy_asBYI/AAAAAAAAECs/gYnlutClZ4Q/s400/page.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The top row is all the bits minus orange, the second row has some orange pieces included, and the bottom is basically the top pared down. I think either the top or middle one appeals most to me. Then the quesiton is how to put them together! Just pick totally random, or make some order out of it. Put like colours together, or just mix them all up. Planning always takes me forever.</div>
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Last, and if you've come this far, it's Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day {Week} hosted by <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew</a>. Last year I didn't participate, and this year I waffled, thus the late jumping in on the game. I'm always wondering who comes by to enter giveaways - just people looking for freebies and they enter every giveaway they find, or people who really read blogs and enter only ones that they would find useful for themselves. </div>
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I think I fall in the second group. I am a blog reader when I have time, but I'm not much of a commenter. I'm the silent stalker. I also don't enter every giveaway open, but enter only ones that would be useful to me or someone I know. </div>
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In any case, enough yapping, you want to know what I'm giving away! I have two prizes, and I'm following <a href="http://wipgirl.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Kristel's</a> idea of giving one out randomly and one out to a specifically international/Canadian entrant. </div>
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Here are the two prizes:</div>
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1. A pack of 42 5"charms chosen from my stash - they may or may not include these.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo8gw7AsKhA/Uqd4h74totI/AAAAAAAAEDI/6QxxTuE85BM/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo8gw7AsKhA/Uqd4h74totI/AAAAAAAAEDI/6QxxTuE85BM/s640/IMG_2625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. a 6" charm pack of Essentials </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elsspmBxslc/Uqd4sDm6HNI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/6kdKxeMtBo4/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elsspmBxslc/Uqd4sDm6HNI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/6kdKxeMtBo4/s640/IMG_2626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To enter leave a comment telling me what kind of sewing machine you have. I recently bought a Janome 2030QDC second hand. The lady I bought it from only used it for the class and to make one shirt, so really, it was new. Before that I had a Brother I had bought from Walmart - yeah, classy. The only thing that machine lacked was throat space.</div>
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What do you sew on?<br />
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<b>{Please also let me know if you are a US entrant or international/Canadian.} </b><br />
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<b>Giveaway ends Dec. 13 8pm MST. </b><br />
<b>---CLOSED---</b><br />
<b>Winner will be announced as soon as Little D is in bed :) </b><br />
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Winners have been contacted and have responded, so now I'm announcing them.<br />
#52 Kellie Marie<br />
#114 DeborahGun<b> </b></div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com194tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-83993514037311870772013-11-20T09:29:00.004-07:002013-11-20T09:29:57.166-07:00add more to the list<div style="text-align: center;">
If you've come here from the <a href="http://sewsisters.blogspot.ca/p/blogathon-canada-2013.html" target="_blank">Blogathon Canada</a> hosted by <a href="http://sewsisters.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Sew Sisters Quilt Shop</a>, welcome to my blog! I'm not always very regular here, but I do post sporadically. I'm more active on Flickr as that seems to be more mom friendly. It's easier to post a picture with a couple words than it is to write up a post when you have two little ones around. If you're on Flickr, my name there is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58034271@N08/" target="_blank">Principiessa</a>. (I chose that name because my husband, who is Dutch, claims to know some Italian and this is the word he, ahem, knows.)</div>
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I have a bunch of WIP's going on now and I want to show that I am actually working on them! Some are over a year old, but I'm slowly chipping away at them. </div>
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I'm still busy with my <a href="http://learningtosewasigo.blogspot.ca/2012/12/a-bit-of-this.html" target="_blank">Hexy MF</a>. I'm not pregnant anymore (phew) so it's much easier to sew on this one. I have only to attach 4 more flower to the stems and I'm ready to quilt, or sent it off to the quilter. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkBBmgMdGnE/UozgTwwTrlI/AAAAAAAAECM/F0Y8-c6UVmU/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CkBBmgMdGnE/UozgTwwTrlI/AAAAAAAAECM/F0Y8-c6UVmU/s640/IMG_2535.JPG" width="526" /></a></div>
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I'm finishing the binding on my <a href="http://learningtosewasigo.blogspot.ca/2012/11/something-got-done.html" target="_blank">Stack n' Whack quilt</a>. Only two sides left to bind and I keep thinking to myself - Just get it done already! </div>
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My Simply Solids <a href="http://learningtosewasigo.blogspot.ca/2013/06/its-summer-here.html" target="_blank">Triangles Quilt</a> is still a top, and I still haven't decided on a border or not.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeOEDPye_vQ/Uozg5HTL_ZI/AAAAAAAAECc/jRMROtOxftM/s1600/IMG_1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WeOEDPye_vQ/Uozg5HTL_ZI/AAAAAAAAECc/jRMROtOxftM/s640/IMG_1894.JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
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To add to the pile, my Get Your Hex on bee blocks are almost all here and they will need a plan too!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDcbQBXVi2s/UozT7qkiwhI/AAAAAAAAEBc/WA_HWm_d42c/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDcbQBXVi2s/UozT7qkiwhI/AAAAAAAAEBc/WA_HWm_d42c/s640/IMG_2530.JPG" width="521" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's so hard to take a good photo when winter is here.</td></tr>
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This project is smaller and has to get done sooner as it's due to be sent in January. I've become a mild swap addict and this bit of piecing is going to become a doll quilt for round 14 of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap" target="_blank">Doll Quilt Swap</a>.</div>
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I've fallen in love with this block, and I'm not even sure what to call it! Is it square in a square, or fussy cut squares. If someone could help me out to find the real name, that would be great.</div>
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Anyway, I've gone with Moda Cheddar and Kona Slate for the surrounding squares and bits of Heather Ross for the fussy cuts. I'm thinking of backing it on magentas to match the centre mermaid square and than bordering the whole mini with some low volume fabrics.</div>
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I'm so on the ball with this project. I can't send until January and I'm ready to get the whole thing done now. I hope I'm not doubting myself by the time it's time to send.</div>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-53570646134229802412013-11-12T20:07:00.003-07:002013-11-12T20:07:56.535-07:00still around, just not here<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know how you ladies with jobs, kids, and a sewing hobby find the time to blog regularly. I find I hardly have the time to blog and so it gets ignored.</div>
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I do find time to sew though! I miss it when I don't have a chance to get behind the machine. Over the last bit I've made 4 blocks - 2 for a bee and 2 for do. Good Stitches. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hiOX9Lq7Lw/UoLkIlwpf7I/AAAAAAAAD_Q/z1wlCcynFfk/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hiOX9Lq7Lw/UoLkIlwpf7I/AAAAAAAAD_Q/z1wlCcynFfk/s640/IMG_2508.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I joined the 4x5 Modern Quilt Bee for a round and chose to make <a href="http://627handworks.com/2013/04/block-rockn-week-4-icky-thump/" target="_blank">Icky Thump</a> from <a href="http://627handworks.com/" target="_blank">627 Handworks</a>.</div>
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This is my 'test' <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58034271@N08/10746179386/" target="_blank">block </a>made in the colours I requested - navy, magenta, and light yellow with low volume background.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YL_a9e5iqNI/UoLixlqW2DI/AAAAAAAAD_E/43E3jTwvkto/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YL_a9e5iqNI/UoLixlqW2DI/AAAAAAAAD_E/43E3jTwvkto/s640/IMG_2510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This block is for Linnea in the 4x5 Modern Quilt Bee.</div>
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I also finished up these two blocks for do. Good Stitches. </div>
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Amid all my sewing, I also received some sewn gifts. I received a large tote bag from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/89191538@N05/" target="_blank">Jennifer </a>as part of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/secret_tote_bag_swap" target="_blank">Secret Tote Bag Swap</a>. I am in love with this front pocket panel and I want to simply hang it on my wall.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqnURelGJaI/UoLk_xx7ZmI/AAAAAAAAD_o/4lGLBiYl01Y/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqnURelGJaI/UoLk_xx7ZmI/AAAAAAAAD_o/4lGLBiYl01Y/s640/IMG_2496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I received this gorgeous needlebook and F8's from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26684469@N06/" target="_blank">Leila </a>in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/simplesweetscrappyswap" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Scrappy Swap</a>.</div>
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Last, I made two bags, one for pattern testing and another as a special order.</div>
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This is the Penelope Purse, a pattern by <a href="http://www.cloverandviolet.com/" target="_blank">Clover and Violet</a>. Jennie put out a call for pattern testers on Facebook and I responded to help her out. This is such a cute pattern, and I love the top zipper panel. I don't have many pictures of it as my daughter took off with it almost immediately and filled with with her 'stuff'.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q03E1OUX2dw/UoLlFETxWKI/AAAAAAAAD_w/wm-keaLhszM/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q03E1OUX2dw/UoLlFETxWKI/AAAAAAAAD_w/wm-keaLhszM/s640/IMG_2509.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I used denim for the bottom and the strap and a fat quarter bundle of Paper Dolls by Studio E Fabrics I had been saving to make something for D. I also did my first bit of 'real' free motion quilting on the top of the bag - pebbles. It worked out not too bad either! Not that I'm confident enough to try it on a quilt or anything. That seems like a lot of work, but then maybe my pebbles have to be bigger.</div>
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I just finished up this bag yesterday for a customer who wanted a wet/dry bag just like the one I'd made for her friend. </div>
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It has a 'dry' front pocket and a large 'wet' pocket that's lined with PUL fabric. It's quite a big bag and holds 8 cloth diapers. </div>
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Tomorrow I'm having a sew day with a friend - and truthfully, I'm not sure what to sew! I'm waiting on fabric to make Sunday coats for my girls, so if that comes first thing in the morning, I've got my day set out, but if not, I might have to make up a project.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-86042491216815293862013-10-26T11:35:00.001-06:002013-10-26T11:35:36.109-06:00blocks and plans<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been on the wait list for a Canadian branch of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dogoodstitches/" target="_blank">do.Good Stitches</a> for a little while and a spot opened up for me in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2047948@N21/pool/" target="_blank">Happiness</a> group at the beginning of October. I'm looking forward to making these some blocks every month as I'm always looking to make something but don't really need anything. </div>
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The October quilter asked us to make <a href="http://charisecreates.blogspot.ca/2012/03/crown-of-thorns-pattern.html" target="_blank">Crown of Thorn</a> blocks in blue and yellow and low volume for the quilt she is putting together. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isZ8-iFjOSA/Umv3uxCbF0I/AAAAAAAAD-U/bx5i7YFYizs/s1600/IMG_2452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isZ8-iFjOSA/Umv3uxCbF0I/AAAAAAAAD-U/bx5i7YFYizs/s640/IMG_2452.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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It's a paper pieced block, but was pretty simple to put together. I love how it looks too. Might have to keep it in mind for myself one day.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOTwieFL-EY/Umv4V9NUs9I/AAAAAAAAD-s/9qzEEErn-f8/s1600/IMG_2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOTwieFL-EY/Umv4V9NUs9I/AAAAAAAAD-s/9qzEEErn-f8/s640/IMG_2455.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've been slowing down with dress making and I'm not doing any shows this fall/winter. I've decided that I'd rather do the odd custom request instead and focus more on quilting . </div>
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This dress was a custom request for a customer who needed a dress for an upcoming family photo shoot. She had three dress pictures and wanted something from each of them put together just like this. </div>
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Can't wait to see some pictures from the photo shoot. It's always so rewarding to see things I've made being used.</div>
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I'm also hosting another round of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/canadianf8swap" target="_blank">F8 Swap Canadian Edition</a>. This time we're swapping modern novelties. I love so many of these novelty fabrics that are coming out or have been around, but I really don't need a whole bunch of each piece as I usually fussy cut and only use bits, so a F8 is the prefect size. </div>
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I'm adding Sarah Jane's Children at Play Balloons to the swap. </div>
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So far we also have a bit of Madrona Road and some Riley Blake houses.
There are still a couple spots open if you're wanting to swap. I'm also thinking of opening the group up to whomever wants to swap, not just Canadians... So long as it doesn't get too big.</div>
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I also have some plans to make a quilt for my baby. She'll be one in December (eep!) and she's been sleeping under a too small blanket. It was fine when she was smaller, but she's a pork chop and doesn't fit nicely under the blanket anymore. </div>
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These are the colours I have in mind, using Full Moon Lagoon as the main inspiration and adding some navy to it rather than orange or white as is found in the panel. </div>
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I'm not 100% sure of a design yet, but I have some time. I'm sure something will come to me, right? Maybe you could suggest something? I'm not a fan of a quilt that is symmetrically blocks, but rather more of a 'whole picture' type of design. I guess that's why I'm having trouble finding something I really want to do yet.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-64467386823808970142013-10-04T14:07:00.003-06:002013-10-04T14:07:27.964-06:00back to relative normalness<div style="text-align: center;">
Phew! My little sister is now married and I feel like I can focus on other sewing projects now. </div>
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I had made the bridesmaid dresses and the flower girl dress for her wedding and it seemed to me that as long as the wedding was still coming, I should be doing something with them! That wasn't really true, just how it felt. I don't have a great picture of the bridesmaid dresses as they looked kinda bad on the hanger, but I do have an almost final picture of the flower girl dress. </div>
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In the end, I took off the blue tails from the flower as I thought it made it look like a fair ribbon, and I added a gemstone to the centre of the flower. I'm horrible for remembering to take photos, so I don't have any of D wearing the dress. </div>
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After the wedding on Saturday, I whipped out three bee blocks, two of which I forgot to take photos of before mailing them off, and a 241 Tote for the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/secret_tote_bag_swap" target="_blank">Secret Tote Swap</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">241 Tote finished just on time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the one block I did have time to take a photo of</td></tr>
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I also received this Super Tote and Open Wide Pouches from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11950193@N06/" target="_blank">Little Island Quilting</a> as part of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2078052@N20/pool/" target="_blank">Sew Sew Modern Swap</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGWcp8rtIg8/Uk8ZXpxJTcI/AAAAAAAAD98/2M_eQsqZoug/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGWcp8rtIg8/Uk8ZXpxJTcI/AAAAAAAAD98/2M_eQsqZoug/s400/IMG_2354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Feels good to be able to sewing again!</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-42451574743394827652013-09-04T21:58:00.001-06:002013-09-04T21:58:18.003-06:00wanna swap?<div style="text-align: center;">
I've started a swap group on Flickr for Canadians who love fabric. </div>
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We're in our 3rd round and we're swapping 11"x18" fat eighths. </div>
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So far we've done low volume.</div>
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Rainbow.</div>
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And now we're swapping text prints. </div>
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If you're a fellow Canadian, come join us at the<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2220631@N21" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="group-title-holder" id="yui_3_7_3_4_1378353020834_482"> F8 Swap Canadian Edition.</span></span></span></a></div>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-85863864514575991472013-08-29T18:50:00.001-06:002013-08-29T18:50:52.821-06:00received and made<div style="text-align: center;">
I joined the first edition of Sweet & Scrappy Swap on Flickr where we had to swap 50 charms plus a handmade pouch and a few notions. This was what I received from Jera - I love all the charms and have already started playing with some.</div>
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The pouch is also great because it stands all on it's own! </div>
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I also finished a swap item to be sent sometime in September. My partner in the Sew Sew Modern swap asked for a bag, and I've always loved Anna's bag patterns, so I treated myself and my partner to the 241 Tote. </div>
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I did want to make it extra special though by doing something more than just using a single piece of fabric for the front and back centre panels. So I pulled out my paper pieces and came up with this.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dF90ExGRYh0/Uh_qMhSPyaI/AAAAAAAAD3A/xdeGzHM1bh4/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dF90ExGRYh0/Uh_qMhSPyaI/AAAAAAAAD3A/xdeGzHM1bh4/s640/IMG_2175.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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After I pieced the whole works together (wrong I might add - you'll see later), I was not so impressed with how the stars looked. There was a gray hexy in the centre and not a star as I had hoped. Plus I only managed to get three on for the most part because the way I pieced them together put more space between the stars.</div>
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So I tried again and pieced this together.</div>
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This was definitely centred, but I couldn't not use the other panel! It had taken me a while to get together, so I just used both. I'm sure my partner won't mind : )</div>
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I went with the pink glasses and an Architextures print for the sides and some Madrona Road for the strap. </div>
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I love how this turned out! I kinda want to keep it, but I guess that's the point of making a good swap item - it's usually something you want to keep yourself.</div>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-11053287337799245622013-08-16T20:12:00.001-06:002013-08-16T20:12:25.491-06:00looking back<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer has been good to us. We've spent a lot of time outside taking walks, having water fights, camping, and this morning, going to the parade and catching candy!</div>
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I've also been busy with my small garden, weeding and picking a bit here and there. We built a small playhouse and slide fort for D and then I painted it red with white trim. We go for a weekly coffee visit to a friends house - D loves playing with the other kids there and since we live far away from her friends, it's nice for her to have the visit day once a week too. I'm going to miss summer when it's gone. But that's always how it goes. </div>
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This school year, I'll also be going back to my old job on a very part time basis. I used to teach before D was born and they've asked me to come back to help out for one class with a total teaching time of 3 hours in a 5 day cycle. That means I'm also busy getting ready for that as well. I'll be teaching Social Studies (Canadian History) to a group of about 15 grade 7 kids. </div>
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And somehow, in the middle of all this, I'm finding time to sew. Well, I have to find time to sew as I am making 2 bridesmaid dresses, a flower girl dress and a matching ring bearer tie for my little sister's wedding in September.</div>
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I've almost finished up the flower girl dress. I just have to add buttons to the back and a teal ribbon with a bow at the waist.</div>
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I hemmed 4 circles for this dress. Definitely a labour of love, but it's so cute on that it was also worth it.</div>
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The bridesmaid dresses are about 1/2 way. They are a two part dress, a slip dress with an over dress. The over dress is sewn from lace - any tips on hemming lace? </div>
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I also had a few orders for sunsuits. I have to admit that though I probably wouldn't put my baby in one (I'm just too practical for that), they are just the cutest!</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-no-_UMTqoak/Ug7ReWuSJWI/AAAAAAAAD1I/DNk1G-g0pj8/s1600/1016836_478740092217836_291914968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-no-_UMTqoak/Ug7ReWuSJWI/AAAAAAAAD1I/DNk1G-g0pj8/s1600/1016836_478740092217836_291914968_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soft pink with gray and blue ruffles - for a 1st birthday photo shoot.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMI8KclDRvU/Ug7SDRoAtmI/AAAAAAAAD1U/dWqObNwLMuA/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMI8KclDRvU/Ug7SDRoAtmI/AAAAAAAAD1U/dWqObNwLMuA/s640/IMG_2154.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
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And I've still been swapping. I just can't help it.</div>
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This generous swap package is from <a href="http://patchinista.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Laurel</a> and was part of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/fqblenderswap" target="_blank">Fat Quarter Blender Swap</a>. We are supposed to send 4 fat quarters that are tone on tone or white and tone, but as you can see, Laurel was so generous she included this gorgeous pouch (I love the colours!) and tags and paper and a pen. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUH8qv6qUuQ/Ug7SDa15bAI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/QYff5Y5uUt4/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUH8qv6qUuQ/Ug7SDa15bAI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/QYff5Y5uUt4/s640/IMG_2174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This paper pieced bit is for the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2078052@N20" target="_blank">Sew Sew Modern</a> swap. I'm sewing up a 241 Tote (I've wanted that pattern for a while and finally got it) for my partner, but instead of making a plain bag, I'm hoping to make it amazing by having fancy front and back panels. Cross my fingers this will work as I imagine!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-koeprSCWeKY/Ug7UvS55w7I/AAAAAAAAD2I/DHfi1TbvTgw/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-koeprSCWeKY/Ug7UvS55w7I/AAAAAAAAD2I/DHfi1TbvTgw/s640/IMG_2176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, yes, there's still more! I am also keeping up with my bees. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwdE-ntc3k4/Ug7SoN19niI/AAAAAAAAD1s/DynNZdcuJaU/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwdE-ntc3k4/Ug7SoN19niI/AAAAAAAAD1s/DynNZdcuJaU/s640/IMG_2176.JPG" width="574" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">August Get Your Hex On block</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Frz--mwhr0/Ug7SziqsfpI/AAAAAAAAD10/LEid2MSuxH0/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Frz--mwhr0/Ug7SziqsfpI/AAAAAAAAD10/LEid2MSuxH0/s640/IMG_2177.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">August Simply Solids block</span></td></tr>
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I'm sure when I'm more 'house-bound' because of cooler weather, I'll become a bit of a more regular blogger again. But for now, it's still sunny.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-86198849286038967862013-07-10T09:29:00.004-06:002013-07-10T09:29:45.754-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJRIRx_tAPI/Ud19z-lEG9I/AAAAAAAADwI/BDY9v9HqYsw/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJRIRx_tAPI/Ud19z-lEG9I/AAAAAAAADwI/BDY9v9HqYsw/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-23554801983113330972013-07-03T20:57:00.001-06:002013-07-03T22:22:19.233-06:00midsummer post<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow. </div>
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It's been hot here.</div>
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I could handle the heat a lot better before I had kids. Now I seem to overheat a lot faster. Maybe that's because I'm sensitive to how my kids handle the heat. D seems to take it in stride, and K gets cranky, though she still sleeps like a champ.</div>
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The other day I plunked the excersaucer in the pool along with D so K could get some cool feet. She was happy for a good 20 minutes, and then she'd had enough of D's sporadic splashing. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ9AYzFBXrY/UdTaQnl7beI/AAAAAAAADvQ/Z7X9IVnCjmw/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ9AYzFBXrY/UdTaQnl7beI/AAAAAAAADvQ/Z7X9IVnCjmw/s640/IMG_1941.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday we hit 28°<abbr title="Celsius"></abbr>C, but with the humidity it felt more like 43°C. It was an absolute wall of heat when you walked out of an air conditioned building. Then that night, we had a flash storm - thunder, lightning, some hail, and it poured. <abbr title="Celsius"></abbr></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql2Fsl_TKC4/UdTZ2yKRmtI/AAAAAAAADu4/AiWqEuXazyE/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql2Fsl_TKC4/UdTZ2yKRmtI/AAAAAAAADu4/AiWqEuXazyE/s640/IMG_1947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not so bad as to the south of us though. Edmonton/St. Albert got large hail. </div>
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And even further south, Calgary and High River have had severe flooding in the last month. The water has gone down now, but many people have lost their homes and business, even jobs because of the floods. </div>
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<a href="http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/06/23/in-high-river-the-wait-continues-for-flood-victims/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9VWofeqwgk/UdTg99v4rnI/AAAAAAAADvo/X2YUY3hjTh0/s640/HighRiver_flooding290x660.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cheryl from <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Dining Room Empire</a> has put out a call to her quilty friends to <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/06/slabs-for.html" target="_blank">make and send her slab quilt blocks</a> so she can make quilts for those affected by the flooding.</div>
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She writes:<br />
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Just a slab. One slab. Grab some scraps of fabric and sew them together.</div>
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Maybe you
can't spare the fabric or time or postage to send a whole quilt as we
try to recover in Calgary and Southern Alberta. That's okay. But I bet
you can make just one block. And the more of you that can make and send
just one block, the more quilts we'll be able to donate. I will put all
the blocks I get together into quilts. With an army of local long armers
lined up to donate their time we will get some beds and hearts covered
in no time<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/06/slabs-for.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi2-5wX_PZg/UdT4X7bUCkI/AAAAAAAADv4/_yRKIaod1Kg/s320/Just+One+Slab.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Can you make a block?</div>
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I hope to make some in the next couple days. I have the scraps for it, so why not. </div>
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I finally received my PTS10 package yesterday. Turns out I needed an angel, and what a wonderful angel I was given! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26455211@N08/" target="_blank">Kristine </a>made me this gorgeous pillow in some of my favourite colours. She also sent me some scraps and my first ever roll of washi tape. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkKyfH4CvVY/UdTZ25Lk0kI/AAAAAAAADu8/byDp6PjUGwo/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkKyfH4CvVY/UdTZ25Lk0kI/AAAAAAAADu8/byDp6PjUGwo/s640/IMG_1950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
And now that the heat wave has subsided, I've gone and sewed something!<br />
This little beauty is my first ever attempt at QAYG, and it's not bad. Not as 'focused' as I had hoped, and in some spots I actually covered an entire piece of fabric... oops. But I love the colours.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFnA_juSHF8/UdTZ47LrmzI/AAAAAAAADvI/mSoB86fGBco/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFnA_juSHF8/UdTZ47LrmzI/AAAAAAAADvI/mSoB86fGBco/s640/IMG_1953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This will become a mug rug for my Modern Scrappy Bits partner. Not sure how to finish the back yet as the front is already quilted. Maybe I'll have to quilt another piece and bind them together.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-89644379808900538992013-06-24T20:18:00.000-06:002013-06-24T20:18:07.485-06:00it's summer here<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been having some gorgeous weather lately and I've been getting my hands dirty in the garden, mowing the lawn, sitting outside with D while she plays in her pool. Today she was running under the sprinkler with an umbrella. We also recently got a buggy board for the stroller and we're back to walking again. D is 3 and not fond of long walks. I'm 30 and I am fond of long walks. The solution was the buggy board. Now D can stand and roll along with K and the stroller while I push all that weight and walk to my hearts content.</div>
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I've also had a few dress orders come through, so between all the summer fun, I've still been playing with fabric. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSSkGlL57ro/Ucj1zVvR7eI/AAAAAAAADug/XdITzQXcSHk/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSSkGlL57ro/Ucj1zVvR7eI/AAAAAAAADug/XdITzQXcSHk/s640/IMG_1806.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And I'm still sewing for the two bees I'm in. This block I just finished today.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHFQVITZKFI/Ucj1p6Pu7-I/AAAAAAAADuQ/sCay7Ypqb9E/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHFQVITZKFI/Ucj1p6Pu7-I/AAAAAAAADuQ/sCay7Ypqb9E/s640/IMG_1883.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I sure hope I never have to make a block like that again. It looks neat, but it took me forever to make and it took more thinking on my part than I think it should have.</div>
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I also made another block for the hexy bee, but I totally forgot to take a picture of it.</div>
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This is my Simply Solids reward. </div>
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I got all the members to make a large triangle from small triangles. They each got a random bunch of colours and had to randomly piece them together. </div>
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By the end of it, one member seems to have disappeared and so no block from her. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptY8gYwfstg/Ucj1YkJeTnI/AAAAAAAADuI/BNtaXnayLrE/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptY8gYwfstg/Ucj1YkJeTnI/AAAAAAAADuI/BNtaXnayLrE/s640/IMG_1831.JPG" width="528" /></a></div>
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I came with a solution to fill the hole though. First I was going to just use a single solid, but after playing around a bit, I went with three colours in each other.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hyluXZVXJ0/Ucj1yUc3QjI/AAAAAAAADuY/C_yqy-VbSh4/s1600/IMG_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hyluXZVXJ0/Ucj1yUc3QjI/AAAAAAAADuY/C_yqy-VbSh4/s640/IMG_1892.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love how this turned out. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbKfoXRJpWY/Ucj11KwsQ5I/AAAAAAAADuo/p_nBxijEJPA/s1600/IMG_1894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbKfoXRJpWY/Ucj11KwsQ5I/AAAAAAAADuo/p_nBxijEJPA/s640/IMG_1894.JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
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Right now it's between lap and twin size. Now I'm debating adding a border or not. If I do, I will probably do a solid... Dark gray maybe.</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-49530835903654323892013-05-29T09:38:00.000-06:002013-05-29T09:38:11.227-06:00pts10 finished!<div style="text-align: center;">
I finished it, and just on time too, as the deadline to mail is Monday. </div>
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I really challenged myself with this pillow.</div>
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Drafting a paper pieced patter. </div>
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Setting a circle into a square.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J07qFmGySYg/UaYfePx2tqI/AAAAAAAADqc/cJ-dGbIiAL8/s1600/IMG_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J07qFmGySYg/UaYfePx2tqI/AAAAAAAADqc/cJ-dGbIiAL8/s640/IMG_1773.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Putting a pillow together in a new to me way. The zipper is on the bottom so this is a double sided pillow. I followed this tutorial for a <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2013/02/zippered-pillow-cover.html" target="_blank">Zippered Pillow Cover</a> from Make It and Love It.</div>
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Doing some random piecing - completely new for me!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-An_4CYiMTXE/UaYfeq6ZtkI/AAAAAAAADqg/OOS5PnKz-RI/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-An_4CYiMTXE/UaYfeq6ZtkI/AAAAAAAADqg/OOS5PnKz-RI/s640/IMG_1774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And after all that, I hope my partner will love it as much as I do!</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369832173332619940.post-88925794781460191602013-05-23T21:20:00.000-06:002013-05-23T21:20:45.954-06:00swaps and a gift<div style="text-align: center;">
I sent this pillow cover out this week along with a little cathedral window pin cushion. I also added scraps to this package, but didn't take a picture</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yd5Wkzv-j8/UZ7WEmApz4I/AAAAAAAADpk/H0lfOeBFwMc/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_yd5Wkzv-j8/UZ7WEmApz4I/AAAAAAAADpk/H0lfOeBFwMc/s640/IMG_1722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My partner was silent as a church mouse and so I was a little nervous to send it. Also, sadly and maybe badly to say, a little less enthusiastic to send it. A swap is so much funner when you have a chatty or even slightly chatty partner.</div>
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And I do have a partner like that in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1197421@N20/" target="_blank">Pillow Talk {Swap}</a>. After stalking her, knowing she likes Catherineholm and low volume, I've put this together. Not sure what background to go with yet. I have a good week to decide before I commit.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7h0oLgC1Wco/UZ7WNoEIY-I/AAAAAAAADps/oaihJ8D_BgQ/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7h0oLgC1Wco/UZ7WNoEIY-I/AAAAAAAADps/oaihJ8D_BgQ/s640/IMG_1727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all yellows...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SdgHOq8N_U/UZ7WRc5BnRI/AAAAAAAADp0/kUB0zK6EQfY/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SdgHOq8N_U/UZ7WRc5BnRI/AAAAAAAADp0/kUB0zK6EQfY/s640/IMG_1728.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grays and yellows...</td></tr>
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I also finished up this hexy butterfly for the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/getyourhexon/" target="_blank">Get Your Hex On</a> bee. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbuxj6W_wPg/UZ7XUXvwY4I/AAAAAAAADqE/fT9wFK14Wgk/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbuxj6W_wPg/UZ7XUXvwY4I/AAAAAAAADqE/fT9wFK14Wgk/s640/IMG_1724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To top off my good week, I got a super surprise in the mail. Remember I got 'published'? Well, <a href="http://www.sew-sisters.com/" target="_blank">Sew Sisters</a>, despite sending me fabric to play with in the first place and then letting me keep what I'd made, sent me a Thank You gift for writing up a tutorial for them!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4N6wDKtPqk/UZ7XWWcoGNI/AAAAAAAADqM/uvgfzvOy1eA/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4N6wDKtPqk/UZ7XWWcoGNI/AAAAAAAADqM/uvgfzvOy1eA/s640/IMG_1734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They were absolutely generous and sent me a 1/2 yard bundle of Kona solids and a charm pack of <a href="http://store.sew-sisters.com/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=4565523231434565&Store_id=807&page_id=23&Item_ID=9856" target="_blank">Summersville Spring</a> by Lucie Summers.</div>
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I sense a quilt coming!</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16489389613969455194noreply@blogger.com1