tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930169995880287362024-03-16T11:52:41.303-07:00Simply DevineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-19975239313913629272015-04-23T15:08:00.000-07:002015-04-23T15:08:40.542-07:00Surrounded by QuiltsI was out in Missouri just before Easter for a funeral and a few days of visiting with my sister. The guest bed mattress is a little firm for my taste, but I was snuggly warm under a quilt made nearly 50 years ago by my grandmother, Mae Prost.<br />
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It's a Sunbonnet Baby, with applique dresses and bonnets and embroidery 'trim.' My grandmother made a few of these, plus Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Boy quilts. But my all-time favorite quilt that she made was the "Trip Around the World." <br />
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She made two of these...this one started with red in the center and worked its way through the rainbow to end with purple (she would say 'violet') at the border. The other started with purple in the center and ended with red around the edge. As a little girl, I was fascinated with the print fabrics she selected in each color family, and how small the squares were. My cousin has this one; the other went to my Uncle Jay, who had it buried with him. <br />
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My mother loved to make clothing and didn't take up quilting until later in her sewing life. This tiny quilted wall hanging decorated her seashore-themed bathroom. <br />
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She made a shower curtain with sailboats and lighthouses on it, too. I have it hanging on the wall of my sewing room. <br />
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When my mom died, she left two partially finished quilts...one was called Cream and Sugar, and was a block of the month project made of cream and cafe-au-lait colored fabrics. I added borders to it, had it quilted and gave it to my nephew Chris, her oldest grandson. She had made quilts for all of the granddaughters and had told me that she ought to start on quilts for the boys. She didn't live long enough to make 10 (the number of grandsons she had), but at least this one got finished!<br />
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The second unfinished quilt was another block of the month project using 1930's inspired fabrics. She really had trouble with this particular block.<br />
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She was working on it while recuperating from a heart attack and I guess the medicine made her a bit loopy. She struggled with the quarter-square triangle blocks and cut them too small. Luckily, the quilt shop had more of the fabric, so I made a run to pick it up and helped her with the math. <br />
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After she died, my niece Melissa saw the blocks and really liked them. She asked me if she could have them so she and her mom could complete the quilt. I sketched out a 'modern' layout for the 12 blocks. <br />
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I don't know how much work Melissa did on the quilt, but my sister got it finished and sent to the long-arm quilter. I was hoping to finish the binding for it while I was in Missouri, but we couldn't find the piece of fabric she had set aside for the binding. She'll get to it eventually! <br />
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My sister loves to make baby quilts. Many of her friends and acquaintances have been the beneficiary of her enormous stash of fabrics. While I was visiting, I worked on the binding for this bright quilt, made of jelly roll strips and charm squares. (For those of you who don't know, jelly roll strips are pre-cut pieces of fabric 2 1/2" wide by 42" long. Charm squares are precut 5 1/2" squares.)<br />
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She had already finished another baby quilt (or wall hanging, I couldn't be sure) that I just loved! <br />
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It is made up of 'jars' of aquatic life -- fish, turtles, alligators, frogs and octopi (or octopusses, if you prefer Greek over Latin). Isn't it adorable?!<br />
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I bought a kit and fabrics to make a similar quilt, but instead of sea life, my 'jars' will be filled with different kinds of candy and snacks -- jelly beans, peanuts, licorice, and candy corn are just a few of the fabrics in the kit. My sister's quilt has me motivated to find my kit and get it started!<br />
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There's one more quilt I'd like to share today...this one was made by my mother's friends to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the American Sewing Guild. When the ASG started in 1978, my mother was among the first in the St. Louis area to join. During the ASG's silver anniversay year, her neighborhood group made a quilt for her, each person designing her own block. My sister, Carol, made the block in the center -- the black sewing machine bordered in red. <br />
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Her friends gave my mother this gift to acknowledge her years of service to ASG and her friendship to more than one generation of sewers. <br />
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It's funny how my mom, sister and I have 'fallen' into quilting, while my grandmother was known as a quilter. It's another artistic endeavor using the skills we learned as we began sewing clothing. <br />
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My daughter has a friend who is expecting her first child this fall...I think she'll be coming out to my house soon, to dig through my stash and design a special gift for a sweet new baby. And so the tradition gets passed along...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-79300253602863579232015-02-26T08:30:00.000-08:002015-02-26T08:30:00.185-08:00Sewing HeavenMy sewing buddy, Martha, and I got together a few Sundays ago to do some stitching. She was finishing up some pillowcases to donate to ConKerr Cancer, a local charity that the American Sewing Guild supports (http://www.conkerrcancer.org/volunteer/sew-pillowcases). I was working on a gift for my daughter-in-law, whose birthday is fast approaching. Sometimes, sewing is more fun when you have someone to talk to while you work!<br />
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But, I couldn't leave her house without asking permission to take a few pictures of her sewing space -- truly a Sewing Heaven! The post about my sewing room organization has been one of the most-viewed since I started my blog (Dec. 3, 2012), and while I love my space, it doesn't compare to Martha's. <br />
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She lives with her husband in a lovely home in suburban Philadelphia. Her only daughter is married and has two children, so Martha and her d.h. have the place to themselves. Her sewing space is on the second floor of her home, next to her bedroom. Her room is large enough that she set up a narrow six foot table for my sewing machine on the day I visited <br />
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A sewing cabinet for her machines is centered in the room. Her serger is to the left by the window, her sewing machine takes center stage, and she has a machine dedicated to embroidery on the right. With this configuration, she can move around the cabinet to each machine, and use the wall space for storage cabinets.<br />
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Some of the cupboards are open, others have doors and drawers. By keeping the storage units white, the room seems spacious. Martha loves to decorate with sewing-themed items, and they are sprinkled throughout her space. <br />
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She made a great score when a local fabric store was closing. She was able to buy <b style="font-style: italic;">two </b>pattern cabinets for a very reasonable price, then had a formica top made to cover the tops, giving her a lot of space for her collectibles. The drawers are used for patterns, fabrics, machine manuals and a whole lot more. <br />
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I would really love to find a pattern cabinet, but I'm not sure it would fit in my space because of the sloped walls. <br />
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A few years ago, Martha splurged on a special piece of sewing equipment, a six needle embroidery machine. <br />
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This machine can do some amazing things. Martha helped me monogram the fronts of tote bags that I otherwise I couldn't have done, because this machine has an open throatplate. It can change thread colors without having to stop and re-thread the machine. It also features a very large hoop, which allows her to create large monograms and stitch large designs without re-hooping. <br />
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What you don't see here is what's behind the door to the right of this machine...it's a walk-in closet. Martha had it outfitted with shelving so she can store her stash of fabric and supplies sorted into clear plastic bins. It makes it easy for her to find things.<br />
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Martha has a comfortable room that would be any sewer's dream. Lucky girl!! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-33015935476660385792015-02-22T18:02:00.000-08:002015-02-22T18:02:08.832-08:00And baby makes...five!My lovely niece Mary and her husband recently welcomed her THIRD baby -- another boy! Yea!<br />
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When her oldest son was born, I made my 'traditional' Irish print fabric quilt, at his mother's request.<br />
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Two years later, when his little brother was born, I decided to make the new baby something fun. And a funny thing happened...Big Brother recognized the animals and wanted to claim it for his own!<br />
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I told my niece to let him have it, and Little Boy Two's blanket could be the Irish one. Now that Number Three Son has come along, I wonder if Mary's middle child, who is just two, will have the same reaction, and want this new quilt for himself!<br />
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This toddler blankie started life as a 24" by 44" panel called "Barnyard Counting," by Laurie Wisbrun for Robert Kaufman fabrics. My daughter and I found it at a quilt shop in Maine 18 months ago. It has been in my stash, waiting for the next great-nephew to come along.<br />
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As with most of my quilts, I started with the sketch. I decided to cut the panel into blocks, which measure 8 1/2" by 11", and mix them with brightly colored prints.<br />
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Digging through my stash, I found several prints that would work. After trimming them into the same size block, I began to lay out the rows. <br />
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Sewing this together was easy-peasy! The blanket is five blocks wide by four rows long. I added a solid yellow border to tie everything together. The green polka-dot fabric was used on the back of the quilt. <br />
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I also made bias binding out of the green polka-dot to finish the edges.<br />
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I used my sewing machine to make even lines of quilting, both horizontal and vertical, including stitching in 'the ditch' between the blocks. <br />
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It's so stinkin' cute, isn't it?! I just love it, and I hope Number Three Son loves it, too!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-16077758828049202022015-02-14T18:55:00.000-08:002015-02-14T18:55:34.914-08:00Yea! I Mastered the "Pinecone Delight"!!What's that, you say? Well, the "Pinecone Delight" is a beading pattern created by Barbara Grainger. <br />
<img alt="Beaded Pine Cones" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f0/6f/30/f06f30524f0cd8b2bb5a2abc316dc5fe.jpg" width="529" /><br />
I saw this really cool photo (above) on Pinterest, but, as happens to me a lot, when I clicked on the page for the photo, there were no directions there. (The page was in Russian!) <br />
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I went back to Pinterest and narrowed my search, using the name of the beads used in the project (long magatama). After scrolling down a bit, found Barbara's name and a link to a website where I could purchase the directions (<a href="http://stitchboard.com/mall/showItem.php?in=10222">http://stitchboard.com/mall/showItem.php?in=10222</a>)<br />
It costs $10, which you pay via paypal, and then the website sends you a link to download a PDF file of instructions.<br />
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After teaching beading and writing instructions for nearly 10 years, I can tell you that Barbara knows what she's doing. Her step-by-step instructions were thorough, had excellent graphics and had been tested for clarity. <br />
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And, for this project, she knew to say the skill level was for intermediate to advanced beaders. Take my word for it...she's right! This is <u>not</u> a project for beginners!<br />
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Long magatama beads are elongated, and have a hole toward the top. They have a right and wrong side, and this pattern requires that you know the difference. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntb2b23QGxs/VOAEvXi1h4I/AAAAAAAABok/FeGIemjbCuM/s1600/chico's%2Bcopy%2Band%2Bpinecone%2Bbeading%2B013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntb2b23QGxs/VOAEvXi1h4I/AAAAAAAABok/FeGIemjbCuM/s1600/chico's%2Bcopy%2Band%2Bpinecone%2Bbeading%2B013.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bead on the left is right side up, the bead on the right is wrong side up.</td></tr>
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Some beads are picked up on the needle 'right side up' and others are picked up 'wrong side up.'<br />
What makes the piece look like a pinecone is the shape of the beads, all pointing in the same direction. The beading went quicker when I sorted the beads into two piles, one pile right side up, the other pile wrong side up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rights side up beads on the left, wrong side up beads on the right, made it easier to follow the directions. </td></tr>
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I generally use Fireline brand braided bead thread by Beadsmith for seed bead projects, and started my pinecone with that. After four or five rows, I had a mess that I couldn't fix, and decided to start over. Magatama beads have very large holes, and I thought that thicker thread would fill the holes and hold the beads in place better. Size 4 no-stretch nylon bead stringing thread by Beadsmith was thicker, so I switched to that. The change was a good one, and the project went much easier. <br />
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The starting row of this project is ladderstitch. Subsequent rows are worked in brickstitch. One thing I discovered is that the tension on this project is loose...if you pull the thread too tightly, the beads will flip, over. Most projects I've done require a tighter tension. As I added each bead, I held it in place right side up with my left thumb as I stitched through it. It's a little awkward, but, as I said, the beads tend to want to flip over until you get them locked into place.<br />
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As the pinecone grew longer, it was getting 'squishy,' I fixed that by dropping a 10mm bead in the center of the cone. Just having that filler bead in place made adding the rows easier. <br />
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I ended up leaving the bead inside the pinecone, just to give it some 'stuffing' to hold its shape. You can't see it on the finished project, so I will continue to add a bead when making more pinecones. <br />
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One other note about Barbara's directions...she says "<i>you work from the top of the pinecone downward, but you hold the pinecone upside down as you work it</i>." <br />
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This is opposite of how I would describe a pinecone. I think the TOP of a pinecone is the part attached to the twig on the tree, and the BOTTOM is the pointy part at the other end. If you think of it the same way as I do, you will be working from the bottom of the pinecone toward the top, in which case it isn't being held '<i>upside down</i>,' as the instructions say. I mention this so you don't wonder why the pinecone 'leaves' are laying the wrong way. If you follow the directions, it will turn out fine...the top/bottom description is a bit confusing. <br />
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Oh, the bead cap with the wire wrapped loop at the top was added by me so the pinecone could hang, either as an ornament or as a pendant. (See, I called it the 'top.' Barbara would call it the bottom!)<br />
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The project took about three hours. I can't wait to get some other colors of long magatamas and try this again!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-34837337261776848892015-02-08T18:05:00.000-08:002015-02-08T18:05:44.418-08:00Something Cute for a Baby Boy<br />
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While I make four or five baby quilts every year, sometimes I need a little something to give as a baby gift that isn't as labor intensive or cost expensive. <br />
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Now, there are a lot of cute patterns for baby GIRL things, but not so many for baby BOYS. Maybe it's because I have three sons, but I get a little frustrated when I find so much designed for little girls and nearly nothing I can make for a boy. Then, while on vacation in Branson, Missouri, last fall, my sister and I popped into a very nice quilt shop, Quilts and Quilts (<a href="http://www.quiltsandquilts.com/">http://www.quiltsandquilts.com/</a>).<br />
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BINGO! I found the cutest 'boy' project that doesn't take much time or fabric. <br />
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<a href="http://www.vanillahousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/p1891-112x180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="p189" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.vanillahousedesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/p1891-112x180.jpg" width="124" /></a>It's called "Dude Babies" -- a collection of three bibs for little boys. Designed by Barbara Brunson of Vanilla House Designs (<a href="http://www.vanillahousedesigns.com/">www.vanillahousedesigns.com</a>), it includes Mr. Businessman, Mr. Formal, and my favorite, Mr. Cowboy.<br />
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The fabric requirements are minimal: 1/3 of a yard for the bib, a fat quarter for the scarf, and a small scrap for the star. Notions include thread, three buttons and snaps or velcro.<br />
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While her pattern is great, I tend to tweak things a little, sometimes to save time, sometimes because it makes more sense from a construction point-of-view. I did that in this case.<br />
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The pattern for the 'shirt' has two pieces, which are overlapped and stitched together on the back side of the bib. Instead, I taped the pattern pieces together and cut just one front and one lining piece from a lightweight denim. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two front pieces can be taped together to make just one for easier construction. <br />Use medical tape, and you can always take the pieces apart later!</td></tr>
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My sister gave me a fat quarter of the bandana fabric, and I cut out the neckerchief and pocket. The neckline application did require a lot of pins, but turned out fine. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-180j2-ZG8Es/VNgLy55LnPI/AAAAAAAABnc/M-1xx-BI98o/s1600/baby%2Bquilt%2C%2Bbib%2Band%2Bbeading%2B030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-180j2-ZG8Es/VNgLy55LnPI/AAAAAAAABnc/M-1xx-BI98o/s1600/baby%2Bquilt%2C%2Bbib%2Band%2Bbeading%2B030.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After sewing the bandana, right sides together to the bib front, you layer the bandana 'lining' right sides together<br />and stitch the two neckerchief pieces together. </td></tr>
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The pattern calls for hand-stitching the neckerchief lining to the back side of the bib, but that kind of work slows me down. I opted to pin it carefully and edge-stitch it, since the stitching wouldn't be visible from the front side. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3LcSCjjh_c/VNgLy1TMARI/AAAAAAAABnk/-vaNwSmw0ek/s1600/baby%2Bquilt%2C%2Bbib%2Band%2Bbeading%2B032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3LcSCjjh_c/VNgLy1TMARI/AAAAAAAABnk/-vaNwSmw0ek/s1600/baby%2Bquilt%2C%2Bbib%2Band%2Bbeading%2B032.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of edge-stitching</td></tr>
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The faux 'pocket' was stitched down on the lower right-hand side of the bib. It's a cute little detail that makes the bib look like a shirt. <br />
I found three blue buttons in my stash...red would have been cuter, but alas, there were none in the button box. The placement of the buttons was measured from the bottom up because the neckerchief covers a bit of neckline. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zig-zag stitching the point of a star is tricky!<br /></td></tr>
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The star 'badge' took the most time. There was a scrap of fabric in my stash just the right color. I used fusible web (wonder-under) to hold it in place so it could be appliqued. I used a 30 weight rayon embroidery thread to match. Turning the corner at the point of the star was a bit tricky...I think I should have practiced that a few times before I did it on the bib, but unless you're looking really close, I don't think you'd notice!<br />
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The pattern called for snaps or velcro at the neckline, and behold, I found red velcro in my stash!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn4kj0UE-eY/VNgL3b7VzkI/AAAAAAAABoQ/qHwgdb-MsY4/s1600/baby%2Bquilt%2C%2Bbib%2Band%2Bbeading%2B036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn4kj0UE-eY/VNgL3b7VzkI/AAAAAAAABoQ/qHwgdb-MsY4/s1600/baby%2Bquilt%2C%2Bbib%2Band%2Bbeading%2B036.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG!! Red velcro!</td></tr>
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In under two hours, here is the cutest darn bib for a boy in the whole Wild West! In the whole country, for that matter! Yippee!<div>
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Mr. Businessman will be next!!</div>
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<i>A little footnote about Quilts and Quilts. It's a locally owned and operated business in Branson, Mo., with three generations of the same family working in the shop. On February 29, 2012, the shop was hit by a tornado and destroyed. The owner found a new location immediately, and the shop re-opened just FIVE weeks later. They carry 14,000 bolts of fabric and over 2,000 patterns. The staff is so knowledgeable, it is a pleasure to shop there. Check out their on-line store! </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-18409349704385012542015-01-22T10:02:00.000-08:002015-01-22T10:02:40.029-08:00R-TV Revisited -- Making an iMovieMost of my friends don't know that I have a Bachelors of Science in Radio-Television from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. I started my professional life as a radio newscaster before jumping to public/media relations. I do admit I miss those news-gathering days.<br />
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I joined the American Sewing Guild many years ago -- it is a national organization that promotes sewing as an art and life skill. But really, it is a group of (mostly) women who meet on a local level to share the common bond of sewing. We welcome beginners and experienced sewers, and have a lot of fun at monthly meetings and chapter events. One of my favorite activities is Sewing Camp, five days of uninterrupted sewing, held each year in May by the Philadelphia Chapter. It's like a sleep-over party for adults!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP76t48u51c/VME3aUMIzvI/AAAAAAAABnE/xh5PzZO3rn0/s1600/sewing%2Bretreat%2C%2Bmay%2B2013%2B016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RP76t48u51c/VME3aUMIzvI/AAAAAAAABnE/xh5PzZO3rn0/s1600/sewing%2Bretreat%2C%2Bmay%2B2013%2B016.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All packed up for Sewing Camp!</td></tr>
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This year, the national organization is sponsoring a contest, asking individuals or groups to submit videos on the theme of "What ASG Means to Me." Given my background, I couldn't resist. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS0V4zOozxA/VME3NoRGH4I/AAAAAAAABm8/SjyEagGT2Eg/s1600/Tackaberry%2Bgirls%2Bwith%2Bme%2C%2BAug%2B2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS0V4zOozxA/VME3NoRGH4I/AAAAAAAABm8/SjyEagGT2Eg/s1600/Tackaberry%2Bgirls%2Bwith%2Bme%2C%2BAug%2B2012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, with my fourth cousins!</td></tr>
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For the last few years, I have been collecting and sorting through family genealogical papers and photos. My grandmother didn't throw anything away, so I have a pretty good stack of letters, some dating back to 1870, newspaper articles and photographs. I also have some first-person accounts about various relatives. Then, a woman approached my sister after church one Sunday, introduced herself and said "I think we may be related." Sure enough, she was! I met her and two of her cousins for dinner, and they were kind enough to bring along what family genealogy and photos they had to share with me. <br />
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When I starting thinking about producing a video, I decided to take a unique approach and write a story about how sewing has been passed down from generation to generation of women in my family. I drafted a script and began pulling together photos to tell the story, but didn't know how I would make it into a video. (I should tell you that I'm not much of a techie.)<br />
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My young friend, Niyi, was happy to help. He downloaded iMovie onto my iphone, and gave me a quick lesson on how to drop in photos, add music and record my voice. Under his direction, I learned the basics of putting photos to text, and then played around with iMovie until I had something I was pleased with. <br />
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Here is the finished product:<br />
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I can't believe how easy it was to use iMovie. Yes, there were some limitations. For instance, I wanted to start with a black screen and fade up to my first video clip, but couldn't figure out how to do that or if it was possible with iMovie. And I wanted the music to begin with the first photo, but could get that to work either, so it's under the entire video. Minor things that I don't think affected the overall video. Maybe if I play around some more, I'll figure those things out. <br />
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Now that I know what I'm doing, I hope to use it again! I see tutorials in my future! <br />
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And here's a request...if you are so inclined, would you please share this video with someone you think would enjoy it? This is a competition, after all, and the video with the most views by June 15, 2015, will win a prize for the video and for their ASG Chapter. Thanks in advance for your help!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-48807651687894526182015-01-06T14:42:00.004-08:002015-01-06T14:42:47.224-08:00Scrabble Tile FunHello again! I've been slacking off on my blog posts...but one of my New Year's resolutions is to be more consistent with my writing, so hopefully, this will the one of many new posts for 2015!<br />
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If you peruse Pinterest, you may have seen this project -- coasters made out of Scrabble tiles.<br />
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I pinned this idea right away. Scrabble is my favorite board game, and last year, when my son's friend was living with us, he and I played frequently. (I hate to admit that he beat me often, but every now and again, I would come through with a triple word score and take the game!)<br />
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Last year, I made him a quilt using a panel of Scrabble fabric, and I knew this would be a fun gift for him this year, as he is moving on in life and starting his first 'real' job.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSidKEb92zY/VKxeR1KwqRI/AAAAAAAABmY/aHLrfBXZ4Vg/s1600/nov%2Band%2Bdec%2B2013%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSidKEb92zY/VKxeR1KwqRI/AAAAAAAABmY/aHLrfBXZ4Vg/s1600/nov%2Band%2Bdec%2B2013%2B006.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Scrabble Quilt</td></tr>
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The biggest challenge? Finding Scrabble tiles! I did a quick run through my favorite thrift stores, but there were no Scrabble games to be had. An internet search led me to a great website with very reasonably priced new Scrabble tiles: <a href="http://www.sunandmooncraftkits.com/">www.sunandmooncraftkits.com</a>. (Look under 'supplies' for the tiles.) Better still, you can purchase them by the bag or select exactly what you need! By the piece tiles are 10 cents each -- a real bargain! I ordered two bags of 100 letters, plus extra vowels. <br />
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You will also need a backing material. I headed to another favorite recycling store, The Resource Exchange, in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia (<a href="http://www.theresourceexchange.org/">www.theresourceexchange.org</a>). This great store recycles all kinds of neat and interesting stuff, mostly from theater and movie sets, including furniture, wood, yards of fabric and trims, old photos and posters and, for this project, a couple of 12" square tiles of cork. <br />
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The right kind of adhesive makes all the difference, and I reached for my tube of E 6000. This clear glue is strong, won't stick your fingers together, and yields a permanent bond when it cures for 24 or more hours. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's better to spread the glue onto the cork than onto each Scrabble tile. An old credit card helps with this!</td></tr>
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My 28-year-old daughter and I were working together to come up with some good four letter words for the coasters, until she accused me of 'cheating' when I used a blank tile! The coasters were 2 7/8" wide by 3 1/4" long, but if you wanted to use five letter words to make a larger coaster, you certainly could. My favorite is:<br />
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READ<br />
COZY<br />
FIRE<br />
CHAT<br />
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Do you get it? Read and chat around a cozy fire! My daughter's included "Wine Stem Goes Here" and "Beer Pint Goes Here." <br />
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When you have the tiles arranged, it is a good idea to tape them with a piece of wide packing tape...that way, if you can't finish them right away, you won't forget the words!<br />
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After spreading glue on the cork, I positioned each letter, and when they were all down, I made sure they lined up well. (Note: these tiles aren't perfectly square, so they don't always make a straight line across and down). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added an apostrophe with a black sharpie after the glue dried. </td></tr>
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I used a weight to hold everything in place while the glue was setting. <br />
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Each coaster was finished with two coats of clear poly-acrylic sealer. A dozen coasters cost about $33.00. I packaged 6 together for a gift -- just about right for a gift exchange. <br />
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I had about 30 or so tiles left over, and then saw this on Pinterest. <br />
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I searched through my tiles, ordered a few more from Sun and Moon, and now have 7 Christmas ornaments ready for gift-giving next holiday season. <br />
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Which got me thinking...you could spell anything and turn it into an ornament. How about "The Devine Household" or "Nathan's First Christmas". They also sell a few punctuation marks...how about "#we'reengaged" or "Let it Go!" This could turn into an addiction! <br />
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While this isn't an original idea, I hope it inspires you. So many times we pin things on Pinterest, but never bother to make them. Sometimes it's because there are no instructions! I'm sure there are more ways to use Scrabble tiles out there, and now that you know where to get them, you'll come up with some fantastic ideas, too!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-16642073348643949092014-08-11T09:35:00.001-07:002014-08-11T09:35:02.900-07:00The harvest is coming in...time to can and freeze the bounty!It's been a while since I last posted. The summer has just flown by! While a lot of people relax and take it slower in the summer, my June and July has been very busy. I'll be posting more about the projects I've been working on over the next few weeks. <br />
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But now in mid-August, the bounty of my garden and local farms is amazing, and I find myself following my mother's and grandmother's footsteps to the kitchen to can or freeze the fruits and vegetables that are in season. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day's harvest from my garden.</td></tr>
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The two new garden beds that my dear husband built are small but mighty. Production for such a small space is somewhat astounding! Each bed is 3' x 8'. This spring, I planted three tomato plants (one heirloom, one roma and one 'Juliette', a variety of cherry tomato), two rows of radishes, three rows of green beans (with about 8 plants in each), five cucumber seeds, six broccoli plants, three different pepper plants, and a few herbs. The garden went from this:<br />
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to this:<br />
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Radishes were first to be harvested, followed shortly by green beans. There were a lot of beans!! By the third time I'd picked, I had so many that we decided to can them. <br />
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Canning beans is not difficult...no brines or seasonings required. But you must have a pressure cooker/canner in order to seal the jars properly. With my d.h.'s help, we canned five pint jars in an evening. A small batch for sure, but the right amount for my pressure canner, plus we will eat these in the fall and winter -- no waste. <br />
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The Juliette tomatoes are going wild -- I've never seen a tomato plant this large before! It has grown out of the top of our 6' 'squirrel' cage, and over the top of the re-purposed cast iron clothing rack that I use to tie them up. I finally had to cut back some of the branches because they were casting shade on the other plants.<br />
Luckily, that meant picking my first tomato of the season on July 4th -- my mother's gold star date for the first tomato! While my son eats these like grapes, we have so many that I have given tomatoes away. Pretty soon I will be canning them, simply because I can't keep up with the harvest. <br />
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In the meantime, local farmers are having a good year, too. I made it out to Highland Orchards (<a href="http://www.highlandorchards.net/">www.highlandorchards.net</a>) in West Chester, Pa., to pick black raspberries the first week of July. The season for my favorite jelly-making fruit is very short -- about a week or two, but I picked plenty! I brought them home, juiced them and froze the juice. When I run out of jelly, I'll pull juice from the freezer and make a new batch.<br />
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I've also been hitting up the local farmer's market for corn, blue berries and blackberries to eat. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The humble Lodi apple. </td></tr>
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This weekend, d.h. and I made another trip to Highland Orchards, this time to pick up some peaches and apples. Yes, I said apples. It's early for apples, but that's exactly the variety I want.<br />
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My mother always made applesauce, favoring the 'early, green' apples of July. I finally found out the name of the apples she liked: Lodi. This apple variety was introduced in 1924 in upstate New York, a cross between a Montgomery and a Yellow Transparent. The trees grow about 10-25 feet tall, making it a bit easier to pick than some varieties. It's tart, cooks down quickly and makes delicious applesauce. <br />
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We bought a half-bushel of apples (that was about 55 apples, but I set 10 aside for a pie). Like any project, it helps to have the right tools. For applesauce, this includes an apple slicer/corer, a cutting board, a potato ricer*, large (6 quart) pans, a large bowl (or in my case, the top to my Tupperware cake carrier), and containers for the finished product.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato Ricers consist of a cone-shaped sieve, a pestle and a stand. <br />Look for them at old-time hardware or cooking stores.</td></tr>
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Fill the kitchen sink with clean water, and dump in the apples to wash them. One by one, use the apple slicer/corer to cut the apples. Discard the cores. Notice I didn't tell you to peel the apples -- no need to! You'll see. <br />
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Fill your pan/s with apples and add about 1 cup of water. (For my half-bushel, I cooked the apples in four batches.) Cover and place on the stove on medium-high heat until the water boils, then lower the heat and simmer the apples for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. As the apples cook, the will begin to fall apart and get mushy. When no single slice of apple still holds its shape, remove the pan from the heat and let the apples cool for about 5 minutes.<br />
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While the apples are cooking, wash the containers in warm, soapy water, rinse well and dry.<br />
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Set the potato ricer over a large bowl. Spoon or pour about 1/2 of the pan of apples into the ricer at a time, using the pestle to push the sauce through the sieve. <br />
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When all of the sauce has been removed, all that is left are the skins and a few seeds. Use a rubber scraper to discard this from the ricer. Repeat until all of the apples have been cooked and run through the ricer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ricer separates the applesauce from the peels and seeds.</td></tr>
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Now taste the applesauce. You get to decide how much sweetener, if any, you want to add -- a great way to control the sugar in your family's diet. Since Lodi apples are tart, I added 2 cups of sugar to the whole batch of applesauce. Stir the sugar in well. <br />
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Ladle the applesauce into the prepared containers. Be sure to leave 'head' space to allow the frozen applesauce room to expand. Seal each container, label and date it, and place all of them in the freezer. Enjoy for the next year or so. <br />
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A half-bushel of apples yielded 27 cups of applesauce. I used 2-cup plastic Rubbermaid containers, plus a few assorted 2- and 1-cup plastic containers from the cabinet.<br />
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If you don't have a large freezer, it is possible to can applesauce so it is shelf-stable. You will need a boiling water canner (not a pressure cooker), glass canning jars and lids/rings. I found some great instructions here: <a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/recipes/applesauce">http://www.freshpreserving.com/recipes/applesauce </a><br />
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I grew up eating my mother's applesauce, and so did my nieces and nephews. When they were here for a visit last year, they nearly had a fight over who would get to take some home from my freezer! (That was after they each got 2 jars of Black Raspberry jelly, another of Grandma's favorites). <br />
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*P.S. If you don't have a potato ricer, don't fret -- you can still make applesauce. You simply have to peel and core every apple before you begin cooking. Let each batch of apples cook a full 10-15 minutes, and use a potato masher or a dinner fork to smash up any apple slices that are still holding their shape. Transfer apples to a large bowl, and stir well until the sauce has an even consistency. <br />
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And another note: my applesauce is pale yellow-green. If you use red apples and don't peel them, your applesauce will be light pink...your kids will think it's weird, but it still tastes yummy!! Or peel the apples to make pale yellow sauce. It's that easy!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-88479221671752844972014-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:002014-05-23T07:00:01.222-07:00They Don't Make 'Em Like This AnymoreEvery year in May, the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Sewing Guild holds a "Sewing Camp" -- five days and four nights to sew anything you desire, visit with sewing friends and share tips and techniques for creating great garments, accessories and quilts. This was the 10th year we've held camp, and for nine years, we've spent our time on the campus of Eastern University, in Radnor, PA. The conference staff sets up a large room as our sewing space, we sleep in the dorms and eat in the cafeteria. <br />
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Every year, we marvel at the beautiful campus as we walk to the cafeteria, which is located in what is now called Walton Hall. But that building was once a 'great house,' a Main Line mansion built as a home for the family of Charles S. Walton, a leather manufacturer of considerable means. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Walton Hall, Eastern University</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling detail, Library, Walton Hall</td></tr>
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My fascination with these great, old estate homes overwhelms me when I stroll into the building. They simply don't make mansions -- or any building -- like this anymore. Designed by Philadelphia architect David Knickerbacker Boyd, the 40 room mansion was built in the northern Italian villa style in 1914 on the property then called Walmarthon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireplace Mantel Detail, Library</td></tr>
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Charles Walton died just two years after the home was built. His family resided there for a while, and the property changed hands a few times before being purchased by Eastern University in 1952. <br />
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His son, Charles S. Walton, Jr., also a successful businessman, became chairman of the board of the University in the early '50's. He brought in architect William Henry Lee to convert the estate's many buildings into usable space for a college campus while maintaining some of the original integrity of the structures. <br />
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Ornate fireplaces, marble floors and staircases, stained glass, and my favorite decor, the tiny human figures that decorate the corners of the library reading room, are found throughout the building.<br />
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I only hope that the historic nature and fine craftsmanship of the space is not lost on the young college students that use the buildings on a daily basis. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkBDzYhTs1I/U3vtTIbezPI/AAAAAAAABi4/Ni6O7JKrDw4/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkBDzYhTs1I/U3vtTIbezPI/AAAAAAAABi4/Ni6O7JKrDw4/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+057.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>I also hope that the University continues to find the money to maintain the integrity of the buildings and the entire property, and doesn't allow Walton Hall and the other historic buildings to fall into disrepair. </div>
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If you have the chance to go there some nice day, a visit to Eastern University's campus is worth your time. Try to imagine life in the early 1920's as you stroll through the campus...swimming or ice-skating on the lake, horse-back riding around the estate, or breakfast in the Observatory. </div>
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<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://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/12/1f/1e/121f1e62f3907f127b8a9dbc97cd0adf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A beautiful photo of Walton hall! www.eastern.edu" border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/12/1f/1e/121f1e62f3907f127b8a9dbc97cd0adf.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walton Hall, once the great mansion of a Main Line estate.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-35905927860862125982014-05-20T13:48:00.000-07:002014-05-20T13:48:58.450-07:00Ahh...Dirt Under My Fingernails, and the Garden Is Planted Once Again.The past few weeks have been busy with a number of things, not the least of which was planting my kitchen garden. We're trying a few new things this years, and I wanted to share them with you.<br />
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First, we moved the location of the garden. In years past, it was near the house, with a full Southern exposure. But, after replacing the French drain in our basement, we decided to move the garden away from the foundation and plant grass there instead for water control. So my D.H. (dear husband) picked a sunny spot near the garage for the kitchen garden. <br />
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Using 6" by 6" posts that were once a retaining wall for the driveway, he built two raised beds, three feet across by 8 feet long, with a little path between the two gardens. This will allow me to pull weeds and harvest vegetables from both sides, making maintenance a bit easier. One cubic yard of mushroom soil (once used by the local mushroom farms) filled both beds. <br />
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For the first time, I'm trying 'straw bale gardening.' Basically, you buy a bale of straw (not hay, which still has plant seeds in it and is used for animal food) and condition it for 12 days or so, then plant directly into the bale. The conditioning process starts decomposition within the straw bale, which provides nutrients to the vegetable plants. By the end of the growing season in the fall, the straw will be nearly composted, at which time it gets spread across the soil to fertilize the garden bed. Here's a link for a site that explains the conditioning process: <a href="http://www.daddydoctrines.com/2013/05/09/straw-bale-gardening-part-2-conditioning/">http://www.daddydoctrines.com/2013/05/09/straw-bale-gardening-part-2-conditioning/</a>. This is a great way to use the straw bales you buy in the fall for Halloween decorating.<br />
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The garden center where I bought the straw bale had a wide selection of vegetable plants, so several went into my cart. For the straw bale, I decided on broccoli -- a variety that can take the heat, and matures in about 60 days. I added a little soil to each hole in the bale and dropped in a plant.<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1HmuvQrV1I/U3uxrJ1dUNI/AAAAAAAABhU/CruGZvj0m60/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1HmuvQrV1I/U3uxrJ1dUNI/AAAAAAAABhU/CruGZvj0m60/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+061.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I planted four broccoli plants in the straw bale...they are a little closer than they should be...we'll see how they do!</td></tr>
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I love home-grown tomatoes! Nothing beats the fresh taste right off the vine. I've also discovered that squirrels love them too, so we're still working on a method to keep the critters off the tomato plants. In the meantime, I have three varieties growing next to my trellis -- Beefsteak, for one-slice coverage on sandwiches; Roma, to whip up home-made bruschetta; and Juliet, a mass-producing grape tomato. Grape tomatoes are so easy to grow, and once they start turning red, they keep going until hard frost at the end of September or early October. And the squirrels pretty much leave them alone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgfLd9tcwLs/U3uxs6nO6_I/AAAAAAAABhY/ZbGoHs71t_U/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgfLd9tcwLs/U3uxs6nO6_I/AAAAAAAABhY/ZbGoHs71t_U/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+063.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Juliet tomato already has some blossoms!</td></tr>
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One Jalepeno and one yellow bell pepper found their way into the other bed, along with three rows of radishes and four rows of Blue Lake green beans. I planted one hill of four cucumber seeds, and they all germinated, so I should be good for cukes by July. When planting seeds, I follow the "Square Foot Gardening" concept (<a href="http://squarefootgardening.org/">http://squarefootgardening.org</a>/), whereby you space out your seeds to their optimum growing space when you plant them. This eliminates the need to 'thin' the rows (and waste the plants), and allows you to grow quite a bit of food in a small plot. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuGp3FSMS9c/U3uxrK3az5I/AAAAAAAABhc/YCVdosa0048/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuGp3FSMS9c/U3uxrK3az5I/AAAAAAAABhc/YCVdosa0048/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+060.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From this angle, the peppers are in the front, followed by radishes, green bean plants, and the cucumber mound on the back left, under the green cage. Another broccoli plant is tucked in the back right corner.</td></tr>
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The contraption made of plastic PVC pipe and chicken wire is designed to keep out the bunnies, squirrels and my dogs. Another plus -- in the spring and fall, it can be covered with plastic and used as a greenhouse.<br />
It was designed by my brother, who lives on 30 acres in Missouri and has to protect his garden from deer, too. <br />
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We made one more investment for the new garden...a rain barrel. I bought mine for about $80<br />
at <a href="http://www.rainbarrelsandmore.com/">http://www.rainbarrelsandmore.com/</a> . It was easy to divert the downspout from the garage roof into the barrel, which came with the spigot installed. I use the rainwater to give the garden a good soaking. One drawback with this method is that the hose is gravity-fed...there is not much water pressure, so I have to fill up a watering can and water by 'hand', not by hose. Since the gardens are small, it don't take much time or more than three watering cans full to give the plants a drink. You can buy specially-designed soaker hoses and rain barrel pumps, but I'm going to stick with this for a while. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnsToLML_ek/U3uxspFexeI/AAAAAAAABhQ/crue3hIej_k/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnsToLML_ek/U3uxspFexeI/AAAAAAAABhQ/crue3hIej_k/s1600/Mark%2527s+graduation%252C+garden+062.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This barrel was used for imported olive oil, then recycled into a rain barrel. </td></tr>
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Basil, cilantro, oregano and mint in large planters round out my kitchen garden. I'm looking forward to July to begin my harvest! I'll post again later in the summer, especially the straw bale, to show you how things came out!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-16627439254824821522014-05-07T18:11:00.000-07:002014-05-07T18:11:29.226-07:00It's Wedding Season...Time to Make Bridal Shower Cards!There are 7...that's right -- 7, "Save the Date" cards on my 'fridge. It's Wedding Season again, and I've been invited to a few bridal showers this Spring. After shopping for the gifts (and wrapping them), it is time to make a card!<br />
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I saw something I liked in a store for about $8.00, but thought I could mimic it with materials I had in my studio. So, I snapped a quick pic on my cell phone and gathered up supplies. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbnYVUZypMk/U2rU0Q0zGsI/AAAAAAAABgE/5Zu05mOT2vQ/s1600/Dad's+funeral,+May+crafts+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbnYVUZypMk/U2rU0Q0zGsI/AAAAAAAABgE/5Zu05mOT2vQ/s1600/Dad's+funeral,+May+crafts+024.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Distress Ink in dusty concord, with a JudiKins duster to apply the ink, is the right color palette for this card.<br />
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I selected a 5" x 7" card in light purple, with a matching envelope, and a few favorite wedding/shower- themed rubber stamps. <br />
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A spool of ribbon and a little flat-backed 'bling' would help finish things. I couldn't decide which gem to use -- the oval pearl or the large crystal, so I waited until I had everything put together before making up my mind.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoE0i2NPDBU/U2rUx2P2-jI/AAAAAAAABgA/3ulaGOObTkk/s1600/Dad%2527s+funeral%252C+May+crafts+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoE0i2NPDBU/U2rUx2P2-jI/AAAAAAAABgA/3ulaGOObTkk/s1600/Dad%2527s+funeral%252C+May+crafts+018.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started by tracing out the pattern for a flip flop on thin cardboard. While it wasn't to scale (unless you're about five years old), you can tell what it is, right? Then I found sparkly white paper in my stash and opted to use it. I traced carefully around my flip flop on the back side of the paper, then cut it out. <br />
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The paper alone was a bit boring, so I decided to emboss it with an overall design, using a Darice folder and my Cuttlebug. <br />
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I dusted the edges of the card with ink, stamped my greetings inside and out, and then assembled the flip flop with a little tacky glue, attaching it to the front of the card with a tape runner. As you can see, the pearl beat out the crystal, in part because I used glitter paper. The pearl makes it look more sophisticated. <br />
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Of course, artwork isn't finished until it is signed! I put my personal signature stamp on the back, and I'm ready to go to the shower! <br />
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Such an easy card! And easy to make multiples for all of the showers I'll be attending this year! <br />
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Happy Stamping!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-37425859112952351922014-04-13T06:13:00.000-07:002014-04-13T06:13:06.180-07:00Quick Zip BagNot so long ago, I was 'gifted' a HUGE bag of zippers -- over 300! -- and I've been looking for fun projects to make using some of them. <br />
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One of the customers at the shop where I work came in with a purse she bought in Indonesia, and I was all over it. It had a top zipper, plus two more zipper pockets on the front, and a long strap so it could be worn over the shoulder or across the chest. She let me examine it closely so I could see the construction techniques used, particularly how the zippers were applied. I couldn't wait to rush home and create one for myself. So here it is!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwYy1vDg0E/U0oQ9YDptQI/AAAAAAAABfM/I15Vtvk4014/s1600/zip+purse+and+Carol%2527s+hair+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwYy1vDg0E/U0oQ9YDptQI/AAAAAAAABfM/I15Vtvk4014/s1600/zip+purse+and+Carol%2527s+hair+001.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now for the step by step instructions: I used double-sided, pre-quilted fabric so the purse would have some body and did not require lining, but you could make your own quilted fabric with something in your stash, or use a heavier fabric (maybe upholstery weight?) and line it.<br />
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Of quilted fabric, cut two pieces 8 1/2" by 11 1/2" for the front and back, cut one piece 8 1/2" x 4" for pocket A, cut one piece 8 1/2" x 7 1/2" for pocket B. <br />
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You will need: thread, 60" of 1" wide nylon or cotton webbing to match your fabric, two 1" D rings, two 1" swivel clips, and 3 zippers to match your fabric, 8" or 9" long.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used leftover scraps from another project for my zip bag. I decided to use the 'reverse' side (red print) for pocket B</td></tr>
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Clean finish the raw edges of the bag and pocket pieces. I used the serger to do this. </div>
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This bag calls for an unusual zipper application that I call the "Inside Out" zipper application. The first side of the zipper tape is stitched to the top of each pocket with topstitching, but the second side of the zipper tape is stitched right sides together to underlying pocket. When you flip the pocket into it's finished position, the zipper tape is hidden. </div>
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Apply <b>Pocket A</b> to <b>Pocket B</b> using this technique. Fold under one long edge of <b>Pocket A</b> 1/4" and press well. With the zipper tape right side up, pin the wrong side of the pocket to the zipper tape, being sure that the zipper pull is 1/2" in from the edge of the pocket. (If you are using a longer zipper, it's o.k. for it to hang off the o<span style="text-align: center;">ther side of the pocket, as long as the pull is 1/2" in from one side. Or you can shorten it to 7 1/2" by using a close zig-zag stitch across the zipper and snipping off the excess.)</span> Using the zipper foot on the sewing machine, topstitch the pocket to the zipper tape.</div>
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Draw a placement line on <b>Pocket B</b>, 3 1/4" from the bottom of the pocket. Lay <b>Pocket A</b>, right sides together, on top of <b>Pocket B</b>, lining up the free edge of the zipper tape on the placement line. In this photo, <b>Pocket A </b>is to the left (the top of <b>Pocket B</b>). Using the zipper foot, stitch the free edge of the zipper (with the wrong side of the zipper tape up) to <b>Pocket B</b>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1AzwRJxWSNE/U0oQTmYcwEI/AAAAAAAABds/ut5c0dEBWN8/s1600/March+photos+plus+Mo+trip+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1AzwRJxWSNE/U0oQTmYcwEI/AAAAAAAABds/ut5c0dEBWN8/s1600/March+photos+plus+Mo+trip+005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket A is laying RST over the top of Pocket B when stitching down the second part of the zipper tape. </td></tr>
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Now flip <b>Pocket A</b> down over the bottom of <b>Pocket B</b>. Machine baste along the bottom edges to hold <b>Pocket A</b> to the bottom of <b>Pocket B</b>. <br />
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Apply the zipper to <b>Pocket B</b> in the same manner: fold and press under 1/4" on the top of the pocket, pin the pocket to the right side of the zipper tape, being sure the zipper pull is at least 1/2" from the edge of the pocket, and topstitch. NOTE: Make sure the zippers on both pockets will open in the same direction. Draw a placement line 7 1/4" from the bottom of the<b> purse front</b>. With right sides together, lay the pocket to the bag front, pin the free zipper tape along the placement line, and stitch in place on the wrong side of the zipper tape. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When pinning the pocket to the bag front, the pocket is laying over the top of the bag, and the wrong side of the zipper tape is showing. </td></tr>
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After stitching down the zipper, flip the pocket over, so the wrong side of the pocket is against the right side of the bag front. Pin the bottom edge of the pocket to the bottom of the purse front. (Trim off any excess fabric, so the edges are even). Baste along the sides and bottom of the pocket. <br />
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Apply the zipper to the top of the bag front and back. Clean finish the top edges, fold under 3/8" and press.<br />
Lay the zipper right side up, and place the bag front and back on top of the zipper tape, wrong side down, the right sides of bag facing up. Align the edges of the bag so they are even, and carefully pin the bag fronts to the zipper tape, making sure the zipper tab is at least 1/2" from the side of the bag. (A glue stick on the zipper tape or a skinny fusible like Steam a Seam would come in handy here, but a lot of pins will do the job as well.) Top stitch the zipper to the bag front and back using the zipper foot on your machine. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoM0sHSwE8c/U0oQhFaPI5I/AAAAAAAABeY/l5NNQlHtZvo/s1600/March+photos+plus+Mo+trip+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XoM0sHSwE8c/U0oQhFaPI5I/AAAAAAAABeY/l5NNQlHtZvo/s1600/March+photos+plus+Mo+trip+010.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The zipper is pinned in place, ready for top stitching. Note that the zipper pulls are 1/2" from the side edge of the bag are facing the same direction. All of the zippers will open left to right when the bag is finished. </td></tr>
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Before you sew the bag together, you need to create the hanging strap on the back of the bag. If you are using nylon webbing, cut two pieces 2" long. I use a candle to melt the ends of the webbing so they don't fray. Carefully hold the webbing about an inch away from the flame for about 10 seconds. Don't touch the webbing until it cools -- it will burn you when it is hot! Do this for all cut edges of nylon webbing. You can use Fray Check on cotton webbing to keep it from fraying. <br />
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Draw a placement line 1 1/2" below the zipper on the purse back. Fold the 2" tab of webbing in half and slip a D ring into the fold. Pin the tab just below the placement line, one inch from each side edge. Baste in place.<br />
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Cut one 8 1/2" piece of webbing and pin along the placement line. Top stitch a scant 1/4" from both edges of the 8 1/2" strip to secure the D ring tabs in place. <br />
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Now you are ready to sew the sides of the bag together. VERY IMPORTANT: un-zip the top zipper half way before you pin and sew the sides of the bag, otherwise you'll have difficulty turning it right side out. Pin the purse front to the back, right sides together, aligning the bottom edges and side seams. Use a 3/8" seam allowance. If you used 9" zippers, be careful when stitching over the ends. After sewing the side seams, you can trim the zipper ends from inside the bag. Turn bag right side out.<br />
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Create a strap using the remaining 1" webbing by stitching it to two swivel clasps. <br />
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It's finished! This is just the right size for an e-reader, a wallet, cellphone, and a few essentials. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-54273028440572862812014-03-31T22:04:00.002-07:002014-03-31T22:04:49.363-07:00Get Off the Interstate...Small Town America is Waiting for You!I live on the East Coast, very near the 7th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the country. Yes, that's Philadelphia. And while I've come to enjoy living there, I miss the open spaces and small towns of the Midwest. <br />
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I'll admit it -- I'm a Missouri girl. What does that mean? It means that I appreciate a freshly-plowed farm, the clack-clack-clack of a freight train rolling down the tracks, and the quirky small towns found on the back roads that don't have names or numbers, but letters to identify them. <br />
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Today I drove to one such small town on a quest to find my maternal great-great grandfather's grave. Eli Reno was buried on his farm, just south of Chester, Illinois, a stone's throw from the Mississippi River. It's about two hours south of St. Louis. Some distant relative that I still haven't been able to place in the family tree found his grave site, as well as those of a daughter, son-in-law and grandson, back in the 1970's. She gave me a few clues to follow in a letter sent to my mother back then. About four years ago, a Randolph County, Illinois, historian helped me locate the farm my great-great grandfather owned. She had been to the burial place and found the other headstones, but didn't find Eli's. She surmised that it had fallen over and become buried in soil or under the native grasses. She suggested that I return in the winter or early spring, before the fields were planted and the grasses started to grow, and that I bring along some tools to find it. <br />
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I packed my car with a hoe, gloves, a cold drink, my notebook and a camera. I headed down the interstate, but soon got off on Highway 61, then onto Highway H toward Perry County, Missouri. I drove over the two-lane Chester bridge on Highway 51 into town and stopped at the Visitor's Center. I was greeted by this:<br />
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For those of you in your 50's, you'll recognize Popeye, a cartoon character that first appeared in 1929 in the "Thimble Theater" comic strip. Popeye, the strong, hardworking sailorman, soon became the 'star' of the strip. <br />
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Popeye, and all of his cartoon friends, were created by Elzie Crisler Segar, born in Chester in 1894, just a year after my grandmother. They probably went to the same one-room schoolhouse as children. Elzie took a mail order cartoon course, then moved to Chicago before breaking into the comics. It's said that he based some of his characters on people he knew from Chester.<br />
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The city has embraced his legacy, and is erecting statues of his beloved characters all over the town. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea and Eugene, near the Randolph County Courthouse</td></tr>
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The Annual Popeye Picnic is held on the weekend following Labor Day every year (<a href="http://www.popeyepicnic.com/">www.popeyepicnic.com</a>). The three-day event is filled with attractions and entertainment for all ages. A new Popeye Character Trail statue has been unveiled annually since 2006. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wimpy's statue is near the Popeye Museum.</td></tr>
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This is why I love the back roads of our country -- you'll never know what interesting things you find in the small little towns where people settled 150 years ago. It's fun to drive through downtown areas and see how life used to be. It's interesting to visit local historical homes or museums, or talk to the people who to genealogical research, who are familiar with your family surname and can tell you stories about the town and its people.<br />
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Back to my quest. I found the Reno homestead, which is still being farmed some 150 years later. However, the tree stump that was my landmark in the field was gone. And after trudging around in the field for nearly two hours, I concluded that the headstones were also missing. This is unusual, because most farmers are respectful of family burial plots and will plow around them. I have the telephone number of the owner of the property -- his neighbor was kind enough to call him and ask for permission for me to hike around, and the owner thought the gravestones were still in the field. I'm hoping to talk to him soon and see if he can find them or at least talk to the man who is farming the land and see what happened to them. At first, I was a little distressed, but then realized that the Catholic tradition of placing ashes on the forehead at the beginning of Lent has some relevance here: remember man that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.<br />
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And, after further reflection, my ancestry quest won't end because I couldn't locate a headstone. The bigger question that has still gone unanswered is who were Eli Reno's parents? It may be one that I never answer.<br />
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And while I'm a Missouri girl, my maternal ancestors were from Illinois (by way of Ireland), and now I have a real connection with this little town off the beaten path. (And I'll have spinach salad in tribute to its native son!) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-5615930300992096652014-03-03T18:20:00.000-08:002014-03-03T18:20:06.418-08:00From Old Sweater to Trendy HandbagI'm jumping onto the bandwagon of recycling old wool sweaters into felt, and here is my first project:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HclJ-SSKnm4/UxUlcpti7jI/AAAAAAAABcY/u_lyWqTuUKU/s1600/felted+wool+purse+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HclJ-SSKnm4/UxUlcpti7jI/AAAAAAAABcY/u_lyWqTuUKU/s1600/felted+wool+purse+017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felted wool purse, with a leather strap and floral print lining.</td></tr>
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My friend Sherrie hooked me up with the Salvation Army store about five miles from my house, where every Wednesday is "Half-Price Day." So the $3.99 sweaters I found there cost me just two bucks each! (It's also been a gold mine of leather that I'm recycling into other things...and just wait until you see my latest t-shirt quilt project, made from 50 cent tees!)<br />
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The key to felting sweaters is to be absolutely sure they are 100 percent wool -- no nylon, no acrylic, no rabbit fur, no cotton -- just 100 percent wool. Garments are required to be labeled with the content of the fabric, but if you happen to come across one that isn't labeled, leave it on the rack. It isn't worth your time or money. Brands like LLBean, Land's End and Woolrich make wool sweaters, but always check the label. Crew necks and cardigan sweaters will yield the most felted wool...don't forget to look in the men's department for larger sizes!<br />
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Some sweaters will felt quicker than others but overall, it's an easy process. Set your top-loading* washing machine to the hottest water temperature and add about 1/4 cup of inexpensive shampoo or laundry soap like Ivory Snow (but not detergent). Use a long wash cycle; when finished, throw the sweater into the dryer on high heat until it is just damp. Check and see if it is sufficiently felted -- shrunken to about half its original size and the fabric is about 1/4" thick. If not, repeat the wash and dry cycle one (or two) more times. Remove it from the dryer while it is still damp, pat it flat, and allow it to finish air drying. (*I tried this in my front-loading washer, it is didn't do well, so I made a run to the local laundromat. The agitator is the key to felting.) <br />
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When the sweater is completely dry, cut it apart along the seams. Then it's ready to turn into something fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f08nYQrz1cU/UxUlJekNwqI/AAAAAAAABbI/7Icd_LhHas4/s1600/felted+wool+purse+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f08nYQrz1cU/UxUlJekNwqI/AAAAAAAABbI/7Icd_LhHas4/s1600/felted+wool+purse+002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sleeves, cut apart along the seam lines.</td></tr>
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This handbag pattern was in <u>Sewing Basket Fun</u>, edited by Barbara Weiland (House of White Birches, 2005). Designer Lucy Gray made the pattern 12" by 7.5", but I enlarged it a bit to 14" by 8.5". I cut a rectangle that size from pattern material and rounded the four corners for the purse back/flap piece. I needed a gusset strip 3" wide by 21" long, but had to piece it because I didn't have a long enough piece of fabric. After cutting those pieces, I folded the back/flap pattern in half to cut a purse front (7" by 8.5"). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmZnO9fj_5s/UxUlIDR0x_I/AAAAAAAABa4/tywvxAOrE1s/s1600/felted+wool+purse+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmZnO9fj_5s/UxUlIDR0x_I/AAAAAAAABa4/tywvxAOrE1s/s1600/felted+wool+purse+001.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The purse pieces, cut from felt: one back/flap, one front and two 3" strips to make a 21" long gusset.</td></tr>
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From a half-yard of coordinating floral print fabric, I cut out all three pieces for the lining. With the remaining fabric, I cut three 2" wide bias strips. I sewed them together to create one long piece, then pressed it in half and machine-stitched a single row of gathering stitches along the length. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wngv_BUbLdw/UxUlKaGAddI/AAAAAAAABbY/iah-s2o3hZg/s1600/felted+wool+purse+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wngv_BUbLdw/UxUlKaGAddI/AAAAAAAABbY/iah-s2o3hZg/s1600/felted+wool+purse+005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressing the bias trim in half, wrong sides together.</td></tr>
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I gathered the bias strip and pinned it into place on the inside of the flap, with about 1/2" of fabric peeking out to the right side. I basted it in place, being careful that my stitching didn't show through on the right side of the felt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnptWCLFLPw/UxUlLfdPbYI/AAAAAAAABbg/1CuGlnjfnuE/s1600/felted+wool+purse+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnptWCLFLPw/UxUlLfdPbYI/AAAAAAAABbg/1CuGlnjfnuE/s1600/felted+wool+purse+006.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruffle, pinned in place along the inside of the flap.</td></tr>
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With wrong sides together, using a 3/8" seam allowance, I stitched the gusset to the back and front of the purse. Because I'm using felt, I don't have to worry about the cut sides fraying, and thought having the seam allowance exposed looked cute.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FDzBd0xBis/UxUlJvNlnXI/AAAAAAAABbM/kQoPJ8cphEM/s1600/felted+wool+purse+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FDzBd0xBis/UxUlJvNlnXI/AAAAAAAABbM/kQoPJ8cphEM/s1600/felted+wool+purse+004.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing 'wrong sides together' leaves the seam allowances on the outside of the purse.</td></tr>
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I decided to add a piece of plastic canvas to the gusset inside, so the bag wouldn't be floppy and could stand on its own. I cut it 2" wide and 20" long. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the plastic canvas inserted into the bag, it can stand by itself.</td></tr>
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I sewed together the lining pieces using 1/2" seam allowances, and slipped the lining inside the purse, wrong sides together, to check the fit. I removed the lining and pressed under the raw edges all around about 1/4", so it would lie a scant 1/4" below the edges of the purse. <br />
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I slipped the lining back into the bag and pinned it all around the purse edges, then top-stitched it into place, leaving a 2" opening on the flap and around the purse top. (Note: the book instructions called for the lining to be hand-sewn into the purse, but I really wanted it to be secure, so I decided to top-stitch it. If I make another, I may hand-sew it.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGNP05-LDio/UxUlTX51MpI/AAAAAAAABcA/gmUVIDXnIv4/s1600/felted+wool+purse+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGNP05-LDio/UxUlTX51MpI/AAAAAAAABcA/gmUVIDXnIv4/s1600/felted+wool+purse+011.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut plastic to back the snap closures.</td></tr>
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Now it was time to insert a magnetic snap. After marking the center point of the flap, I marked where to cut two tiny slits in the fabric, and then slipped the 'male' part of the snap into place. I backed it with the accompanying ring, then added a 1" x 2" piece of thin plastic, to reinforce the snap. After bending the prongs down, I glued a piece of batting over the whole set-up. I repeated the procedure for the 'female' side of the snap, then whip-stitched the opening in the lining closed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nwlbai3BlM/UxUlU_lhigI/AAAAAAAABcI/-jtw7w1PE9c/s1600/felted+wool+purse+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nwlbai3BlM/UxUlU_lhigI/AAAAAAAABcI/-jtw7w1PE9c/s1600/felted+wool+purse+012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place the 'male' snap on the flap, then mark the spot for the female snap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The directions suggest using a recycled strap taken from an old purse, but I had some dusty blue suede from a jacket I had recycled, and decided to make my own strap. It needed to be about 30 inches long, so I sewed a few pieces together to give me the correct length, then sewed two straps, right sides together, along each side. The strap was attached to the purse with 'D' rings. <br />
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<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-soSc45SZZwE/UxUlYHHGUxI/AAAAAAAABcQ/pQflGFsUFgg/s1600/felted+wool+purse+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-soSc45SZZwE/UxUlYHHGUxI/AAAAAAAABcQ/pQflGFsUFgg/s1600/felted+wool+purse+014.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1 inch wide strips of blue suede were sewn together to create a strap for the purse. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really loved this sweater, which was from Land's End, because even though it was made of wool, it had bright, spring-like colors in it. The floral print, which I found at JoAnn Fabrics, coordinated perfectly. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. However, if you are a beginner, I'd skip the ruffle trim...it made a seemingly simple project much harder. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpO_jqSKKSY/UxU3FXKKtTI/AAAAAAAABck/_EoiBdMfOLE/s1600/felted+wool+purse+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpO_jqSKKSY/UxU3FXKKtTI/AAAAAAAABck/_EoiBdMfOLE/s1600/felted+wool+purse+015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy sewing!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-58889636414953594892014-03-01T14:32:00.000-08:002014-03-01T14:32:54.283-08:00Cute Baby Quilts Don't Have to Be HardMy nieces are having babies so fast, it's hard to keep up with them! <br />
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Case in point...three were pregnant at the same time -- one due in December, one in March and the third in May!<br />
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My custom is to make a baby quilt for each new great-niece or -nephew, but as my niece Gina's shower got closer, I hadn't yet started a blanket for her baby! But I <u style="font-weight: bold;">had</u> everything I needed...my daughter helped me pick out the fabrics on our trip to Maine last summer.<br />
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We stopped in Belfast to pop in on <i>Fiddlehead Artisan Supply</i>, located at 159 High Street. What a cute shop -- bright and colorful, with lots of projects on display! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_7KCNUA3As/UxJY8zxgX5I/AAAAAAAABaU/En8cBEjsr4A/s1600/Maine,+Tues+thru+Thurs+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_7KCNUA3As/UxJY8zxgX5I/AAAAAAAABaU/En8cBEjsr4A/s1600/Maine,+Tues+thru+Thurs+027.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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In the window, we saw a cute panel by Robert Kaufman fabrics called "Bright and Buzzy." It was designed by Laurie Wisbrun (screen print D #13774 <a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/">www.robertkaufman.com</a>). Kaitlin thought is would be perfect for Gina's baby -- she's a doctor and her husband is a teacher. My daughter picked out a bright yellow print for the back and a small green print for the binding...her first foray into selecting coordinating fabrics for a quilt. She did a great job!<br />
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Panels are pretty easy to work with, but I try to put my own little twist on them. After layering the panel over it's backing and batting, I decided to stitch around the printed 'blocks.' Using a water-soluable blue marking pen, I drew stitching lines between the alphabet prints. <br />
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<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dU_5EylGeVQ/UxJZKG30vuI/AAAAAAAABag/y8TJvSP2gkE/s1600/gina%2527s+quilts+and+rubber+stamp+art+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dU_5EylGeVQ/UxJZKG30vuI/AAAAAAAABag/y8TJvSP2gkE/s1600/gina%2527s+quilts+and+rubber+stamp+art+001.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added curves to my stitching lines to mimic the shape of the pre-printed 'blocks.'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Generally, it is suggested that quilting stitches be within 6-8 inches of each other, to hold the batting in place during use and laundering. The overall stitching in some areas of the quilt was much bigger than that, so I decided to add detailing within some of the blocks. For instance, I drew an outline around the apple, then stitched it with my sewing machine. <br />
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<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTP4H5--3S0/UxJZMwlTQ_I/AAAAAAAABao/i3T_jwQUkiU/s1600/gina%2527s+quilts+and+rubber+stamp+art+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTP4H5--3S0/UxJZMwlTQ_I/AAAAAAAABao/i3T_jwQUkiU/s1600/gina%2527s+quilts+and+rubber+stamp+art+002.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safety pins hold the 'quilt sandwich' together while I do the stitching.</td></tr>
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I did this for about eight letters. To finish up, I added a narrow binding using the green print, and stitched it down by hand. <br />
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Everyone at the shower said the blanket was very cute, but I think my great-nephew is cuter!!<br />
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<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;"><img alt="Photo: Thank you for the beautiful blanket Aunt Renee!! We love it!" height="640" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/p403x403/1779256_10152295412147259_598633737_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Griffin gets some floor time on his quilt.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-4335426709114355462014-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:002014-02-20T06:00:00.741-08:00Peyote ProjectPeyote stitch is an old, off-loom bead weaving technique that takes a little time to get, but generates amazing results. Beaders much more experienced in peyote stitch than I use it for complex jewelry and covering sculpture to create one of a kind pieces of art. <br />
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I saw a simple project in the June/July '13 Beadwork magazine designed by Pamela Kearns that I decided to try. It incorporates a small piece of odd-count flat peyote stitch work, plus licorice leather, a relatively new product to the beading and jewelry market. <br />
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After a few fits and starts, here's the finished piece:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnaxnFUqWBE/UwK3zdfzW1I/AAAAAAAABZg/bKtVw17bJgE/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mnaxnFUqWBE/UwK3zdfzW1I/AAAAAAAABZg/bKtVw17bJgE/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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While the instructions in the magazine call for two smaller peyote pieces, I decided I wanted to go wider. I found a great website that helped me design my own zigzag pattern. While I wouldn't consider myself an expert in peyote stitch, here's how I made my bracelet.<br />
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I used two colors of size 11 seed beads, a size 10 beading needle and about 2 yards of Crystal Fireline, size D, a nylon braided beading thread that is ideal for bead stitching.<br />
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After a trial run, I determined that I needed 32 rows of stitching to fit snugly around the licorice leather. <br />
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I put a stopper bead on my Fireline (threading it on, moving it to within 6 inches of the end of the cord, and putting the needle back through the bead to create a 'slip' knot.)<br />
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<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5xieteGNqs/UwK35w1akGI/AAAAAAAABaI/HZ6_L_q9N6o/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5xieteGNqs/UwK35w1akGI/AAAAAAAABaI/HZ6_L_q9N6o/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+001.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To make a bead stopper, pass the needle through the bead in the same direction twice, then pull up the slack. Leave about 6 inches of thread to weave into your work when you are finished.</td></tr>
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To being peyote stitch, you thread on the first <u style="font-weight: bold;">two</u> rows of beads. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSqbi2S5X64/UwKr7Sg-c1I/AAAAAAAABYw/PqnnlNHSW3c/s1600/peyote+rows+1+and+2+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSqbi2S5X64/UwKr7Sg-c1I/AAAAAAAABYw/PqnnlNHSW3c/s1600/peyote+rows+1+and+2+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" height="191" width="400" /></a></div>
In this case, string on: 2 red, 5 yellow, 3 red, 5 yellow 2 red. You have one string of 17 beads, with the needle on the right. <br />
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<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/-iSM_s3NttWk/UwK34pAjhHI/AAAAAAAABaA/Jfzm8dhajjA/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSM_s3NttWk/UwK34pAjhHI/AAAAAAAABaA/Jfzm8dhajjA/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These 17 beads will make up rows 1 and 2 of odd count peyote stitch.</td></tr>
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For Row 3, now working from right to left: string on 1 red, skip the last bead in the previous row (in the diagram it's the last red bead numbered 1 on the right), and pass the needle through the next bead (in this case, the first red bead on the right in Row 2). Pick up 1 red, skip the next bead, and pass through the next bead (in this case, the first yellow bead from the right in Row 2). Continue on, picking up and skipping a bead, and passing through the next bead, following this pattern:<br />
1 yellow, 3 red, 1 yellow, 2 red to complete Row 3. <br />
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<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnKRTua6mSk/UwKr-HctXII/AAAAAAAABY4/SnBku3245DI/s1600/peyote+row+3+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnKRTua6mSk/UwKr-HctXII/AAAAAAAABY4/SnBku3245DI/s1600/peyote+row+3+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" height="191" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work row three from right to left.</td></tr>
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At the end of Row 3, pull the beads snug, and tie a square knot with your working thread and the tail; pass the needle back through the last bead, now heading from left to right. Your work may look a little wonky at this point, but don't worry...as you add Rows 4 and 5, it will begin to straighten out. <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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-ESHT5Wmq0/UwK33CjwiXI/AAAAAAAABZ8/LnoJXZueCBg/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-ESHT5Wmq0/UwK33CjwiXI/AAAAAAAABZ8/LnoJXZueCBg/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+003.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half-way through adding row three, you can see that every other bead starts to 'pop up'. </td></tr>
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Row 4 is 9 red. Every other bead in Row 3 should be sitting a little higher than the bead in Row 2. As you add each bead in Row 4, pass the needle through the bead that is popped up from Row 3, so they nestle together. <br />
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<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/-T1xm2ocZLOE/UwKsBw3p4zI/AAAAAAAABZA/c4GD_SNvUPc/s1600/peyote+row+4+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T1xm2ocZLOE/UwKsBw3p4zI/AAAAAAAABZA/c4GD_SNvUPc/s1600/peyote+row+4+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" height="153" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add row 4 beads from left to right.</td></tr>
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For Row 5, working right to left: pick up 1 yellow, pass through the last red on Row 4, then add 3 red, 1 yellow, 3 red, and 1 yellow to finish the row, passing the needle through every bead in Row 4.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiVNNj0Xlhg/UwKsFL0MY0I/AAAAAAAABZI/mymRv4IdPz8/s1600/peyote+row+5+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiVNNj0Xlhg/UwKsFL0MY0I/AAAAAAAABZI/mymRv4IdPz8/s1600/peyote+row+5+with+numbers+%25282%2529.jpg" height="184" width="320" /></a></div>
At the end of Row 5, you can do a 'figure eight turnaround' by passing the needle back through the red 4, red 3 and yellow 2 on the diagonal, then pass through the red 2, up to the red 3 on the diagonal, and from the outside, pass the needle back through the last 5, so you're in position to continue with Row 6. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSY6PYOqsz8/UwK30tlx5BI/AAAAAAAABZo/T575mSgqwN4/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSY6PYOqsz8/UwK30tlx5BI/AAAAAAAABZo/T575mSgqwN4/s1600/peyote+stitch+bracelet+005.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To turn around at the end of each odd row, pass the needle diagonally through three beads below the last bead, then work the needle back to the outside edge of the last bead in the row. Pass through the last bead so your needle is in position to do the next even row. The thread path will make a figure 8. </td></tr>
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Do this figure 8 turnaround at the end of the odd rows. The pattern for the rest of the zigzag is as follows:<br />
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Row 6: 1 yellow, 2 red, 2 yellow, 2 red, 1 yellow<br />
Row 7: 2 yellow, 1 red, 3 yellow, 1 red, 2 yellow<br />
Row 8: 9 yellow<br />
Row 9: 1 red, 3 yellow, 1 red, 3 yellow, 1 red<br />
Row 10: 1 red, 2 yellow, 2 red, 2 yellow, 1 red<br />
Row 11: 2 red, 1 yellow, 3 red, 1 yellow, 2 red<br />
Row 12: 9 red<br />
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The pattern for Row 13 is the same as Row 5, and so on. Repeat the patterns for Row 5 through Row 12 to continue the design, until you get the length you desire.<br />
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To fit around my piece of licorice leather, I needed 32 rows...my last row was 9 yellow. At that point, I folded my work in half, and 'zippered' the two ends together by stitching them back and forth to create a tube. Once the tube of peyote stitching was closed, I buried my thread tails by working the needle through several beads. I used a Thread Zap II by singe the end of the threads, instead of tying a bulky knot. <br />
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You may want to check the length of your work against your leather as you go...remember that you want the peyote tube to fit snugly on the leather. You may need to add or subtract rows to fit your leather.<br />
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I finished my bracelet by adding two Regaliz Slice Spacer beads and a Regaliz magnetic clasp designed for the licorice leather. I used a bit of super glue to hold the spacer beads into place and the attach the clasp to the leather.<br />
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If you can't find licorice leather, or just really like the zigzag pattern, you can make your piece of flat peyote long enough for a bracelet. You probably will need to add more thread...just start weaving a new piece through the middle of your work until you get the needle into the position to continue stitching. I rarely tie knots in bead work, I just weave in a new piece of thread and continue on. The best clasp for this type of bracelet is the sliding bar clasp.<br />
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<a href="https://sp3.yimg.com/ib/th?id=H.5057801979890231&pid=15.1&w=126&h=126&p=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gold Plated Slide Bar Clasp - 4 Strand" border="0" class="thm" data-pos="1" height="126" id="yui_3_10_0_1_1392688489743_455" src="https://sp3.yimg.com/ib/th?id=H.5057801979890231&pid=15.1&w=126&h=126&p=0" width="126" /></a></div>
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A really great source for Regaliz findings and licorice leather is Goody Beads (<a href="http://www.goodybeads.com/">www.goodybeads.com</a>). Their prices were among the best I could find. They also carry the Thread Zap II. </div>
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I'm so happy with the end result, it was worth all of the missteps to get there. I'm not sure I'll make another...the materials ran about $25, but I think it's worth at least double that! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-90492970004869529592014-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:002014-02-19T06:00:04.507-08:00The Wedding Season is Fast ApproachingYes, even with all of the snow, the wedding season is fast approaching. For 2014 alone, we've received five 'save the date' cards. And my oldest nephew proposed to his girlfriend just a week ago, but I think that wedding won't be until 2015. Whew!<br />
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So, I've been invited to a bridal shower in mid-March, with a 'high tea' theme. I wanted to create a card with a Victorian feel, and found the perfect image among my Valentine's stamps.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HuXBr1Hy0fQ/UwJNUZm167I/AAAAAAAABXk/J5ZO_qw8ip4/s1600/valentine+and+wedding+cards+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HuXBr1Hy0fQ/UwJNUZm167I/AAAAAAAABXk/J5ZO_qw8ip4/s1600/valentine+and+wedding+cards+014.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The two cherubs with the heart is an older stamp by Personal Stamp Exchange (PSX). But I think what makes this card beautiful is the coloring, and I wanted to explain how this was done.<br />
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Prismacolor pencils are among my favorites coloring tools. I started with a basic kit of 24 pencils, then added about a dozen more colors to allow for depth and shading. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snVzLm6m1r4/UwJNjZlgw-I/AAAAAAAABYU/YjW3IF3R0wg/s1600/valentine+and+wedding+cards+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snVzLm6m1r4/UwJNjZlgw-I/AAAAAAAABYU/YjW3IF3R0wg/s1600/valentine+and+wedding+cards+020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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For instance, the cherubs are colored with two pencils, Light Peach (PC927) and Peach (PC939). But I want you to focus on the small rose, below. I started with Orange (PC918) in the center.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t41MlJOHJkg/UwJNYbeEhvI/AAAAAAAABXs/Uvh1wnN7COY/s1600/valentine+and+wedding+cards+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t41MlJOHJkg/UwJNYbeEhvI/AAAAAAAABXs/Uvh1wnN7COY/s1600/valentine+and+wedding+cards+015.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I added Poppy Red (PC922) to the petals closest to the center.<br />
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The outer petals are colored with Crimson Red (PC924).<br />
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Although I use a small, circular motion to color in the design, you can see the pencil lines. To smooth this away, blend and brighten the colors, I use a product called Gamsol and paper stubs. Gamsol is odorless mineral spirits. It drys quickly and doesn't mar the cardstock. It blends the waxy color of the pencils and blurs the lines. Gamsol generally is available at art supply stores, but the little bottle, below, is packaged by Inky Antics (<a href="http://www.inkyantics.com/">www.<b id="yui_3_10_0_1_1392661248770_455">inkyantics</b>.com</a>). Paper stubs are also available from their website or at art supply stores.<br />
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Can you see the difference between the roses before and after using Gamsol to blend the colors? It softens the pencil edges, but makes the colors brighter at the same time.<br />
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I finished coloring the entire image and added a little sparkle to the cherubs' wings with a Gelly Roll clear star pen. Onto a pink 5" x 7" card, I mounted a piece of fuchsia paper, then cut an oval from a pattern paper. I mounted the image behind the oval frame and adhered it to the card. Vellum was the perfect paper for the 'Love' stamp, so the design could be seen through it. I added a self-adhesive metallic heart to the greeting for a bit of dimension.<br />
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The couple lives in California, but the shower is in Pennsylvania, so it was recommended that we give gift cards for their registry stores instead of a package that will have to be shipped. <br />
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At the last rubber stamp show I went to, Endless Creations (<a href="http://www.shopec.com/">www.shopec.com</a>) had a set of 'gift card' stamps. These little coin envelopes were in my stash, and they are the perfect size for a gift card (2 1/4" x 3 1/2"). I used Stampin' Up Baroque Burgundy ink and a little cherub to customize the envelope. I'll enclose it in my card for the shower. <br />
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Now I need to set aside some time to make the wedding cards for the upcoming nuptials!<br />
At least I'm think about spring!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-86589948503375459912014-02-17T09:52:00.000-08:002014-02-17T09:52:18.249-08:00Valentine GreetingsWell, Christmas came and went before I had an opportunity to address and sign holiday greetings for our friends and family, so I decided to make up some Valentines to send out instead.<br />
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I had about 50 cards to make, so they needed to be quick and easy. I haven't done any rubber stamping in a while, so it was fun to pull out all of my supplies. <br />
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First, the paper, including printed Valentine's paper I bought last month, vellum, and mulberry paper, which looks great behind a mounted image.<br />
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Inks are next...and I didn't just stick to pinks and reds. Violet plays a role in Valentine cardmaking, too. And of course, a good black ink (Archival Jet Black by Ranger) and Versamark for embossing.<br />
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I have a box of stamped images that are left over from other projects and I searched through those for any images I could use. And I dug through my boxes of embellishments to add some dimension to the cards, and I found a couple of stencils (lifted from store-bought cards) that I could use.<br />
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Can't do much without scissors and adhesives!<br />
In addition to straight and decorative scissors, most of my cutting is done with a paper cutter. The water-filled paint brush is great for coloring in designs using ink from the pads -- an added bonus is that is matches perfectly! Judi-Kins duster brushes and a round sponge also come in handy for adding color to an image or the edges of cardstock.<br />
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My favorite adhesives are Tombow tape runner, Scrapbook Adhesives' vellum E-Z Runner and foam tape.<br />
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A long time ago, I needed an easy, space saving way to store my rubber stamps, and my local pizza place came through for me. They gave me several new, clean boxes, which allowed me to sort the stamps by type -- specific holidays, background, greetings, etc. It sure makes things easy to pull just one box of stamps out to work on my cards!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of my Hearts and Valentines stamps in one box -- easy-peasy!</td></tr>
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I made several of this first card, using a series of 'conversation' hearts stamps. After stamping them in a row (both vertically and horizontally) on white cardstock, they looked a little flat. So I used Inkssentials Glossy Accents, applied directly over the image, to add some shine and dimension to one heart in the row. After drying for a couple of hours, I layered the panel with some scalloped die-cut paper onto a card.<br />
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The 'rule of thirds' takes a role in this card.<br />
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Dividing the card in thirds makes it visually appealing. In this case, the patterned paper takes up two-thirds of the card and the greeting takes up the top third. A few stick-on crystals and pearls add a little bling.<br />
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The heart background paper in this next card looked very much like a stamp I had.<br />
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I stamped and embossed the image with red embossing powder on white cardstock, then trimmed it carefully following the outline of the heart. The greeting was stamped on vellum. <br />
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This next card used the same stamp, but I trimmed around the center heart. I really wanted the Valentine's paper to take center stage. <br />
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I managed to create a few more designs, but they were in envelopes and sealed when I started taking pictures. My goal was to get them in the mail on Tuesday, February 11, but then a big snowstorm hit! Hopefully, even if they are late, these little greetings will be a welcome break from the weather!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy, chocolate-y bread pudding, fresh out of the oven!</td></tr>
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My daughter was home for a visit several days ago, and we decided to use up a partial loaf of French bread to make Double Chocolate Bread Pudding. This recipe appeared years ago in Good Housekeeping magazine at the request from a reader who had this delicious dessert at the Red Fish Grill in New Orleans. It isn't hard to make, but does take a bit of time. Gather the following ingredients:<br />
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2 cups of heavy cream<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
1/4 cup milk<br />
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chips or a chopped bar)<br />
2 large eggs, lightly beaten<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
about 6 ounces day-old French bread<br />
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
whipped cream or Cool Whip and hot fudge sauce (optional)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The recipe calls for simple ingredients.</td></tr>
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Begin by cutting day-old French bread into 1 inch cubes. Place in a 1 1/2 quart or 8" x 8" glass baking dish.<br />
(My glass dish is 8" x 10")<br />
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Next, mix the cream, sugar and milk into a heavy 2 quart saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Whisk in 6 ounces of chocolate until mixture is smooth and chocolate is melted. Gradually whisk in eggs and vanilla until well combined. (It's important to take your time adding the eggs...if you pour them in too fast, they will clump together instead of blend with the other ingredients.) <br />
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Pour mixture over the bread cubes and stir to coat the bread evenly. Cover and place baking dish into the refrigerator for 30 minutes, stirring two or three times. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stir a few times, so the bread sops up the pudding mixture.</td></tr>
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Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Top the bread mixture with 1/4 cup chocolate chips, and bake in oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until pudding is set.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle on some chocolate chips just before baking.</td></tr>
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Cool 10 minutes to serve warm, or cover and refrigerate to serve cold later. Top with whipped cream and for a little extra decadence, drizzle with hot fudge sauce.<br />
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Simply delicious!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-60522602787377800302014-01-17T11:10:00.000-08:002014-01-17T11:10:09.621-08:00Zippity Do Dah!What to do with hundreds of zippers??<br />
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Here's one idea:<br />
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Yes, it's a luggage tag, made with a recycled zipper and recycled leather! <br />
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Back to the zippers...my friend, Sherrie, had received a VERY large donation of sewing supplies, fabric and notions, and sorted it all our for our local American Sewing Guild. I was away from home at the time, but she offered to set aside a few things for me. Instead of picking through the zippers, she gave me the whole bag of them -- 337 in all colors and sizes!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new zipper stash, sorted by size.</td></tr>
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So, I've been looking for projects to make with my newly acquired craft material.<br />
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While in Missouri last fall, my niece sought my help in crafting some leather luggage tags that she wanted to make for Christmas gifts. A quick trip to the Goodwill store yielded the leather in the form of a skirt, a women's blazer and a large purse. When we were finished, she had 13 luggage tags and a few people scratched off her gift list.<br />
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Her project motivated me to make a few luggage tags and I was inspired further by the tiny zippers in this collection.<br />
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A red Wilson jacket (that cost me $20 at the thrift store) was the perfect weight for my tags. When recycling leather garments, I found it best to start by deconstructing them. Using my scissors, I cut the jacket apart along the seam lines, trimming out the lining as I went.<br />
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Depending on the style of the garment, you can end up with some pretty large pieces of leather! Also, some of the design elements of the garment can be left in tact and incorporated into something else (like the flat-felled pocket on the right (above) may become the top of a clutch?) <br />
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Using my rotary cutter and ruler, I cut two pieces, and sewed the zipper to them.<br />
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Sewing leather is not hard, but a few specialty sewing notions come in handy: first, buy a package of leather needles. They are a bit heavier and are designed to pierce the leather without breaking. Second, a Teflon-coated presser foot keeps the leather gliding along under the needle without jamming or skipping stitches. (Someone suggested covering a regular presser foot with a piece of scotch tape, but I haven't tried that.)<br />
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After inserting the zipper, I trimmed the leather to create the top of the tag.<br />
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I made a 'layer sandwich' of another piece of leather, wrong side up, a piece of heavy vinyl, and the zippered top piece, and stitched around three edges. I trimmed the bottom leather and vinyl after I stitched them in place, to be sure nothing slipped and the sides of the tag were nice and clean. <br />
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I made a little 'belt' out of another strip of leather and a buckle from my stash of recycled hardware, but needed to put a cut in the tag into which the belt would go. <br />
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Another notion, called a button-hole cutter, made quick work of that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6mpQJv-eyU/Utl2RMCGLiI/AAAAAAAABUg/IQ1srR2Dx_c/s1600/Tshirt+quilt+and+other+Dec.+projects+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6mpQJv-eyU/Utl2RMCGLiI/AAAAAAAABUg/IQ1srR2Dx_c/s1600/Tshirt+quilt+and+other+Dec.+projects+027.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wood block under the leather protects your table when using a button-hole cutter.</td></tr>
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When the tag is unzipped, you can slip a business card or a piece of paper with your name and address under the vinyl piece. The zipper helps protect your identity from prying eyes. I especially liked the bright color -- it makes it easy to identify your bags in the airport.<br />
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I just couldn't help myself when I saw a lavender leather jacket (clearly for a woman!) for about $12 at another thrift shop. And I couldn't stop making more luggage tags...what a great gift!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBQ7kvacK-Q/Utl1rxH-F8I/AAAAAAAABTw/AXvULEoF0xs/s1600/nov+and+dec+2013+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBQ7kvacK-Q/Utl1rxH-F8I/AAAAAAAABTw/AXvULEoF0xs/s1600/nov+and+dec+2013+020.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two different styles of luggage tag made from lavender leather.</td></tr>
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Check back later...I have a lot more leather and zippers, and I'm hoping to come up with more ideas how to use them, alone or together!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-21936583296431519422014-01-16T11:50:00.001-08:002014-01-16T11:50:54.087-08:00From Pinterest to my Dining Room Table<br />
I can't be the only person who spends time browsing through Pinterest and saving pins that I'd like to try someday. But I wonder how many people go back to their pin boards and actually try a recipe, recreate a craft or re-purpose a piece of furniture that inspired them. When I'm looking for something fun to do, I open my Pinterest board and pick something. Here's what I finished today:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElevGNopEu0/UtgsUCJA8KI/AAAAAAAABSo/kIjg6HcE04I/s1600/doily+finished+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElevGNopEu0/UtgsUCJA8KI/AAAAAAAABSo/kIjg6HcE04I/s1600/doily+finished+004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vintage doily table runner with my mother-in-law's antique aluminum tea pot filled with pink tea roses.</td></tr>
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A similar doily table runner has been on Pinterest since 2010. An article appeared on the Country Living website about how to use vintage doilies for decorating, and the original pinner thought was neat -- and I do, too!<br />
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I have been collecting vintage linens and laces for about 20 years, so I knew I had the materials on hand to make one myself. But you can find vintage linens just about anywhere...at thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales. Most are not too expensive, but larger pieces can run several dollars. <br />
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I pulled out my bin of vintage lines and began to dig through it for some doilies that could work for this project. Some of my stuff is stained, cut into small pieces or lengths of lace trim, so I had to be selective. I found nine that would make up a nice runner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0syeZgY3Dyc/UtgsbKxnFRI/AAAAAAAABTA/Ev2d-YnIK_c/s1600/doilies%252C+holiday+season+stuff+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0syeZgY3Dyc/UtgsbKxnFRI/AAAAAAAABTA/Ev2d-YnIK_c/s1600/doilies%252C+holiday+season+stuff+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stash has a large variety of lace, linen and trim.</td></tr>
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Over time, vintage linens will discolor or stains will mysteriously appear. I found a product at a quilt show that does a wonderful job cleaning vintage linens. It's called "Restoration" and is a powder that you mix with water. Restoration is color safe, fabric safe, environmentally safe and an excellent deodorizer. To remove most stains, yellowing and restore brightness and freshness, mix it with water according to the directions and soak the linens for a few hours. After soaking, remove the linens and rinse thoroughly under cool water, then lay them flat to dry. It also helps remove stains and yellowing to let linens dry in bright sunshine. Just spread a clean, white sheet or towel outside, and lay the doilies flat on top for several hours. Take the time to 'block' them into the shape they should be...round, oval, square...as neatly as possible. This will eliminate the need to iron most of the doilies later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eevNBLRnqCs/Utgscj2CbHI/AAAAAAAABTI/RqyxsHOJYW4/s1600/doilies%252C+holiday+season+stuff+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eevNBLRnqCs/Utgscj2CbHI/AAAAAAAABTI/RqyxsHOJYW4/s1600/doilies%252C+holiday+season+stuff+006.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restoration is available at <a href="http://www.kilianhardware.com/">www.kilianhardware.com</a></td></tr>
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After cleaning my doilies, I did a rough layout, moving things around until I had a pleasing arrangement. I did measure my table first for the proper length. I didn't want the doilies to hang over the edges. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdrAP_HmzqE/Utgsflea_XI/AAAAAAAABTQ/03XmO7ScNNw/s1600/doilies%252C+holiday+season+stuff+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdrAP_HmzqE/Utgsflea_XI/AAAAAAAABTQ/03XmO7ScNNw/s1600/doilies%252C+holiday+season+stuff+001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Move the doilies around until you get a nice arrangement, then pin the pieces together.</td></tr>
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I pinned the pieces and used white thread to baste the doilies together. If I ever want to use them in a different way, they can be cut apart easily. <br />
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I tried to find doilies in my stash that were different -- included in this runner are examples of crochet, Irish crochet, netting, tenerife, and bobbin lace. The color palette ranges from bright white to ivory. <br />
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This runner make a distinctive foundation for a small floral arrangement, candles, or a bowl of fruit. It looks especially sweet with vintage furniture, like my 1930's Duncan Fife dining room table. <br />
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On to the next project!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-51669129515632381542014-01-13T13:01:00.002-08:002014-01-13T13:01:17.114-08:00The Revolving Door at Our HouseOur house is quiet today...my youngest son went back for his last semester of college yesterday, my middle son started a new job today, and our house guest (of the past 7 months) moved out a week ago into his own apartment in anticipation of the new semester starting next week. <br />
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One of the projects I worked on in December was a quilted throw as a gift for him. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idY4b_eN3ew/UtRTPqObkUI/AAAAAAAABSM/OHxDqXeZKC8/s1600/nov+and+dec+2013+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-idY4b_eN3ew/UtRTPqObkUI/AAAAAAAABSM/OHxDqXeZKC8/s1600/nov+and+dec+2013+006.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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While it wouldn't qualify as high-end design, there is a little story behind it. <br />
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My son's friend, Niyi, needed a place to stay while he took a semester off of college. His mom lives in another state, but he had a good summer internship outside Philadelphia. So my d.h. and I invited him to move into our house until he returned to school. In the evenings, he would ask me to play chess or a board game. After beating me at chess in three moves, we switched to Scrabble. Two or three times a week, we'd engage in a lively game. Sometimes I won, sometimes he did. One thing I learned is that the Scrabble dictionary of acceptable words has expanded greatly in the past six or seven years, a phenomenon I attribute to "Words with Friends." <br />
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When I saw the licensed Scrabble tile print fabric at a Quilt Show, I knew I had to buy it to make something for Niyi. I bought the outer border and backing fabric at the same quilt show, but found the blue, yellow and red prints in my stash. I picked a simple block to create a border around the tile fabric. <br />
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Our friend is quite tall -- over 6 feet. I needed to make the throw a bit longer than the panel came, so I split it in half and added a piece of blue stripe fabric between the two. I had one row of tiles left over, so I incorporated them into the corner blocks.<br />
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I decided to machine quilt this myself, so after I pinned the layers together, I set up my machine with the stitch guide and quilted diagonal lines 2 1/2" apart across the throw, not including the borders.<br />
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It is just a little something to send along with our friend. I hope that he treasures it as much as I treasured our evenings playing Scrabble!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZiwylEpg8k/UtRPUjA50SI/AAAAAAAABSA/KW6eQm8LHXo/s1600/nov+and+dec+2013+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZiwylEpg8k/UtRPUjA50SI/AAAAAAAABSA/KW6eQm8LHXo/s1600/nov+and+dec+2013+010.JPG" height="320" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend Niyi at Christmas.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-18220279664718229262013-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:002013-12-31T07:00:07.752-08:00The "Burrito" Style Pillow Case Construction - Easy-Peasy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pillowcases are a fun, inexpensive and easy way to spruce up a bedroom. They also make great gifts -- the fabrics available can reflect the interests of just about anyone, and the recipient will know it was made just for them. With two of the fabrics I purchased for a master bedroom comforter, I made coordinating pillowcases. How easy will it be to make our bed? Just pull up the comforter, and fluff the pillows on top!<br />
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My friend Sherrie once asked me how to make a 'burrito-style' pillow case -- one with a 'cuff' made from a different fabric than the 'body', with no seam allowances showing where the two are sewn together. It really isn't hard to do, but I find it's easier for me to learn by seeing it done (in person or with good photos) than by reading instructions alone. So, let's see if I can teach you how to do it!<br />
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For a standard size pillow, you will need 3/4 yard (27") of the body fabric, and 1/3 yard (12") of the cuff fabric by the width of the fabric (usually 42" - 44"). I use my rotary cutter and mat to cut the fabric, to be sure the raw edges are even. (Note: cotton fabrics work best...they get softer after each washing. Pre-wash your fabric before you begin cutting to remove sizing and prevent the finished pillowcase from shrinking.)<br />
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Lay the 'cuff' fabric right side up on your work surface. Pin the 'body' fabric along the 42" width, right sides together, to the 'cuff'. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkDsNR2aV-E/UsIeMEbOcHI/AAAAAAAABQY/JYRBGER0zK0/s1600/pillowcase+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkDsNR2aV-E/UsIeMEbOcHI/AAAAAAAABQY/JYRBGER0zK0/s640/pillowcase+002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yellow fabric is the'cuff.' The print is the 'body.'</td></tr>
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Now roll the 'body' fabric from the bottom into a tube, all the way up to the pins. You will expose the right side of the cuff fabric as you get close to the pins. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0aRTlGR1Hs/UsIePCkYuoI/AAAAAAAABQs/qki4XJDkfEg/s1600/pillowcase+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0aRTlGR1Hs/UsIePCkYuoI/AAAAAAAABQs/qki4XJDkfEg/s640/pillowcase+004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roll the 'body' fabric into a tube, starting at the un-pinned end. </td></tr>
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Now, fold the free end of the 'cuff' fabric over the tube of 'body' fabric, and align all three raw edges. Pin along the 42" width, keeping the raw edges even.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkD0hE9gMBE/UsIU3UPw2lI/AAAAAAAABPw/nieNA-fEBFQ/s1600/steampunk+and+halloween+jewelry+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkD0hE9gMBE/UsIU3UPw2lI/AAAAAAAABPw/nieNA-fEBFQ/s640/steampunk+and+halloween+jewelry+007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both raw edges of the 'cuff' are even with the raw edge of the 'body', encased inside. Pin securely.</td></tr>
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You have just pinned the 'cuff' fabric right sides together, with the 'body' fabric sandwiched in between. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qunnSaTG5to/UsIXhVh092I/AAAAAAAABQA/IkKNwjvkgOE/s1600/steampunk+and+halloween+jewelry+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qunnSaTG5to/UsIXhVh092I/AAAAAAAABQA/IkKNwjvkgOE/s400/steampunk+and+halloween+jewelry+008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'cuff' is pinned and ready to sew!</td></tr>
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Stitch, using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seam flat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUbbbvvAdeo/UsIXmKpX6BI/AAAAAAAABQI/vL8owI8l8JY/s1600/fall+crafts+and+sewing+machine+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUbbbvvAdeo/UsIXmKpX6BI/AAAAAAAABQI/vL8owI8l8JY/s400/fall+crafts+and+sewing+machine+022.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a serger makes the job go faster!</td></tr>
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Carefully pull the 'body' fabric out of the inside of the 'cuff'. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vydim_pzoxI/UsIUh4WFmFI/AAAAAAAABPA/1H6lHDDlaaU/s1600/fall+crafts+and+sewing+machine+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vydim_pzoxI/UsIUh4WFmFI/AAAAAAAABPA/1H6lHDDlaaU/s400/fall+crafts+and+sewing+machine+023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this photo, the 'cuff' is print and the 'body' is yellow.</td></tr>
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Flatten the 'cuff' and press carefully. The seam allowances are encased!<br />
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There are two ways you can finish the pillowcase at this point. <br />
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If you have an overlock (serger) sewing machine, pin the right sides together, and serge across the bottom and then up the side of the pillowcase. With a large-eye needle, bury your serger 'tail' in the stitching, or, take one stitch beyond the end of the pillowcase, loosen the needle thread with your finger slightly, and flip the pillowcase over and stitch over the previous stitching, going in the opposite direction, stitching off the fabric after about three inches. <br />
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If you do not have a serger, you can finish the pillowcase with a 'French' seam. With wrong sides together, pin the pillowcase across the bottom and up the sides of the 'body.' Stitch, using a 1/4" seam allowance, pivoting at the corner. Press the seam flat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmI95tfuOj4/UsIeQp417TI/AAAAAAAABQ0/dz8gXxOdVhg/s1600/pillowcase+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmI95tfuOj4/UsIeQp417TI/AAAAAAAABQ0/dz8gXxOdVhg/s400/pillowcase+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the first step of a French seam, pin wrong sides together!</td></tr>
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Turn the pillowcase inside out, now with the right sides together. Press the pillowcase flat, being careful to press the seam flat. Pin, then stitch again across the bottom and up the side of the 'body,' using a 3/8" seam allowance (this will enclose the raw edge of the fabric).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEsCgkmaJAI/UsIeSliXhiI/AAAAAAAABQ8/wul16YK0HJw/s1600/pillowcase+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEsCgkmaJAI/UsIeSliXhiI/AAAAAAAABQ8/wul16YK0HJw/s400/pillowcase+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second stitching, right sides together, encases the seam allowances.</td></tr>
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Turn the pillowcase right side out and press well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVV4QV2-40E/UsIeV-cSyaI/AAAAAAAABRE/AZIJ-Yx1lKw/s1600/pillowcase+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVV4QV2-40E/UsIeV-cSyaI/AAAAAAAABRE/AZIJ-Yx1lKw/s400/pillowcase+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look Sherrie! No exposed seam allowances!</td></tr>
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Either way, the raw edges of the 'cuff' will be covered, and the pillowcase will wash and wear well!<br />
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Now that you know how to make a pillow case, here is a way to practice your skills and help out sick kids at the same time. Make one for "A Case for Smiles" -- check out the webpage for ConKerr Cancer (<a href="http://www.conkerrcancer.org/">www.conkerrcancer.org</a>) for more information. The organization's goal is to provide a bright, cheery pillowcase to every child with cancer or a life changing illness or injury across North America. ConKerr Cancer started when Cindy Kerr’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. She began making pillowcases to brighten up his hospital room and to put a smile on his face. He loved it and so she began making pillowcases for other children on the Oncology Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.<br />
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This Philly-based organization has donated over 800,000 pillowcases to sick children since then. School groups, sewing circles, church groups and fabric stores have all pitched in and are making pillowcases for the kids. Even if you don't know how to sew, you can help by donating fabric or cash or helping at a sewing event by cutting out pillowcases or pressing finished projects. <br />
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Since my 'kids' are older, when I make ConKerr pillowcases, I look for fabrics that will appeal to teens -- skulls, guitars, realistic animal prints, college-licensed prints and sports-themed fabrics. There are lots of fun cotton prints out there...I even found fabric for my alma mater, Southern Illinois University! Go, Salukis!!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-57514389742765997902013-12-30T16:16:00.001-08:002013-12-30T16:16:46.384-08:00We'll Be "Snug as a Bug" Tonight- the Comforter is (finally) Finished!It's been over a month since I've posted last...and it's not that I haven't been busy! I had several projects in progress, mostly Christmas gifts, and was occupied with getting them finished and given away. So, I'm going to try to get several new posts finished over the next week, so I can share some of what I created this fall.<br />
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I'll start with the thing that I finished just today -- a comforter for our master bedroom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8QQPcMpdZI/UsH6jdr25JI/AAAAAAAABN4/R3Jyaz-wOk8/s1600/nov+and+dec+2013+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8QQPcMpdZI/UsH6jdr25JI/AAAAAAAABN4/R3Jyaz-wOk8/s640/nov+and+dec+2013+032.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll be sleeping under the new comforter tonight!</td></tr>
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What possesses us to redecorate right in the midst of planning a big family event? Last May, my husband and I decided to re-paint our bedroom and re-finish the hardwood floors. We've been in the house 18 years now and had painted the room once, but it was due to be freshened up a bit. Of course, my son was getting married in June, and we would have company for several days, but that didn't deter us. So, for two weeks, every piece of furniture and clothing was in the hallway and we slept in the spare bedroom. Talk about motivation to get the job finished as quickly as possible!<br />
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I had purchased some coordinating fabrics almost a year ago when I found them on sale at the local fabric store. I knew I wanted to make a quilt from them, and bought several yards of each. The color palette was just right for a master bedroom -- not too feminine, but clean, bright and airy. The light grey wall color was selected by matching a swatch of fabric. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35Ec5-Yrmn4/UsH6AQ8eBCI/AAAAAAAABNs/ZyJEMP8eCWk/s1600/bedroom+quilt+and+cheesestake+rolls+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-35Ec5-Yrmn4/UsH6AQ8eBCI/AAAAAAAABNs/ZyJEMP8eCWk/s400/bedroom+quilt+and+cheesestake+rolls+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought all six fabrics at the same time.</td></tr>
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My friend Sherrie has been telling me about the modern quilt guild meetings she attends, and it piqued my interest. She lent me a couple of books for inspiration, and I found a block that I thought I could use. It's called "Just Passing Through" and was designed by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr. It appeared in <u>Modern Blocks</u>. The instructions called for four fabrics. I had plans for the remaining two fabrics.<br />
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I don't know if it would be considered 'modern' quilting, but one of my favorite techniques is to find a quilt block pattern and 'blow it up.' For instance, if a finished block is supposed to be 4" square, I may enlarge all of the pattern pieces and make my finished block 12" square. I frequently do this for baby quilts -- the quilts go together faster and I can successfully use large print fabrics.<br />
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Since I wanted to get this comforter finished fast, I decided to 'blow up' the block design. For example, the instructions for the 12" finished block called for 2" and 1 1/2" wide strips...mine are 11 1/2" and 8 1/2" wide. Instead of making several small blocks and sewing them together, I made one, huge queen-sized block that would cover the entire bed. <br />
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'Blowing up' a block does require some thought, especially to determine what size to cut the pieces and the finished size of the quilt. My d.h. had one request...he wanted to be sure that the comforter was wide enough that when I rolled over, he didn't freeze because the blanket rolled with me. A standard queen mattress is 60" wide by 80" long. The finished comforter is 90" x 95". I sketched everything out on graph paper before I began cutting. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8vtCbQ0wNQ/UsH8EF8zf1I/AAAAAAAABOk/F6le5vCjDs8/s1600/leather,+snake+knot+and+quilt+blocks+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8vtCbQ0wNQ/UsH8EF8zf1I/AAAAAAAABOk/F6le5vCjDs8/s640/leather,+snake+knot+and+quilt+blocks+036.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketching and coloring the design on graph paper gives me a pattern to follow, both when cutting and sewing the top together. </td></tr>
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Because of the larger width, I discovered I didn't buy enough fabric for the back of the quilt. Rather than run out and buy more grey fabric, I pieced together a strip wide enough to close the gap. It adds interest to the back of the quilt.<br />
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Another consideration was the weight of the batting that went in between the quilt top and the backing. I wanted something with a little more thickness and loft, so I decided to use a polyester blend batting. I ordered it through<a href="http://www.batt-mart.com/"> www.batt-mart.com</a>. This is an American company that sells made-in-the-USA batting by the roll or piece. Their website is a fantastic resource, and David, who took my order by phone, was so very helpful that I'm sure I'll use his company again. <br />
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My long-arm quilter, Susie, and I discussed the quilting pattern to use and settled on the interlocking squares design. I liked it because it was masculine<b> and</b> modern. She used light grey thread, which blends nicely with the fabrics.<br />
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With the remaining two fabrics, I made two simple pair of curtains for the windows and four coordinating pillow cases. Another scrap was big enough to recover a flea-market bench that I re-painted. Believe me, there weren't many scraps in the end. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flea market bench (about $10) got a fresh coat of paint and a new cover. And I have a place to sit down to put on my shoes and socks!</td></tr>
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My friend Sherrie once asked me about making a 'burrito-style' pillow case. I used that method to make these; my next post will include the 'how to'! <br />
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So glad that the redecorating is (finally) finished! <br />
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<u><br /></u>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293016999588028736.post-55040719575027458362013-11-21T10:47:00.001-08:002013-11-21T10:47:45.460-08:00It's Beginning to Look a Little Like ChristmasI'm back in my home state of Missouri this week for a visit with my dad and my sister's family. My dear brother-in-law is a bit obsessive about decorating for the holidays, and took full advantage of the warm weather last weekend to hang his outdoor lights. He also managed to set up the 'small' (that would be 8 feet tall) Christmas tree). So, when I arrived last Saturday, I was greeted by this:<br />
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This is their 'Travel' Christmas tree. It's covered with ornaments that my sister and her husband have purchased on trips they've taken over the years, plus a few that friends have brought them from far flung places. My brother-in-law enjoys unwrapping each ornament and reminiscing about the trip when it was bought. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the ornaments are really fun, but I did notice a lot of moose on the tree!</td></tr>
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It's actually a pretty neat idea, if you travel a lot. My family tree has a few ornaments that we've picked up when we're away from home, but not this many!</div>
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So, even with this beautifully decorated tree up, my brother-in-law kept talking about the 'Cowboy' Christmas tree, until finally I said, "Oh, come on! Let's put up that tree too." It didn't take a lot of arm twisting for him to run to the basement to fetch the other decorations. (We first had to move the Travel tree into their living room, 'because the cowboy decorations need more space.')</div>
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I helped unwrap the ornaments, but the decorating part was all his. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to the tree, several Cowboy Santas decorate the fireplace mantel</td></tr>
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My sister and I contributed our sewing skills to the Cowboy Snowman Christmas tree skirt. I think there are more cowboy ornaments than there are travel decorations!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hA4cvIlbeY/Uo5O9UXooII/AAAAAAAABNQ/VB8X8ajUORw/s1600/carols+christmas+trees+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hA4cvIlbeY/Uo5O9UXooII/AAAAAAAABNQ/VB8X8ajUORw/s640/carols+christmas+trees+002.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tree includes chili pepper lights, rope and faux barb wire 'garland.'</td></tr>
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I could be guessing here, but I think the Cowboy Christmas tree is an off-shoot of the Travel tree. My niece and nephews took many trips to the American West with their dad (thus the moose on the other tree), and probably started picking up ornaments like these, which evolved into a set of decorations in their own right. So where ever they see them, they buy Cowboy Christmas items. Too bad they only put it up every-other year, except this one! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8to6gitqlVE/Uo5O-utZyVI/AAAAAAAABNY/I23FirOSnO0/s1600/carols+christmas+trees+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8to6gitqlVE/Uo5O-utZyVI/AAAAAAAABNY/I23FirOSnO0/s640/carols+christmas+trees+003.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The barb wire garland is pretty realistic.</td></tr>
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I've already been warned that I will be pressed into service when the 'big' (that would be 12 feet tall) tree goes up on Saturday. I'm anxious to get home and get my house decorated!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631705118622719896noreply@blogger.com0