tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20024021418772242192024-03-05T16:46:42.276-07:00My Rainboots Are RedJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-76755490626309594242015-01-08T09:04:00.003-07:002015-01-08T09:04:47.707-07:00This Blog Is Moving!<a href="http://www.redrainbootshandmade.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="www.redrainbootshandmade.blogspot.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytST3vSxo13qvivKKYhflRuaMNEcWlEIm-98Nn2cpaIXGXuwC_3jMWUp-NXZBdn04zH7NPNUWN1bXWW__4GZhZM-8SQBJG5osufjsXwd4lWvCj9DGBHocL2kiOyZHE-6qxd-Lg8J4n85j/s1600/Blogging-002.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a>It's painful to do, but needs to be done.<br />
With a new year, it's time to streamline. And that includes streamlining my "name", too<br />
<br />
On <a href="http://instagram.com/redrainbootshandmade" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.redrainbootshandmade.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> (quilts and patterns), and <a href="http://www.redrainbootshandmade.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Big Cartel</a> (headbands) my name gradually shifted to<br />
"Red Rainboots Hamdade". So this blog was the last thing to get the old switch-a-roo.<br />
<br />
All these old posts, tutorials and pictures will remain on this blog. <br />
The kinks aren't completely ironed out yet, but from here on out you can find me over at my new blog:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redrainbootshandmade.blogspot.com/">www.RedRainbootsHandmade.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-60220604493845020482015-01-07T11:21:00.001-07:002015-01-07T11:26:26.278-07:00A Weekender Finish<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em>{A little preface - This is an huge amount of info for one bag, but I wanted to record it for future reference. And in sharing<span style="color: #45818e;"> </span>things that did or did not work well for me, it will hopefully make your Weekending a little easier.}</em></span></div>
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This past October, I experienced my first ever "Girls Sewing Weekend" with some of my sisters/mom and a few friends. My friend <a href="http://www.spoolgoods.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Morgan</a> and I both made Weekenders, and working on them together was so fun! </div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtvgrUUrCsbIUOiU9i6w7FaVbgZBj2EWrIo4GFg3tfI4__cyARJbAgioOCIYqGDTseWM0wmyuKxjr6ewOLkS-dfvlriQbUOc2TT94lxUC7jBv6Dbx7LF5HLalZhwY0o13rCgwuOxvFkYY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtvgrUUrCsbIUOiU9i6w7FaVbgZBj2EWrIo4GFg3tfI4__cyARJbAgioOCIYqGDTseWM0wmyuKxjr6ewOLkS-dfvlriQbUOc2TT94lxUC7jBv6Dbx7LF5HLalZhwY0o13rCgwuOxvFkYY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="638" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can check out her super-cute <a href="http://www.spoolgoods.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy Shop HERE.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Our bag styles were very different - and yet I loved them both!</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
And now that they are done, I'm excited to share with you a few things we learned and did along the way that helped simplify
the process.</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">{what follows is just my opinions and advice... written a bit skattered... but hopefully helpful if you're just starting out...I've highlighted the main points for easy skimming. </span></em></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A</span></em><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">nd </span></em><em><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">If you want </span>the particulars of my
bag, but not the process, skip to the bottom of this post.}</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf92sZJcIWQVmmCqHacFGucIfZXAR39h3k3lQb0zkPpZ4iU1g5hcvgr0ZXT2vrl7LnfKVwOtxivb_l4HdMKlWgzPMC2UrmUMdUdNzXUfRM3OFK59HL4Twd3io4zkSglmj_u4cMcqRiyQ/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf92sZJcIWQVmmCqHacFGucIfZXAR39h3k3lQb0zkPpZ4iU1g5hcvgr0ZXT2vrl7LnfKVwOtxivb_l4HdMKlWgzPMC2UrmUMdUdNzXUfRM3OFK59HL4Twd3io4zkSglmj_u4cMcqRiyQ/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">If you already know exactly what you want your bag to look like, go for it! But if you are undecided, here's what I'd suggest:</span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">BEFORE
YOU BEGIN</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Selecting Fabrics</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Do you like scrappy and quilted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Large, bold florals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple, minimalistic geometric?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>Here’s the first thing you should do:</strong> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Make a </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/julia_Davis7/sewing-weekender-bag-amy-butler/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">folder on Pinterest</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> just for Weekender Bag Ideas</span> and pin the bags that catch your eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (Flikr and Instagram have a bunch). </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Go back and re-look at all your pins. You will <span style="color: #3d85c6;">begin to notice a common thread between them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This advice my friend gave me was exactly what I needed to hear.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
"Don't stress about trying to pick a fabric that you
think other people will like... or that you think is
probably trendy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Just pick what YOU like</span><strong>.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry about anything else."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Advice and Add-Ons</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There are a ton of blogs that have
helpful ideas, share personal experience or changes they made, or have tutorials
for extra add-ons to this bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You can learn a lot from them. So much information can also be confusing</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Trust
the pattern!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If it's your first time making this bag, m</span>ake it as written, unless you have previous experience with bag making.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The ONE THING I Would Do Differently</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Use a
"beefier" zipper for the outside of the bag -</span> with bigger teeth and tab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used a standard zipper (one I had on hand),
and now it seems a little wimpy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I go
to unzip my bag, it is a bit hard to grab hold of the small tab. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmWAQ1sLe6d5_c9r27WsTTgShnMzKs4h4tOjO7kCBnWJ7OXzRCCPLAO1xkVl3Q8ousfwgaz4AqJkZX5CxTqVh3ZC_nWIooPq33RnWeICN9lWKwc91TjMBLfpMPVYvdf8zuIUjoiDfyIw/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmWAQ1sLe6d5_c9r27WsTTgShnMzKs4h4tOjO7kCBnWJ7OXzRCCPLAO1xkVl3Q8ousfwgaz4AqJkZX5CxTqVh3ZC_nWIooPq33RnWeICN9lWKwc91TjMBLfpMPVYvdf8zuIUjoiDfyIw/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #215868; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">SUPPLIES and COST</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Use coupons and buy during sales.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Even with buying during sales, and using hefty coupons, the overall cost of the bag ran about $100. Granted, I splurged and bought nice leather handles which added $20 to this total.</div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #215868; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">PREP
WORK</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Cut out all your fabric and
interfacings in one fell swoop</span> - an evening, or a few hours in the afternoon –
it takes a chunk of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 128;">MAKING
YOUR BAG</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1 - If you are <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">adding in any extras</b>, make yourself notes (ahead of time)at those points in the pattern</span>, so you don’t forget to add them, and then have to leave them out (speaking
from personal experience here!).</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
2 - <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Go Slow</span>. </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
3 - Don’t stress over broken
needles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it makes you feel any
better, I broke 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Three of them were</span> because I kept
forgetting to switch my needle position back, when rotating between my zipper foot
and regular foot. The other one was when I tried to sew too fast through really thick layers. </div>
4 - I opted to <span style="color: #3d85c6;">sew my bag lining in with my machine</span> (rather by hand). It looks like top-stitching, isn't going to pull or rip out easily.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MY BAG INFO </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000;"></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(all
items purchased at JoAnn Fabrics unless otherwise noted)</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
- Exterior Fabric: Home Décor fabric</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
- Lining Fabric: DS quilting cotton
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
(*note: because it was a thinner fabric than called for, I used Pellon SF101 on
all my lining pieces, to give it extra stability)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">EXTRAS I ADDED</span></strong></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.joann.com/onyx-purse-feet/10088128.html#q=bag+feet&start=3" target="_blank">4 bag feet</a> (or 6, and place 2 in the middle to prevent sagging)</div>
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/prym-dritz-square-magnetic-snaps-nickel/1436096.html#q=magnetic+snaps&start=5" target="_blank">2 magnetic snaps</a> for the large
outside pockets </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhG4xuKKZaE/VKwN24bvD8I/AAAAAAAAEtE/-2iqsSoT8RY/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhG4xuKKZaE/VKwN24bvD8I/AAAAAAAAEtE/-2iqsSoT8RY/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" height="454" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Inside pocket (I used a 9” zipper
and extra lining fabric)</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103187285/265-inch-1-pair-of-dark-brown-leather?ref=shop_home_active_5&ga_search_query=leather%2Bhandles" target="_blank">Leather handles</a> (from Etsy)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO8kvPiZLa6PEBXw-UMyi3-pJSaLKuZFDWeTdPgJ5RpM71p8Z3DY4hAAA10uC7LnDI5VF2IPBLw3q19opdl-VUgnK-YfStgmGnIhtE76wM_Htn4uuBylZQB7J_Ub5oqKZTR6HOfVjedQ/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO8kvPiZLa6PEBXw-UMyi3-pJSaLKuZFDWeTdPgJ5RpM71p8Z3DY4hAAA10uC7LnDI5VF2IPBLw3q19opdl-VUgnK-YfStgmGnIhtE76wM_Htn4uuBylZQB7J_Ub5oqKZTR6HOfVjedQ/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.joann.com/dritz-stitch-witchery-fusible-web-1-4in-x-20yds/1939511.html#q=stitch+witchery&start=4" target="_blank"> Stitch Witchery ¼”</a> – for making
your cording (using your zipper foot works too.)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfLTc7zkB1rRahwgUW_CsqaNH1AnkoCrC9HJk6nimL1GiO6pdZ9iMNZgITtZtXBFOPgcrtdz4QsX42FvLb3B-1vRtQuVd-HmKQEcemKZWS4SSsiICuMWCbqpMZJkb73YsejjkheXCLzF0/s1600/227_1.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Red-50-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420599382&sr=8-1&keywords=clover+binding+clips" target="_blank">Clover Binding Clips</a>
(so you don't bend all your pins)</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">TUTORIALS I FOLLOWED</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://jenandfranz.blogspot.ca/2010/05/amy-butler-weekender-bag-part-2-making.html" target="_blank">Making your cording</a> - (Jen and Franz) </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2007/02/zippered_inner_.html" target="_blank">Adding an Inside Pocket</a> - (U-Handbag)</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://handmadebymrsh.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-attach-leather-handles.html" target="_blank">Attaching Leather Handles</a> - (At Home With Mrs. H)</div>
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</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Hope this helps you have a little more fun Weekending!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-20650916481163237872014-12-02T17:12:00.003-07:002014-12-02T19:46:22.752-07:00Making Pom-Pom Garlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXJAyf7zsrz5GCpJWc9sTWlZcX6o6vpP1_ma6AQfwAzJoxszdpIQlMZcN6-8yByJfr0ujY6lAJsGDIUHz-Y2mHGbsUsw-mpgNFbiPFrDleJ0zX1ZJpdeH_RjwgjlPkOV43P98Fohn8Dg/s1600/DSC_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXJAyf7zsrz5GCpJWc9sTWlZcX6o6vpP1_ma6AQfwAzJoxszdpIQlMZcN6-8yByJfr0ujY6lAJsGDIUHz-Y2mHGbsUsw-mpgNFbiPFrDleJ0zX1ZJpdeH_RjwgjlPkOV43P98Fohn8Dg/s1600/DSC_1635.JPG" height="454" title="pom-pom garland" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the past year or so I have been a little obsessed with pom-poms <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/julia_Davis7/" target="_blank">on Pinterest</a>. I think they are so charming and whimsical. And when you make them into garlands, they are fabulous on your mantle, strung over chalkboards, hung in children's bedrooms, or casually draped on headboards... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D9LRpaMENjKPXNdZDHr4I2pyKhehxOqHiE1YLOSgjFk3c4TqxfXBn7fndHHoqaolZFt-y6nwXl4rnRf162d4iNCBDVzcjKFNsrXvW9lrfMiEpZr33r0JhNWy0mSf8qXtZyfbz4xJEis/s1600/DSC_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D9LRpaMENjKPXNdZDHr4I2pyKhehxOqHiE1YLOSgjFk3c4TqxfXBn7fndHHoqaolZFt-y6nwXl4rnRf162d4iNCBDVzcjKFNsrXvW9lrfMiEpZr33r0JhNWy0mSf8qXtZyfbz4xJEis/s1600/DSC_1631.JPG" height="424" title="pom-pom garland tutorial" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnkPp4f-gdw/VH4-Gah7ZhI/AAAAAAAAEi0/oPl7CHJjhpc/s1600/DSC_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnkPp4f-gdw/VH4-Gah7ZhI/AAAAAAAAEi0/oPl7CHJjhpc/s1600/DSC_1630.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
There are a few different ways to make pom-poms, but overall pom-poms are fairly simple and inexpensive (especially when using up all that leftover yarn!). One thing they do take, is a bit of time (which in my case, is in the evenings after the little ones are asleep, or during the day while listening to them do their reading to me.)<br />
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I chose to go the cheapest route possible, and used a fork (and my fingers) to make mine. The size and density is up to you! And if you want to make red and white garland like this, just keep reading.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb35NxrkCFzGPAwo_C8DT0EC5ag-LjASdnW7hk7fq39AftuE0F9b6zz92HP7kWxklTUxVJyyMknpD4UbOTZN69y4LHcOkYyC2SvIgZEKDIJ7URGWKsm2HdumF6PrUyKvVIfy_HCr_1pkSf/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb35NxrkCFzGPAwo_C8DT0EC5ag-LjASdnW7hk7fq39AftuE0F9b6zz92HP7kWxklTUxVJyyMknpD4UbOTZN69y4LHcOkYyC2SvIgZEKDIJ7URGWKsm2HdumF6PrUyKvVIfy_HCr_1pkSf/s1600/IMG_2871.JPG" height="424" title="pom pom garland tutorial" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Materials needed:</strong></span><br />
- red and white yarn<br />
(I used <a href="http://www.joann.com/red-heart-super-saver-yarn/prd28157.html" target="_blank">Red Heart Super Saver yarn</a>, in "Cherry Red" and "Soft White")<br />
- kitchen fork<br />
- scissors<br />
- twine (or yarn)<br />
- <a href="http://www.joann.com/large-eye-blunt-end-needles-6-pkg/1976596.html" target="_blank">blunt-end craft needle</a> (I think I got mine at Wal-mart with the knitting stuff) Just be sure it has a BLUNT tip, or it will end up pulling out some of your pom-pom strands.<br />
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Note: This tutorial is to make the<strong> w</strong><strong>hite pom-poms small size</strong>, and the<strong> </strong><strong>red pom-poms large size</strong>, but feel free to switch it up!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">To make the<strong> </strong></span><strong>Small White Pom-Poms:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2sk9njHME_KISW4g2jWTWC6sPHlZP0h19ddC0m4w_VG2hUYgoaArjFMC6HxBBRuYYGIRMyXXDjhUWdSMacKaJSPF9_45onnBVbqNJrsjm4g4RV1vnTYMk8DzzhyphenhyphenelKf29zEMTQcY0oc/s1600/pompom+garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2sk9njHME_KISW4g2jWTWC6sPHlZP0h19ddC0m4w_VG2hUYgoaArjFMC6HxBBRuYYGIRMyXXDjhUWdSMacKaJSPF9_45onnBVbqNJrsjm4g4RV1vnTYMk8DzzhyphenhyphenelKf29zEMTQcY0oc/s1600/pompom+garland.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx8-RVP-t9ETqhMldNjrvZGOwezLnlcYruF5XMi1xqmDdXSMhEYNKq9L8IboVSxzyN3_BP689CrBdiKFsPIPkD7IT0OjsLCXGoUdDtavARzsyMqRdaIAyS_evW6p-ow2Z0NAtMOfRbkw0/s1600/pompom+garland1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx8-RVP-t9ETqhMldNjrvZGOwezLnlcYruF5XMi1xqmDdXSMhEYNKq9L8IboVSxzyN3_BP689CrBdiKFsPIPkD7IT0OjsLCXGoUdDtavARzsyMqRdaIAyS_evW6p-ow2Z0NAtMOfRbkw0/s1600/pompom+garland1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ELYrivxRA/VH4-Q8bdTDI/AAAAAAAAEkk/fQGwXTlrYJU/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ELYrivxRA/VH4-Q8bdTDI/AAAAAAAAEkk/fQGwXTlrYJU/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<em>(I'm so embarrassed to admit, that with the first 50 or so pompoms I made, I only wrapped the tie through the middle of the looped yarn, and not all the way <u>around</u> the looped yarn, which made them incredibly lopsided, AND I was having to trim off almost half of my pom-poms to make them even. Finally I looked closer at another picture, and realized I had to wrap the tie all the way around the looped yarn! Let's just say, after that it went much better, and I had far less waste. =)</em></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">To make the</span> <strong>Large Red Pom-Poms:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crTqWnNqRuI/VH5LBpAYAZI/AAAAAAAAEns/0igq043Fr_c/s1600/pompom%2Bgarland2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crTqWnNqRuI/VH5LBpAYAZI/AAAAAAAAEns/0igq043Fr_c/s1600/pompom%2Bgarland2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCcTdRT4MbuqxVB-GsLaoReq0oU7bTuVem0_aQPuHpthok50yy-xYXkUcbTV-jVyUG5DpCs5LvKRrumpsvJVn0_ve0REEcYSMpZaHCr-Yj_ypovQ9M5XfDd7tUkigupWQoehVwPmzVOQ/s1600/pompom+garland3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCcTdRT4MbuqxVB-GsLaoReq0oU7bTuVem0_aQPuHpthok50yy-xYXkUcbTV-jVyUG5DpCs5LvKRrumpsvJVn0_ve0REEcYSMpZaHCr-Yj_ypovQ9M5XfDd7tUkigupWQoehVwPmzVOQ/s1600/pompom+garland3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">To make the Pom-Pom Garland:</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVNRhGzxzCuHp9MqoXMs2pJYlOSiiZz4GvvOtsrh6J_MgvqQfDa8qy3dXNaIdquyvr5W2nvq2nuZPIxhCiiAdfEMh2gpnd4mqKMJ5COc7eRqH-AaLTKEpMML2lZj-bl5FfCLnBgl4Nbw/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVNRhGzxzCuHp9MqoXMs2pJYlOSiiZz4GvvOtsrh6J_MgvqQfDa8qy3dXNaIdquyvr5W2nvq2nuZPIxhCiiAdfEMh2gpnd4mqKMJ5COc7eRqH-AaLTKEpMML2lZj-bl5FfCLnBgl4Nbw/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cut your twine to desired length. (Note: keep in mind, if you are going to add knots in between pom-poms, you will need to leave extra length on your twine)</div>
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Now here's 2 options:</div>
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Some tutorials I've seen just have you use the extra ends of the ties, and you tie the pom-poms directly to the twine. <em> I chose to NOT do it this way, as I feel like they look like they're hanging off the twine, vs the twine going directly through the middle of the pom-poms. </em>But it's your call.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2JgP0UXpCg/VH5P33kKH5I/AAAAAAAAEoI/PluVVElGNAY/s1600/pompom%2Bgarland4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2JgP0UXpCg/VH5P33kKH5I/AAAAAAAAEoI/PluVVElGNAY/s1600/pompom%2Bgarland4.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></em></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5GD_W008IzEnfxcUmXh7Wwy448_3pn1rYTYGeo-1P7iFy69BPlF14SiGvyJts0fMUA9Ef7HmAHJ_rTz0O3P-TlPPefh8RV79908ZHjejyyvX32M8AXLMthx_OA6BRHtcd73Zu4CtNYAz/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5GD_W008IzEnfxcUmXh7Wwy448_3pn1rYTYGeo-1P7iFy69BPlF14SiGvyJts0fMUA9Ef7HmAHJ_rTz0O3P-TlPPefh8RV79908ZHjejyyvX32M8AXLMthx_OA6BRHtcd73Zu4CtNYAz/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Trim all the long tie ends on each pom-pom. And when you get to the end of your twine, make another loop knot. </div>
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(having loops at the ends will allow you to connect strands, if you are ever so inclined.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D9LRpaMENjKPXNdZDHr4I2pyKhehxOqHiE1YLOSgjFk3c4TqxfXBn7fndHHoqaolZFt-y6nwXl4rnRf162d4iNCBDVzcjKFNsrXvW9lrfMiEpZr33r0JhNWy0mSf8qXtZyfbz4xJEis/s1600/DSC_1631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D9LRpaMENjKPXNdZDHr4I2pyKhehxOqHiE1YLOSgjFk3c4TqxfXBn7fndHHoqaolZFt-y6nwXl4rnRf162d4iNCBDVzcjKFNsrXvW9lrfMiEpZr33r0JhNWy0mSf8qXtZyfbz4xJEis/s1600/DSC_1631.JPG" height="424" title="pom-pom garland tutorial" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQGtWXLtJdU/VH4-KqPKpMI/AAAAAAAAEjU/_wvBubO7AJ8/s1600/DSC_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQGtWXLtJdU/VH4-KqPKpMI/AAAAAAAAEjU/_wvBubO7AJ8/s1600/DSC_1636.JPG" height="640" title="pom-pom garlands" width="424" /></a></div>
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Can't wait to see what you make with<em> your</em> pom-poms!</div>
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</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-19007133405627958282014-11-11T18:02:00.002-07:002015-01-02T10:25:07.484-07:00Kaleidoscope Mini-Quilt {or Pillow Sham} Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKeEnHgHiBk/VGKvsCTRMQI/AAAAAAAAEhg/1zoPWe4_AIY/s1600/photo%2B48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKeEnHgHiBk/VGKvsCTRMQI/AAAAAAAAEhg/1zoPWe4_AIY/s400/photo%2B48.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just had the privilege of participating in my first quilt swap, and boy was it fun! It was all top secret, so the lovely lady I was assigned to as my swap partner had no idea that I was sending this to her - all the way to Australia, no less! Samantha (@aqua_paisley) received it today, so we're in the clear now, to share this little tutorial. </div>
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This tutorial uses the <a href="http://www.smartplatequilting.com/purchase.htm" target="_blank">Kaleidoscope Smart Plate Ruler</a>. </div>
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However, if you don't have this Kaleidoscope ruler (and don't want to shell out much cash right now), you could use <a href="http://redpepperquilts.bigcartel.com/product/4-inch-kaleidoscope-block-foundation-paper-piecing-pattern" target="_blank">this paper piecing Kaleidoscop pattern</a> (for $2) by Rita of <a href="http://www.redpepperquilts.com/" target="_blank">Red Pepper Quilts</a>, and it's the exact size you need for this project! (Note: If you choose to paper piece instead, make 25 (4") blocks, and skip to step 8)</div>
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Pillow Sham: </div>
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To make this into a pillow sham, follow the steps for piecing and quilting the front. You can make the back with an envelope closure, or follow my preferred method, with a hidden zipper. A zipper just seams to keep the pillows more fluffy (and stops them from fluffing out the back opening!) I follow <a href="http://pileofabric.com/blogs/modern-quilting/15172405-adding-a-zipper-to-a-quilted-pillow-sham-technique-tutorial-tuesdays" target="_blank">this fabulous tutorial</a> from Pile 'O Fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ66aiiz4qdCmZoIM5nd0zwekwUaiH5WfBmqqDJKB_AbT7BLc1EUR5og5WF3aNpeKKXojFgXWYCWmMfEUxtkMwTQCxmLPyWFZTAsjegRKS7rSrI0Tvd-hSet-_zgAU1eZQvXRRs_HqRyU/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ66aiiz4qdCmZoIM5nd0zwekwUaiH5WfBmqqDJKB_AbT7BLc1EUR5og5WF3aNpeKKXojFgXWYCWmMfEUxtkMwTQCxmLPyWFZTAsjegRKS7rSrI0Tvd-hSet-_zgAU1eZQvXRRs_HqRyU/s320/Image-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kaleidoscope Mini
Quilt (or 20" pillow sham) </span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">20.5" finished</span></strong></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Materials:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(37) 5” charm squares</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(18) 5” background squares (I used low-volume fabrics)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">22” square for backing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">22” square batting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Binding – 90” length</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kaleidoscope Smart Plate Ruler</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kX0_Whf4_I/VGKhB7Pmc7I/AAAAAAAAEeI/hdg-CEBG2W8/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kX0_Whf4_I/VGKhB7Pmc7I/AAAAAAAAEeI/hdg-CEBG2W8/s200/photo%2B5.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">General Information:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4” finished block</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼” seam allowance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">HST: Half Square Triangle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“A” Block: pinwheel with background fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“B” Block: colored pinwheel with background fabric corners</span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX2FwQ7ALJ9SvU8S0x4JXfyF3-pY1iMMdE2gCdGvasHerESHH-J79B7Fn1jm_c59mbZSFh35sdm6XFYi7dA5nfQrsMFxf6vjzwnnyN-eHS-XFf0ISlD_HAE0S57zcgyF879hpvZTBnU4/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX2FwQ7ALJ9SvU8S0x4JXfyF3-pY1iMMdE2gCdGvasHerESHH-J79B7Fn1jm_c59mbZSFh35sdm6XFYi7dA5nfQrsMFxf6vjzwnnyN-eHS-XFf0ISlD_HAE0S57zcgyF879hpvZTBnU4/s400/photo+9.JPG" width="365" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cutting:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(37) 5” squares – print fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(18) 5” squares – background fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1 - Set
aside (13) squares</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>2 - Sub-cut
(6) into 2 1/8” squares (4 per square) – for a total of 24 small squares.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 3 - Now cut each of these small
squares on the diagonal, making 48 triangles.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRQi7XZRDgc/VGKaiQdf-yI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/3klWnc0Udg4/s1600/photo%2B44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRQi7XZRDgc/VGKaiQdf-yI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/3klWnc0Udg4/s400/photo%2B44.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now let's get started! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Step 1 - </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pair up your squares as follows:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">13 prints with 13 background squares ("A" blocks)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12 prints with 12 more prints ("B" blocks)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 2 - </b>Sew
around the entire outside edge of a 5” block set. (repeat for all A & B
sets)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 3 -</b> Cut each
square set diagonally (both directions), from corner to corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Press open. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(Note: Don’t worry about trimming the corners of the HST’s now
– you will trim them in a later step)</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmzUV4EOmEw/VGKYcMPwILI/AAAAAAAAEck/9atKLGCjIy0/s1600/photo%2B45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmzUV4EOmEw/VGKYcMPwILI/AAAAAAAAEck/9atKLGCjIy0/s200/photo%2B45.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Noy7HbCKD9g/VGKYc1fGtMI/AAAAAAAAEcs/PkbV6WaEjDk/s1600/photo%2B46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Noy7HbCKD9g/VGKYc1fGtMI/AAAAAAAAEcs/PkbV6WaEjDk/s200/photo%2B46.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkLjy0Iy1eAg1m6l6qu2e_K-u8gHxRcjQLGDiP7LFEj0jfuwtdXysXP4USd2v-1LfT4RwiT_fVCpqxpRutQyg9zDxwfqKvuJu5n4YTI54ZeuZ5-QNplgNHBpTQQlAlbuzDKR4okflyPzz/s1600/photo+41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkLjy0Iy1eAg1m6l6qu2e_K-u8gHxRcjQLGDiP7LFEj0jfuwtdXysXP4USd2v-1LfT4RwiT_fVCpqxpRutQyg9zDxwfqKvuJu5n4YTI54ZeuZ5-QNplgNHBpTQQlAlbuzDKR4okflyPzz/s200/photo+41.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Step 4 - </strong>Pair up your HST’s into groups of 4. (for your 13 “A” pinwheels, and 12 “B” pinwheels)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 5 - </b>Sew your
sets into pinwheels, by sewing each group of 4 HST's together. Repeat this step, to m</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ake (13) “A” blocks and (12) “B” blocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RH-k6IQkz2Y/VGKai9IQFlI/AAAAAAAAEec/XFm1praeonE/s1600/photo%2B33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RH-k6IQkz2Y/VGKai9IQFlI/AAAAAAAAEec/XFm1praeonE/s200/photo%2B33.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4G0PVoMD2IOLoObipAUaOMh8_TpmUhyphenhyphenJ3tbB2XBg6zip_jf8zNLh4wKjo5Nwp3INOscXH5n2X6fwD0WMefYbg1FI_B_BJ4ZPM-ylQsGYocgpnFiDtbjkODC-xPynb_9FB4SrgVPRf8f4/s1600/photo+34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4G0PVoMD2IOLoObipAUaOMh8_TpmUhyphenhyphenJ3tbB2XBg6zip_jf8zNLh4wKjo5Nwp3INOscXH5n2X6fwD0WMefYbg1FI_B_BJ4ZPM-ylQsGYocgpnFiDtbjkODC-xPynb_9FB4SrgVPRf8f4/s200/photo+34.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">*</span>Tip: to reduce bulk in the center of each pinwheel and get your middle seams to lay flat, unpick the 2-3 stitches outside the seam allowance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13XkDKVdg-qgOZJuEkN_m5HtujQUTOSn_jq5jlDuxiBzZvDAkVIQhHM7p3JInDHtgGpfdEL8dQcvYJAsAccl93JjpCs0mtoW9GJT4Xu8mS5eatlts1UBDhZQ34YgHvxcxFnbcuA9XRbs/s1600/photo+36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13XkDKVdg-qgOZJuEkN_m5HtujQUTOSn_jq5jlDuxiBzZvDAkVIQhHM7p3JInDHtgGpfdEL8dQcvYJAsAccl93JjpCs0mtoW9GJT4Xu8mS5eatlts1UBDhZQ34YgHvxcxFnbcuA9XRbs/s400/photo+36.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> It will create a little "twist" in the center when you press the seams in opposite directions. Isn't that neat?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2CgpzWjEWo/VGKaj1B2KFI/AAAAAAAAEe0/pwtlqzyTJEk/s1600/photo%2B31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G2CgpzWjEWo/VGKaj1B2KFI/AAAAAAAAEe0/pwtlqzyTJEk/s320/photo%2B31.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 6 – </b>Trim your
blocks to a 4” block size.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tip: Before you start, place a piece of painters tape right below the line on your ruler that you are using (in this project, the 4" line), so you don't have to re-find it each time. (I learned this about half-way through and it sped things up remarkably!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhB6EJ8Gmf2jjcLMb9HebuUKnjhNRfGNy5z7BGQ94DEcC8dnTTKMiI-0oTp0Ru2CHTqPsj7dlijrNRRuXX2npysNYtGMRaYNw7AdzY_aVLQ5SgC-rdqWMuuil_MPPdlA5qHNMSSj9oME/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhB6EJ8Gmf2jjcLMb9HebuUKnjhNRfGNy5z7BGQ94DEcC8dnTTKMiI-0oTp0Ru2CHTqPsj7dlijrNRRuXX2npysNYtGMRaYNw7AdzY_aVLQ5SgC-rdqWMuuil_MPPdlA5qHNMSSj9oME/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok - now for the "A" blocks...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9kpRhrHl_w/VGKp8X_AXvI/AAAAAAAAEfw/Bus2ufDxX0E/s1600/photo%2B23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9kpRhrHl_w/VGKp8X_AXvI/AAAAAAAAEfw/Bus2ufDxX0E/s400/photo%2B23.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Use the narrow wedge on the ruler, and line up your 4" block line with one of the background fabrics on your pinwheel. Trim along both edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ0HcVxRSoDg2c13qiEochqYO3lm0zcpwv8brS8I6UPRHY4H5FXpWu95RhhnVezTODKUEKiB6GfFDp_DRlKUg1guG8KjSFYfN-9hRkhttsGYAM4xZ2mjb9NtK16Vp1e8tP2vzsOStKWo/s1600/photo+26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ0HcVxRSoDg2c13qiEochqYO3lm0zcpwv8brS8I6UPRHY4H5FXpWu95RhhnVezTODKUEKiB6GfFDp_DRlKUg1guG8KjSFYfN-9hRkhttsGYAM4xZ2mjb9NtK16Vp1e8tP2vzsOStKWo/s400/photo+26.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkbr6aJH_mmAL06N86bhvBB13X3lCV4asHFwmJd9E3imA87-VDondIeiqve8vEkaMdTEV7VQFfCZVOGyZyffWcyCsLkCkNsGHKrHl-sZI-tRtjVb5a3ACa7xpJ9-EtQ7qDpeuH0NKRo4/s1600/photo+27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkbr6aJH_mmAL06N86bhvBB13X3lCV4asHFwmJd9E3imA87-VDondIeiqve8vEkaMdTEV7VQFfCZVOGyZyffWcyCsLkCkNsGHKrHl-sZI-tRtjVb5a3ACa7xpJ9-EtQ7qDpeuH0NKRo4/s400/photo+27.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Repeat on all 4 sides</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dfQjRReoGsapkDCT2kNzVYUMD6E_Uz-epGVdoyKiqadWTiJsCRCQ9z8tyiM0OJf9xewU63V7WQtr4GzjlaqSoOUPfr0DjmTE9TkMh0sqVpKTTRLNboO2z1C97U3p2Sm_Sf4ThDMqkcZS/s1600/photo+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dfQjRReoGsapkDCT2kNzVYUMD6E_Uz-epGVdoyKiqadWTiJsCRCQ9z8tyiM0OJf9xewU63V7WQtr4GzjlaqSoOUPfr0DjmTE9TkMh0sqVpKTTRLNboO2z1C97U3p2Sm_Sf4ThDMqkcZS/s400/photo+22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"B" blocks are up next:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKABWMcFmF0hY_vGBXF_wmA6AjskwEUfumc7ifRcE7ObnoD3eHp-7TlT4D7q7HAJxODNXwUtuB05V-KOfCIjQJXL_nmEOFdDvKBnnleV-taDQ9HkTiSi_2Lpp4lkZkD-Q7vrUVcVkMl9u/s1600/photo+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKABWMcFmF0hY_vGBXF_wmA6AjskwEUfumc7ifRcE7ObnoD3eHp-7TlT4D7q7HAJxODNXwUtuB05V-KOfCIjQJXL_nmEOFdDvKBnnleV-taDQ9HkTiSi_2Lpp4lkZkD-Q7vrUVcVkMl9u/s400/photo+16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9M3gAKaSAUXOCKGdyHBtldH4TczOFhrxT2jKlyM9uDoiDHSxQYmR3iupJ0LZ0TJDjWTLVpwJsUe79mfu4bZwl277-REWZw9HKVTBA3lNTOkpIBV5wvukdHBEVb5aUAxrte78TvbdF02v/s400/photo+18.JPG" width="400" /> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmywWKgx5sJhz99MNCVJQ1IscU3zybBU4POWHNLeD6zNikvbieJklN3DD-ywDjwkLSK0M3zZnoUi74btpL5yum6LCllUh-KcBIFFCCf1jKW2UPVDQmD_zJjtvUCt33GG0ShyphenhyphenJaKg_8M8/s1600/photo+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmywWKgx5sJhz99MNCVJQ1IscU3zybBU4POWHNLeD6zNikvbieJklN3DD-ywDjwkLSK0M3zZnoUi74btpL5yum6LCllUh-KcBIFFCCf1jKW2UPVDQmD_zJjtvUCt33GG0ShyphenhyphenJaKg_8M8/s400/photo+19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc8DT2JHeEqXS4AFqRLMfUGzj16hEQQtJtkRVQ_uryI0riVUbNCBRR78iwlp1jFY_9eB7KJIYevMLIyYnbVEDAsT3ghn5ccyVH0ozCoyElu_n3nbVD6c-O0RWFMJYvAQa0UhfDBtgIg4/s1600/photo+20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc8DT2JHeEqXS4AFqRLMfUGzj16hEQQtJtkRVQ_uryI0riVUbNCBRR78iwlp1jFY_9eB7KJIYevMLIyYnbVEDAsT3ghn5ccyVH0ozCoyElu_n3nbVD6c-O0RWFMJYvAQa0UhfDBtgIg4/s400/photo+20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sp3dxveyAG4/VGKrwWtdLjI/AAAAAAAAEgU/XPQ7KWkxhdo/s1600/photo%2B15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sp3dxveyAG4/VGKrwWtdLjI/AAAAAAAAEgU/XPQ7KWkxhdo/s400/photo%2B15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 7 – </b>for your
“B” blocks, sew 4 of your 2 1/8” triangles onto the 4 corners of each B block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8KZuvCFFYc/VGKsG8XtweI/AAAAAAAAEgs/ebI1_Z9MOA0/s1600/photo%2B12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8KZuvCFFYc/VGKsG8XtweI/AAAAAAAAEgs/ebI1_Z9MOA0/s400/photo%2B12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Press & trim tips off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6R95YQnlO8UurVfkwW3eIrj8JEs23aOA4wC66anwf4LcY67D_ySDcXWmsR0Ncleml4nv-sQrjgCWJBG5Y8jfH53aaCJ3G5WjEW0Bb2zkTFQJJ5aX-gxPly1ros_uOHL2E9uD3-WSiWz0/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6R95YQnlO8UurVfkwW3eIrj8JEs23aOA4wC66anwf4LcY67D_ySDcXWmsR0Ncleml4nv-sQrjgCWJBG5Y8jfH53aaCJ3G5WjEW0Bb2zkTFQJJ5aX-gxPly1ros_uOHL2E9uD3-WSiWz0/s400/photo+7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> </strong>And now you're ready to start sewing these blocks together!</span></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgA2CyLeH077YxenoeOlXqaBl6Jj4qq8oa7-4OfW1XNbMYkiyXQp8bacKylsd2mQTHeA8a1qMgF2UVYDg4toshLv5yny7LtoeyUK3Y2kcrpHB3MqBOHeuqGWmskQQQ8pOpVxCGmegFVvH/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgA2CyLeH077YxenoeOlXqaBl6Jj4qq8oa7-4OfW1XNbMYkiyXQp8bacKylsd2mQTHeA8a1qMgF2UVYDg4toshLv5yny7LtoeyUK3Y2kcrpHB3MqBOHeuqGWmskQQQ8pOpVxCGmegFVvH/s400/photo+8.JPG" width="400" /></strong></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 8 – </b>Lay out
your blocks (5 blocks across, and 5 down). </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your first row will be (L to R): <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> block </span>A-B-A-B-A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Alternate layout for each additional row. (5 rows total)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Step 9 – </b>Sew all
5 rows together. Press.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcZI2Kpd02o/VGKvnevyWuI/AAAAAAAAEhY/5ub5QULFZJQ/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcZI2Kpd02o/VGKvnevyWuI/AAAAAAAAEhY/5ub5QULFZJQ/s320/photo%2B4.JPG" width="276" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Step 10 – </strong>If you are making a mini-quilt, baste
& quilt as desired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are making a pillow sham, baste & quilt as desired. And follow this tutorial <a href="http://pileofabric.com/blogs/modern-quilting/15172405-adding-a-zipper-to-a-quilted-pillow-sham-technique-tutorial-tuesdays" target="_blank">(click here)</a> for making the back. Remember, your finished pillow sham size will be 20.5"! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good luck!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKeEnHgHiBk/VGKvsCTRMQI/AAAAAAAAEhg/1zoPWe4_AIY/s1600/photo%2B48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKeEnHgHiBk/VGKvsCTRMQI/AAAAAAAAEhg/1zoPWe4_AIY/s640/photo%2B48.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And there you go! You've got a fabulous Mini-Quilt, or a 20" pillow cover.</div>
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</div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-73761798861648939382014-10-19T17:46:00.003-06:002014-10-19T17:46:34.691-06:00:: Reversible Headbands - for sale now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJyyiIkiIJVlZ0tQ7ONOcfekZevYld9wGOiudFYTuvSyUKKgisWP-kuaBdWIBcl7tKhpX4v_FYlL1QRTHHHQgjXodMEcdR15y4gsOcVQZ6kYNPBovmKsDgZqXCZeZkTO0QaaXnhxnf1x1/s1600/DSC_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJyyiIkiIJVlZ0tQ7ONOcfekZevYld9wGOiudFYTuvSyUKKgisWP-kuaBdWIBcl7tKhpX4v_FYlL1QRTHHHQgjXodMEcdR15y4gsOcVQZ6kYNPBovmKsDgZqXCZeZkTO0QaaXnhxnf1x1/s1600/DSC_1499.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just a heads up, my new Reversible Headbands are now for sale, in my shop! <a href="http://www.redrainbootshandmade.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">(click here)</a></div>
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They are available in Women's and Girl's sizes, but quantities are limited, so hurry over...</div>
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<a href="http://www.redrainbootshandmade.bigcartel.com/">www.redrainbootshandmade.bigcartel.com</a></div>
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(Also - there are multiple-item discounts available - see store for more details)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1MZJrBZSG3k9NCFD6JKdzBAPc5MEtjw1RPyy8KJgjE7lCWkMSuEfQ-TiCAkeo-iU4kLPBIA3cKtSiJ7lFqEJ47BdwO6jfrKmGBrPN-SAzzc9JlRIRmROCPXwoc8X6GY0EnA8rNNcijM/s1600/DSC_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1MZJrBZSG3k9NCFD6JKdzBAPc5MEtjw1RPyy8KJgjE7lCWkMSuEfQ-TiCAkeo-iU4kLPBIA3cKtSiJ7lFqEJ47BdwO6jfrKmGBrPN-SAzzc9JlRIRmROCPXwoc8X6GY0EnA8rNNcijM/s1600/DSC_1487.JPG" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3ATbg286eQGhIUDsKFDsYTKUEpLwPqaNv5QgixPUn0FOuc86WRiXeFbjWWqF9iQhthS8t9fvZDGC7CL8BjVa089xsk8NLuZFpsHhMxCavR2ekpTKTgP10_E6HlHHl2snMD69sGDNZ4w/s1600/DSC_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3ATbg286eQGhIUDsKFDsYTKUEpLwPqaNv5QgixPUn0FOuc86WRiXeFbjWWqF9iQhthS8t9fvZDGC7CL8BjVa089xsk8NLuZFpsHhMxCavR2ekpTKTgP10_E6HlHHl2snMD69sGDNZ4w/s1600/DSC_1497.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrpkoLqq023wyePMnqr9MCNRGLGMc_4LCAfRld4AdEEPVR_aQPQeYwjFbYuPZzRbyf8FPAjEtwCOoZhq1KEeXefl9BnAHjkeMMlXLFMBUVXOVPcWWUXHBB33LdZW_qi3QUBxaI207Sl8t/s1600/DSC_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrpkoLqq023wyePMnqr9MCNRGLGMc_4LCAfRld4AdEEPVR_aQPQeYwjFbYuPZzRbyf8FPAjEtwCOoZhq1KEeXefl9BnAHjkeMMlXLFMBUVXOVPcWWUXHBB33LdZW_qi3QUBxaI207Sl8t/s1600/DSC_1507.JPG" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jxeSOJM924/VERCYIfsB0I/AAAAAAAAEas/461VNhHKh-g/s1600/DSC_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jxeSOJM924/VERCYIfsB0I/AAAAAAAAEas/461VNhHKh-g/s1600/DSC_1482.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-38794437326573668992014-08-30T18:28:00.000-06:002014-12-02T17:57:01.322-07:00The start of an Etsy Shop and Grand Opening Discount!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVZvAK897xJDmI-gOKSIjGVjI28WxoolaqqhYQG-IO6IKnRw14DJkW4RUv1MwgIyz6YYEA14o5hRDYijJEp-jwiGC4CUeERCHHTbn5lhlXnS06FDZ5BOiY5B40OSr7Pqtxq-UEjP_2-g/s1600/a+quilts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVZvAK897xJDmI-gOKSIjGVjI28WxoolaqqhYQG-IO6IKnRw14DJkW4RUv1MwgIyz6YYEA14o5hRDYijJEp-jwiGC4CUeERCHHTbn5lhlXnS06FDZ5BOiY5B40OSr7Pqtxq-UEjP_2-g/s1600/a+quilts.JPG" height="640" width="435" /></a></div>
I know I've been talking about opening an Etsy shop for quite some time. And since it doesn't make sense to just look at this gorgeous stack of quilts forever (though I'd love to!), today's the day to share this handmade wealth, and let these quilts make other homes happy and cozy. Feel free to head on over if you want to take a look. <br />
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Etsy Shop: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedRainbootsHandmade" target="_blank">RedRainbootsHandmade</a></div>
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Also, to celebrate the grand opening of my shop (yay!), I'm offering $15 off your purchase, with the code "HAPPYDAY15".</div>
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(through Tuesday 9/2/14)</div>
<br />
(here's a peek)<br />
:: twin size <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp33S4-skxK7k_XKvs88x8iQZSa-S0j2sJ-zQ3vDwnC4Yo93y-rULmjm7mpnNNr7p9nKfUF7PtWVevchDMYZ3h5w7k1686dNCtYwBCIhenIKfLpoI_kU7fdsticpB2CDzndGTCnFaQZw/s1600/DSC_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikp33S4-skxK7k_XKvs88x8iQZSa-S0j2sJ-zQ3vDwnC4Yo93y-rULmjm7mpnNNr7p9nKfUF7PtWVevchDMYZ3h5w7k1686dNCtYwBCIhenIKfLpoI_kU7fdsticpB2CDzndGTCnFaQZw/s1600/DSC_1432.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkkiNggQERA/VAJpEEzghWI/AAAAAAAAENM/vQJ_p5rEExY/s1600/DSC_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FkkiNggQERA/VAJpEEzghWI/AAAAAAAAENM/vQJ_p5rEExY/s1600/DSC_1465.JPG" height="141" width="200" /></a></div>
:: throw size<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbHGXN3etjM/U_-G4HM2PmI/AAAAAAAAEKM/Dp9pvZK6b4s/s1600/sq11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbHGXN3etjM/U_-G4HM2PmI/AAAAAAAAEKM/Dp9pvZK6b4s/s1600/sq11.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzI-WO4aS4DLC74Lbp-VdPMa1tSH7kuXUDvvTUPml_zDrx_Mk4DPn2kFFc6snmvpAUFxCU8QOetZJVJzN7xiJzgGJ4qvPOh6HYW36Dp8f0PcQTdNdq3OB-kG534crlc6bEAS_VenHJz2V/s1600/sq15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzI-WO4aS4DLC74Lbp-VdPMa1tSH7kuXUDvvTUPml_zDrx_Mk4DPn2kFFc6snmvpAUFxCU8QOetZJVJzN7xiJzgGJ4qvPOh6HYW36Dp8f0PcQTdNdq3OB-kG534crlc6bEAS_VenHJz2V/s1600/sq15.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNbSM4hZ4qM/U_-Gxpr7ALI/AAAAAAAAEJk/ppf8Kh2a9XM/s1600/wt9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNbSM4hZ4qM/U_-Gxpr7ALI/AAAAAAAAEJk/ppf8Kh2a9XM/s1600/wt9.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9sjErYEX2KhK5nMV_8ar4Jwu6KosgxyPKSsGe7StAOLQBv7S9qtslPEWKJJEHhh9Sk-B-9exed__85-7Gag13vd7iW3JVVrngudVcaUEBofNTRbMGzppxyIEPOrIbJMDEUtbwmIr_1I/s1600/wt5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9sjErYEX2KhK5nMV_8ar4Jwu6KosgxyPKSsGe7StAOLQBv7S9qtslPEWKJJEHhh9Sk-B-9exed__85-7Gag13vd7iW3JVVrngudVcaUEBofNTRbMGzppxyIEPOrIbJMDEUtbwmIr_1I/s1600/wt5.JPG" height="400" width="256" /></a></div>
:: crib size<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX8hyphenhyphenSiabYAMGbrDor5PkXeP_2ybBJ7-SS7dC3_edyM4jd62EnVRTjE7uAR9zXg9JcQIUR6mYpnZPOMpmXce3LYn0Kxvlf-NIXXps8a5-7FGkqiRDeatTF1lm6du34m-aQAoT8Z7_rWlw/s1600/DSC_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX8hyphenhyphenSiabYAMGbrDor5PkXeP_2ybBJ7-SS7dC3_edyM4jd62EnVRTjE7uAR9zXg9JcQIUR6mYpnZPOMpmXce3LYn0Kxvlf-NIXXps8a5-7FGkqiRDeatTF1lm6du34m-aQAoT8Z7_rWlw/s1600/DSC_1464.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSNxGcbcgdteMrQgtTYUCYKlRiS8E7-w0cKH98ntKhdm3DNFAscGcnSmiNI2XEI_Xo3zQMLptq1jEwCAHfe_LMZQn7YnL2OJh3-T7y9d9pmBdWf_LoCIYzL84yIqjh8z0KM6Y_dY4BPM/s1600/bb2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSNxGcbcgdteMrQgtTYUCYKlRiS8E7-w0cKH98ntKhdm3DNFAscGcnSmiNI2XEI_Xo3zQMLptq1jEwCAHfe_LMZQn7YnL2OJh3-T7y9d9pmBdWf_LoCIYzL84yIqjh8z0KM6Y_dY4BPM/s1600/bb2.JPG" height="320" width="230" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ2rwNMaNGA4hyphenhyphen8ppbGHNkJNJgL3wN-n9f72Ygx9uwCgk61ceVD5vWsSRnFQTs-B5tnpFCOFU5w0LnC0m4MRqShRboECuABjvxO0MnddJ55mkxkV5BkFRzLMAZZZ_sLenNL6Q2FYabZn1/s1600/bb7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ2rwNMaNGA4hyphenhyphen8ppbGHNkJNJgL3wN-n9f72Ygx9uwCgk61ceVD5vWsSRnFQTs-B5tnpFCOFU5w0LnC0m4MRqShRboECuABjvxO0MnddJ55mkxkV5BkFRzLMAZZZ_sLenNL6Q2FYabZn1/s1600/bb7.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
Aren't they fun?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-22827492886863650852014-06-27T13:47:00.003-06:002014-06-27T15:56:54.067-06:00Paper-Piecing for a friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhravCXrp9UvZjXIrHrRQLs5sD5ItUuHZPSUnXbxZk0R-RaMNyN6uKq6c4HmC0L-hdUx0F0W0nDkakRS-v0JEGJTfgnpdKxa13CFoqmLbX6ZaHjWUWHfDL0q_c_nJVT9INiZ89dAcsa46A/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhravCXrp9UvZjXIrHrRQLs5sD5ItUuHZPSUnXbxZk0R-RaMNyN6uKq6c4HmC0L-hdUx0F0W0nDkakRS-v0JEGJTfgnpdKxa13CFoqmLbX6ZaHjWUWHfDL0q_c_nJVT9INiZ89dAcsa46A/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" height="640" title="70's Geese pattern From Blank Pages" width="456" /></a></div>
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Have you ever tried paper piecing? I just recently tried it - and surprisingly - it's so fun! (I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be.)</div>
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I might have enjoyed it even more, due to how good it felt to sit down at my machine, since I was able to finally <a href="http://myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/06/lately.html" target="_blank">put down my paintbrush</a>. =)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU44Gkr-T_fEnx7vvsDjD-Ex3xN-lSE6gXq4gqYHPOHzDM3CZPNBbQEazuWpTWogf21mjS5-awDVHa-LmRcdGPSketY6cGJXKwZqzddzlY1SRZbNqKzrGZRBVVM3iYmuLTRQdVCmyqdA/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqU44Gkr-T_fEnx7vvsDjD-Ex3xN-lSE6gXq4gqYHPOHzDM3CZPNBbQEazuWpTWogf21mjS5-awDVHa-LmRcdGPSketY6cGJXKwZqzddzlY1SRZbNqKzrGZRBVVM3iYmuLTRQdVCmyqdA/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I watched a few how-to videos, but when I tried it, I would get so confused with which direction the fabric would be facing, and how to figure out (from the back) if the paper was over the correct spot, and if it would cover the desired area once it was flipped backwards! But then I watched a tutorial <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_w35u9gICk" target="_blank"> (here)</a> from Ellison Lane, it made perfect sense to me! Loved her method! And it made me fall in love with paper piecing. Well - that, and this fabulous "70's Geese" pattern by Diane at <a href="http://fromblankpages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">From Blank Pages</a> (available <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/other/-70s-geese--18-inch-paper-pieced-patter/26628" target="_blank">here on Craftsy</a>).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcG09-Ff49M/U6t8LYTF5BI/AAAAAAAAD4k/HzSDE433mz0/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcG09-Ff49M/U6t8LYTF5BI/AAAAAAAAD4k/HzSDE433mz0/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" height="638" title="70's Geese Paper Piece pattern" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akOtmnIT01M/U63K045OFkI/AAAAAAAAD-w/dtTqrnCbVnw/s1600/ashley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akOtmnIT01M/U63K045OFkI/AAAAAAAAD-w/dtTqrnCbVnw/s1600/ashley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>
I made it specifically for this friend I've gotten to know on Instagram. She's the kind of person who is always doing thoughtful, giving things for others. And yet sometimes I wonder how much is given back to her? You know the type - devoted wife and mother, and faithful friend who's always there for you - always making and doing for others. <a href="http://www.heartmadelife.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a> just moved into a new house which has a room just for her sewing stuff - and it has lots of bare walls. I figured she needed to know how much she is appreciated (couldn't we all use more of that?). And...she needed some help filling up all those fabulous bare walls. =)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKEcNbtAomA/U6t8RHWqDmI/AAAAAAAAD48/6oQky1wuaOg/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKEcNbtAomA/U6t8RHWqDmI/AAAAAAAAD48/6oQky1wuaOg/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lr4vIozowQ/U6t8TIDjqsI/AAAAAAAAD5E/26clnbDTzi8/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lr4vIozowQ/U6t8TIDjqsI/AAAAAAAAD5E/26clnbDTzi8/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" height="640" title="70's Geese Paper Piecing Pattern from blank pages" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKZj_i8PtdQ/U6t8VqNgN6I/AAAAAAAAD5M/UwW-SArtjUI/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKZj_i8PtdQ/U6t8VqNgN6I/AAAAAAAAD5M/UwW-SArtjUI/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" height="480" title="70's Geese pattern From Blank Pages" width="640" /></a></div>
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This pattern comes in several sizes. I used the 18" pattern for this - and made it up into a mini-quilt. </div>
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However, I'm thinking this would make a fabulous throw pillow, as well. </div>
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I may or may not be making another one sometime soon. You take a guess. =)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-69042000687881173632014-06-25T21:06:00.003-06:002014-06-25T21:13:55.365-06:00Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmgdRSBEQNvMt7MXOK05dpxCsUplkVrc8lP67tUrC1EwXEnr4xOM7OQ73bkhge5S2PyotedRg7YZar5uBq-BScX5tyTH2__rV-JlVXxOKMnrZRZNmjttuih7cTmsmhKIYkLyROn0zRjI/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmgdRSBEQNvMt7MXOK05dpxCsUplkVrc8lP67tUrC1EwXEnr4xOM7OQ73bkhge5S2PyotedRg7YZar5uBq-BScX5tyTH2__rV-JlVXxOKMnrZRZNmjttuih7cTmsmhKIYkLyROn0zRjI/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lately - it seems like I share most of our life through <a href="http://instagram.com/julia_davis7" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, rather than this blog. It's so fast and in-the-moment. (I'm @julia_davis7) But for all you who aren't on Instagram - here ya go!</div>
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Lately - I've traded in my sewing pursuits for typical summertime things... pool, parks... and some major painting and de-cluttering. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZc8W8fWCmg/U6t6OLkvacI/AAAAAAAAD9w/LOyNPdnII_0/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZc8W8fWCmg/U6t6OLkvacI/AAAAAAAAD9w/LOyNPdnII_0/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been slowly working on a room at a time in our house, purging, de-cluttering, and organizing. Getting rid of stuff is an amazing feeling, even though it's slow going for me. I was inspired last year, by Sarah's<a href="http://www.memoriesoncloverlane.com/2012/02/40-days-tips-and-tricks-basics.html" target="_blank"> 40 Bags in 40 Days</a> concept (and her simple clear tips & tricks on how to go about it). I never did get through our whole house last year.</div>
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Then a few months ago I stumbled upon Ann Marie's adorable <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, and she had some<a href="http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/40-bags-in-40-days-2014/" target="_blank"> free printable charts</a> and more motivation to get going...</div>
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So, I tackled our storage room first...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcY5j6lZwf6twXQ4hOR2vMxiwRiVFNMZ95HnSxw4QTx3iG013HfDG_Dl-V2-7YfJEDB3yMREII9wtJaAIx0Tjojuucq2uRezsB8GjJ5V-tgAM7MI2OSmLcadoGe4zTJnAEtLnM_K7Uxdu/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcY5j6lZwf6twXQ4hOR2vMxiwRiVFNMZ95HnSxw4QTx3iG013HfDG_Dl-V2-7YfJEDB3yMREII9wtJaAIx0Tjojuucq2uRezsB8GjJ5V-tgAM7MI2OSmLcadoGe4zTJnAEtLnM_K7Uxdu/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's one of those rooms that's soooooo nice to have, but quickly becomes the dumping grounds for anything and everything. I gave away/got rid of at least 8 trash bags full of clothes - 4 bags of stuff went to the Goodwill - and 2 big bags went in the trash. Boy does it feel good to have it cleaned out. Now let's see how long it lasts!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9O-Uu5XnRI/U6t6U4TZI_I/AAAAAAAAD38/AaMiEd2JvLE/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9O-Uu5XnRI/U6t6U4TZI_I/AAAAAAAAD38/AaMiEd2JvLE/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lately - over the last 2 weeks - I re-painted our entire main floor, in Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter. Its a soft greige (gray/beige) and holds it's own against the greenish daytime light cast through the new windows, but we like it at night also. (this is all that was left of our 5-gallon bucket of paint!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUs6SRWzwdsEZWHVKikzspj64QGTr5x2P8WkdebOneqoxHqtRMFbkhrg7SJwpSVL5cH4Fe7pdJzqwIm-AZ67HSqKfC3EBKpOOWL4-WJ8VbOEBDoHw6K_E4mEqtzxxiZt8dcuQnIHnJV_4/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUs6SRWzwdsEZWHVKikzspj64QGTr5x2P8WkdebOneqoxHqtRMFbkhrg7SJwpSVL5cH4Fe7pdJzqwIm-AZ67HSqKfC3EBKpOOWL4-WJ8VbOEBDoHw6K_E4mEqtzxxiZt8dcuQnIHnJV_4/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lately - Jack's been having 4-H shotgun practices to get ready for the big County Shoot, so we spend every Thursday evening (just like <a href="http://myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2013/07/summertime.html" target="_blank">last year</a>) at the shooting range - and while he's shooting, the other little ones are playing with cousins and friends, eating a potluck dinner, and generally getting covered in dirt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LqIP8hGMSrVMRO_EPo6v3hq95Y9ncsOxBPW1NNmzRhUaO1Meesqb4zMqNJnx3jBpvIzYRGKzgI2CjijsgUCdzm-UxunDfUD-0VpfbJ3S4zkw6mRfeF_LOiMCyMXq7AEqS1-rhYNxDnAJ/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LqIP8hGMSrVMRO_EPo6v3hq95Y9ncsOxBPW1NNmzRhUaO1Meesqb4zMqNJnx3jBpvIzYRGKzgI2CjijsgUCdzm-UxunDfUD-0VpfbJ3S4zkw6mRfeF_LOiMCyMXq7AEqS1-rhYNxDnAJ/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj4ORcmra3Y/U6uAjMuk8SI/AAAAAAAAD7I/VTaBvUBdZqY/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj4ORcmra3Y/U6uAjMuk8SI/AAAAAAAAD7I/VTaBvUBdZqY/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXFm40yhiH8/U6uAk343pLI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/ecGgK1jLuJ4/s1600/IMG_1353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XXFm40yhiH8/U6uAk343pLI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/ecGgK1jLuJ4/s1600/IMG_1353.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
Lately - the local (and free) splash-park has also been a huge hit... (and this is how Blaize smiles when he says "cheese".)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHp8jhzwPzA/U6uAzbnwYvI/AAAAAAAAD7g/_YnjFKPLWvE/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHp8jhzwPzA/U6uAzbnwYvI/AAAAAAAAD7g/_YnjFKPLWvE/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlcavUuEpXTz6RSx5ICAmWP01eEBrO2XwAOvVPDRP0F75gmfLJGSHkMNHuNXOqYPurf_s-wa-eA-q_yoqlfD-bSZjYZOsRCGZd9fJFFTUWiqUZIYnCrqPhpbLnRgxgrj4K1ZrXj1W5BMe/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlcavUuEpXTz6RSx5ICAmWP01eEBrO2XwAOvVPDRP0F75gmfLJGSHkMNHuNXOqYPurf_s-wa-eA-q_yoqlfD-bSZjYZOsRCGZd9fJFFTUWiqUZIYnCrqPhpbLnRgxgrj4K1ZrXj1W5BMe/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkL0fktE34M/U6uBNccI2EI/AAAAAAAAD74/VKU0hkcMWds/s1600/IMG_1395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkL0fktE34M/U6uBNccI2EI/AAAAAAAAD74/VKU0hkcMWds/s1600/IMG_1395.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
Lately - oh yes - Audrey lost one of her front teeth on Friday... and her other front tooth the very next day! And the tooth fairly only forgot 1 out of the 2 nights, which is an improvement for us! I absolutely love it when my kids loose their front teeth. I think it looks so cute. But then I'm always a little sad at the same time - once they loose those baby teeth, their smile will never look quite as young again - just a reminder of how quickly the days are flying by.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1EzSA1iXFZWXdmlrEJqr-Jpvk76BmGpMMPwzQ2Z6bl2_WT5vZVpFzVDwiLJdMP0mEM8maWnZ0H-ChhO0vhuElAEx_V7iWCYw0ED_XX1c1s1biloZ7_wGdHtM1r9X6oK9Ck9hyphenhyphenR7n-8o/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1EzSA1iXFZWXdmlrEJqr-Jpvk76BmGpMMPwzQ2Z6bl2_WT5vZVpFzVDwiLJdMP0mEM8maWnZ0H-ChhO0vhuElAEx_V7iWCYw0ED_XX1c1s1biloZ7_wGdHtM1r9X6oK9Ck9hyphenhyphenR7n-8o/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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So - that's what we've been up to lately. How about you?</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-63919334383339000582014-05-09T13:32:00.001-06:002014-05-09T13:37:46.784-06:00:: How to make mini-dresden framed art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NK9rRMvm9cVqC3utYkYFRtfwf0j9VJ5qwHvI1SZA65MQxd5jHq35l_aLJfwN-dDvmeQIk73i9u30JucZQsk-9w5viH5QNY7CB5c8DlqDba-Y6B4WACOrhwubRjyjENGw94i1UOAfgDZh/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NK9rRMvm9cVqC3utYkYFRtfwf0j9VJ5qwHvI1SZA65MQxd5jHq35l_aLJfwN-dDvmeQIk73i9u30JucZQsk-9w5viH5QNY7CB5c8DlqDba-Y6B4WACOrhwubRjyjENGw94i1UOAfgDZh/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a particular fondness for mini-Dresdens. They are vintage (which I adore!) - absolutely perfect in their cuteness - a great way to use up those small fabric scraps - adorable when made into potholders -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1h9cRDN46CwKZOcq81_2g7q6N0fg9qNxz6rVj0pl3ek2i_HxElRYJq1biTA_cY6L0OLB8sVYi3YGzzlykGreKiJZ64oo0FIdxU5y8geA8be55OHuxoNcMHOpuz1fKpoHcYUePQ05kz8/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1h9cRDN46CwKZOcq81_2g7q6N0fg9qNxz6rVj0pl3ek2i_HxElRYJq1biTA_cY6L0OLB8sVYi3YGzzlykGreKiJZ64oo0FIdxU5y8geA8be55OHuxoNcMHOpuz1fKpoHcYUePQ05kz8/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
and even cuter when put in a frame with a special word or message embroidered onto the background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZrR__g7jguwYiR_R-JucIlIczkScZ-vj7SEG8bKoL3BV4nqRmyKbOAf25AYq8OCVP8ZuSkHZTeghreh9Mq-6Pzr2RPbb2XlOvSCpe4Q_kNc5IeqUEpxRzlocMHzRQCco1humBPJXDGc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZrR__g7jguwYiR_R-JucIlIczkScZ-vj7SEG8bKoL3BV4nqRmyKbOAf25AYq8OCVP8ZuSkHZTeghreh9Mq-6Pzr2RPbb2XlOvSCpe4Q_kNc5IeqUEpxRzlocMHzRQCco1humBPJXDGc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
I've made a handful of them at this point - and I plan on making many more. My oldest daughter is already asking when I'll make one to hang in a frame in their bedroom. I made this one for myself, as a reminder of the <a href="http://www.myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/02/redemption-story-details.html" target="_blank">amazing redemption story</a> that came out <a href="http://www.myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/02/scam-story-details.html" target="_blank">getting scammed</a> when I tried to buy a new sewing machine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeFyJ1wZ_Dv50b9B4Bn0Anb-Zx6pUBNW60k9Z8xsDPxxtOVUnmrCOQl6pTrl-M5XkkVkbp8BKvg1_PlI5q78vccjZRVqNFyXmBNW9B1s4gIjpCvp9ZMIg1DqSA_91-iOUlOrjx0xbCHQ/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeFyJ1wZ_Dv50b9B4Bn0Anb-Zx6pUBNW60k9Z8xsDPxxtOVUnmrCOQl6pTrl-M5XkkVkbp8BKvg1_PlI5q78vccjZRVqNFyXmBNW9B1s4gIjpCvp9ZMIg1DqSA_91-iOUlOrjx0xbCHQ/s1600/photo+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
They are fast, fun - and highly addictive. So, consider yourself warned. =)<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">That being said, here's a quick run-down of how I make them.</span><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>You will need:</em><br />
- EZ Dresden Ruler (or other type) and rotary cutter/mat<br />
- (20) small 2.5" scraps,<br />
- center circle fabric<br />
- background fabric 12" x 15"<br />
- cotton batting 12" x 15"<br />
- picture frame 11" x 14" (including mat for 8"x10" picture)<br />
<br />
1. I used my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wright-Products-8829306-Easy-Dresden/dp/B000GBRPH4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399660205&sr=8-2&keywords=ez+dresden+ruler" target="_blank"> EZ Dresden Ruler</a> (by Darlene Zimmerman) to cut out (20) 2.5" blades from my scrap bin. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-thT-4uuZv4k/U20i3StG_FI/AAAAAAAADsE/915UWAJA03c/s1600/EZ+Dresden+Ruler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-thT-4uuZv4k/U20i3StG_FI/AAAAAAAADsE/915UWAJA03c/s1600/EZ+Dresden+Ruler.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
2. Sew your 20 blades together and press seams in one direction.<br />
(if you aren't familiar with how to do this, there are many on-line tutorials).<br />
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3. Print out (on paper) whatever word/phrase you want to embroider, in desired size and font.<br />
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4. Figure out placement of Dresden and words.<br />
- Lay your picture mat on top of your background fabric (so you can see where to place Dresden and words). Place Dresden on your background fabric wherever desired, and use 4 pins to tack in place. (I do mine slightly off-center - towards the lower right edge). <br />
- Place your printed words underneath your background fabric where desired, and trace onto your fabric, using a fabric pen. <br />
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5. Now lay your batting piece underneath your background fabric, and pin or spray baste layers.<br />
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6. Pin Dresden more securely, and stitch in place.<br />
(I like to do a double-stitch. Sew around very edge, and then 1/4" inside first stitching line)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMJY3eSRN4o/U20el386rsI/AAAAAAAADrI/-dVLJ8RIDX0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMJY3eSRN4o/U20el386rsI/AAAAAAAADrI/-dVLJ8RIDX0/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
5. Make your center circle, and stitch in place. (I follow <a href="http://www.make-it-do.com/sew-it/easy-perfect-circles/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> - it's fast, easy and works perfectly. Best way ever!)<br />
I used a cup or other round object from my house to draw a circle in the size I wanted. <br />
<em>Note: you could also do a raw-edge circle, since it won't have much wear in a picture frame.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
6. Quilt (or don't)<br />
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7. Embroider word/phrase. (I use a double-strand of DMC floss - but whatever is fine!)<br />
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--(Note, if you want to wash it and get a crinkled look, zig-zag around raw edges and wash/dry now.)<br />
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8. Trim to desired size (11x14"), zig-zag raw edges, and frame!<br />
<br />
And there you go!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-72262669633182475352014-03-27T12:07:00.005-06:002014-03-27T13:27:32.302-06:00:: A quilt for a very special causeI recently made this Baby/lap quilt out of my Arcadia scraps from the <a href="http://myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2013/07/square-one-quilt-finished.html" target="_blank">Square One quilt</a> I made awhile back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildJyzgJC9iguVXQKHY2TwKLDQkJUqemZZiR4qXOOjYT4We8uni3BSYKzVwkYT5vEX6AanGdydFb9nlG9H1x34R8d9RxEtlQ01V5PtOdy8kf42FecjJ-nGQSDCGsZhwcC_h5LMlNe0qbA/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildJyzgJC9iguVXQKHY2TwKLDQkJUqemZZiR4qXOOjYT4We8uni3BSYKzVwkYT5vEX6AanGdydFb9nlG9H1x34R8d9RxEtlQ01V5PtOdy8kf42FecjJ-nGQSDCGsZhwcC_h5LMlNe0qbA/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I donated it to a special auction on Instagram that @CraftersForCourage organized to raise funds for CourageWorldwide. They were raising money for <a href="https://courageworldwide.org/courage-house/" target="_blank">Courage House</a> - a home for minor girls rescued from sex trafficking. They desperately need fund in order to help more girls, and it was such a special thing to be part of.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3kobk9t3DU/UzRTWfmhYzI/AAAAAAAADo4/Zot0mmKZ0OQ/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3kobk9t3DU/UzRTWfmhYzI/AAAAAAAADo4/Zot0mmKZ0OQ/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_IlDOTZqWqo31NmHSj8Os4eqCERsxCg6ehZf-mafOVi2QbPnQxdoC8cX7NEKCsxq2b8Ai5fRNiXmIsil9ugMBvqlGtY3aqoyfCtj3uHBNNOG1rIzpHMww_om8xeGK-HDXwCWJ7D-ZdcZ/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_IlDOTZqWqo31NmHSj8Os4eqCERsxCg6ehZf-mafOVi2QbPnQxdoC8cX7NEKCsxq2b8Ai5fRNiXmIsil9ugMBvqlGtY3aqoyfCtj3uHBNNOG1rIzpHMww_om8xeGK-HDXwCWJ7D-ZdcZ/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQC6en2AaOI/UzRTZmc24CI/AAAAAAAADpI/uYeuoWPMzbo/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQC6en2AaOI/UzRTZmc24CI/AAAAAAAADpI/uYeuoWPMzbo/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" height="640" width="560" /></a></div>
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Quite a few people donated handmade items, there were many generous bids, and over $5600 was raised for Courage House. The very sweet <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckyhanks" target="_blank">Theresa</a> (@luckyhanks) placed the winning bid on this quilt, and it was sent off to her a few days later. And now it's freshly washed, crinkled and put to good use in it's new home.</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>
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Quilt Info:<br />
Pattern - "Square One" out of <a href="http://www.camilleroskelley.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Camille Roskelley's</a> book <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simplify-With-Camille-Roskelley-Quilts/dp/1571209387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395944004&sr=8-1&keywords=simplify+camille+roskelley" target="_blank">Simplify</a></u><br />
Fabric - Arcadia and some Moda Bella cream<br />
Backing and Binding fabric: JoAnn FabricsJuliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-22598160733858893102014-03-14T08:56:00.002-06:002014-03-15T06:41:39.859-06:00:: Simple Girl Pattern - now available!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiwaYMboR8GGkHt8YJJEY5O6nZ5aRYDz859n9ak-9PIFCXggMC_wwIXRDUCH-s6iaOH1TkpItSuzsSkEBADBLF5UgoE62VkYx58qdTCokt-FEWVQ3mogdsnv9XehL5XbfB6oXSCri7YI/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiwaYMboR8GGkHt8YJJEY5O6nZ5aRYDz859n9ak-9PIFCXggMC_wwIXRDUCH-s6iaOH1TkpItSuzsSkEBADBLF5UgoE62VkYx58qdTCokt-FEWVQ3mogdsnv9XehL5XbfB6oXSCri7YI/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
It's here!! It's ready!! My "Simple Girl" pattern is finally done and available for download!! (can I just say it: I'm excited!!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoGvqPyyRFUWoRTJhLgmtH_HnyBBsoh1uoTQL-tm-7rZo5sQVJSrXtGwOAUjydFqWMNNqZQ85euDRbqDLypETEguloYiLaiyHXJnf5AzSuIgdcNnl9UQxl3KalI2RE-dSd27a6m6TcnE/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoGvqPyyRFUWoRTJhLgmtH_HnyBBsoh1uoTQL-tm-7rZo5sQVJSrXtGwOAUjydFqWMNNqZQ85euDRbqDLypETEguloYiLaiyHXJnf5AzSuIgdcNnl9UQxl3KalI2RE-dSd27a6m6TcnE/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0WC99puVNQ/UyKDG86MviI/AAAAAAAADnQ/ZY9yOKXOEIs/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0WC99puVNQ/UyKDG86MviI/AAAAAAAADnQ/ZY9yOKXOEIs/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've made 3 of these covers in the past 2 weeks, and it is such a fun, rewarding project - and one that doesn't take much time. For some of you, it could be whipped out in a day. For me - where I squeeze in a few sewing moments here and there with my 5 little ones - more like a weekend or two very late evenings. =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYxd6JndO_pIyBZacxR_gErgYmlWqmjVnfqZEZ44Ap7FKMajTws-qqV5jYVC3hXZycufPuuzv8-OEkVihWh4xzSLjFI-8jz0-xgg3hjt5SLdqlQ-1UiL6icAIp0D1NgoGl6eW8WyZYR8/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYxd6JndO_pIyBZacxR_gErgYmlWqmjVnfqZEZ44Ap7FKMajTws-qqV5jYVC3hXZycufPuuzv8-OEkVihWh4xzSLjFI-8jz0-xgg3hjt5SLdqlQ-1UiL6icAIp0D1NgoGl6eW8WyZYR8/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like you, I have always wanted (and needed!) a cover for my sewing machine. Not only to protect it from dust settling in it's nooks and crannies, but also from curious little fingers. =) Recently I was able to look at a cover that my Grandmother made at least 30 years ago. Hers was a picture of functionality (vs our generation's need to look-good-while-being-useful-at-the-same-time). It was made with pre-quilted fabric and pre-made bias binding, but it served her for 30 years for the very same 2 purposes I was needing now. <br />
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That faded yellow cover was exactly the spring-board I needed to design this Simple Girl pattern. That, and the fact that I have a brand new Bernina 550QE that I really wanted to keep safe! (If you haven't read the amazing story of how I got my new sewing machine, you can read it <a href="http://myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/02/redemption-story-details.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">For a downloadable PDF pattern of Simple Girl</span>, visit <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/">www.Craftsy.com</a>, or <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/other/simple-girl---a-sewing-machine-cover/89534?fresh=true&NAVIGATION_PAGE_CONTEXT_ATTR=PATTERN" target="_blank">click here</a>!!!</div>
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A few things:</div>
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1 -This pattern also has instructions on how to adjust the sizing to fit <em>your machine!</em></div>
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2 - As seen in the pictures below, you can customize it to your hearts content. </div>
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3 - for instructions on how to make Continuous Bias Binding out of 1 Fat Quarter, <a href="http://www.myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/03/simple-continuous-bias-binding-using-1.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
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4 - for instructions on quick and easy binding for your cover (or for a quilt too), <a href="http://www.myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/03/quick-and-easy-binding.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
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Thank you to the sweet ladies who tested out my pattern when it was in the rough stages, and offered such helpful comments. Their suggestions made this pattern what it is today. Thanks ladies! Here's a few of their covers...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k_1_Q0pCEd8sBibmcCtcD8MLg8zEG8tPrs9ZHxPLKFIWuCPu_02ZKTUoBCc2EfnZeg0gR8YYcnEhsCflB3noQYpJWuovTfrSjD8R-ygv__WqaAI99kZONDUpOUOsnKQ2lCk-5nbAvxc/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5k_1_Q0pCEd8sBibmcCtcD8MLg8zEG8tPrs9ZHxPLKFIWuCPu_02ZKTUoBCc2EfnZeg0gR8YYcnEhsCflB3noQYpJWuovTfrSjD8R-ygv__WqaAI99kZONDUpOUOsnKQ2lCk-5nbAvxc/s1600/photo.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXNf2CRxaWg/UyNI8_nkvHI/AAAAAAAADoA/J2UmEmfcTsg/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXNf2CRxaWg/UyNI8_nkvHI/AAAAAAAADoA/J2UmEmfcTsg/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTjelL4nHUx0Ij-mC1JrfQA1HsVBGFtSFcG4DffN0SzdcC-bdWdRzQdmp8PcPSmKx82wQ9J8BRIJ7qJT9U6HAFEQ4422gipJO_zEFWms9nt9woJo3LPlTpUSso573jD3g1eH2O_odlYgi/s1600/1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTjelL4nHUx0Ij-mC1JrfQA1HsVBGFtSFcG4DffN0SzdcC-bdWdRzQdmp8PcPSmKx82wQ9J8BRIJ7qJT9U6HAFEQ4422gipJO_zEFWms9nt9woJo3LPlTpUSso573jD3g1eH2O_odlYgi/s1600/1125.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyuLtxM_viLDFOimCViRgGzTM3lEAQ_xNF5rorH3NeX1Ebsl3MiUjsDsULYuMy7-NH-sjiPMFM6qwMNQcECmnXGel81kBpfMSrKSNXftXELuwNIEQoWRRRaUZi8t1Rbe_pPEZzAx-75_k/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyuLtxM_viLDFOimCViRgGzTM3lEAQ_xNF5rorH3NeX1Ebsl3MiUjsDsULYuMy7-NH-sjiPMFM6qwMNQcECmnXGel81kBpfMSrKSNXftXELuwNIEQoWRRRaUZi8t1Rbe_pPEZzAx-75_k/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h4kqT0B9X_Bt8a-WMNg0Z53Fpb5Jv8IoHFH7qzd9aIvw6OI1E9IsSIiKEw7RqpSV-ePYwAc-7kljUJZuAVQjNdc5UWvQlFqeQWsuzSMP5mOQ7PXUPwIGVMko8Buee3M0QsxpgNFILBA/s1600/photo+featherweight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_h4kqT0B9X_Bt8a-WMNg0Z53Fpb5Jv8IoHFH7qzd9aIvw6OI1E9IsSIiKEw7RqpSV-ePYwAc-7kljUJZuAVQjNdc5UWvQlFqeQWsuzSMP5mOQ7PXUPwIGVMko8Buee3M0QsxpgNFILBA/s1600/photo+featherweight.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDB6F6LhAQA/UyMQlzA6cyI/AAAAAAAADmg/T-nNR1FB03c/s1600/Simple+Girl+Cover+from+Gooba+Designs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDB6F6LhAQA/UyMQlzA6cyI/AAAAAAAADmg/T-nNR1FB03c/s1600/Simple+Girl+Cover+from+Gooba+Designs.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnPAOMhPYZkVqmS4dmykYdK6iRohLH2IRAoD6WUMK1BBI_GmxmgFMCmGiBRvM3qRkil3usIhxPmo-s2qmdlyHvz5UCCJpbyuOgkrozFQ_Qxti0aQqDrKVz3TLJbYKG42kO4d6AOyuEwMX/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnPAOMhPYZkVqmS4dmykYdK6iRohLH2IRAoD6WUMK1BBI_GmxmgFMCmGiBRvM3qRkil3usIhxPmo-s2qmdlyHvz5UCCJpbyuOgkrozFQ_Qxti0aQqDrKVz3TLJbYKG42kO4d6AOyuEwMX/s1600/image.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
Can you believe how creative they were?! I can't wait to see YOUR Simple Girl cover! Be sure to email me, or tag me (@julia_davis7) and tag your cover #simplegirlcover on your Instagram pictures!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-49932998100275736272014-03-13T23:08:00.002-06:002014-03-14T09:39:47.881-06:00:: Quick and easy bindingSo here's the quick and easy, for finishing the<strong> bottom edge binding</strong> for your Simple Girl cover. (or any quilt, for that matter...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw0BbnmyyWhAhnsRSh_XpAf0nLkgSNZ7dZ2BQN_oOsCN8CZJv_XY0WGV5ZXWdqhUw57rT9fUhO70SoLTVFj94JDmnwkaepRWFi2qKiIsgHigCSqPetSYIksY7xGON5fg1y3mALyTC9W5A/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw0BbnmyyWhAhnsRSh_XpAf0nLkgSNZ7dZ2BQN_oOsCN8CZJv_XY0WGV5ZXWdqhUw57rT9fUhO70SoLTVFj94JDmnwkaepRWFi2qKiIsgHigCSqPetSYIksY7xGON5fg1y3mALyTC9W5A/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBUqwa4NhXRwUvaVddC7QA5gyDlOUhPZ0yhyXzsVwGv4lMXgXmGU4G6FIVf2csPHo65VK9x-upkzF32x84yQF_BKU-Wb8SaiajAxM8JyCY4UFD0TtlK1DInzwBzMCOhLpNPQyef7rnqI/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBUqwa4NhXRwUvaVddC7QA5gyDlOUhPZ0yhyXzsVwGv4lMXgXmGU4G6FIVf2csPHo65VK9x-upkzF32x84yQF_BKU-Wb8SaiajAxM8JyCY4UFD0TtlK1DInzwBzMCOhLpNPQyef7rnqI/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" height="248" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stitch your binding onto the inside (lining) edge of your cover, using a <strong>generous 1/4" seam.</strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfEHSt2p4bM/UyJ-1wB0kFI/AAAAAAAADnw/SOhzWRRZBjs/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfEHSt2p4bM/UyJ-1wB0kFI/AAAAAAAADnw/SOhzWRRZBjs/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdN7XoaqADI/UyJ-0dNIyFI/AAAAAAAADkM/VUYgH5MW7Dc/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdN7XoaqADI/UyJ-0dNIyFI/AAAAAAAADkM/VUYgH5MW7Dc/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoaaWci1C31XG7lMjvHnGlsi5WUtY27ocB86PqltGkbKXFJ-res4N4z0rtCwpqUXoyWBq_KjfTTrMxC3dzy1evpxAyXoU9b_QUak3n_AKZ2L0ePAr6na9ha88Z1Nu-ozON5Z4Qga6VwQ/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoaaWci1C31XG7lMjvHnGlsi5WUtY27ocB86PqltGkbKXFJ-res4N4z0rtCwpqUXoyWBq_KjfTTrMxC3dzy1evpxAyXoU9b_QUak3n_AKZ2L0ePAr6na9ha88Z1Nu-ozON5Z4Qga6VwQ/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjglQggMWcR9WGBfp47dlBb1ompVsADToBJLFnrFzpzzSJhSTg_QNPdaMKbYfSeQ6CmNjjG00cACKuuo-FO0pH-fCkcz8aHQa5tjVPBbNRDY3t8K75qEvjXl8daUhBXZPds3GV8exf36A/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjglQggMWcR9WGBfp47dlBb1ompVsADToBJLFnrFzpzzSJhSTg_QNPdaMKbYfSeQ6CmNjjG00cACKuuo-FO0pH-fCkcz8aHQa5tjVPBbNRDY3t8K75qEvjXl8daUhBXZPds3GV8exf36A/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
Your binding is now completely sewn onto the inside of your cover. Yay!<br />
Fold your binding around to the outside edge of your Main Panel. Using clips to hold it in place, topstitch along the edge of the binding. (Sorry about the different color of binding - but you get the general idea.)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-axlekm_cUpI/Uxai0eeKzYI/AAAAAAAADZE/MTMY2P__uZs/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-axlekm_cUpI/Uxai0eeKzYI/AAAAAAAADZE/MTMY2P__uZs/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
And you are DONE! (See...wasn't that easy?!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-54652519762911268632014-03-13T21:07:00.002-06:002015-01-08T12:45:35.951-07:00:: Simple Continuous Bias Binding - Using 1 Fat Quarter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4EyWLp8rC1I8c0mCK2N84e57wW3iLGcttBd5ub6_ev5Ekgm0QG4X0oof8JMyriNfGxr31mxIUh-I4fq_syRqZa3mM04B-Huo5YFSESRhSRh8x-R_l3VyF-g8rFDARj4PG0pyfdhDjpU/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4EyWLp8rC1I8c0mCK2N84e57wW3iLGcttBd5ub6_ev5Ekgm0QG4X0oof8JMyriNfGxr31mxIUh-I4fq_syRqZa3mM04B-Huo5YFSESRhSRh8x-R_l3VyF-g8rFDARj4PG0pyfdhDjpU/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" height="458" title="Simple Bias Binding using 1 Fat Quarter of fabric" width="640" /></a></div>
Whenever I used to think of making bias binding I would shudder. And walk away. It seemed so hard - and the angles scared me - and I <em>hated</em> the idea of wasting precious fabric by cutting off that huge corner end. <br />
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Recently I've been writing my Simple Girl Sewing Machine Cover pattern <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/216844473/simple-girl-pattern-sewing-machine-cover?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">(for sale here)</a> and guess what? It has curved edges which <em>required</em> bias binding. (ugh) But wait! There is an EASY, FAST way to make continuous bias binding, and it makes up to 5 yards with <em>just 1 fat quarter</em> <em>of fabric</em>! I know there are probably 100 tutorials online that might show you how to do this, but for the benefit of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/216844473/simple-girl-pattern-sewing-machine-cover?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Simple Girl pattern</a>, here's tutorial #101... <br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Simple Continuous Bias Binding - using 1 Fat Quarter!</strong></span></div>
To start, remove the selvage and square up your fat quarter to 18" x 22" (or 18" x larger).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM6_hqlgIaVxcqS0Ki2mQrsnFi_5hveFIURfsIWlU2ChquuWoAlhUNqXfX-PMg3fRS_S8TFqJwUDBlZBVKr5JBIWs79y9ZAAyqjqSa9xAsh9EQkv74ARzkRzJYPCBvGj1moICKmwp0Da7/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM6_hqlgIaVxcqS0Ki2mQrsnFi_5hveFIURfsIWlU2ChquuWoAlhUNqXfX-PMg3fRS_S8TFqJwUDBlZBVKr5JBIWs79y9ZAAyqjqSa9xAsh9EQkv74ARzkRzJYPCBvGj1moICKmwp0Da7/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsLVA45gkK7Wugn7M4DqSydgz3moNt-ZXEiwTYq6qsLr6fk4P01ugLLDuB34WyC3DGSdDoQUA1KiEPlGlJ0MMfWJl1kzYWVfAa44i99ub-igQY6-jCRpWh6_4KHCCO7RoakQlkTt1Xeq1/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsLVA45gkK7Wugn7M4DqSydgz3moNt-ZXEiwTYq6qsLr6fk4P01ugLLDuB34WyC3DGSdDoQUA1KiEPlGlJ0MMfWJl1kzYWVfAa44i99ub-igQY6-jCRpWh6_4KHCCO7RoakQlkTt1Xeq1/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stitch them together, using a very short stitch length (I shortened mine by half). You will be cutting across your seams and this helps them to not come apart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDP1DY-sUv6UI_UGIPTerZWTfO5MMfAtdW7H1Osj9TV5X57KALLXTdzFLnOKRqxVb5ZwWUpeBQboX-8ucVlVXyKaY5nuxkIaWZMnQSPc3Sz-IsY_-uNpbvL309vzGSuMSnpSO77pJ3PK-/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDP1DY-sUv6UI_UGIPTerZWTfO5MMfAtdW7H1Osj9TV5X57KALLXTdzFLnOKRqxVb5ZwWUpeBQboX-8ucVlVXyKaY5nuxkIaWZMnQSPc3Sz-IsY_-uNpbvL309vzGSuMSnpSO77pJ3PK-/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Note: if you are making bias binding for the Simple Girl pattern - mark your lines at 2.5" wide.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURQrOU8I5ogKilHLfoh1zVrwsRjB7wO4508I749swmhnxMyip04kKBlJHgrerojgUdk4KxhUvw7F2KioqDAwFZWTARWLlqMGCB0KVIVqNoGH062e61YYLmwwfgAs4e0AIU-WAcZBVg1I/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURQrOU8I5ogKilHLfoh1zVrwsRjB7wO4508I749swmhnxMyip04kKBlJHgrerojgUdk4KxhUvw7F2KioqDAwFZWTARWLlqMGCB0KVIVqNoGH062e61YYLmwwfgAs4e0AIU-WAcZBVg1I/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" height="480" title="continous bias binding using 1 FQ - so simple!" width="640" /></a></div>
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At this point, you're going to fold your fabric (right sides together) so the lines match up (basically making a tube). You will want to slide one side over so your first drawn line matches up with the raw edge of the other side. (See drawing below.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcnz3-69UP9qly9UmAdP5ZCdeMTy6FoFJdx4E2THfJViji1DCBaPy4VmWxR_i0eCbWsLFcUS5yCAcCVMZ9PmVX4iTMrrrWRi0z4bLOaumjfk9gOCsIphlyegTTAEFM-dLwOgxIYG8QEBw/s1600/biastubeblog%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcnz3-69UP9qly9UmAdP5ZCdeMTy6FoFJdx4E2THfJViji1DCBaPy4VmWxR_i0eCbWsLFcUS5yCAcCVMZ9PmVX4iTMrrrWRi0z4bLOaumjfk9gOCsIphlyegTTAEFM-dLwOgxIYG8QEBw/s1600/biastubeblog%255B1%255D.jpg" height="400" width="393" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjZD8bPesm8/UyJS0C6g1LI/AAAAAAAADgc/Wai0QKDEd7c/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjZD8bPesm8/UyJS0C6g1LI/AAAAAAAADgc/Wai0QKDEd7c/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Your fabric will sort-of twist while you're doing this.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFGSmr3lGR4/UyJSxIZ5m4I/AAAAAAAADgM/ZMOB0O9nfhg/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFGSmr3lGR4/UyJSxIZ5m4I/AAAAAAAADgM/ZMOB0O9nfhg/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Stitch along this edge with 1/4" seam. (Again, use a short stitch length.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsoDckSvkxmfAQPte7IfdV1ENbabucJMMjhgiHEIhhzouuA-a5ySy9JpNkIc97ISg2oW502YjAZ_8haz9gdCYYyjgJLY0lZSz5l94WkcI24SldE9xY9uP73oWG5iz3ABA3httaKcE1nY/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsoDckSvkxmfAQPte7IfdV1ENbabucJMMjhgiHEIhhzouuA-a5ySy9JpNkIc97ISg2oW502YjAZ_8haz9gdCYYyjgJLY0lZSz5l94WkcI24SldE9xY9uP73oWG5iz3ABA3httaKcE1nY/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now for the fun part....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mT5bBwOd919skQfyYleMpr9KlcrhUTBjUpOcyu4Skpb4AzezK7wGVOE6zrQWVUIEtt-FaNvWuFtObHnUARO5iNvlW7xoB-BWUK6CnAb1MZ85ZntDV5v5YTyiaRWacSMuX5Jsa6YsBCQ/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mT5bBwOd919skQfyYleMpr9KlcrhUTBjUpOcyu4Skpb4AzezK7wGVOE6zrQWVUIEtt-FaNvWuFtObHnUARO5iNvlW7xoB-BWUK6CnAb1MZ85ZntDV5v5YTyiaRWacSMuX5Jsa6YsBCQ/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" height="640" width="612" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75FlQZdDd5bK_2jcs9gtoKHRVw_aVKHhZJKSHYMuGFKDBrv-11Hy5r5kVW5e8poBeGl6oD7-AQXUxKXJ7sg9TwOHlij0ijFRUVLPeWojBiWLML90soHpfDsTqvqTLiR_TIficxW2-pC8/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75FlQZdDd5bK_2jcs9gtoKHRVw_aVKHhZJKSHYMuGFKDBrv-11Hy5r5kVW5e8poBeGl6oD7-AQXUxKXJ7sg9TwOHlij0ijFRUVLPeWojBiWLML90soHpfDsTqvqTLiR_TIficxW2-pC8/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
And now (depending on how wide you made yours) you have <em>up to 5 yards</em> of continuous bias binding! (If you cut your binding strips 2.5" wide for the Simple Girl pattern, you will have approx. 4 yards of binding.) And all of it with no stress - no sweating (well, hopefully) - and no waste!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a> <br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Note:</span> If you'd like more info on turning your continuous bias binding into French Fold (Double Fold) bias binding, visit this brilliant page <a href="http://piraterodgers.com/tutorials/cbt/index.htm" target="_blank">(here</a>) for measurements/yardages.Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-39598885221734842352014-02-18T10:30:00.001-07:002014-02-18T10:30:57.008-07:00:: Veil Making...I recently had this crazy idea that I could earn a little side-cash for our family (you know, so someday we can afford to not live on sub-floors, or maybe take the children to Disneyland), while working/sewing from home.<br />
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A woman who designs veils for bridal boutique shops, as well as larger stores like Nordstroms, was in need of another seamstress. So I met with her on Wednesday afternoon, she gave me a brief lesson on veil-making, and sent me home to make 4 of a particular type of veil.<br />
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What a difference tulle and lace are from quilters cotton! It was a bit of a learning curve, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed learning something new. However, with Josh being gone both evenings before I had to turn them in, I realized that there was no way that we could both have deadlines, and I could still mother my 5 children that way we would like for me to. What was I thinking?! =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzsGEAQrg0KF2aCWoWPdj3_TkfXhDwU3pTg1Dr4-dC6JjrOlJl11VfCf0dBzTmQQwtt4a0iZ5pVXKSMmR3fYs4xjamIuSNtGRl20lGIX2oorQ1-wT0uMYPxCbrEAZMF3nbvy38dKf7SY/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzsGEAQrg0KF2aCWoWPdj3_TkfXhDwU3pTg1Dr4-dC6JjrOlJl11VfCf0dBzTmQQwtt4a0iZ5pVXKSMmR3fYs4xjamIuSNtGRl20lGIX2oorQ1-wT0uMYPxCbrEAZMF3nbvy38dKf7SY/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDNCfIjZOnE/UwOUYAC4QlI/AAAAAAAADW0/Y_tcm9t0djQ/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDNCfIjZOnE/UwOUYAC4QlI/AAAAAAAADW0/Y_tcm9t0djQ/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
The night before I had to turn them in, I was up till about midnight sewing. Friday afternoon I handed over the 4 veils, and graciously declined this unique job opportunity. When I left her house, it was with a light heart. Maybe someday this will be a good fit for me. But for now, I'm happy to mother my children, and just sew quilts and things for my family and friends, with no big deadlines. And you know, I do have 3 daughters that may need veils someday. =)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-62362626165631954402014-02-16T20:05:00.000-07:002015-02-09T12:34:11.986-07:00:: A Redemption Story - the details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfIJiH7FBeADTIWpvmlQDC65kQ_bVQQqwBdpOPVCef1Thlr2JrUCFxdpLMCEITN-cZQGWNqQGSyDA7gSNpmCV_S2IMWtGCWzCfZDQiWj9cg0aR-rNAJ79Tkw6OmScLmnaQroyB0HEfGSc/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfIJiH7FBeADTIWpvmlQDC65kQ_bVQQqwBdpOPVCef1Thlr2JrUCFxdpLMCEITN-cZQGWNqQGSyDA7gSNpmCV_S2IMWtGCWzCfZDQiWj9cg0aR-rNAJ79Tkw6OmScLmnaQroyB0HEfGSc/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Last Saturday morning I wrote a post, <a href="http://www.myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/02/scam-story-details.html" target="_blank">telling about a scam</a> that I fell victim to. But today I get to share the 2nd half of that story: An amazing story of Redemption. </div>
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Little did I know last Saturday morning when I woke up, what would transpire in those next 48 hours.</div>
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In response to that Scam Story blog post, over the course of that weekend, astounding amounts of people came to my rescue! Literally. Friends of mine on IG posted (and re-posted) my story, and by 10:30 that Saturday morning I was being flooded with emails, heartfelt responses, and an outpouring of financial giving from you - family, friends, and this amazing quilting community (and even their family members). Each person giving out of the kindness of their hearts to help out a girl many hadn't even met before. It was unbelievable and I was blown away!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkgRH1UyCdBmke0JagTEGA4U4HqLOajZxrGABfYBwIfS8KVTmHKL4PKIQEd98jKvZcSg5l_sMc7B8eAianOfS1oG6ZKAU8kEg6sQawC3pUu2_XSn36LbFUwuZiiWp1eJyHfQJQOBbtNXi/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkgRH1UyCdBmke0JagTEGA4U4HqLOajZxrGABfYBwIfS8KVTmHKL4PKIQEd98jKvZcSg5l_sMc7B8eAianOfS1oG6ZKAU8kEg6sQawC3pUu2_XSn36LbFUwuZiiWp1eJyHfQJQOBbtNXi/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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By Sunday evening, an astonishing $2400 had been raised, and I told my husband, "I don't know how to make it stop!" </div>
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The love and generosity you all poured out truly touched my heart and humbled me to my core. And what an amazing redemption story you all gave to me! Who would have ever known when I first found out I had lost all my "Bernina money", that something even better would come of it?!</div>
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I truly believe that God turned this into a testimony of how He is so powerful to act on our behalf. And the most exciting part? He used all of YOU to do it! What a thrilling thing. I tend to mentally limit God's ability to act to the few scenerios I can come up with in my mind. But how wrong that is! This situation was far and above anything I could have dreamed or imagined.</div>
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So the next morning (Monday) I set up an appointment to meet with a lady who was selling her Bernina 440 locally on Tuesday evening. I was so excited!!</div>
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However - God had even bigger plans. </div>
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Monday night I received an email from a lady who had given a donation that weekend, even though we were complete strangers. In her email she informed me that she wanted me to buy a NEW sewing machine, and that she was going to pay the difference. (from what I had raised, to cover the price of new). And she didn't take no for an answer. Crazy, right?!! Who does stuff like this? Only Dana.</div>
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At this point I felt like a cup being held under a faucet of blessing. I was filled to the brim, yet the blessing kept coming and now it was just running over the sides. (And I prayed and told God, "ok Lord, you can turn it off now!!")</div>
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Long story short, by the next morning she had called her local Bernina stores, checked online, priced things, had me call my Bernina store, and wanted it all arranged by the end of the day!</div>
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Late that night my husband walked through my bedroom door carrying a brand new Bernina 550QE from <a href="http://www.threadplay.net/" target="_blank">Thread Play</a>, my local Bernina store here in Denver!!!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8f6VWq8UjCU/UwFGZ3BEDDI/AAAAAAAADTg/7JLnpGRDv70/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8f6VWq8UjCU/UwFGZ3BEDDI/AAAAAAAADTg/7JLnpGRDv70/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a story of redemption, love, and a community pulling together for their own, isn't it?!</div>
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I don't know how to even begin to express my heartfelt thanks to each one of you who gave. There were approximately 50 donations, multiple re-postings of my story, emails from you who had found possible machine options for me, and so much compassion shown. You gave what you could, and I have to say, those $10 and $15 donations spoke volumes to me. I know what it's like to give all your eating-out money for the week. And I don't receive it lightly. Thank you for sacrificing for the good of someone else. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!</div>
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Every time I look at this machine, I am reminded of you - this community and family that I'm honored to call my own.</div>
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I'd love to give a special thanks to <a href="http://www.quiltingmysanity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kira </a>(@quiltedkira) for taking it upon herself to set up a GoFundMe account, and who first got the word out there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2k25p4GmLD7618E7FMIwDZQTQY_jTqW5l8VbVvR5qINX53XbWfNSokHl7yqw5SwYzAk1BNTc3itoNKTYR-eVCFvv1zl-JIP4Xhyz4HBaH5GJeYnhuDxBo1OTPTx8rfbc4a-T-8PFgpQ/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2k25p4GmLD7618E7FMIwDZQTQY_jTqW5l8VbVvR5qINX53XbWfNSokHl7yqw5SwYzAk1BNTc3itoNKTYR-eVCFvv1zl-JIP4Xhyz4HBaH5GJeYnhuDxBo1OTPTx8rfbc4a-T-8PFgpQ/s1600/138.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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And especially to Dana (@danaquilts), who saw a girl with a story, and blessed me far beyond what I had dreamed of. </div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMiGnLR8LljC8FtndxXgiOXLuu5cb9MOAxeyJVzHXnqz1SHOwEytSsP4CA5XEmfdIrcuKKctzpgqjCKgHwBVnEIlCBbpHkcPZ6UgDIjQgwb4thoeP_fY3Fq9LvprNYRPVOK9yZO7lYShZ/s1600/IMG_4653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMiGnLR8LljC8FtndxXgiOXLuu5cb9MOAxeyJVzHXnqz1SHOwEytSsP4CA5XEmfdIrcuKKctzpgqjCKgHwBVnEIlCBbpHkcPZ6UgDIjQgwb4thoeP_fY3Fq9LvprNYRPVOK9yZO7lYShZ/s1600/IMG_4653.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana with her cutie-pie grandkids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thank you also to<a href="http://www.twomoreseconds.com/" target="_blank"> Erin</a> (@twomoreseconds) for taking the first plunge to re-post my story to her (2000+) followers! And to all you amazing friends who re-posted and gave throughout that weekend! (I don't want to mention names - I'm afraid I'll miss someone - but you know who you are!)</div>
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And to <a href="http://www.lellaboutique.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa</a> (@lellaboutique) for donating all the proceeds of her sales from her <a href="http://lellaboutique.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">adorable shop</a>!<br />
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And here's a quick tour of my sewing room (in our bedroom), for those of you who might like to see it...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFT5cCOSYM4PU-uYHyUPwwzLpNLH6RDW0N8LqxFE1lvPYn1pehW9-Yw5JYXJgOJpiV1Gxg9LT25bZ-_AvwpfPpR4tucg6KJuNni8njT_lVGNa1RhkvdcHeC_W_zJlrzpCMkseTEnN4nWq/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFT5cCOSYM4PU-uYHyUPwwzLpNLH6RDW0N8LqxFE1lvPYn1pehW9-Yw5JYXJgOJpiV1Gxg9LT25bZ-_AvwpfPpR4tucg6KJuNni8njT_lVGNa1RhkvdcHeC_W_zJlrzpCMkseTEnN4nWq/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOp0SxN_4wrh5f1rAYuydiAI8SPJFBNp-lhpZA6GrmZP1_vXTTItNRVArFfXd5rPslSohaapuMgsu1UAFKkniITHV6SvMNQdjAdrVahFdtbTgUZj6_ksQn-gQVbBDNZSxiZHlbKkL6-k/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOp0SxN_4wrh5f1rAYuydiAI8SPJFBNp-lhpZA6GrmZP1_vXTTItNRVArFfXd5rPslSohaapuMgsu1UAFKkniITHV6SvMNQdjAdrVahFdtbTgUZj6_ksQn-gQVbBDNZSxiZHlbKkL6-k/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80QErh7KLl4/UwFGtiljkBI/AAAAAAAADVA/5Jr2c5tjRZg/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80QErh7KLl4/UwFGtiljkBI/AAAAAAAADVA/5Jr2c5tjRZg/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So all this to say: thank you so very much to each one of you who showed me such an outpouring of kindness, compassion and undeserved generosity. I am forever grateful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHeOAcP2EfC9t91CeghTjuPsCIqt9UzKd8CFmpHscOuA3vgT9zCMr17wQ3YVE0kdfhexfJ57PzecRwP7oIO5ztcJ06Eka0pfoTZvRZfvj4tLaPY4bAUdnC7ZxxOrrgmEaFb30Iu6buww/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHeOAcP2EfC9t91CeghTjuPsCIqt9UzKd8CFmpHscOuA3vgT9zCMr17wQ3YVE0kdfhexfJ57PzecRwP7oIO5ztcJ06Eka0pfoTZvRZfvj4tLaPY4bAUdnC7ZxxOrrgmEaFb30Iu6buww/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>
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(@RedRainbootsHandmade)</div>
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(if you missed the first post about the scam, you can <a href="http://www.myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/02/scam-story-details.html" target="_blank">read about it here</a>)</div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-73546027145551957092014-02-08T08:51:00.003-07:002014-02-21T09:24:26.268-07:00:: A Scam Story - the details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOzhRKpmkpESDMydHSLeejz8ZFvbOY2GrZEaxLHhwGnjyUEw3BoXcZMcBLdKG8UW88M4U-mVvZCgvcvCGUuoUs2R5iZA5Z9FM53hZLSMaoIXKV-fxKIZPDZsf3LiNu0c0JEt7hKOR6_Pv/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOzhRKpmkpESDMydHSLeejz8ZFvbOY2GrZEaxLHhwGnjyUEw3BoXcZMcBLdKG8UW88M4U-mVvZCgvcvCGUuoUs2R5iZA5Z9FM53hZLSMaoIXKV-fxKIZPDZsf3LiNu0c0JEt7hKOR6_Pv/s1600/IMG_3595.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a post I've been dreading to write. It makes me feel vulnerable. And foolish. And it brings back emotions I'd rather not remember. But I've had an incredible number of sweet ladies show concern and ask questions, I feel like an explanation is necessary. </div>
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First off, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to each of you who had kind, sympathetic things to say on my <a href="http://instagram.com/p/jaR_s6La3i/" target="_blank">Instagram post</a> a few weeks ago. Even though it didn't change the circumstances of my situation, it's amazing what kindness and compassion can do to a hurting heart. So a big Thank You to each of you (you know who you are)!!<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><em><strong>So here goes...</strong></em></span><br />
I bought my very first sewing machine back in 1996 with money gifts given to me when I graduated from High School. It was love at first sight. Nothing fancy, but she has treated me well and does all I've needed her to.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w30kU7u65TY/UvZIWmTw27I/AAAAAAAADS8/KfC4TIGZJ3s/s1600/bernina+1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w30kU7u65TY/UvZIWmTw27I/AAAAAAAADS8/KfC4TIGZJ3s/s1600/bernina+1001.JPG" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
However, with the amount of sewing I do, there are some features on a nicer model that would make life much easier for me. (as I'm sure many of you feel, as well) Over the past 3 years I've drooled over the Bernina Aurora model, but I knew it wasn't even a financial possibility, with us being a 1-income family and raising 5 little kids. Despite that, a girl's gotta dream, right?! So this past year I began following used machines on ebay, as well as regularly calling my local Bernina store to see if they ever got any trade-in's, in order to get a feel for their price-range. <br />
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In November, my husband received an unexpected bonus from his work, and he surprised me by saying he thought we would have enough leftover (after paying bills) to buy one! I was over the moon! I began watching machines on ebay in ernest, and even tried to bid on a few. I decided to wait till January and the higher Christmas prices went back down.<br />
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A few weeks ago, through a series of events, I found a Bernina Aurora 440 on an <a href="http://ftmcmurray.backpage.com/" target="_blank">online classified add</a>, and I was able to talk the seller down to a great price. We chatted back and forth - she told me her husband was in the military and they had been relocated, but had to leave some of their things behind with a relocating company (<a href="http://www.perfect-trade.11r.biz/" target="_blank">Perfect Trade</a>) to sell for them. The company's <a href="http://www.perfect-trade.11r.biz/" target="_blank">website</a> was very reassuring, offering a 10-day-money-back gurarantee, etc.<br />
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I guess I am too trusting. And maybe I was a little over-eager as well. Regardless, I sent my money through Western Union (first time I've ever bought a money order) on a Sunday, and waited eagerly to get my machine that Friday. (I know, everyone tells me NOW that was a classic mistake - and I feel even worse!) <br />
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During the week I tried contacting the selling company twice, but didn't hear a word back - total silence. It was then my heart began to sink.<br />
All day Friday I waited. Not knowing if I was going to be heartbroken, or if "Christmas" was going to come! Just hoping against hope that the UPS man would show up on my doorstep (he usually comes between 5-6pm). But when Josh walked through the doorway at 6:15, I knew it was over, and I just sobbed. And sobbed. And sobbed...<br />
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Like I said, the range of emotions I felt are hard to put into words. Extreme disappointment that I wasn't getting my "dream machine", shame at loosing so much of Josh's hard-earned money, embarassement that I got scammed, anger that someone would take money from honest, hardworking families like us...<br />
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That weekend I did a lot of praying. I told God that it was hard, but I trusted Him, and that if/when He wanted me to have a nicer machine, He'd work it out. Otherwise, I'd be content with the machine I DO have, and the many other blessing He's already given me. Faith in a loving Heavenly Father got me through that emotional weekend when all I felt like doing was staying in bed and crying. =)<br />
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A few days later I posted a small version of the story on Instagram, and that's where you all came in. Your comments and offers to help were like balm to my heart. And it restored my faith in the goodwill of common man (or women). I've sewn for many years of my life, seriously quilted for the past 3.5, and been a part of the online sewing community for only the past year. But I have been blown away by the kindness I have seen there in all of you, and the compassion. You are amazing! Truly.<br />
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Anyways - this is the story in full. I wanted to make sure and let you know it had nothing to do with Ebay or Paypal, as some of you have asked. (How I wish it did! They have so much buyer protection). But I'm still working at trusting God. I'm still sewing. Still mothering my children. And still trying to be a loving wife to my grace-giving husband (who not once made me feel bad about this whole thing). Thank God for good men like him. =)<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /><br />
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">UPDATE:</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;"> to read the amazing ending to this story,</span> </em><a href="http://www.myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/02/redemption-story-details.html" target="_blank"><em>click here</em></a><em>!</em>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-13888864274911765562014-01-09T10:45:00.002-07:002014-01-09T12:40:35.838-07:00:: Sew-Together Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5pvQtyIFt0/Us7YQnd5cEI/AAAAAAAADQE/wcUmsLkQEoo/s1600/DSC_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5pvQtyIFt0/Us7YQnd5cEI/AAAAAAAADQE/wcUmsLkQEoo/s1600/DSC_0748.JPG" height="456" title="Sew-Togther-Bag" width="640" /></a></div>
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I first saw this<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/sew-together-bag/36309" target="_blank"> Sew-Together-Bag</a> when a friend of mine (Krista @kristastitched) made one and put a picture of it on Instagram. I instantly fell in love with it, and all the pockets and organizing storage it offers - perfect for teachers supplies, makeup or sewing notions. Which then gave me the crazy idea to make one for teacher's Christmas gifts (the kids' Science/Spanish class) as well as Christmas gifts for a few of my friends.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIIHTB0IEgw/Us7YK8x5NfI/AAAAAAAADPk/mxZENNrD7yQ/s1600/DSC_0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIIHTB0IEgw/Us7YK8x5NfI/AAAAAAAADPk/mxZENNrD7yQ/s1600/DSC_0734.JPG" height="456" title="sew together bag" width="640" /></a>8 bags later I can testify to it not being a super fast pattern, but a very <em>satisfying</em> project. I used scraps to make a pieced strip in the front, and then added monograms to personalize each one (I love the way they turned out!). But really, these can be personalized, or made as scrappy or streamlined as you want.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi9_BUIW4kA/Us7YbdaMGMI/AAAAAAAADRE/ZdBiUc_F9r0/s1600/DSC_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi9_BUIW4kA/Us7YbdaMGMI/AAAAAAAADRE/ZdBiUc_F9r0/s1600/DSC_0763.JPG" height="270" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKbGtKkcvMQAY9-N4EwTL_x08O74h563mZu_YVJPnGx-xV_OHbGkM63TQe6KLNjeN1lwVsI4hClk6LfQnx6ReWge7vNhYEe7cKJWiGtF3q-OmZwE4eBrhJHaYQa6hvLReBgbyk9p10_4/s1600/DSC_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKbGtKkcvMQAY9-N4EwTL_x08O74h563mZu_YVJPnGx-xV_OHbGkM63TQe6KLNjeN1lwVsI4hClk6LfQnx6ReWge7vNhYEe7cKJWiGtF3q-OmZwE4eBrhJHaYQa6hvLReBgbyk9p10_4/s1600/DSC_0750.JPG" height="424" title="sew together bag front - monogram" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-axkhARYAutopAauWVokhn65Y9q58ZXmQiHd5S7b54s9LqpHb8Mz9ZBB4oOxMgIhMwTOeJ855ZPrVayLOUd58EHzuV5AKC2DpEE6DrHNgjtNFKXJ7wlNHN7u_ylK_E-BW7iYKKDOsSSTe/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-axkhARYAutopAauWVokhn65Y9q58ZXmQiHd5S7b54s9LqpHb8Mz9ZBB4oOxMgIhMwTOeJ855ZPrVayLOUd58EHzuV5AKC2DpEE6DrHNgjtNFKXJ7wlNHN7u_ylK_E-BW7iYKKDOsSSTe/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG" height="424" title="sew together bag monogram" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ended up cutting out all the pieces for each bag at one time, which helped speed up the process. And then I'd sew 2-3 at a time - kinda like chain-piecing quilts...but...bags. On a few of them I mis-cut the front panels, and had to improvise by adding another narrow strip of fabric, and then made it look like it was on purpose! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QUOCw2sEAM/Us7YaY88q2I/AAAAAAAADQ8/cizhu0l3RFg/s1600/DSC_0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QUOCw2sEAM/Us7YaY88q2I/AAAAAAAADQ8/cizhu0l3RFg/s1600/DSC_0760.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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For my friends that sew, I added a little felted wool rectangle (from a shrunken wool sweater) for pins/needles.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1fg1CEAIzA/Us7YMArCflI/AAAAAAAADPs/p9fHjxAFJGU/s1600/DSC_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1fg1CEAIzA/Us7YMArCflI/AAAAAAAADPs/p9fHjxAFJGU/s1600/DSC_0737.JPG" height="640" title="Sew Together Bag" width="636" /></a></div>
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Since I needed (24) 9" zippers, I bought mine from a little shop over at Etsy, called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">ZipIt</a>. Bulk pricing ended up being much better than buying individually at JoAnn's, and I was very pleased with the quality, not to mention it was so fun to pick colors from such a nice assortment! </div>
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Packaging got creative when I went to mail these - and necessity is indeed the mother of invention. My pantry provided the perfect mailing package, and after I wrapped the oats tubs in brown paper they looked "inventive" if nothing else. Even the Post Office employee commented on them being unique. At least she made me feel like it was cute - even if it was ghetto. =)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm7vHD-cbwnlyLPOQUBvO5DETFS9WcesIaWXd_y8rdEltkI3lRG_GJs38awW6gTrtXn5PdrLcgIn364ClcaM_aC2N0chC3uWjLGH7BzmmClfMJyQ0dcrLUtIJ0B3dOPC0-nk3bga_djUq/s1600/DSC_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm7vHD-cbwnlyLPOQUBvO5DETFS9WcesIaWXd_y8rdEltkI3lRG_GJs38awW6gTrtXn5PdrLcgIn364ClcaM_aC2N0chC3uWjLGH7BzmmClfMJyQ0dcrLUtIJ0B3dOPC0-nk3bga_djUq/s1600/DSC_0757.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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Overall they were a hit, and after Christmas was over and I could catch my breath, I made one more for me. Now I can't wait to fill it with all my sewing notions!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FoNaLekP18/Us7YdKsEGHI/AAAAAAAADRM/yv2CdoRtm5k/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FoNaLekP18/Us7YdKsEGHI/AAAAAAAADRM/yv2CdoRtm5k/s1600/IMG_3333.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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At first I hesitated a bit when I saw the price of the pattern, but when I realized how many bags I'd be making, averaged out, it ended up being a steal. =) Plus the pattern is brilliant. </div>
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Oh yeah - if you want to check out pictures of other Sew Together Bags, head on over to Instagram and look up @sewdemented's #sewtogetherbag. And be sure to let me know if you make one too. </div>
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Bag Info:</div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/sew-together-bag/36309" target="_blank">Sew Together Bag</a> - pattern at Craftsy.com</div>
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Outside Fabric: <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/fh-750/kaufman-essex-yarn-dyed-linen-blend-black?cm_mmc=Google-_-Products-_-Products%20Listings-_-Ads&CAWELAID=172000510000022830&catargetid=172000510000043626&cadevice=c&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CPPRxK3o8bsCFSISMwod0ScAww" target="_blank">Essex Yarn Dyed Linen</a> - in black </div>
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zippers:<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank"> ZipIt</a> (Etsy.com)</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>
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Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-48323789253173914762014-01-06T16:39:00.003-07:002014-01-07T09:50:00.408-07:00:: weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfz97BSjoHE/UsstU02OQ-I/AAAAAAAADMk/KTHLBCSlr4M/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfz97BSjoHE/UsstU02OQ-I/AAAAAAAADMk/KTHLBCSlr4M/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know it's been a while since I've written on this blog of mine. That usually happens whenever I am up to my eyes in projects and keeping everything else going. But boy has has it been fun! Now that Christmas is over, things have slowed down a bit and I have so much I'd like to write about and show you.</div>
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But first things first - it seemed appropriate to share a few of these snowy pictures from our cold weekend. We enjoyed talking and relaxing by the warm fire, but were also driven (by our children's energy levels) out to do some snow shoveling, hauling up firewood, and also fun. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUvQ8bsbjXg/UsssyU0698I/AAAAAAAADJ0/1QskXSBtllo/s1600/DSC_0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUvQ8bsbjXg/UsssyU0698I/AAAAAAAADJ0/1QskXSBtllo/s1600/DSC_0842.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqt1xNZJAXA/Usss_RdF0cI/AAAAAAAADK0/TQents3LeAg/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqt1xNZJAXA/Usss_RdF0cI/AAAAAAAADK0/TQents3LeAg/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phkdlArasVA/UsstA7cFSlI/AAAAAAAADK8/VehDUQFj4qw/s1600/DSC_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-phkdlArasVA/UsstA7cFSlI/AAAAAAAADK8/VehDUQFj4qw/s1600/DSC_0852.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5vDb68btPc/Usss-K421WI/AAAAAAAADKw/tHZ65x4SqTw/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5vDb68btPc/Usss-K421WI/AAAAAAAADKw/tHZ65x4SqTw/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0LnMcrZswZca2vIhFp-kDRcwO_WvegPQsm7fwKzA4SmtSp0-xYGQ7aPj1NS2kgtHClkNO2ti6CH7e9-LO74MRvnhWIYaE5hNnE7bZf4zMoN1s3GcXIdhi5wQjnwwGRNYN30H9ghQsv0/s1600/DSC_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0LnMcrZswZca2vIhFp-kDRcwO_WvegPQsm7fwKzA4SmtSp0-xYGQ7aPj1NS2kgtHClkNO2ti6CH7e9-LO74MRvnhWIYaE5hNnE7bZf4zMoN1s3GcXIdhi5wQjnwwGRNYN30H9ghQsv0/s1600/DSC_0854.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTvM7SPqHPs/UsstJ8zrEoI/AAAAAAAADLs/mS3koZ7P39g/s1600/DSC_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTvM7SPqHPs/UsstJ8zrEoI/AAAAAAAADLs/mS3koZ7P39g/s1600/DSC_0861.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-5AIFqMQlIUkMMrs1vpdnrsj0SvF2psxojvj8IwGNvsK-cjEYVokomI3IIrG0lWSdOUFSu7VyfjfT5DiBWrrnrXDOX5N27NW3VC36W4aXSQjyzPZUmaEIri915ik7LDVWi3kjMYdakre/s1600/DSC_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-5AIFqMQlIUkMMrs1vpdnrsj0SvF2psxojvj8IwGNvsK-cjEYVokomI3IIrG0lWSdOUFSu7VyfjfT5DiBWrrnrXDOX5N27NW3VC36W4aXSQjyzPZUmaEIri915ik7LDVWi3kjMYdakre/s1600/DSC_0863.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVI4MeMB1pM/UsstN179IkI/AAAAAAAADME/Rm8BNbLzggs/s1600/DSC_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVI4MeMB1pM/UsstN179IkI/AAAAAAAADME/Rm8BNbLzggs/s1600/DSC_0864.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ0Wcaxhiu4/UsstP2ROIZI/AAAAAAAADMM/-sUjNDm3wLw/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZ0Wcaxhiu4/UsstP2ROIZI/AAAAAAAADMM/-sUjNDm3wLw/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sq34TkSNwhQUgWmdCHg9pBGMqjLy21pj1ICyu3KcFZv55gqeVcD1WrLbNwjisrWOxF8s1qLP6Eoshwgj9EZJ6ebQng53NUVIlcPn7tgh-MeSPJGkMJrfWXDEDJEyn7-BZVspAMpWzw-I/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sq34TkSNwhQUgWmdCHg9pBGMqjLy21pj1ICyu3KcFZv55gqeVcD1WrLbNwjisrWOxF8s1qLP6Eoshwgj9EZJ6ebQng53NUVIlcPn7tgh-MeSPJGkMJrfWXDEDJEyn7-BZVspAMpWzw-I/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuMGNp3zDzY/Ussta2-VeII/AAAAAAAADNI/5DdUPhcVVBA/s1600/DSC_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuMGNp3zDzY/Ussta2-VeII/AAAAAAAADNI/5DdUPhcVVBA/s1600/DSC_0874.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaueG0V16u0/Usstb1gqlnI/AAAAAAAADNM/5KSiAnezWYA/s1600/DSC_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaueG0V16u0/Usstb1gqlnI/AAAAAAAADNM/5KSiAnezWYA/s1600/DSC_0876.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaC_K9ysv7VWJF6wTfSm-3T1F9rFMri8adTG4XcGRoAr7CbUxB64TPk7dj8-4qiBBH_nFn3Ki97KmpWouM06PtHwRaRc74WkiE-9a8Lspxg-m4K-YVeIs-nDJDGJC8fPqkmXTc04pM3Y/s1600/DSC_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaC_K9ysv7VWJF6wTfSm-3T1F9rFMri8adTG4XcGRoAr7CbUxB64TPk7dj8-4qiBBH_nFn3Ki97KmpWouM06PtHwRaRc74WkiE-9a8Lspxg-m4K-YVeIs-nDJDGJC8fPqkmXTc04pM3Y/s1600/DSC_0881.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxehbvWwt-YjXxCsf2NUIjJWZPj7XjmXApV9ULHrucEbMdjglOgq7otqfXQyV79gjJNMcz9iqBgfIoQvsqNt_xBYrtyz_KIsJIvwhkuUygBkWPqUssxAR0Eu7LCOr0JnwRVQ8mXitfroU/s1600/DSC_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxehbvWwt-YjXxCsf2NUIjJWZPj7XjmXApV9ULHrucEbMdjglOgq7otqfXQyV79gjJNMcz9iqBgfIoQvsqNt_xBYrtyz_KIsJIvwhkuUygBkWPqUssxAR0Eu7LCOr0JnwRVQ8mXitfroU/s1600/DSC_0884.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
At this point, fingers and cheeks were freezing, and children began heading indoors.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQaZqYJ4kzo/Ussto7zcB8I/AAAAAAAADOM/EHqnYIKO9vE/s1600/DSC_0889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQaZqYJ4kzo/Ussto7zcB8I/AAAAAAAADOM/EHqnYIKO9vE/s1600/DSC_0889.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2XoH1Vc_iwoKSBsQAA-t9sQJcNPPEO8UodZZjQ8Id6RSAdAnzAw_I9hfGPJDGaiJcHSpsrNnDMMWsOWnvAA-g-MRQR8Vx9SzohGkha_AMaeVDzDExKY9eYe17UHhh0f-GIQnmlFGLjw/s1600/DSC_0890-SNOW.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2XoH1Vc_iwoKSBsQAA-t9sQJcNPPEO8UodZZjQ8Id6RSAdAnzAw_I9hfGPJDGaiJcHSpsrNnDMMWsOWnvAA-g-MRQR8Vx9SzohGkha_AMaeVDzDExKY9eYe17UHhh0f-GIQnmlFGLjw/s1600/DSC_0890-SNOW.gif" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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(funny fact: I have <em>no idea</em> how these snowflakes started moving or how to make them stop! I guess my photo uploading software noticed the flakes in the picture and automatically added them - haha!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOmrKPz0PgXdE7AlD8eUV6OFBpgWY8ihEiY0eBONsEUjszT7ARBnDqWqbGDSjm1hSrTY7c1kjwixD_A2a-6LRmQPX4wxEwpgJRIBXTZrWdG_B8dTyzmMFkBz58i2cUWmPqpvZqq42odwZ/s1600/DSC_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOmrKPz0PgXdE7AlD8eUV6OFBpgWY8ihEiY0eBONsEUjszT7ARBnDqWqbGDSjm1hSrTY7c1kjwixD_A2a-6LRmQPX4wxEwpgJRIBXTZrWdG_B8dTyzmMFkBz58i2cUWmPqpvZqq42odwZ/s1600/DSC_0900.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jack and Ellie did a lot of whittling and carving by the fireside, too. We had wood shavings everywhere (yes - everywhere), but it provided hours of creative entertainment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdaz7S-RWyrv_l6jz7pMLvjf1Z_tCNqaotyjboFHRWlkWkW4Y2SlIK6ybtLrt9vPB94aos7ciKJyzxtGX-UmksDKwY69-kI8alkjCxY1_L6uyxTU2PdtsJ-iJgRTXivTauB7Lb-4bOfs/s1600/DSC_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdaz7S-RWyrv_l6jz7pMLvjf1Z_tCNqaotyjboFHRWlkWkW4Y2SlIK6ybtLrt9vPB94aos7ciKJyzxtGX-UmksDKwY69-kI8alkjCxY1_L6uyxTU2PdtsJ-iJgRTXivTauB7Lb-4bOfs/s1600/DSC_0894.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago my Mom suggested setting this little man on the counter beside me while I work or cook in the kitchen. She said she did that with us kids when we were little. And from the first time I lifted him up, we've never gone back. It's been a lifesaver - he's happy to be near me and able to see what's going on, and I'm able to get things done without him holding onto my legs and fussing. Don't know why I didn't think of it myself - and I'm so thankful for others who give pointers along the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DvDk2aIG-ShpfjYeBuUuchtGY0QNSfZJihcjbEt9UaU8tyfMPW4fhqEdKQNyP2nHhsfu3FRmwSSIZ8kk7IiYYpQoQxbZx7OcJ51lxfJbmAP2NjI73WvVut54w4xWnCJ8R3KM1nqgpTk/s1600/DSC_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DvDk2aIG-ShpfjYeBuUuchtGY0QNSfZJihcjbEt9UaU8tyfMPW4fhqEdKQNyP2nHhsfu3FRmwSSIZ8kk7IiYYpQoQxbZx7OcJ51lxfJbmAP2NjI73WvVut54w4xWnCJ8R3KM1nqgpTk/s1600/DSC_0897.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
Overall - it was a great weekend: warm - cold - AND I began my January de-cluttering, and boy does it feel good! (more on that later).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOmrKPz0PgXdE7AlD8eUV6OFBpgWY8ihEiY0eBONsEUjszT7ARBnDqWqbGDSjm1hSrTY7c1kjwixD_A2a-6LRmQPX4wxEwpgJRIBXTZrWdG_B8dTyzmMFkBz58i2cUWmPqpvZqq42odwZ/s1600/DSC_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="background: none; border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-2837966544678783702013-11-15T11:50:00.000-07:002013-11-15T11:50:04.633-07:00{this moment}<div align="center">
. . . . . . . .</div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">{this moment} - Every Friday. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A single photo - no words - capturing a simple, special moment from the week. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A moment I want to savor and remember forever. </span></em></div>
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. . . . . . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByi1RbzpbufLwoYGGc9LGFV9P5Qd2by5iq4YHEtxx3LUC-No_KlnY9PtpB8vFWdYT7rAgy6ASfh92xhHEwX0Z1Bf3I5B3AcbMrsqGdGvNd-epofUWMOurDWDKvjyANwMDGoXlRqlI03o/s1600/DSC_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByi1RbzpbufLwoYGGc9LGFV9P5Qd2by5iq4YHEtxx3LUC-No_KlnY9PtpB8vFWdYT7rAgy6ASfh92xhHEwX0Z1Bf3I5B3AcbMrsqGdGvNd-epofUWMOurDWDKvjyANwMDGoXlRqlI03o/s640/DSC_0529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
. . . . . . . .<em> </em><br />
<em>If you're inspired to do the same, </em><br />
<em>leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for others to find and see. (<a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2012/10/this-moment-3.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">SouleMama</span></a>)</em></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-45971885592121174462013-11-12T13:52:00.001-07:002013-11-12T14:56:54.712-07:00:: What a little (or a lot) of work will do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdPGPxJsyFDEBxRo8GCYnhJg528p3VXDbHRprs2v0_N2Yr7ry__hxh-mrJtTkhkMjmTHPnoYjhPbnpqhZQEXzTHfskRabSRfdPGnKdebbTuDuQvAhdic4H7-j0GSwIiC2uiWm7F4gfIc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdPGPxJsyFDEBxRo8GCYnhJg528p3VXDbHRprs2v0_N2Yr7ry__hxh-mrJtTkhkMjmTHPnoYjhPbnpqhZQEXzTHfskRabSRfdPGnKdebbTuDuQvAhdic4H7-j0GSwIiC2uiWm7F4gfIc/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I've been looking for a sewing hutch - a place to store my extra fabric and supplies, as well as my patterns and quilting tools. About a month ago I found this beauty at our local GoodWill store - AND it was on Half-Off Saturday! (Yes - I was practically dancing right there in the store). Even though it was a little bit bigger than I had in mind, the bones were exactly what I was looking for, the detailing was beautiful, and it was a Thomasville - which means high quality craftmanship, real wood, and dovetail drawers. It wasn't the color I was looking for, but we all know THAT is how you get a good deal. You can't have Pottery Barn beauty and quality, AND a Goodwill price tag. =) Good thing I know how to paint. So it came home with me.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApBTg_eS6wI/UoKH5TejMII/AAAAAAAADF4/AvZymGKhVZ4/s1600/DSC_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApBTg_eS6wI/UoKH5TejMII/AAAAAAAADF4/AvZymGKhVZ4/s640/DSC_0529.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtUR9X1yX6KiHHnjv39ujm6ZlffR1txEkaodS6wAJam420QuJnWd8JtWtaQGe-25c6CbwyvlyGNJgjKrCvakwtrPdC39lDzrwCowtEhca5uBAOcn81I8vf5Io9RU6Pna3z8318xqJeyo/s1600/DSC_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtUR9X1yX6KiHHnjv39ujm6ZlffR1txEkaodS6wAJam420QuJnWd8JtWtaQGe-25c6CbwyvlyGNJgjKrCvakwtrPdC39lDzrwCowtEhca5uBAOcn81I8vf5Io9RU6Pna3z8318xqJeyo/s640/DSC_0528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the first few brush strokes of primer, I began getting very worried. I knew I was either crazy...or brave. I decided crazy. It was a bear to paint every surface of every shelf and door, but at that point I knew I didn't have a choice but to continue. Let me just warn you: if you're thinking of painting your first piece of furniture, don't start with a china hutch. =)<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfzPVNI0nj0/UoKIAYkwbpI/AAAAAAAADGw/9M8C0DcfBGk/s1600/DSC_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfzPVNI0nj0/UoKIAYkwbpI/AAAAAAAADGw/9M8C0DcfBGk/s640/DSC_0543.JPG" width="640" /></a>But now that the final coat of creamy paint is on, I'm so glad I did it - despite the many hours of work. <br />
Our eating table and countertops are covered, so the family's been flexible and we've enjoyed eating on a folding table. It's so funny, things that adults find an inconvenience, the kids' think exciting.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRSThkubKMA/UoKH6bK9KjI/AAAAAAAADGE/vW080IJobkk/s1600/DSC_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRSThkubKMA/UoKH6bK9KjI/AAAAAAAADGE/vW080IJobkk/s640/DSC_0531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't wait to show it to you finished!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-23212782281931539952013-11-05T09:59:00.000-07:002013-11-05T10:21:31.265-07:00:: Baby-doll shirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8H0E4PoCF2yvltYjjockyvvsUSUGEBdMGyQWCobxqdiIPD4SqrS8ESr5RG4KFgkPF0HcJxx3Z1X-PaWRp5mp8pxWK5d6GE_w5O-QJvUU4fAtZJJW8IE7zI22FylV6njtZl_V0MXDhKk/s1600/DSC_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8H0E4PoCF2yvltYjjockyvvsUSUGEBdMGyQWCobxqdiIPD4SqrS8ESr5RG4KFgkPF0HcJxx3Z1X-PaWRp5mp8pxWK5d6GE_w5O-QJvUU4fAtZJJW8IE7zI22FylV6njtZl_V0MXDhKk/s640/DSC_0555.JPG" title="McCall's pattern 6388" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago I went shirt shopping for my oldest girl, who is just about to turn 7. I was amazed at the dismal selection of cute, feminine shirts. It seems like most of the stores only had shirts that looked way too grown up. She had one shirt I loved from The GAP (bought at a consignment store), so I found a shirt pattern that was similar, and bought it when JoAnn's was running them for $.99. This baby-doll style of shirt seems to be flattering on any little girl, and looks adorable with leggings or jeans. (<a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6388-products-14651.php?page_id=486" target="_blank">McCall's 6388</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6XWhLQFBrBiypWCQsx1HWI4jv_lXF0BcLpFYB5N7HzbIslWTGgc3btZHzmdWF4HFDN0lzNrCgSEMEWogvA73FtX6vmbtD2tyYYKxh7m_kUmvcydaspr8swJ1L3VSPg1J80BEw9VSIpbL/s1600/DSC_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6XWhLQFBrBiypWCQsx1HWI4jv_lXF0BcLpFYB5N7HzbIslWTGgc3btZHzmdWF4HFDN0lzNrCgSEMEWogvA73FtX6vmbtD2tyYYKxh7m_kUmvcydaspr8swJ1L3VSPg1J80BEw9VSIpbL/s400/DSC_0551.JPG" title="McCall's 6388" width="285" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--l7mqIVuVaw/UnkdS7EynxI/AAAAAAAADDw/4NGHMtnPppI/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--l7mqIVuVaw/UnkdS7EynxI/AAAAAAAADDw/4NGHMtnPppI/s400/DSC_0558.JPG" title="McCall's 6388" width="327" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj9hhnQXG2rK5XdWpdlmE_BjLp3IT9tE5ALnMOkzuzVK9QEXVWZ4IkYikpwHfMV30zF6BVm-6-QZaJ0J4Ld3p9bvf6nhC_9Q4yZePCsQBr8CSfOdCanHAolT9g505Wd-BMxpJrI0F0RE/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKj9hhnQXG2rK5XdWpdlmE_BjLp3IT9tE5ALnMOkzuzVK9QEXVWZ4IkYikpwHfMV30zF6BVm-6-QZaJ0J4Ld3p9bvf6nhC_9Q4yZePCsQBr8CSfOdCanHAolT9g505Wd-BMxpJrI0F0RE/s640/DSC_0546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7o1mjFu-nE/UnkdQoL1zxI/AAAAAAAADDg/6zetJAHDHWY/s1600/DSC_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7o1mjFu-nE/UnkdQoL1zxI/AAAAAAAADDg/6zetJAHDHWY/s400/DSC_0554.JPG" title="McCall's 6388" width="285" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52GxcLDGLmw/UnkdN_HdujI/AAAAAAAADDQ/T7wWnH_wiYc/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52GxcLDGLmw/UnkdN_HdujI/AAAAAAAADDQ/T7wWnH_wiYc/s400/DSC_0552.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPX60B2hQm__e6ZYWCzUzOhwnZo_Q2-zUjK-rfuCaFK9RHAEniygf6df83EsUurBmdrcFoJiGLRQ7DAVNZ-gvLwdGcunoSAyVzGx_AGou54ajjQRAVG1Bt-FXJf10sTK9IwS6SfK6ApZPk/s1600/DSC_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPX60B2hQm__e6ZYWCzUzOhwnZo_Q2-zUjK-rfuCaFK9RHAEniygf6df83EsUurBmdrcFoJiGLRQ7DAVNZ-gvLwdGcunoSAyVzGx_AGou54ajjQRAVG1Bt-FXJf10sTK9IwS6SfK6ApZPk/s640/DSC_0561.JPG" title="McCall's 6388" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90ofzcVc4OroiKm5lfpjRnyiM7CiIS_tC_plHJ49-eXhxnaGwGXU41lpRfmo6GORYIJ92qyKkK2Z8tAMni-l_zQ54twAHYPt87yL82EtmiEazUb-kmZ0Uv1-ELKHtZEq4EeCXVEup10o/s1600/DSC_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90ofzcVc4OroiKm5lfpjRnyiM7CiIS_tC_plHJ49-eXhxnaGwGXU41lpRfmo6GORYIJ92qyKkK2Z8tAMni-l_zQ54twAHYPt87yL82EtmiEazUb-kmZ0Uv1-ELKHtZEq4EeCXVEup10o/s640/DSC_0560.JPG" title="McCall's 6388" width="424" /></a></div>
If you haven't noticed, I have a thing for polka-dots. =) Now I just wish I could make a few for me.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-37113816206429402882013-10-11T20:18:00.001-06:002013-10-11T20:18:08.019-06:00{this moment}<div align="center">
. . . . . . . .</div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">{this moment} - Every Friday. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A single photo - no words - capturing a simple, special moment from the week. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A moment I want to savor and remember forever. </span></em></div>
<div align="center">
. . . . . . . .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhRqN8DS9_oj5fBBbCX2mwqZo9afr7N7HtUJrNhBl2lCo9C8SeB4zT-PJBmchBUSZVGaJNdFQsFMJkbPNWGAq152l8rlTeVkea_vpXwP-BYETe7hXl7nZwnRZp_NTWrZX_QekKBm8wiU/s1600/IMG_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhRqN8DS9_oj5fBBbCX2mwqZo9afr7N7HtUJrNhBl2lCo9C8SeB4zT-PJBmchBUSZVGaJNdFQsFMJkbPNWGAq152l8rlTeVkea_vpXwP-BYETe7hXl7nZwnRZp_NTWrZX_QekKBm8wiU/s640/IMG_2392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
. . . . . . . .<em> </em><br />
<em>If you're inspired to do the same, </em><br />
<em>leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for others to find and see. (<a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2012/10/this-moment-3.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">SouleMama</span></a>)</em></div>
Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-68240744362514368832013-10-10T10:08:00.002-06:002013-10-10T11:35:09.899-06:00:: Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some days it's easy for me to get discouraged when I look around my home. In every room are half-completed house projects. What was clean just the day before looks as if it hasn't been cleaned in a month. I notice the crumbs, the cracked eggs (the cracked dishes), the subfloors and lack of trim, the fingerprints on the windows, the dirt tracked onto bathroom floors. Dirty floors tend to get me the quickest.<br />
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Do I love having a big family? More than anything. Do Josh and I thrive on the creativity of house projects? Yes. When we entertain and our home is full of people and laughter, is my heart full of the joy that only serving the Lord gives? Absolutely. But do dirty floors get me down? Even though I know it shouldn't, there are moments when, yes, they do.<br />
Then God gently reminds my heart: where are your eyes? Are they focused on the crumbs, or the lives you are raising and touching for eternity? Are they focused on the fingerprints on the door, or the beauty I have put all around you? Are they focused on all you think you "need" (or want), or is gratitude turning what you have into enough?<br />
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One of the verses I think about the most often, talks about when you have "an empty manger" it will be clean (ie - clean home), "but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest." (ie - an ox brings a huge harvest, but not a clean stall)</div>
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Do the kids and I regularly clean our house? Yes. </div>
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Should it have to be clean every moment and look like all those Pottery Barn magazines and blog pictures to keep me happy? No.<br />
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Someday we WILL reap a harvest. And when we get to heaven and see our Saviors face, it will be more incredible than we can even begin to imagine. And oh so worth it. But right now is the time for us to put on those boots, and fix ours eyes on lives forever changed for eternity. </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-59781676035935584112013-10-03T05:00:00.000-06:002014-12-02T17:58:02.966-07:00:: What I've been sewing lately...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-CMjrifMoLVJPXVS8ixZu-I7PL9IC0s19aU3Q-rRpQv_17s2y7mFxDrkdfmWIwb8NUag4m7rMBDTA48B0p7Vt7X7SdMnBS5DiUxiUfTbrDDr8DDAiPi5zG-YPZz364CLQfg1i94UJwI/s1600/IMG_1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-CMjrifMoLVJPXVS8ixZu-I7PL9IC0s19aU3Q-rRpQv_17s2y7mFxDrkdfmWIwb8NUag4m7rMBDTA48B0p7Vt7X7SdMnBS5DiUxiUfTbrDDr8DDAiPi5zG-YPZz364CLQfg1i94UJwI/s640/IMG_1958.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm knee-deep in quilts for my 3 girls' room. "Swell" is a simple pattern, but when you multiply it by 3, it has become a bit never-ending for me sometimes.<br />
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I do most of my sewing at night after the kids are in bed. It's just so nice to have that little bit of quiet time to myself. Sewing, and thinking.<br />
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This week I finished all 400 mini-blocks and needed a fast way to mix them up and get them ready to be randomly sewn together. I tried something I've never done before.</div>
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I put them in the dryer on a low-heat setting, and gave them a good tossing for a minute or two.<br />
I think it's the most beautiful basket of laundry I've ever had.<br />
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And now I'm ready for more sewing.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>UPDATE: to see the finished quilts, <a href="http://myrainbootsarered.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-start-of-etsy-shop.html" target="_blank">click here.</a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2002402141877224219.post-7471833308358742242013-09-30T13:57:00.001-06:002013-10-01T13:44:48.036-06:00:: Project - Bare Walls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I might have mentioned I've been busy with walls over here lately. After getting the main floor painted this summer, I finally had enough of bareness. It's like something snapped inside me. See this huge, empty wall in our dining room? Bo-ring. It's amazing to think we stared at that wall during every meal for the last 3 years, isn't it? (excuse the wood plank on the ceiling - it's for attaching the baby's jonny-jump-up - but back to walls...)</div>
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I laid everything out on the floor and was able to work out an arrangement. I did have to use some brown paper to save spots for the chalkboard we were making, and a few other things I didn't have ready to hang.</div>
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Last year for Mother's Day my husband bought this growth chart for me. It's my favorite. And yay - it's finally up! (You can find it<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/164160471/the-brimfield-growth-chart-price?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=sr_fb42332b7591a3a5e97c107c72d24863a17b139eab2cb1cd718c43595b875593_1380564516_14117302_growth_chart&ga_search_query=brimfield+growth+chart&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_hp_ref=primary&ga_show_panel=true&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank"> here.</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj_fD9L3QcAlEVpvuU0Gf0v0wBagjDwT7-SM_8HhCreLEFV0ewvzAYGNsg3bnkExz-vdWz8EP08W0OEw27WGqBYFQAGgTVwm8Mhy8EVpVqws4_eicOuVd309UdWUtSH1yK6atDQLq0_Me/s1600/DSC_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXj_fD9L3QcAlEVpvuU0Gf0v0wBagjDwT7-SM_8HhCreLEFV0ewvzAYGNsg3bnkExz-vdWz8EP08W0OEw27WGqBYFQAGgTVwm8Mhy8EVpVqws4_eicOuVd309UdWUtSH1yK6atDQLq0_Me/s640/DSC_0474.JPG" title="Brimfield growth chart from Etsy" width="424" /></a></div>
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My children measure themselves all the time. Just in case someone has grown overnight. I love it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-co6VdDfZ5Lc/Ukm6gJZM1cI/AAAAAAAACvg/4kfMLI8LyOE/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-co6VdDfZ5Lc/Ukm6gJZM1cI/AAAAAAAACvg/4kfMLI8LyOE/s640/IMG_2152.JPG" title="Brimfield growth chart from Etsy" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wanted a chalkboard in the dinning room so we could work on the verses we are trying to memorize as a family. It's a great visual prod while we are sitting there eating.</div>
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I found a large piece of wood in our garage, and after applying a few coats of chalkboard paint, Josh was obliging enough to attached some inexpensive pine trim, and with a bit of cream paint and slight distressing around the edges, it was ready to hang.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSWYiJ7Up-IKYNyPGaglHmmr05TLkVk2extoM0dfqoN6II9R5wzYzAxqPdacmABFkLezNAQ5q5jcENqIlmlVhYbz7ZM1ae58IOQ2fcomXxRiSdar4xRh-GHOThe8Rl6zZFbJoAFeBvB0O/s1600/DSC_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSWYiJ7Up-IKYNyPGaglHmmr05TLkVk2extoM0dfqoN6II9R5wzYzAxqPdacmABFkLezNAQ5q5jcENqIlmlVhYbz7ZM1ae58IOQ2fcomXxRiSdar4xRh-GHOThe8Rl6zZFbJoAFeBvB0O/s640/DSC_0553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM0QZbOAWUOAc4WhzaskmIbS0jW4c5kmFF_0Fv4qsqD6oOp9HgImRl1qd9h8uJrKB0qhhlxAKGJBPdYf_Ew8tgCvBmMNlwCK0p2wNTr8MHEPjdq2wsdaoH5dFBtNTZfyPubrE2-Hh4P4/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKnvqMoUFXM/Ukm6lgOxMOI/AAAAAAAACwQ/_2_E5bJg-Qo/s1600/DSC_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKnvqMoUFXM/Ukm6lgOxMOI/AAAAAAAACwQ/_2_E5bJg-Qo/s640/DSC_0545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM0QZbOAWUOAc4WhzaskmIbS0jW4c5kmFF_0Fv4qsqD6oOp9HgImRl1qd9h8uJrKB0qhhlxAKGJBPdYf_Ew8tgCvBmMNlwCK0p2wNTr8MHEPjdq2wsdaoH5dFBtNTZfyPubrE2-Hh4P4/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM0QZbOAWUOAc4WhzaskmIbS0jW4c5kmFF_0Fv4qsqD6oOp9HgImRl1qd9h8uJrKB0qhhlxAKGJBPdYf_Ew8tgCvBmMNlwCK0p2wNTr8MHEPjdq2wsdaoH5dFBtNTZfyPubrE2-Hh4P4/s640/DSC_0540.JPG" title="matchbox holder for chalk" width="424" /></a></div>
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I used a vintage matchbox holder for our chalk and eraser. It's quite charming, and works perfectly. You can find them in a wide range of prices on ebay. (I bought the cheapest one I could find for about $7, covered in years of grease, and then just scrubbed it over and over once it arrived in the mail. Good as new - or old - again.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XH9vcE8_8Y/Ukm6jRA0h5I/AAAAAAAACv4/sAqmKPspW0c/s1600/DSC_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XH9vcE8_8Y/Ukm6jRA0h5I/AAAAAAAACv4/sAqmKPspW0c/s640/DSC_0539.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-U2z4RXcdE/Ukm6k3hXDQI/AAAAAAAACwI/ioFU_O0iVl8/s1600/DSC_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-U2z4RXcdE/Ukm6k3hXDQI/AAAAAAAACwI/ioFU_O0iVl8/s640/DSC_0543.JPG" title="vintage matchbox holder for chalk and eraser" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXXBT131m2KKk-vKFzArUdUV4F3d1yWaIJ6KfkJOtHhMUvXcA-NmU9JyJkDK-9Z3bRalcmL-9rXW9MwRc8KyyQT_-96T5p06FvVHi4mmLlTwvztEgO1Pe2uKh5fJwY-S7mTTi4HH8ynI/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXXBT131m2KKk-vKFzArUdUV4F3d1yWaIJ6KfkJOtHhMUvXcA-NmU9JyJkDK-9Z3bRalcmL-9rXW9MwRc8KyyQT_-96T5p06FvVHi4mmLlTwvztEgO1Pe2uKh5fJwY-S7mTTi4HH8ynI/s640/DSC_0546.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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Obviously I still need to get new pictures printed out for all the frames, but at least now they are on the walls. Most of the frames were ones I already had, a few are new, and the plates are either from the Goodwill, or ones my grandmother hand-painted years ago. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KBHNpbkOOM/Ukm6tWIXjUI/AAAAAAAACxI/3gO7gKyIQig/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KBHNpbkOOM/Ukm6tWIXjUI/AAAAAAAACxI/3gO7gKyIQig/s640/DSC_0552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhi58qAUhxY/Ukm6p_uwLhI/AAAAAAAACws/La8n6HAjrx4/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhi58qAUhxY/Ukm6p_uwLhI/AAAAAAAACws/La8n6HAjrx4/s640/DSC_0549.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I have a few ideas floating around in my mind for that empty space directly over the chalkboard. But that's for another day.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvZS6RT5dmA/Ukm6ojm05KI/AAAAAAAACwk/J1RodLabPK8/s1600/DSC_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvZS6RT5dmA/Ukm6ojm05KI/AAAAAAAACwk/J1RodLabPK8/s640/DSC_0548.JPG" title="wall collage with chalkboard" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/163/43DBC47B9E1EC42D221FC521C5EC2C72.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697879353271638988noreply@blogger.com3