tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59081353895166090642024-02-18T22:38:06.457-06:00THE SMALLEST SPARROWALL THINGS BABY, DESIGN, SEWING AND QUILTINGUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-59676050667376579232011-03-08T14:51:00.000-06:002011-03-08T14:51:58.260-06:00New DigsI have some news!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3tQ-w_b8vJ3vU_lk28uNSq26kqfXitGh5RKWJChEjHpMgI71VAOqCht35sPK1ASsfkTsHXn5gvg5tlXs7kVTz4xW5vnm0dzxJxlXO3gj8kFcGdLnHOgTM8w3eLdFBVu0_DMEJTJGFSI/s1600/weve+moved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3tQ-w_b8vJ3vU_lk28uNSq26kqfXitGh5RKWJChEjHpMgI71VAOqCht35sPK1ASsfkTsHXn5gvg5tlXs7kVTz4xW5vnm0dzxJxlXO3gj8kFcGdLnHOgTM8w3eLdFBVu0_DMEJTJGFSI/s400/weve+moved.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br />
Well, my family hasn't moved. But my blog has! I've given this a ton of thought and have decided to make the move over to Wordpress. There's nothing wrong with Blogger but I really like the functionality and ease of the Wordpress format. So as of today, you can find me at <a href="http://www.thesmallestsparrow.com/">www.thesmallestsparrow.com</a>.<br />
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I guess that means you need to change your settings if you're a subscriber or follower. Sorry about that. It will be well worth the trouble, I promise.<br />
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And good news! I got some more of that solid pink fabric and am almost done with the rosette night-light. I'll be posting the tutorial over on the <a href="http://www.thesmallestsparrow.com/">new site</a> tomorrow.<br />
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I hope you'll come by and check out the <a href="http://www.thesmallestsparrow.com/">new place</a>. It's shaping up quite nicely!<br />
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See you soon...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-29501495782518743592011-03-07T09:12:00.000-06:002011-03-07T09:12:08.055-06:00Everything's Coming Up RosesGood morning! Hope you had a lovely weekend.<br />
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I'm here to tell you a bit about that project I mentioned last week... the one that only involved hand-sewing. Well, do you remember <a href="http://smallestsparrow.blogspot.com/2010/10/few-images-from-maddys-room.html">this lampshade</a> that I made (embellished) last year for Maddy's room?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6o6SsYkL6TEw4-H1dXbC0bEp75rWRBfGlWZG1jxDyxoSV_Wu2rN9LRXhNWOfsQjfF52EGa2Nl2HcyVodj_eMZWbyQUEbu6lD7d2J8kxph4VyVVrZQZoGgG4ie5GC8UC1dZzXbfcl63Z4/s1600/Rose+Lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6o6SsYkL6TEw4-H1dXbC0bEp75rWRBfGlWZG1jxDyxoSV_Wu2rN9LRXhNWOfsQjfF52EGa2Nl2HcyVodj_eMZWbyQUEbu6lD7d2J8kxph4VyVVrZQZoGgG4ie5GC8UC1dZzXbfcl63Z4/s400/Rose+Lamp.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided that she needed a matching night-light. So I got me one of these...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-PP_TKKWx2ep2C4hUfYWSluGKMiOs15-iKw509BsXZWMHBoyeCisUgTFBKqYHKFWVTWcGqBj55g4zuYb-210-uh91VRDJ93OEbKpAtgO1R3I6jbGD6F5fDcYqAg7hqxGAV4fkFFYZQk/s1600/Night+Light+Kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-PP_TKKWx2ep2C4hUfYWSluGKMiOs15-iKw509BsXZWMHBoyeCisUgTFBKqYHKFWVTWcGqBj55g4zuYb-210-uh91VRDJ93OEbKpAtgO1R3I6jbGD6F5fDcYqAg7hqxGAV4fkFFYZQk/s400/Night+Light+Kit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I got to work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsRv37cTP_nd7jMhsM3WEp0gAZUOhCpWTGKm217RvVBUIlOFqm-S-DWK04qPywz599lZ2Mzy-PqyvAd8mzDs98F4NXybcvG2lHwM6uCdhjVQSDFD7L6C2Gbx0F6F9kxMHGyr4FfZSoKE/s1600/Night+Light+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsRv37cTP_nd7jMhsM3WEp0gAZUOhCpWTGKm217RvVBUIlOFqm-S-DWK04qPywz599lZ2Mzy-PqyvAd8mzDs98F4NXybcvG2lHwM6uCdhjVQSDFD7L6C2Gbx0F6F9kxMHGyr4FfZSoKE/s400/Night+Light+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only problem is that I miscalculated the amount of fabric I would need and ran out as I was nearing the end. Doh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZhbKLQ_kyTdpGoEWJ7OXEbylrvF5gc4pqmMMhl2zJsc29nckbf6FDTmT1K3iTyxrdZIwY_fjF_oYB298XYqFV4tOpVwQYAwVW8-WDWihDuT6uBAK9G2rm171qA84sq1bHjdlXDs_eWk/s1600/Night+Light+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZhbKLQ_kyTdpGoEWJ7OXEbylrvF5gc4pqmMMhl2zJsc29nckbf6FDTmT1K3iTyxrdZIwY_fjF_oYB298XYqFV4tOpVwQYAwVW8-WDWihDuT6uBAK9G2rm171qA84sq1bHjdlXDs_eWk/s400/Night+Light+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must run off to the fabric store to replenish supplies and then finish this baby up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm working on a tutorial to show you my step-by-step, so stay tuned.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-70822224642810878322011-03-04T13:55:00.000-06:002011-03-04T13:55:40.057-06:00The RoomsHowdy. I can't believe it's Friday already. In some ways my weeks drag on and on and in other ways they seem to fly.<br />
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I finally took a couple of pictures of the kids new rooms.<br />
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Daniel's Room...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ebQqXrrapezFKAr-_1Z9N21x1sco8id1Sz9hdHAJ5CnW8FDyd4F_SrhckedxSvkj0F4Rn5BhOGCWr7zhADb5oB9BwKu2q6FURAw40g9656tZj4dQHyuWVbbLhjzj4zU2fOgbRCfH2Rs/s1600/D3+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ebQqXrrapezFKAr-_1Z9N21x1sco8id1Sz9hdHAJ5CnW8FDyd4F_SrhckedxSvkj0F4Rn5BhOGCWr7zhADb5oB9BwKu2q6FURAw40g9656tZj4dQHyuWVbbLhjzj4zU2fOgbRCfH2Rs/s400/D3+Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And Maddy's Room...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtwzo6Yb7RZ1OP9_2Aa_6saSJaLNG7newwMXbqRuzCEUMwXIeJKIpKuce1LYBrvo34qWVljqnfKV9OPb-xzpedOIcRgn0-2hRgrylTYrnBizh-_aqtnAVnEsP0xWS41bfjvGNh5CdKFI/s1600/MJ+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtwzo6Yb7RZ1OP9_2Aa_6saSJaLNG7newwMXbqRuzCEUMwXIeJKIpKuce1LYBrvo34qWVljqnfKV9OPb-xzpedOIcRgn0-2hRgrylTYrnBizh-_aqtnAVnEsP0xWS41bfjvGNh5CdKFI/s400/MJ+Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They're small but I think they turned out really cute and I simply cannot wait to get my little people moved into their new digs. We're just waiting on some trim that had to be special-ordered and the new carpet. I would have loved to have done hardwood but it was just too pricey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway - if all goes well, the finishing touches should be put on these rooms by the end of next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since my sewing machine is basically packed away, I came up with a project for the weekend that only involves hand sewing. It's a little something for Maddy's new room and I'll share it with you next week... hopefully along with a tutorial! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you have a wonderful weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-12054008693778592522011-03-02T10:18:00.004-06:002011-03-02T18:31:35.910-06:00Just a Quick HelloHi there. Just wanted to say hey. Things are status quo over here... no sewing, no crafting, no quilting. Just living under a thick layer of dust as we anxiously await the end of our construction project. But I can't post without a photo, so I'm sharing this sweet shot of Miss Maddy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75o0-cFusO9i1Va5YMGtJlny_JeZOZU0W3ljQJ2wcmiVuasGVrItGIIMX2ycpr-NGV_MRKipO4LG1v3Ir-NYIdbV-J2gIWfaQ4Ph9YQmk_lZI9nh9iOFTv-1uPrr2SKCdBkmo7QH-Azg/s1600/MJ+lashes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75o0-cFusO9i1Va5YMGtJlny_JeZOZU0W3ljQJ2wcmiVuasGVrItGIIMX2ycpr-NGV_MRKipO4LG1v3Ir-NYIdbV-J2gIWfaQ4Ph9YQmk_lZI9nh9iOFTv-1uPrr2SKCdBkmo7QH-Azg/s400/MJ+lashes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Can you believe those eyelashes? I'm so jealous! Both of my kids were blessed with eyelashes that never end. Lucky babes.<br />
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Hope you're well. I have lots of ideas in my brain that I hope to share soon.<br />
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xoxoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-49369723726867601822011-02-28T20:45:00.000-06:002011-02-28T20:45:19.529-06:00I Heart Faces Photo ChallengeHi friends,<br />
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Hope you're doing well.<br />
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One of my ongoing goals in life is to learn to take better pictures. I adore my Nikon D60 DSLR and it has really changed the way I think about photography. But I have sooooo much to learn! I was thrilled to recently discover the fabulous photography blog - <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">I Heart Faces</a>. There is so much good information to be found there and lots of great tutorials written by very talented professional photographers.<br />
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So <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/">I Heart Faces</a> hosts weekly photo challenges and just for fun, I'm entering a photo in this week's challenge. The theme is "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes... Anything But A Face" and I thought this picture of Maddy's legs from our trip to Hawaii was perfect for the theme.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWUxFw7NnEK7N2Vr8jKDsFxVw7YNJHxQNxPQAHk1r26y6L5jEVxWf2P426JeaqduFsgnJT9OUFw4KeZ6VgRTaQRTIuRp-PEOc5mY1xX2HIC_eWZq1A6Ttgs38eGTNLEz8QYBKW0GL9Es/s1600/MJ+Legs+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWUxFw7NnEK7N2Vr8jKDsFxVw7YNJHxQNxPQAHk1r26y6L5jEVxWf2P426JeaqduFsgnJT9OUFw4KeZ6VgRTaQRTIuRp-PEOc5mY1xX2HIC_eWZq1A6Ttgs38eGTNLEz8QYBKW0GL9Es/s400/MJ+Legs+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Wish me luck!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/" mce_href="http://www.iheartfaces.com"><img mce_src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/I_Heart_Faces_Photography_125.jpg" /></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-5643419844060060502011-02-25T08:05:00.000-06:002011-02-25T08:05:07.369-06:00Looking on the Bright SideGood morning. It's Friday. Yippee! Hope you have some fun things planned for the weekend.<br />
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I don't have much to share today. Just this photo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10MqQ_l56pNLcgaKyd1Kdt5rEe9T-WSpwGFYwQXFaFxRLmwX5AsDitovLncDNjknjGblsak1aMJyC7ywoP_jZ8tFIoGoDZTJ_ROM5wiCwi9K_tmNxcNVVKizmZ0jzkhu_P_Rh1KuD5D4/s1600/mat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10MqQ_l56pNLcgaKyd1Kdt5rEe9T-WSpwGFYwQXFaFxRLmwX5AsDitovLncDNjknjGblsak1aMJyC7ywoP_jZ8tFIoGoDZTJ_ROM5wiCwi9K_tmNxcNVVKizmZ0jzkhu_P_Rh1KuD5D4/s400/mat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We got a teeny tiny bit of snow last night. Normally (especially at the end of February) I'd be cursing this occurrence and wondering why I live in such a cold climate. But today, I'm choosing to see the beauty in what might be one of our last snows of the season. When I looked out my window this morning, I thought our doormat covered in fresh snow looked so pretty. I know that when it's 100 degrees with humidity in the middle of the summer, I'll be longing for the fresh, cold, crispness of the winter.<br />
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So we're headed out... in our coats and hats and mittens... to play in the snow.<br />
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Enjoy your weekend!<br />
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xoxoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-89203008089537425692011-02-24T11:44:00.001-06:002011-02-24T11:46:05.041-06:00Pillow TalkHello! How's it going?<br />
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We're still covered in dust but are soooo happy with the way our new little rooms are turning out. If I can get up there with my camera today, I'll share some photos soon.<br />
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Despite the chaos, I've been working on pillow covers for some old pillows I had lying around (hence my new spring blog header). Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a slight obsession with making pillow covers. They're just so easy and can really transform your whole room. I think pillows are the best way to add color, pattern and texture without making a huge commitment to any of those things.<br />
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I had been scouring flickr looking for inspiration a few weeks ago (check my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thesmallestsparrow/favorites/">favorites</a> to see what inspires me). I took the best of maybe three or four different designs and came up with these...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV901eIwVgE71NziuOQoftxEkX1500yWeFFic4HVgM8jDzGy5FwX32LgDKaxjqksdIOkvBPRoxTw8MLjspP11ojgJ_7fKSMrkosR8uNZQp_IWNHmqyQALLOgMW5bJdLoWIV9_ReUrdWg/s1600/pillows+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV901eIwVgE71NziuOQoftxEkX1500yWeFFic4HVgM8jDzGy5FwX32LgDKaxjqksdIOkvBPRoxTw8MLjspP11ojgJ_7fKSMrkosR8uNZQp_IWNHmqyQALLOgMW5bJdLoWIV9_ReUrdWg/s400/pillows+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I added a little pleated border to the pinwheel-y pillow just for fun and to see what it would look like. I think I like the added texture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJS7Pvh-872qACH0UFJvGzled0g-UiFAYCgsi-xw1Ad3TC6NauqtfXcetr8alVA-wtAOrGUtv7lQKusg2KH5gqsdV6MV-bAT6rxIpFTlJbFMHxIjRWbzSHctgBPxMdCPKxzAxqMQ3RE4/s1600/pillows+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJS7Pvh-872qACH0UFJvGzled0g-UiFAYCgsi-xw1Ad3TC6NauqtfXcetr8alVA-wtAOrGUtv7lQKusg2KH5gqsdV6MV-bAT6rxIpFTlJbFMHxIjRWbzSHctgBPxMdCPKxzAxqMQ3RE4/s400/pillows+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are meant to coordinate with my would-be quilt with embroidered flower centers. I imagine it will be a long, long time before I'm showing that one off on my blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEgFFYmcaPEO9xW_9eGAcI3XP-oUsGxJoTqbv56IQLlQTuxuEkB_FQ_Cw8c5pCKG6C9H_vTUCpGyuDRc0rokM63uk2hjplQITERYbvveggXCg-V6EcLBVJxH5C3wDJIOVkmqT-Kea524/s1600/pillows+2+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEgFFYmcaPEO9xW_9eGAcI3XP-oUsGxJoTqbv56IQLlQTuxuEkB_FQ_Cw8c5pCKG6C9H_vTUCpGyuDRc0rokM63uk2hjplQITERYbvveggXCg-V6EcLBVJxH5C3wDJIOVkmqT-Kea524/s400/pillows+2+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But pillow covers are relatively quick and painless. I did some straight-line square quilting around the center of each pillow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfC1EEW8Ju4xTKbBecdvsJ_h7CmEYzKAjDFlbe25lPpFCG-C1NSa1K0X6Jq4h857k-de-sUumlIqH-XGwHueO9ysySMmXXw8aDu0kFn06t1QIwFKRjxc_iPxY-gTOQrz5ZDcAT4jpd6I/s1600/pillows+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfC1EEW8Ju4xTKbBecdvsJ_h7CmEYzKAjDFlbe25lPpFCG-C1NSa1K0X6Jq4h857k-de-sUumlIqH-XGwHueO9ysySMmXXw8aDu0kFn06t1QIwFKRjxc_iPxY-gTOQrz5ZDcAT4jpd6I/s400/pillows+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The little man is in love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxstM7co4urI1lZVN5agXuzpluuHdGYKIU2y-ucdEkLGAw9uLXfx-PKfZGKZVDGnoys-G8wRxv2oDLzg8QhY9eqNPsqQvONu0wwcoXPLwddzAJjgvjC8JwSljEJ2HAUzbJ3CIsNobKlBE/s1600/pillows+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxstM7co4urI1lZVN5agXuzpluuHdGYKIU2y-ucdEkLGAw9uLXfx-PKfZGKZVDGnoys-G8wRxv2oDLzg8QhY9eqNPsqQvONu0wwcoXPLwddzAJjgvjC8JwSljEJ2HAUzbJ3CIsNobKlBE/s400/pillows+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just a cute shot of his feet. Boy needs a pedicure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3j4e_ntqmnTBBJk4z7xW3DBryoFKnz7K9XLTwNiXtqpqHDaHFNwq0oFjIzOtgqWOJ_MQcsZsSGCZWIj9b3V4J8U_XqCvAeMSVBAeP-AG8u1ftaaQieOvtejWsXxTyzVpuVZ7kxCVPsA/s1600/pillows+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3j4e_ntqmnTBBJk4z7xW3DBryoFKnz7K9XLTwNiXtqpqHDaHFNwq0oFjIzOtgqWOJ_MQcsZsSGCZWIj9b3V4J8U_XqCvAeMSVBAeP-AG8u1ftaaQieOvtejWsXxTyzVpuVZ7kxCVPsA/s400/pillows+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Come to think of it, so do I! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you up to today?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-45278166587012742352011-02-22T10:22:00.001-06:002011-02-23T06:56:22.729-06:00Where I Buy FabricGood morning. It's snowing here. Again. I'm just about ready for winter to be over. Are you dying for flip-flop weather too?<br />
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Anyway - there isn't a whole lot of sewing going on around here right now so I thought I'd share a non-crafty, no-sew, simply informative post today. I've had a few questions lately about where I buy my fabric, so here it is... the lowdown. Note - I am not being paid by any of these sources. This is not an advertisement. But I happen to love these guys and maybe you do too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuwaWf8-FW9l_DLUkqdD200t4Apm-dWb0XYnBXS3t_lHceYUKH0dlTbeQ7IWSn-ZXZCN3vusu0FM0zvJRvG1kiFiI7eLfh97Np0FZXNOtEQ6P2wgLKAumjNxcSPe0XLVS3zzgnNz_rAA/s1600/stash+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuwaWf8-FW9l_DLUkqdD200t4Apm-dWb0XYnBXS3t_lHceYUKH0dlTbeQ7IWSn-ZXZCN3vusu0FM0zvJRvG1kiFiI7eLfh97Np0FZXNOtEQ6P2wgLKAumjNxcSPe0XLVS3zzgnNz_rAA/s400/stash+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have two mistresses (or masters?) when it comes to fabric. Upholstery-weight and quilting-weight cotton. I am equally devoted but I fall in and out of love with each of them on a regular basis, depending on the project du jour. Over the years I've accumulated a pretty decent stash of each type. Here's where I buy all of the goodness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0WZTkqsUhFcuBMP0SWvapUicxf_Nj-ck99szwRLnir59UD3Ppo6XWwiD2_lUeMH4OtjsjUo7GcFP1m0Iujcx60tMH1ohB_uz5WoBKhVFMFbM67lopEjOXFLJFwBugGFcfXtPmeWxL0/s1600/stash+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe0WZTkqsUhFcuBMP0SWvapUicxf_Nj-ck99szwRLnir59UD3Ppo6XWwiD2_lUeMH4OtjsjUo7GcFP1m0Iujcx60tMH1ohB_uz5WoBKhVFMFbM67lopEjOXFLJFwBugGFcfXtPmeWxL0/s400/stash+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://Fabric.com/">Fabric.com</a><br />
I buy most of my fabric from this site. They have the best sales and if you spend $35.00 or more, the shipping is free. Not bad, right? I mostly buy designer quilting fabric from this source (they have all the greats like Amy and Anna Maria and Michael Miller) but they also have a great selection of home decor fabric as well. I admit that I have made a mistake or two due to the fact that I can't see or touch the fabric before I buy it, but for these prices, it all works out in the end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp">Joann</a><br />
Yes, I do buy fabric at my local craft store. I really love the designs you can find at Joann these days. And with those 40% off coupons, you can get some amazing deals. The quilting weight cotton can be a bit flimsier than the designer stuff, but I find that it's ok in small quantities and for certain projects.<br />
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<a href="https://www.homefabricsonline.com/">Home Fabrics and Rugs</a><br />
I LOVE this source for crazy low-price upholstery fabric. There is a location near my parents in southern California and every time I visit, this is the first place I go. Sadly, they don't have one in Chicago but maybe someday. If you are lucky enough to have one near you, run, don't walk and go straight to the back of the store. <s>$3.99</s> CORRECTION - $2.99 (!) per yard for 54" home decor fabric. And it's CUTE! I'm not kidding (see photo above). Amazing bargains.<br />
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<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/textile-discount-outlet-chicago">Textile Discount Outlet</a><br />
If you live in Chicago and you love fabric, this is a place you should go. Yes - it's a little scary. No - you would never want to be there if a fire broke out. Definitely take a friend to hold your hand. It's OVERWHELMING. A full city block and three full floors of fabric and the most amazing trim you've ever seen for insanely low prices. They don't have the latest designer stuff... 75% of the stuff has been there since 1980. But you'll find a few diamonds in the rough.<br />
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<a href="http://FabricGuru.com/">FabricGuru.com</a><br />
A great source for ends of designer upholstery-weight fabric. I've found some fabulous deals on this site and all orders ship for just $4.99.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/">IKEA</a><br />
I adore the fabric selection at IKEA. Sadly, the closest one to my home is about an hour away. But when I go I stock up on both quilting and home dec fabric. Most (if not all) of the upholstery stuff is machine washable. That's a huge plus in my book. The designs are super graphic and bold and fun.<br />
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So there you have it. I'm twitching and squirming a bit right now trying to get myself to step away from the computer and not click on all of the links I've just posted. It's addicting, isn't it? This fabric stashing we all do.<br />
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Hope you're having a great day. I'll be back soon.<br />
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xoxoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-84741031049955267012011-02-21T16:13:00.000-06:002011-02-21T16:13:25.650-06:00Thinking About ArtHi! How was your weekend? Ours was good. Things are pretty dusty (and messy) around here with our construction. But work is progressing nicely and we should have our kids moved into their new rooms in the next few weeks.<br />
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With all of this moving around of rooms, I've been doing some thinking about the new decorating challenges and opportunities I'll be facing. Our guest room will be moving downstairs to the room our son is currently occupying. I never really got around to buying or making anything cute for the walls in that particular room.<br />
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So I threw this together on a whim a few days ago...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_uRTr0kbxgnyVjCcsp91jweLU8UoHIrT-EqzKNlYyCJ5twFCH0quQqVuTxkpiJDQGlqDr8GxrvPQ2asw5Wj3L0E-GZbBggHUv3X-NMkTeXQWOOFOxj19_zC_oSdbnu4QD6nMBgYU8j4/s1600/wall+art+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_uRTr0kbxgnyVjCcsp91jweLU8UoHIrT-EqzKNlYyCJ5twFCH0quQqVuTxkpiJDQGlqDr8GxrvPQ2asw5Wj3L0E-GZbBggHUv3X-NMkTeXQWOOFOxj19_zC_oSdbnu4QD6nMBgYU8j4/s400/wall+art+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been wanting to use fabric on canvas for a really long time now. I think there's a collage artist in me somewhere and I have some ideas for future pieces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found a charm pack at Joann in the colors / patterns that I liked and then sewed them together and simply wrapped and staple-gunned around an 11" x 14" canvas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi_ZDksEFgN299sY22rUY52kzU_L3UfOkl5hVKEQLiA7P17PCbw2lme4nOfi9hWsQFjmKFCk0gtsc2qzqk54gqIJ9x3KLUdvHPrU0D5GhNpoNPjErjnDSofcjuCArPBU5dER-k5ssqNs/s1600/wall+art+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi_ZDksEFgN299sY22rUY52kzU_L3UfOkl5hVKEQLiA7P17PCbw2lme4nOfi9hWsQFjmKFCk0gtsc2qzqk54gqIJ9x3KLUdvHPrU0D5GhNpoNPjErjnDSofcjuCArPBU5dER-k5ssqNs/s400/wall+art+2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fabrics are quite thin (not like the luxurious designer stuff) but it doesn't really matter. I don't intend to launder this piece of patchwork.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm hoping to make a few more and maybe even add a little embroidery or applique to jazz them up a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you up to today?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-7752866855607333612011-02-18T08:30:00.000-06:002011-02-18T08:30:23.876-06:00Bad News and Great (no... Incredible) NewsHi! How are you today?<br />
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Things are just a tad crazy around here. We've decided to do some work to our home and so we're living in a construction zone. There are mattresses on couches and desks floating in the middle of our family room. All of this chaos coupled with toys, toys and more toys makes for some serious danger. I can't tell you how many times I've yelled "Watch where you step!" in the last two days. I did set up my sewing machine on our dining room table and am slowly making progress on my embroidered quilt blocks but supplies are literally EVERYWHERE... and somehow nowhere if you know what I mean. So that's the bad news. Sewing, quilting, etc. may be slow going for a while.<br />
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The very, very, very GOOD news is that this construction means I'm getting my own sewing room / studio. Yippee! Hallelujah! Angels are singing! (Or maybe those are just the voices in my head). It's kind of a long story and I'll spare you all the details but we are having one large bedroom on our top floor made into two smaller bedrooms for our kids. The kids are in the basement right now (I know... I'm a terrible parent keeping my kids in a dungeon) and I'll be taking over the room that Maddy currently occupies. It's small and doesn't have any windows but it's a room and I have big plans for it. I'll try to share some photos once it's all put together. We'll be living like this for a few weeks but the end result should be well worth the pain.<br />
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Here's a little sneak peek at the embroidered quilt blocks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0avjWweE4ayG13vUHYa17e1V3r_K14hQRpUqZ5VrN5d5BS5qsEdBTQSV9-kTKWdMn8cJ5mcfXJc5vbkSg2Qtcv1-sHfEVzD_0XzGdCTw7BmJeis0H1Kpt9MUIA9MkJqAHOhxRW9DUDA/s1600/QB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0avjWweE4ayG13vUHYa17e1V3r_K14hQRpUqZ5VrN5d5BS5qsEdBTQSV9-kTKWdMn8cJ5mcfXJc5vbkSg2Qtcv1-sHfEVzD_0XzGdCTw7BmJeis0H1Kpt9MUIA9MkJqAHOhxRW9DUDA/s400/QB1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided that I needed to jazz them up a bit with fun fabrics so I ended up doing a log cabin design, twice around. The final blocks are about 12 inches square. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-s1dLQzNQSwctbPowogrQCBcmMfuwKfz4G0AzGRjBm0SZsaCY8bOk_dx_60GbQ2zhjuV9idFCzGPwWdzsoH9Jcd4XHTtJE8WM0KfX5mOIaoBGGip9eG-C71CJ-oKZqHx-yDS8JV7IvM/s1600/QB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-s1dLQzNQSwctbPowogrQCBcmMfuwKfz4G0AzGRjBm0SZsaCY8bOk_dx_60GbQ2zhjuV9idFCzGPwWdzsoH9Jcd4XHTtJE8WM0KfX5mOIaoBGGip9eG-C71CJ-oKZqHx-yDS8JV7IvM/s400/QB2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm adding vintage buttons to the centers of the flowers. More on my button collection later (another gift from my mom... handed down from her mother and her mother before her).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKV_jpgqbgG1vslJfIUOnZgklnTsQHtl7TZ5CK72C3QwTx0W81bF8ig386rxZg1JVIY27peuMNhSYV9SDX_m6VZUZIm4KYn-zpjpkXVrGVyo9hoT5XqwNjh42WLRrEPhXGsKT4fqrP60/s1600/QB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKV_jpgqbgG1vslJfIUOnZgklnTsQHtl7TZ5CK72C3QwTx0W81bF8ig386rxZg1JVIY27peuMNhSYV9SDX_m6VZUZIm4KYn-zpjpkXVrGVyo9hoT5XqwNjh42WLRrEPhXGsKT4fqrP60/s400/QB3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the way these are turning out and they're so much fun to put together! The colors are citrusy oranges, yellows and greens with a splash of aqua thrown in here and there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The nice thing about having my machine and ironing board in the dining room is that I can go work for a moment here and there without leaving my family. Maybe this will make for greater productivity this weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And speaking of weekend... hope you have a lovely one. I'll be back next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxo.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-47685575267045429622011-02-16T08:28:00.001-06:002011-02-16T08:57:33.144-06:00Embroidery!Good morning friends. I hope all is well with you.<br />
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I'm slowly but surely getting my groove back. Thanks in part to a little embroidery therapy.<br />
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I've been doing little bits of embroidery for the past two weeks. It feels so good to be doing this hand-work after so many years. I was a bit of an embroidery freak when I was 9 and 10 years old. I was the fastest and most dedicated cross-stitcher in the west and could whip up a Precious Moments wall hanging in a matter of hours. Ugh. The very thought of all that pastel prettiness. Yuck! My style has changed a lot since then but as soon as I picked up my tapestry needle, I felt like I was home again.<br />
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I'm starting out with some basic stitches... nothing too crazy here. I have this vision in my head for a quilt with embroidered blocks. Here is the start of my process.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELK82IQNX86ayQ0pyCz4j3wCrTCyMjuv_pd93S3HsYOrvKxWr5hCavsjGuOrFLNPjHofaUQgzLWWawwWNEONdqdvc6fDxU1BQDgqQIzwczfu6UZ43yd58eJ6vL3iy0xwllSoxZmWANQw/s1600/post1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELK82IQNX86ayQ0pyCz4j3wCrTCyMjuv_pd93S3HsYOrvKxWr5hCavsjGuOrFLNPjHofaUQgzLWWawwWNEONdqdvc6fDxU1BQDgqQIzwczfu6UZ43yd58eJ6vL3iy0xwllSoxZmWANQw/s400/post1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm using a neutral linen as my base and created a template for the flower by enlarging the design from a craft punch I had lying around. The stitch is just a simple chain stitch. These blocks are 6.5" squares. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The floss came from my beloved stash which quite literally was covered in dust. That's my lovely fourth-grade handwriting on the floss holders. As I was going through the box, I found a skein with the price tag still in tact. It was purchased at K-Mart for 17 cents, God knows when. I think the price of floss has doubled since then. Good thing I bought it when I did! :-) I guess my mom probably bought it. Thanks, mom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1bxrlLLw1AhyV6mKEm8z9G2LQlkqBGNXAue0-Uh8XEwwvt0Mr5BW4Relf8snVFMSkKJyO73TjeDobwVY2qZ8eIJ7qC-LpsN6erFFHjIexttVM_FjvIJJprN-0COd2HN7Cfr9I4MSsyQ/s1600/post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1bxrlLLw1AhyV6mKEm8z9G2LQlkqBGNXAue0-Uh8XEwwvt0Mr5BW4Relf8snVFMSkKJyO73TjeDobwVY2qZ8eIJ7qC-LpsN6erFFHjIexttVM_FjvIJJprN-0COd2HN7Cfr9I4MSsyQ/s400/post2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My thought is to make up a bunch of these in different colors and add white sashing. I have something fun planned for the centers of the flowers and will share later. I think this project will take a lot of time but I love that I can sit in my jammies at the end of the day and mindlessly chain-stitch away. It's a nice break from all of my machine-sewing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6jUWkYyp0gbCccsxm_OBYZrGI9guD3aDZNw-WFEzcDhvObW6X0lQqJgMpyvZVnh8VhAP2csDvnbvszpcpV9kyXIkipKSfoAvfZ0PwFC_PD8B2Y1AtezQjRnrwsO2xit5IFOc9JcZgSo/s1600/post3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6jUWkYyp0gbCccsxm_OBYZrGI9guD3aDZNw-WFEzcDhvObW6X0lQqJgMpyvZVnh8VhAP2csDvnbvszpcpV9kyXIkipKSfoAvfZ0PwFC_PD8B2Y1AtezQjRnrwsO2xit5IFOc9JcZgSo/s400/post3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought I'd also share a couple of quick kid photos... moments that made me laugh in the last day or so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's what I found when I woke up this morning...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKOmrLl3rddXwuPLXj93Ye67pZJMlIDFggqly0fBbqZqBOKx01o7oK8IjowDiYjM6tFn9vUEp-tUBB1JzSRmVKCQDo-iFrJ6mNsSoMjXM5-3x-BEMsi5LygLDGjCjI6lVvg0GwfQlzZ0/s1600/post4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKOmrLl3rddXwuPLXj93Ye67pZJMlIDFggqly0fBbqZqBOKx01o7oK8IjowDiYjM6tFn9vUEp-tUBB1JzSRmVKCQDo-iFrJ6mNsSoMjXM5-3x-BEMsi5LygLDGjCjI6lVvg0GwfQlzZ0/s400/post4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, that's a frying pan. My son very deliberately and purposefully arranged his cars and trains on it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's his sister in the corner of the shot. If Daniel only knew that Maddy was messing with his stuff. Oh boy! He'd go through the roof!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is what happens when I'm blogging...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-84507QnKaur7wxQkby6mrfPSwXDwcCV3uJIyU6jOINLOf0kzc_TJ7-O3QD1Plcxd88p7Xtt_J6Hks5yE_yOJXEKek_pfhJdNQW6wKY13hNuiy4nNCT8P_yEzr_K-trbEkpdnva62GHk/s1600/post5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-84507QnKaur7wxQkby6mrfPSwXDwcCV3uJIyU6jOINLOf0kzc_TJ7-O3QD1Plcxd88p7Xtt_J6Hks5yE_yOJXEKek_pfhJdNQW6wKY13hNuiy4nNCT8P_yEzr_K-trbEkpdnva62GHk/s400/post5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I keep my recipe files in a drawer next to my desk and my daughter has really taken to pulling them out while mom is busy typing. Little stinker. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm off to make a few more stitches while Daniel is at school and Maddy takes her morning nap. Then it's back to the daily grind of meal prep, dishes, toy pick-up, etc. Ah but I wouldn't trade it for the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Day to you all.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-31107715643570337322011-02-14T10:41:00.001-06:002011-02-14T10:42:40.985-06:00Happy Hearts Day!Hi there. Happy Valentine's Day to you! I hope you're having a lovely day celebrating all of the wonderful people in your life.<br />
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Things are good here although I'm feeling a bit "off." I'm not sure if it's the time of year or what but I'm a little scattered. I've been sewing and crafting like crazy but I don't feel organized enough to post about my projects. I haven't been sleeping well and I'm trying to make sense of all the craziness in my brain. There are just too many ideas and too little time. Does this happen to you too? Any advice? Maybe I need to do yoga or something. :-)<br />
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Anyway - in other big news, my little girl is officially walking (tears in my eyes as I type this). This might be one of the biggest reasons that I've been a bit melancholy. I'm so happy for her and she is ecstatic about her new skill, but I'm feeling very sad about it. She's getting so big and is changing on a daily basis. I just want her to stay little with those chubby legs and chipmunk cheeks. Oh why do they have to grow up??? I'll share a picture of Miss Maddy walking soon but in the meantime, here's a little Valentine's Day prettiness that makes me happy even though I'm a little sad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4WPibKkT1gK0CCW9r95yiopHftvIHY_hlVA19ZFUiSNoA3SEL-WFiyfqxRCCX7JLrT89um2KD8MhA6ZCPgbyGEqKSty1vaUPaGSmrhyphenhyphenoXpok0B3ttg0ZIeMsIjTrM7m6nQocQetO__E/s1600/hearts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4WPibKkT1gK0CCW9r95yiopHftvIHY_hlVA19ZFUiSNoA3SEL-WFiyfqxRCCX7JLrT89um2KD8MhA6ZCPgbyGEqKSty1vaUPaGSmrhyphenhyphenoXpok0B3ttg0ZIeMsIjTrM7m6nQocQetO__E/s400/hearts1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
I found this fun project over at <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2011/01/25/valentines-day-link-love/">Under the Sycamore</a>. Aren't those heart chains adorable?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbebrdaRKZtOYwUNW7CE0iQ7cQ0HSB2IKvOcoJHBLABZZwxxXlm3ZWNHoe-5VOsmLyPfbSf4w71OG6MDeJrr1GkS88zqzGx9pJ90xzYc95MScvEfDXaL9Y_O1itUUzcdtIfehAdHjbQUI/s1600/hearts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbebrdaRKZtOYwUNW7CE0iQ7cQ0HSB2IKvOcoJHBLABZZwxxXlm3ZWNHoe-5VOsmLyPfbSf4w71OG6MDeJrr1GkS88zqzGx9pJ90xzYc95MScvEfDXaL9Y_O1itUUzcdtIfehAdHjbQUI/s400/hearts2.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br />
I simply cut hearts of various sizes from a book of vintage love poetry I've had since my college days and sewed them together. I have to admit it was VERY hard for me to cut a book (books are sacred to me) but I haven't even glanced at that book in over a decade and I'm appreciating its pages much more now that they're hanging in my front window.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ04ivyx-kTkHopS1CNm0vUslpmoAmF0c0wvcp2sM3n8gkQY70QkgExNuZ8jAhziu-39Y8_0lmiHOmHO7FtBFx5-YiW9ua04QGjhTW5WLWT4npxfWCt96fVucl2WaftfSZpUJkY9Lstw/s1600/hearts3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ04ivyx-kTkHopS1CNm0vUslpmoAmF0c0wvcp2sM3n8gkQY70QkgExNuZ8jAhziu-39Y8_0lmiHOmHO7FtBFx5-YiW9ua04QGjhTW5WLWT4npxfWCt96fVucl2WaftfSZpUJkY9Lstw/s400/hearts3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
Pretty, pretty.<br />
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So that's it for today. I wish you lots of love and peace this Valentine's Day.<br />
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Be back soon...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-47067930907049474602011-02-11T08:18:00.000-06:002011-02-11T08:18:26.713-06:00Funny, Funny StoryGood morning! Hope you're doing well. As I type, there is a gi-normous cup of coffee next to me. I'm really, really tired today. I've just come out of a crazy productive period and I think I've hit a wall. Does this happen to you? I go through these phases... sometimes days at a time... sometimes weeks at a time... when I'm hyper-inspired. My brain is just filled with ideas and I can't turn it off. When this happens to me, insomnia sets is. The night before last, I only slept for two hours. Ugh! I just have these wild spurts of energy and I have to create. I'll share a couple of projects with you next week.<br />
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In the meantime, I thought a sweet, funny story would be good for a Friday. Especially one like this when I just need to veg and not think too much about sewing, designing, or creating. I know you'll appreciate this one...<br />
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We bought a sweet little Fisher Price dollhouse for Maddy for Christmas. She likes it but her older brother simply adores it. We sort of knew that would happen. He's three and-a-half and "pretend play" is pretty big in his repertoire right now. So he plays with the little mom and dad and baby that came with the house and they have little conversations and sit down to meals, etc. etc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWwHfBAHL7keR-zBfnkyYD132N_8pZBipBU4PtAAHWijV4UJ4-KRCoplF8aVjl3Y7Mtxe7suiOBssueBjs0a3yks2g8z0AVbCp1uDaiSfW-IrDm5sLFstOYslTgie-uj1vZiPyrP1598/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWwHfBAHL7keR-zBfnkyYD132N_8pZBipBU4PtAAHWijV4UJ4-KRCoplF8aVjl3Y7Mtxe7suiOBssueBjs0a3yks2g8z0AVbCp1uDaiSfW-IrDm5sLFstOYslTgie-uj1vZiPyrP1598/s400/DSC_0016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The other night, hubby and I were enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine at the end of a long day and were sort of casually chatting, opening mail, etc. Daniel was playing with the house. We were half-listening to his interaction with the little people and here's what I overheard.<br />
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"Now the daddy and the baby are having dinner. But there's no mama here."<br />
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So my husband asked the logical question... "Where's the mama?"<br />
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And Daniel said "She had to go get some fabric."<br />
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(!!!!!!!)<br />
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He was so matter-of-fact about it and that was the last thing I was expecting him to say. I burst into hysterical laughter as I realized how far my addiction had gone.<br />
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Just goes to show the little ones are paying very close attention. So watch what you do, say, and stash (fabric joke).<br />
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Ha ha. Out of the mouths of babes.<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-29393744730244116382011-02-09T12:26:00.001-06:002011-02-09T12:28:42.534-06:00Tutorial - 3D Butterflies and HeartsGood afternoon! Hope your day is going well! I just got back from volunteering in my son's preschool class. It was so much fun! I was in charge of a Valentine's craft table and helped 16 three and four-year-olds glue hearts to construction paper.<br />
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So here I am at my virtual craft table with a tutorial for the butterflies and hearts that I <a href="http://smallestsparrow.blogspot.com/2011/02/butterflies-butterflies-butterflies.html">posted yesterday</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Three Dimensional Butterflies and Hearts</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LF3UucLFT2Iz0JunOX210ql-t4SbaIX7jSDa8k25gOwls6JilVnv3FvpAeObO3G6hFfkK_2HdAVo1p72Ww3GgNGs96ZvudS1mXOWHvDS92QejSiOLghkb9vt0vKYoOG7rSr8TB0Z08Y/s1600/tut+header+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LF3UucLFT2Iz0JunOX210ql-t4SbaIX7jSDa8k25gOwls6JilVnv3FvpAeObO3G6hFfkK_2HdAVo1p72Ww3GgNGs96ZvudS1mXOWHvDS92QejSiOLghkb9vt0vKYoOG7rSr8TB0Z08Y/s400/tut+header+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Supplies Needed:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b></b></div><ul><li>White glue (the stuff <b>you</b> used at the craft table in preschool!)</li>
<li>Bowl for mixing</li>
<li>Paper plate or other work surface (you just need a place to get messy)</li>
<li>Paintbrush</li>
<li>Assorted fabric scraps</li>
<li>Pencil or fabric marker</li>
<li>Double-sided tape (if you're going to attach these to your wall or other surface)</li>
<li>Iron and ironing board</li>
<li>Sewing machine or needle and thread for hand sewing</li>
<li>Cardstock (to trace your templates)</li>
<li>Templates for your shapes (you can make your own or download my pdf below)</li>
</ul><a href="http://viewer.zoho.com/docs/qRmJd" target="_blank">Click to View</a><br />
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<b>Here's how you make them...</b><br />
Assemble all of your supplies and trace and cut your templates onto cardstock. For the purpose of this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to make the hearts but the process is exactly the same for the butterflies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_B0nZHrRimMVQXp-xfFd_MdjSnWYfX4n7u7Z8E8CnxrQEERG8D9-lDyWz5wpllxrSSRKd_zX7mTCYxM2SWBW_0d4TA4v__xDH7i_ZiVxtD1-z-8Z-tzYZ_1inc-71osfBNyMsDRFnQk/s1600/tut1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_B0nZHrRimMVQXp-xfFd_MdjSnWYfX4n7u7Z8E8CnxrQEERG8D9-lDyWz5wpllxrSSRKd_zX7mTCYxM2SWBW_0d4TA4v__xDH7i_ZiVxtD1-z-8Z-tzYZ_1inc-71osfBNyMsDRFnQk/s400/tut1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now you need to stiffen your fabric scraps. You can buy commercial fabric stiffener but I usually just make my own with white craft glue (with a three-year-old in the house I tend to have it on hand).<br />
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To make your own fabric stiffener, mix three parts glue to one part water in a bowl.<br />
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Paint a generous coat of your glue concoction on all of your fabric scraps and allow to dry about one hour. I drape my wet scraps over coat hangers for drying.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dCXZ0CzxLZmo5MjUxcAoftfaMke2X0UcFmuz1r9PfEuLSQoEe1ywmc5E_cUjq-zILXs0fc56KqmbNHx8zU3NeL4RYqk_LmAOCrJE7g1I4c1c6DdTQx3RI2z5dYi8llB3vbjfh_etiZU/s1600/tut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dCXZ0CzxLZmo5MjUxcAoftfaMke2X0UcFmuz1r9PfEuLSQoEe1ywmc5E_cUjq-zILXs0fc56KqmbNHx8zU3NeL4RYqk_LmAOCrJE7g1I4c1c6DdTQx3RI2z5dYi8llB3vbjfh_etiZU/s400/tut2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Once your scraps are dry, give them a quick press with a dry iron to flatten them out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJtANVMXLa8_-FGOrXjo-xyxplUZNDyRmy5wZlJ0dQBRQipvi5UeG5JuUJ5uD1SCrVYAlNf_yh-TlxbbTOmel6iG3_jQNFhE7nREuBa9Ac0j_CRI6cEzg94xqVgPV9dmJbHmJP33cBXE/s1600/tut3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJtANVMXLa8_-FGOrXjo-xyxplUZNDyRmy5wZlJ0dQBRQipvi5UeG5JuUJ5uD1SCrVYAlNf_yh-TlxbbTOmel6iG3_jQNFhE7nREuBa9Ac0j_CRI6cEzg94xqVgPV9dmJbHmJP33cBXE/s400/tut3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now fold your scraps in half with the wrong side showing. Place your template on the fold and trace with a pencil or fabric marker. Cut all of your shapes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzTueK3w0fcXy2_iQj6vhaa4JJATopyl-pPsrTmCoKc-WMl3niGofd23_2mRuH_14KJ_lIzh1CC0tUOAflwF6r7OGWTRB93GLEZV-kgLsnZplXvi-Fm1m994qwcFqPgcvtNNLFLfkd24/s1600/tut5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzTueK3w0fcXy2_iQj6vhaa4JJATopyl-pPsrTmCoKc-WMl3niGofd23_2mRuH_14KJ_lIzh1CC0tUOAflwF6r7OGWTRB93GLEZV-kgLsnZplXvi-Fm1m994qwcFqPgcvtNNLFLfkd24/s400/tut5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxe2528nl-WLSHWZmzaJV3IZhROJgxax0z_hLkD1-Ilj2mKxIK36smXqH9Ce13fVaL6E95R72tGc4iFwEaAtix04qsNuNAPMSIKPOAyuq78h1ZEM0XU1zVe9hPErVNXDlC4poc6JsVNg/s1600/tut6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxe2528nl-WLSHWZmzaJV3IZhROJgxax0z_hLkD1-Ilj2mKxIK36smXqH9Ce13fVaL6E95R72tGc4iFwEaAtix04qsNuNAPMSIKPOAyuq78h1ZEM0XU1zVe9hPErVNXDlC4poc6JsVNg/s400/tut6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Once you have your shapes all cut, you're ready to assemble them. For the hearts, I chose three coordinating fabrics and cut a large, medium and small to stack together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJc2E6zR7kKddOBT0p0SsEs__xwXbxDc2-FB-KHdLyuK_QeOARhw4ujMEApW81Hslhi3T8clHt6NxDNli70jr_CG-r1pXnSM9RAgQcXsm-HU73pCRGIHvNAtfM79TeZltMrUsd8ONBdY/s1600/tut9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJc2E6zR7kKddOBT0p0SsEs__xwXbxDc2-FB-KHdLyuK_QeOARhw4ujMEApW81Hslhi3T8clHt6NxDNli70jr_CG-r1pXnSM9RAgQcXsm-HU73pCRGIHvNAtfM79TeZltMrUsd8ONBdY/s400/tut9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At this point I like to sew them together. I just do a quick line of stitches with my machine but you could easily hand sew a few stitches if you prefer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgs6ywCpBRQbEe0jPXUiPRyKL0Y49T1qCIDPcke4Zm8L_VFobwjeDRmXWcIiMBRtq-J0PYo7TtiCpPHFqS4Vh4WNoa_bpeuguDK2fn4ZlBRpfbWkAEx3lukOQh9Rj_BIHIdTZpsU7AJg/s1600/tut10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgs6ywCpBRQbEe0jPXUiPRyKL0Y49T1qCIDPcke4Zm8L_VFobwjeDRmXWcIiMBRtq-J0PYo7TtiCpPHFqS4Vh4WNoa_bpeuguDK2fn4ZlBRpfbWkAEx3lukOQh9Rj_BIHIdTZpsU7AJg/s400/tut10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
That's it! You have an adorable three-dimensional piece of fabric art.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMUgVMwcISS_QUZ-N9MUabGH9O1m3Jhjulms0pVL_W3EZgPBT-R7LYQrURzUVZOJGHf0MS6KP_gqv9hFqLfigCKSplwiUqmbmjWnxXe4SP2BYiqlzQzZoI0uTZJZ9FbsqTtgdW9uIGO8/s1600/tut+header+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMUgVMwcISS_QUZ-N9MUabGH9O1m3Jhjulms0pVL_W3EZgPBT-R7LYQrURzUVZOJGHf0MS6KP_gqv9hFqLfigCKSplwiUqmbmjWnxXe4SP2BYiqlzQzZoI0uTZJZ9FbsqTtgdW9uIGO8/s400/tut+header+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many things you could do with these little beauties. Here are just a few ideas...</div><br />
<ul><li>Glue them to blank cards to make sweet valentine's or birthday cards for your friends</li>
<li>Frame them to make adorable wall art</li>
<li>Use double-sided tape to attach them to your wall (I've had the butterflies up in my daughter's room for about a week and they haven't fallen yet!)</li>
<li>Glue to the top of a gift box for an extra special presentation</li>
<li>Attach a ribbon loop and hang from a cabinet or doorknob</li>
<li>Glue to a picture frame for a sweet embellishment</li>
<li>Sew several together to make a little garland</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghiR7eqxU5BJfI9gLBWRlzHtUJ0kBFgsd-w8uM0WCAC841F_PXii6j8Xwv6HNPPVvTNZ67G9uJtIiGJis6cWNR-olZJqDhrZStp3Ccsm92rGXpwzJbXX7F5m2Vv00GpFldp06kqBFC4Q/s1600/tut+header+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghiR7eqxU5BJfI9gLBWRlzHtUJ0kBFgsd-w8uM0WCAC841F_PXii6j8Xwv6HNPPVvTNZ67G9uJtIiGJis6cWNR-olZJqDhrZStp3Ccsm92rGXpwzJbXX7F5m2Vv00GpFldp06kqBFC4Q/s400/tut+header+3.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm sure there are many other things you could do with these. Get creative and have fun.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave me a comment or send me an <a href="mailto:erin@thesmallestsparrow.com">e-mail</a>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Happy Crafting to you!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-23043970601232968162011-02-08T10:09:00.000-06:002011-02-08T10:09:11.348-06:00Thank you, Mod Podge Rocks!Big thanks to Amy of <a href="http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/">Mod Podge Rocks</a> for featuring my fabric-covered box tutorial today. I am thrilled to be on one of my favorite blogs. You can check out her post <a href="http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/2011/02/fabric-covered-boxes.html">here</a>.<br />
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If you're stopping by here as a result of Amy's post - welcome! I'm so excited you're here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-17435883003123201022011-02-08T06:46:00.000-06:002011-02-08T06:46:13.777-06:00Butterflies, Butterflies, ButterfliesIn addition to all of the quilting I did over the weekend, I found a little time to make these...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMawVrljrQIohA4xx7bogKOhNbgxDvolW-TUbB8VnuY7SPYBsuM5ymHTFL_EkG2uYX2xuGtoqnMWDSf4GcOmTFNpHKr-wbdUfXt_EDKDcPjej_59Bnfl3g8CUWh6peTBAHeuB6GBinBWw/s1600/Butterflies+Chair+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMawVrljrQIohA4xx7bogKOhNbgxDvolW-TUbB8VnuY7SPYBsuM5ymHTFL_EkG2uYX2xuGtoqnMWDSf4GcOmTFNpHKr-wbdUfXt_EDKDcPjej_59Bnfl3g8CUWh6peTBAHeuB6GBinBWw/s400/Butterflies+Chair+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the Pottery Barn Kids-inspired project I was telling you about. The catalog featured similar butterflies attached to a little girl's wall. The lightbulb immediately went off in my brain. I have a (very subtle) butterfly theme in Maddy's room and plenty of blank wall space. I thought these would be a perfect addition to her room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I got to work and made butterfly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OeZE5VeIStaAxPael5tZuTrmWKLXaxny_ZI040KKzynUXMzBduGPVUJ7K1HMUDvi2r3nxa1UVwfkc-aOMabV5ErZGw2D9EesNx7uTeReFg7kOGz4C1qscqgTBXZnKZrQwLHwougefDM/s1600/Butterflies+Chair+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OeZE5VeIStaAxPael5tZuTrmWKLXaxny_ZI040KKzynUXMzBduGPVUJ7K1HMUDvi2r3nxa1UVwfkc-aOMabV5ErZGw2D9EesNx7uTeReFg7kOGz4C1qscqgTBXZnKZrQwLHwougefDM/s400/Butterflies+Chair+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">after butterfly...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NBEzUjpO0Zo5XgyPCxQPjfNpq2UIIlun39oSyv3H-nCfByIBFGGy-50CgbumN9E_x1tPd1OeSTJTg1fgPdVLvEc3ZbmWhja-sR9OfN7OdLAIEgdH6lQqxElfSVs1FWAEQ-4aoJFaVQk/s1600/Butterflies+Chair+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NBEzUjpO0Zo5XgyPCxQPjfNpq2UIIlun39oSyv3H-nCfByIBFGGy-50CgbumN9E_x1tPd1OeSTJTg1fgPdVLvEc3ZbmWhja-sR9OfN7OdLAIEgdH6lQqxElfSVs1FWAEQ-4aoJFaVQk/s400/Butterflies+Chair+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">after butterfly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7RpU-hCaGhxeZiw5hlisNWmN8Tn2TY9g6Vm5kHPPx0KyeumSUGNEs1c1T9vCx1HnyuKGHDBk53aEh49Zh8QL6ll-XpzYiOOhNvdnYzXTWjaHQ6nfvDiJN_DLW0PYHVULCutNypQPTGE/s1600/Butterfly+Wall+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7RpU-hCaGhxeZiw5hlisNWmN8Tn2TY9g6Vm5kHPPx0KyeumSUGNEs1c1T9vCx1HnyuKGHDBk53aEh49Zh8QL6ll-XpzYiOOhNvdnYzXTWjaHQ6nfvDiJN_DLW0PYHVULCutNypQPTGE/s400/Butterfly+Wall+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are soooo easy (and so fun) to make. All you need are some fabric scraps, white glue, a sewing machine or hand sewing needle and thread and some double-sided tape (for attaching to the wall). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best part about this project was finding fun places for the butterflies to land. Such as on a lampshade or a picture frame or the light-switch plate. You can really have a sense of humor with this one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6VFY4GFRNXIhaGSov4BxxZyMM9j7Ib_-KlIonxnjWEWK5l_RpaVArX31nLUqQPOQVwoxEz3HO5RiiqwwvsFyf8qNsExJHuxCw7KpZstfSXgB1WgBMzR9QeMGo9q8Idb1ZsUR2-jvBU/s1600/Butterfly+Lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrb6VFY4GFRNXIhaGSov4BxxZyMM9j7Ib_-KlIonxnjWEWK5l_RpaVArX31nLUqQPOQVwoxEz3HO5RiiqwwvsFyf8qNsExJHuxCw7KpZstfSXgB1WgBMzR9QeMGo9q8Idb1ZsUR2-jvBU/s400/Butterfly+Lamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been writing up a tutorial and will share it with you tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So then I got to thinking... this project would also translate to other shapes. Like hearts! How appropriate for this time of year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_7kwjLftZNAAPIJJMpIqMCb8gnRp3DNHtwmGNp980pJ66TiC16p2UYQrN-2QVTcpStAuhCVp4E99DX3nvf_ETTlK_oH9n9EtorkZ39OSx3oaCJjQMQAt6MCyACIgujU2-8tLeKw2OYY/s1600/Heart+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_7kwjLftZNAAPIJJMpIqMCb8gnRp3DNHtwmGNp980pJ66TiC16p2UYQrN-2QVTcpStAuhCVp4E99DX3nvf_ETTlK_oH9n9EtorkZ39OSx3oaCJjQMQAt6MCyACIgujU2-8tLeKw2OYY/s400/Heart+Cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it! I can't wait to share my easy tutorial (along with templates) tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a happy and creative day!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-7515406415932795772011-02-07T09:12:00.000-06:002011-02-07T09:12:08.002-06:00A Quilt for Baby WillHi there. I hope you had a good weekend! I spent the vast majority of it locked in my sewing room. How great is that? My hubby was kind enough to do the lion's share of the work with the kids so that I could play catch up with my sewing projects.<br />
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I finally finished this quilt that has been in the works for a loooooong time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-MkVik34OKo_4EIj7uEJ0aV9KlS5PxFl8yW5nE7AuFln4scsHKkyhohp0W-0zd521EgWo3nTluaOdpS5957xBOQKw9mVPIHgNxI9ueoig2mZtfChpbOgCgfCwntC9dvYfMdvDk52OB4/s1600/W1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-MkVik34OKo_4EIj7uEJ0aV9KlS5PxFl8yW5nE7AuFln4scsHKkyhohp0W-0zd521EgWo3nTluaOdpS5957xBOQKw9mVPIHgNxI9ueoig2mZtfChpbOgCgfCwntC9dvYfMdvDk52OB4/s400/W1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This quilt was made for a sweet little baby boy who I got to meet for the first time yesterday. I chose the fabrics and patterns to match his nursery. Per my usual - I added his name using my embroidery machine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpMUEvRxO5aE79pyeIAkDMsNAxowWNXtxLpKPyrGQ3i6Is3Gfe4AG18-6PiePtNeBbOZfRrGQrRUU3skF84hNKhZvHMMdSpyVPIU_VuOcHK-5g5OXmNxujXnuA5AeNRydgLOJ7QwYojc/s1600/W2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpMUEvRxO5aE79pyeIAkDMsNAxowWNXtxLpKPyrGQ3i6Is3Gfe4AG18-6PiePtNeBbOZfRrGQrRUU3skF84hNKhZvHMMdSpyVPIU_VuOcHK-5g5OXmNxujXnuA5AeNRydgLOJ7QwYojc/s400/W2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used a very basic patchwork pattern for the piecing and straight lines for the quilting. There are times when I like to experiment and go wild and there are other times when I think simple is best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMQAc6E1kdpuGNk37VBF5iNZ8JTmB9Cdpo3j_m25sdKy_xtttrD7QcNb16MViQiawVNJafWf-skbeTvfJHQP6WR0xNDNzgTGxR6lBUrI_5TLfciSX5P8tsb6gcYR1oL8FY-LLQawf-fQ/s1600/W3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMQAc6E1kdpuGNk37VBF5iNZ8JTmB9Cdpo3j_m25sdKy_xtttrD7QcNb16MViQiawVNJafWf-skbeTvfJHQP6WR0xNDNzgTGxR6lBUrI_5TLfciSX5P8tsb6gcYR1oL8FY-LLQawf-fQ/s400/W3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted the quilt to be appropriate for a baby but also have a sophisticated feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIbd0YHWf8GFlTbrvTj8CZVK_Ky3Khg8npcGlCVNMsOrCW5L5_3vSwavaEtjOG-wAKPwqSEwIeftoQ6TwM5f3qA-czNs7FXgUYJQ9UzVI5jRcXkpNnn0idDku6SPsKcnLYKuM2cJP2mc/s1600/W4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIbd0YHWf8GFlTbrvTj8CZVK_Ky3Khg8npcGlCVNMsOrCW5L5_3vSwavaEtjOG-wAKPwqSEwIeftoQ6TwM5f3qA-czNs7FXgUYJQ9UzVI5jRcXkpNnn0idDku6SPsKcnLYKuM2cJP2mc/s400/W4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To package the quilt I folded, rolled and tied with a ribbon and my care tag left over from my working girl days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you up to this week? Gearing up for Valentine's Day? How is it that holidays are so sneaky? I never seem to be quite ready for them. I did do a little Valentine's related sewing over the weekend, though, and I'll share photos tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope your Monday is off to a good start.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-72549752402413355102011-02-05T10:21:00.000-06:002011-02-05T10:21:43.321-06:00Some Vacation PhotosI couldn't wait until Monday to share a few of my favorite photos from our Hawaiian vacation. It seems ironic to me to be posting these shots as I stare at the mounds of snow outside my window.<br />
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Hope you're having a nice weekend so far.<br />
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Dreaming of warmer days...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Cousins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikbz19XWVrGBXZGW1J9bduw_GCWnECuS9Ws2nfrgw4Zv6qLbtWkUWnwxa7kp-Ik7AerjzmdwFvzOYR5SMEoOz0_1WxUSeZPW2bxv2t3g_-b1i18DL91zRgGQrH5hUIODjYb1CrSIrx6E/s1600/Boys+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikbz19XWVrGBXZGW1J9bduw_GCWnECuS9Ws2nfrgw4Zv6qLbtWkUWnwxa7kp-Ik7AerjzmdwFvzOYR5SMEoOz0_1WxUSeZPW2bxv2t3g_-b1i18DL91zRgGQrH5hUIODjYb1CrSIrx6E/s400/Boys+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sweet little guy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh7Gc7sn38DRtojudZRquMc1QMwifL0B7EYuM9Ls6uK36Y5AnWfQQpXmGJ7U_TccKl5zfs6v_Jl4U5fj1OL19IBZR3Ag2cs6RSPBE4jrWLmrSaWUVjxppKRdpA7dK2tXP4EDWxp6ytPU/s1600/D+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh7Gc7sn38DRtojudZRquMc1QMwifL0B7EYuM9Ls6uK36Y5AnWfQQpXmGJ7U_TccKl5zfs6v_Jl4U5fj1OL19IBZR3Ag2cs6RSPBE4jrWLmrSaWUVjxppKRdpA7dK2tXP4EDWxp6ytPU/s400/D+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My gorgeous niece</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfdsjRLmZdGY9qpQrnViGbhl8s40mqTmfl0UrYYpIU9l84o4O-a_UTR4lMHq9ywXVVeRtlKpdJp5AZJ-9di5akQmCHpOIIU-nSS06TZMVjHZfjHWPslvm1e34FOt_dDB4k_HDlpEDnd0/s1600/Emilia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfdsjRLmZdGY9qpQrnViGbhl8s40mqTmfl0UrYYpIU9l84o4O-a_UTR4lMHq9ywXVVeRtlKpdJp5AZJ-9di5akQmCHpOIIU-nSS06TZMVjHZfjHWPslvm1e34FOt_dDB4k_HDlpEDnd0/s400/Emilia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And my gorgeous nephew</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy4bWT9AmiezZkOl7yTuoTlbI3VvgTUxtO9MigFeer-KKiKPdcyOq30WGSQaJCSjPijoOQwYsSVpFNBzsM72eFiq427tdiQv-Yi8i179TpcpjdhENKLlxRGOnFofOS1v6BTqyueaUSFc/s1600/Gavin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy4bWT9AmiezZkOl7yTuoTlbI3VvgTUxtO9MigFeer-KKiKPdcyOq30WGSQaJCSjPijoOQwYsSVpFNBzsM72eFiq427tdiQv-Yi8i179TpcpjdhENKLlxRGOnFofOS1v6BTqyueaUSFc/s400/Gavin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A beautiful lei</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3yhpjOaYpPpie9KBfRAReUBmZFheKa1qIs3EKrYmSEunley6VkMJ6mhLzuF8Jud_U5nfbvFHotKyCFkM9OZfZGbJDwM_vmEoFnavrCorMLlo5ueu3S_wK8tJGm6alvKiADx7d3jhsrs/s1600/Lei+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3yhpjOaYpPpie9KBfRAReUBmZFheKa1qIs3EKrYmSEunley6VkMJ6mhLzuF8Jud_U5nfbvFHotKyCFkM9OZfZGbJDwM_vmEoFnavrCorMLlo5ueu3S_wK8tJGm6alvKiADx7d3jhsrs/s400/Lei+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And my sweet baby girl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoZuhzSTFmFM_-UrQUD7VPUwB3M0-Lxs11s7XBJHuwbCyybggw9WbKchrbfOAzGWcK1fuh93PnakzHLVbvY21Mxn3nBKo6_VYtWJXtF6tOU5Tz997Jk7GJ6Ip7d3ZrAH-nkvJybXuoNw/s1600/M+2+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoZuhzSTFmFM_-UrQUD7VPUwB3M0-Lxs11s7XBJHuwbCyybggw9WbKchrbfOAzGWcK1fuh93PnakzHLVbvY21Mxn3nBKo6_VYtWJXtF6tOU5Tz997Jk7GJ6Ip7d3ZrAH-nkvJybXuoNw/s400/M+2+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More of my Maddy-licious</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoaiedVJ3eo_Hgn04IyPXDNBwxwDKx4zvMvqwmp24OF1CyFVZSDinuixoV04REnr1ncbwrV91Flg46V1yQSoRIivEqxah8zX_vji084CYeXV1Y4fRdzQKhA4DDf_UJhBX_3DihizxgPI/s1600/M+3+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoaiedVJ3eo_Hgn04IyPXDNBwxwDKx4zvMvqwmp24OF1CyFVZSDinuixoV04REnr1ncbwrV91Flg46V1yQSoRIivEqxah8zX_vji084CYeXV1Y4fRdzQKhA4DDf_UJhBX_3DihizxgPI/s400/M+3+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And her yummy legs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcu_a-V6Qa2-fWmxm5g8xqKaaRRa8PmRQjrfGnY91-7VMICujN2rCeeMSafUwtfefiYhJkgnS3gST3w0KhsUBeR2x-AI8j4B4YcB8Urh78BXa3DQGTfg_18Hb7GdmQRjQmEvo8BB1Rds/s1600/M+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcu_a-V6Qa2-fWmxm5g8xqKaaRRa8PmRQjrfGnY91-7VMICujN2rCeeMSafUwtfefiYhJkgnS3gST3w0KhsUBeR2x-AI8j4B4YcB8Urh78BXa3DQGTfg_18Hb7GdmQRjQmEvo8BB1Rds/s400/M+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daniel enjoying the scenery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmgPaVxnWtfIsjxY08GBxjSlsU4hkfQMQvQ7W8H6reEUygCEdLhvxRpfoK7aptgcJ065OIa7D1y-VTBDi6uOhOovy_h4KAXE5oIHNnSYVKa9xI4nJQLQwNdE8_6etYzExWI_IWLlO3Pk/s1600/D3+lei.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmgPaVxnWtfIsjxY08GBxjSlsU4hkfQMQvQ7W8H6reEUygCEdLhvxRpfoK7aptgcJ065OIa7D1y-VTBDi6uOhOovy_h4KAXE5oIHNnSYVKa9xI4nJQLQwNdE8_6etYzExWI_IWLlO3Pk/s400/D3+lei.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And having fun on the beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygXzBnEf-P68fHgHtjRFxmHpiar9SDYruQfO4q1csfwtiWKPXCEo5ueJeDLF8Lsps6jkObKLEsmlFLPkQ98TKFFiBVmSp2ZcR46KemNeek0GGG2fCkGdA5w0l7ry5VqHOqebtFW4203Q/s1600/D3+Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygXzBnEf-P68fHgHtjRFxmHpiar9SDYruQfO4q1csfwtiWKPXCEo5ueJeDLF8Lsps6jkObKLEsmlFLPkQ98TKFFiBVmSp2ZcR46KemNeek0GGG2fCkGdA5w0l7ry5VqHOqebtFW4203Q/s400/D3+Hawaii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for letting me share!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-6518160553835966092011-02-04T10:16:00.000-06:002011-02-04T10:16:19.173-06:00A Gift for Baby EveI'm finally finished with this gift for a sweet baby girl.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGME_LREWMlGTJk4VGUYqUmlfQWxrIAT2ARyoLkpSoS6iGeW9-iXjuUR9UKPxTqfDmZixS3Faca73myFP6MliOG9H8W47HxgmuTVtaODM_PJKAqZ-Dfid_mP9o2w1q7OI5P65pqepqRg/s1600/EQ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGME_LREWMlGTJk4VGUYqUmlfQWxrIAT2ARyoLkpSoS6iGeW9-iXjuUR9UKPxTqfDmZixS3Faca73myFP6MliOG9H8W47HxgmuTVtaODM_PJKAqZ-Dfid_mP9o2w1q7OI5P65pqepqRg/s400/EQ1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a big fan of tumbling block quilts and and I think the pattern works well with a scrappy look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmEAq03QeL4jjgPn1lxMafmmNGTS5yrBf3Ou5t2f7gR9gu2X8HVH_zr5Hm2uQdMXGDhq6hK2Ob37M7SqCrMCVKPte0skBIB9MvBv2q3t24nnh9J6rpvdTTAu8alPGWsrRsOhPkSkoLoM/s1600/EQ4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmEAq03QeL4jjgPn1lxMafmmNGTS5yrBf3Ou5t2f7gR9gu2X8HVH_zr5Hm2uQdMXGDhq6hK2Ob37M7SqCrMCVKPte0skBIB9MvBv2q3t24nnh9J6rpvdTTAu8alPGWsrRsOhPkSkoLoM/s400/EQ4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did some straight-line quilting on this one. I chose a solid soft pink for the back and I like the geometric pattern created by the quilting lines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmEAq03QeL4jjgPn1lxMafmmNGTS5yrBf3Ou5t2f7gR9gu2X8HVH_zr5Hm2uQdMXGDhq6hK2Ob37M7SqCrMCVKPte0skBIB9MvBv2q3t24nnh9J6rpvdTTAu8alPGWsrRsOhPkSkoLoM/s1600/EQ4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxHfkhto1uYmtiz4D1TqMJBDBJx546KJjF2i273br9XqLc2YM2E0SHhwJE1FPezq8uwSs6L4YBcRHuJPbKziJJqzbfShFjCBy5FDFQ-fRhqHZonus7ToJtJmjPEkJIAXsk_g3bUp24n0/s1600/EQ2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxHfkhto1uYmtiz4D1TqMJBDBJx546KJjF2i273br9XqLc2YM2E0SHhwJE1FPezq8uwSs6L4YBcRHuJPbKziJJqzbfShFjCBy5FDFQ-fRhqHZonus7ToJtJmjPEkJIAXsk_g3bUp24n0/s400/EQ2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I paired this mini quilt with a couple of embellished onesies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gift is ready to be packed up and shipped out. It's about time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxlA4_ip1P2iWM_jzOqzkUhehYYLQ3w5__NYeiX2akGPwBwgqS6ttIdyfhvlJSfCPJamk7z-p9P8Lu659S9HfRo_C6OATLPEyfSmJtIKnpur6M8dT8a5_OgNr7mUKzIb7vLRJCgRtxns/s1600/EQ+with+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxlA4_ip1P2iWM_jzOqzkUhehYYLQ3w5__NYeiX2akGPwBwgqS6ttIdyfhvlJSfCPJamk7z-p9P8Lu659S9HfRo_C6OATLPEyfSmJtIKnpur6M8dT8a5_OgNr7mUKzIb7vLRJCgRtxns/s400/EQ+with+D.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm almost finished with another quilt for a new baby. I'm been sewing up a "storm" (ha ha)... maybe because I haven't left my house in two whole days due to the crazy blizzard that hit on Wednesday. It's bright and sunny now but the side-streets and alleys are still packed with snow and I simply can't get my car out of my garage. As you can imagine, my kiddos are going a bit stir-crazy. And to make matters worse, we were without phone, cable or internet for 24 hours! We had to get creative with our activities yesterday and it was actually a good thing for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to completing two quilts, I just finished up a fun project for my daughter's room. I'll probably post about it early next week and will even try to put together a little tutorial for you. I'm really excited about this one. Don't tell anyone but it's a knock-off on a Pottery Barn Kids item. I feel a little guilty about ripping off the idea but I have the supplies and know-how, so why not save myself $75? Do you love the PB Kids catalog as much as I do? I've been studying the latest one and have added about 100 projects to my "to sew" list. Lots of great inspiration there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a fabulous Friday and a great weekend. I'll be back on Monday.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-46332849795654318012011-02-02T12:10:00.000-06:002011-02-02T12:10:13.770-06:00A Snow Day and a Work in ProgressWow! The weather professionals weren't kidding! 20 inches and counting. It snowed ALL NIGHT LONG. And it's been snowing all day so far. Earlier this morning, my husband dug a little path in front of our home and the walls of snow on either side were at least four-feet-tall. And then it dumped some more snow... so much so that he's going to have to spend another hour shoveling this afternoon.<br />
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But we're making the most of it. Daniel got to go outside and play in the white stuff during a short break in the blizzard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC-LCYRjgFxt0gWE5wFO9oGnmB8LkfGmYnprNNDa2vdFxcD-AqBgsC0PE_f2AgP2o0kY_7ofBDm4TL3-H4-7MG5v1bG_GscP14Ks02phjArxFOU5j7mU1oNK_VXpJvQ1H0ieUSHpbVvo/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmC-LCYRjgFxt0gWE5wFO9oGnmB8LkfGmYnprNNDa2vdFxcD-AqBgsC0PE_f2AgP2o0kY_7ofBDm4TL3-H4-7MG5v1bG_GscP14Ks02phjArxFOU5j7mU1oNK_VXpJvQ1H0ieUSHpbVvo/s400/DSC_0035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rpWiYwy0NeuUuhYtk8qEokhJAjO6aw0rsMLpUcIUfATxqwF0AgenuWGzbo1BVwvhxaHfZk1hfwR8UvBTetFVROddkbplMatK59eij8JDtLvHlLWi90_stdcY4kwW3ywcVwFSbqsRglw/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rpWiYwy0NeuUuhYtk8qEokhJAjO6aw0rsMLpUcIUfATxqwF0AgenuWGzbo1BVwvhxaHfZk1hfwR8UvBTetFVROddkbplMatK59eij8JDtLvHlLWi90_stdcY4kwW3ywcVwFSbqsRglw/s400/DSC_0041.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pure joy for a three and-a-half-year-old.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftgKiA8S1GSXRum6ovT4QagAcXh3xLkblVHmMx384hrE1Q81antHKptnmdQrOCQiSqzBCyn_fqRPXTm_xRrv1jMXFeb1NtE07BcRzWfpMy22LLkMsVN66uWGd8HMw1nfAky34KlW1OgE/s1600/DSC_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftgKiA8S1GSXRum6ovT4QagAcXh3xLkblVHmMx384hrE1Q81antHKptnmdQrOCQiSqzBCyn_fqRPXTm_xRrv1jMXFeb1NtE07BcRzWfpMy22LLkMsVN66uWGd8HMw1nfAky34KlW1OgE/s400/DSC_0055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Daniel got to do something he loves and I had a few minutes to do something that I love this morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwDNuVedtAuxzyiPFfpI9kqttdNJ_Syrydcm0ninTt2kFFHqpRFV6er1x9e0FolXodOB18HgiNcpW-IfNF4UgazKhTLFJlJgLecKXRDU44Z9cBtuCBd4rKSyi5GjLWKUAo48aIYOhI-o/s1600/DSC_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwDNuVedtAuxzyiPFfpI9kqttdNJ_Syrydcm0ninTt2kFFHqpRFV6er1x9e0FolXodOB18HgiNcpW-IfNF4UgazKhTLFJlJgLecKXRDU44Z9cBtuCBd4rKSyi5GjLWKUAo48aIYOhI-o/s400/DSC_0069.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a miniature version of the <a href="http://smallestsparrow.blogspot.com/2010/09/scrappy-tumbling-blocks-quilt.html">scrappy tumbling blocks quilt I made for Maddy</a>. This one is for my husband's cousin's baby girl. I'm soooooo late with this one! I'm embarrassed to admit that she was born in early November. I'm such a flake!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35HySxSqFpeCtJX00lFudyGI0RtURu4v_rQTaRxBIH8_EBmwnc73-ngsKICYJk4iI_0l5L1xZkXYemhQw3PazbnWALaUaQRhieo97onAo1BsouMCqimvwSNudp_DT0x_M3AiQkMFkZco/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35HySxSqFpeCtJX00lFudyGI0RtURu4v_rQTaRxBIH8_EBmwnc73-ngsKICYJk4iI_0l5L1xZkXYemhQw3PazbnWALaUaQRhieo97onAo1BsouMCqimvwSNudp_DT0x_M3AiQkMFkZco/s400/DSC_0071.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm just hoping the saying "better late than never" is really true. Do people believe that? I hope so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGJ_x8yhKsqSJ9YLszEG8kmXVb8ScFcQJz30MY0JEamB-9q2wXXJNAaNfNHM8m2v9lDTieunRzXmzQekGF3qneN-eUep6DfCYH6TKVzuvsaMLdodt-i6QZ_O86whqVlzOmclZuKKjbfk/s1600/DSC_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGJ_x8yhKsqSJ9YLszEG8kmXVb8ScFcQJz30MY0JEamB-9q2wXXJNAaNfNHM8m2v9lDTieunRzXmzQekGF3qneN-eUep6DfCYH6TKVzuvsaMLdodt-i6QZ_O86whqVlzOmclZuKKjbfk/s400/DSC_0074.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It feels so good to quilt. I honestly love the whole process but don't do it nearly as often as I'd like. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fo9MwG22ktpBFIuycKrjpxWdbhCgTsOR1VHAn8UUrw3EvqZWXypRPlu7Epp-qH4EgRDCaDQmZM-ztd-ZXMqq1qkeOS3gICyP0E6pY6FeS83ydXTCm23Gc1zdkCN9efSnW_gh7eYqCB4/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Fo9MwG22ktpBFIuycKrjpxWdbhCgTsOR1VHAn8UUrw3EvqZWXypRPlu7Epp-qH4EgRDCaDQmZM-ztd-ZXMqq1qkeOS3gICyP0E6pY6FeS83ydXTCm23Gc1zdkCN9efSnW_gh7eYqCB4/s400/DSC_0075.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still have to finish the quilting and binding on this one. I'm on a roll now and think I should have it wrapped up soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Is it snowing where you are? If so - Happy Snow Day to you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll be back soon.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-14893611844735737712011-02-01T13:57:00.000-06:002011-02-01T13:57:16.302-06:00Happy February!Wow! Can you believe it's February already? Is it just me or did January FLY by? Maybe that's because I was gone for a while. Anyway - I'm gearing up for Valentine's Day and fear it'll be here before I know it. Hearts are on the brain and I just finished my needle-turn applique heart pillow for a little friend's fourth birthday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhEDIwrPeGpZ7gNJ5yrjDYw_uFdrOQwACSiiIs6ygD_7FkrJwEBbIOD29AQ3iPvMg4HE5tHFNPOdbSt_O_DQrpmimejIRt3If_s9owriV_9e5Vz2YYeXtBza4xeWQiNCgoeKsD-vJGxc/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhEDIwrPeGpZ7gNJ5yrjDYw_uFdrOQwACSiiIs6ygD_7FkrJwEBbIOD29AQ3iPvMg4HE5tHFNPOdbSt_O_DQrpmimejIRt3If_s9owriV_9e5Vz2YYeXtBza4xeWQiNCgoeKsD-vJGxc/s400/DSC_0024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I ended up making my own piping. Did you know you can use yarn as the "guts" for piping? It works in a pinch and I just couldn't get to the fabric store this week.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE35USou_DHBJoWK3CcbOJxTAIo23rjxqfrBuSEpdTzVOxhBg-gcZMwEAdrVO81ONDamNPl4YLThrnYN6Lq_DREU5TiuP-kZ2u5XjFqnRk80claJWKwZcU1c4vlrLJWXuWvwa2kuHlKY/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE35USou_DHBJoWK3CcbOJxTAIo23rjxqfrBuSEpdTzVOxhBg-gcZMwEAdrVO81ONDamNPl4YLThrnYN6Lq_DREU5TiuP-kZ2u5XjFqnRk80claJWKwZcU1c4vlrLJWXuWvwa2kuHlKY/s400/DSC_0018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I like the way it turned out and have already started a pillow for another little friend... this time using his first initial. I could really get hooked on this applique stuff.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDJDfaS7zj-grQEMTe5sH3oESGmpEG685ToA67GeVdr766jL3O2QCcYQaLoZCuCVo-BJSfiRB130uNFaZGocI1cbR6DPVJ0bBPn0PD6T4vFJTuajVmZLQc-Wg-OITjcR21bsKAQXEcKs/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDJDfaS7zj-grQEMTe5sH3oESGmpEG685ToA67GeVdr766jL3O2QCcYQaLoZCuCVo-BJSfiRB130uNFaZGocI1cbR6DPVJ0bBPn0PD6T4vFJTuajVmZLQc-Wg-OITjcR21bsKAQXEcKs/s400/DSC_0025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But enough about that. Have you heard about the weather? We're bracing ourselves for the storm of the century here in Chicago. It's snowing lightly right now but is supposed to get pretty heavy this evening with blizzard-like conditions all night and all day tomorrow. You know it's bad when Al Roker and Sam Champion are in town to follow the storm and report live. Forecasters are suggesting this may be the third worst snowstorm in Chicago history! Crazy!<br />
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I sent my husband to the grocery store to stock up on cookie-making supplies as I imagine I'll be trying to keep a toddler busy tomorrow while he's home from school for his first snow day. Thankfully his grandmother bought him a karaoke machine for Christmas so tomorrow's festivities will also include Dance Party 2011 in our basement. We rock out to sweet tunes such as <i>The Hokey Pokey</i>, <i>Old MacDonald</i> <i>Had a Farm</i> and my son's personal favorite <i>The Macarena</i>.<br />
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I'm really hoping for a little sewing and quilting time tomorrow (please my dear little kiddos - take long naps!) I can't imagine anything better than some quiet time with my machine while I watch the snow fall outside my window. Pure heaven.<br />
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Stay warm and cozy and have a wonderful day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-70025021260047946322011-01-31T11:59:00.000-06:002011-01-31T11:59:29.235-06:00Someone You Should KnowOne of my initiatives for 2011 is to introduce you to some talented friends of mine. I happen to know (don't we all?) some amazing women and I'm excited to celebrate them and the great things they do.<br />
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Today, I want to tell you about my good friend, <a href="http://www.cathycassaniadams.com/home">Cathy Cassani Adams</a>. Cathy is an extraordinary woman of many talents. She has been a counselor, a parent coach, a college professor, a certified yoga instructor, an author, blogger and is a wife and mom to three beautiful little girls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KSra_WSloIBh__0iqJ-81nH6AousuAAhPnr3UakMT_VTJHrVwiRD9VX4kB_-fPf6mWFZfSmAlBggV6cB6QY3pBdkIo85SJmdUFFeU96RZoUBiMLPYrUXLWP2rYjyK9MChygYnx317Ug/s1600/xmascard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KSra_WSloIBh__0iqJ-81nH6AousuAAhPnr3UakMT_VTJHrVwiRD9VX4kB_-fPf6mWFZfSmAlBggV6cB6QY3pBdkIo85SJmdUFFeU96RZoUBiMLPYrUXLWP2rYjyK9MChygYnx317Ug/s400/xmascard.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Cathy and her husband Todd host a weekly radio show called <i>Zen Parenting</i> on Pagatim.fm. The show airs every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time but you can access the show archives online by clicking below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zenparentingradio.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://www.pagatim.fm/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Badge_v1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>All I have to say is AMAZING. Cathy and Todd share their thoughts on parenting and life in general. Even if you don't have kids, you will love <i>Zen Parenting</i>. There are so many good lessons for everyone. And I promise you'll get a kick out of Cathy and Todd's style.<br />
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I'm not being paid to promote Cathy or her show. I maintain that I am an ad-free blog. But I love Cathy and I believe in what she does. I simply wanted to share her with you.<br />
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On a personal level, Cathy has inspired me with her dear friendship. She's the kind of person that anyone would want for a friend and I consider myself very fortunate to know her.<br />
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So check out <i>Zen Parenting</i> and be on the lookout for Cathy. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of more great things for her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-57888175409736311992011-01-28T09:10:00.000-06:002011-01-28T09:10:00.943-06:00Slightly Obsessed With Needle TurnSo I'm loving needle-turn applique. No surprise, right? It's really fun! I love the repetitive motion and the preciseness of the stitches. It's a perfect "feel productive while watching trashy television" thing to do.<br />
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I decided to start with something small and settled on a pillow cover. I chose heart shapes as Valentine's Day is coming up and I figured it would be a relatively easy shape to start with.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdcYh3QTyn-eSnNkm-KqkIndN1dEgj12RJUW82ia2j8DUUW-tOFxF4_p7xYBI-hzfEgCKUUI46DyVZxv5EEmnjNc6nPHT93bNHsSVlECOZuckdQ_6yi5XmLaINAWEoqKP5mJ9fMjU2SI/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdcYh3QTyn-eSnNkm-KqkIndN1dEgj12RJUW82ia2j8DUUW-tOFxF4_p7xYBI-hzfEgCKUUI46DyVZxv5EEmnjNc6nPHT93bNHsSVlECOZuckdQ_6yi5XmLaINAWEoqKP5mJ9fMjU2SI/s400/DSC_0018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found this great little <a href="http://appliquetoday.blogspot.com/2008/04/needleturn-applique-stitching-tutorial.html">tutorial</a> on needle-turn. If you've never done it before, I highly encourage you to give it a go. It just takes a little practice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The handwork takes me back to my youth. I tried everything from candlewicking to cross-stitch and I loved it! Do you remember those fads? You gotta love the 80's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7bBr48qcjxEI5Qii5EArO-v-pFkwKYrSAzzHOitWHy6kktnSsSJqXsFi6xoKmXJGzw8nzIQltaVJXyzOQ6vF0yiDPp-33grsaB3XTXLZ6bMNOgDwhyphenhyphenBdgub4fxxb5iY4BONVJ8bkHvk/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7bBr48qcjxEI5Qii5EArO-v-pFkwKYrSAzzHOitWHy6kktnSsSJqXsFi6xoKmXJGzw8nzIQltaVJXyzOQ6vF0yiDPp-33grsaB3XTXLZ6bMNOgDwhyphenhyphenBdgub4fxxb5iY4BONVJ8bkHvk/s400/DSC_0025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have my heart set (pun intended!) on adding some pink piping to this pillow and I really like using the store-bought stuff. I don't have any at the moment, so this project is on hold until I can get myself to Joann. I try to avoid that store like the plague because going in for one item means I'll come out with 30 things I don't really need and a list of new projects to try (not to mention a hefty Visa bill).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a special recipient in mind for this pillow. One of our little friends is turning four just before Valentine's Day and this pillow is for her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXp6lCoyhw3HSuA8WlUAUeheZevWROSGHFjQKuoab2W1K0D-yWJRhJeRuuf4clLpfDATYR7nDmrWaSXD8mNF3N9YpJdHkkj_U2Lr485yam5riWld6U4W0VmOvxM0a6AT5_yl3VLbdQc4/s1600/DSC_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXp6lCoyhw3HSuA8WlUAUeheZevWROSGHFjQKuoab2W1K0D-yWJRhJeRuuf4clLpfDATYR7nDmrWaSXD8mNF3N9YpJdHkkj_U2Lr485yam5riWld6U4W0VmOvxM0a6AT5_yl3VLbdQc4/s400/DSC_0019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll be back soon with pics of the finished product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm already plotting my next needle-turn project. I really want to try a quilt and have been scouring flickr for inspiration. There are so many great ideas out there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a wonderful weekend!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-44483735750962710362011-01-27T09:05:00.000-06:002011-01-27T09:05:43.409-06:00The Kindness of NeighborsLook what I found on my doorstep last evening.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxY_KMov0v2294O6XwSf8SFTSueYRAGkBtCn4BogtYZRZnPonNkkMknhM3hplDp7kcoS9FVBP0U5zhYIgMpMHylkBNQSxGraGaj5yusI4V6BNCe-bv_tEyBvg0W9WCTMo9E9msZVYNoo/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxY_KMov0v2294O6XwSf8SFTSueYRAGkBtCn4BogtYZRZnPonNkkMknhM3hplDp7kcoS9FVBP0U5zhYIgMpMHylkBNQSxGraGaj5yusI4V6BNCe-bv_tEyBvg0W9WCTMo9E9msZVYNoo/s400/DSC_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Aren't they beautiful? And that's not all. They were sitting next to a large tupperware container filled with the yummiest beef and vegetable soup I've ever tasted.<br />
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Were these gifts from a secret admirer? No. They were from a very kind and generous next-door-neighbor.<br />
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He has been known to do this in the past. When we had our baby girl last January, we found a similar gift on our doorstep no less than once a week for many, many weeks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qLsh-HSNx3ER3J4zNE5Ph0fierRWjnF-z_ehgII1OQo9BYttl9QidWky4mPDSxzZWfy0Qi_S0YE6VsgBFUU3mibMW74fMom5BSBjMhyphenhyphenEKbWNGv2MtI-cG5pV-mx08gtVdLaUKn0hCf4/s1600/DSC_0004_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qLsh-HSNx3ER3J4zNE5Ph0fierRWjnF-z_ehgII1OQo9BYttl9QidWky4mPDSxzZWfy0Qi_S0YE6VsgBFUU3mibMW74fMom5BSBjMhyphenhyphenEKbWNGv2MtI-cG5pV-mx08gtVdLaUKn0hCf4/s400/DSC_0004_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
These little gifts show up at unexpected times and it seems as if Drew knows just when I need his help the most. Yesterday afternoon, I was dealing with two cranky little ones who are still fighting the time change from vacation and wondering how I was going to get a meal made by the time my husband came home from work. Not that I cook all that often... we frequent our local takeout joints more than I care to admit. But last night I was finally feeling somewhat organized post-trip and was ready to tackle dinner.<br />
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But the clock kept ticking and the dinner hour was looming with nothing on the stove or in the oven (or even the microwave). And then our doorbell rang. And by the time I got to the door, no one was there... just a special gift left on the doorstep.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcug81I2psTfrW3P4qL1fSjyOUsVqQCS0rfHNDYAi8Q6rP3dufUhiodKInv42RoSfwsuT6gcPB6jWqzVBqCfX3_hrdUcmCtC_18DTGZTlwnwMtHo3pjC1por_PjndYVravUmR1lfMgDAo/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcug81I2psTfrW3P4qL1fSjyOUsVqQCS0rfHNDYAi8Q6rP3dufUhiodKInv42RoSfwsuT6gcPB6jWqzVBqCfX3_hrdUcmCtC_18DTGZTlwnwMtHo3pjC1por_PjndYVravUmR1lfMgDAo/s400/DSC_0007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Drew - you make me want to be a better person! You make me think about the difference we can make. Your dinner gifts might not be a big deal to you, but they are HUGE to me. And they make me think about what I might be able to do for someone else. Thank you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5908135389516609064.post-84742612195594326722011-01-26T15:29:00.000-06:002011-01-26T15:29:27.455-06:00Heirloom Needle-Turn Applique QuiltHi there!<br />
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I'm really excited to show you the second heirloom quilt I brought home from California. This beauty is in tough shape. Torn bindings and frayed edges. And the colors are so faded which made it very difficult to get good pictures (that and the fact that I can't seem to get any good natural light in Chicago this time of year). But I LOVE this quilt and the history it represents. My great-grandmother made this quilt (probably in the 30's or 40's) using needle-turn applique to make the sweet tulips found in each block.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9gIx-PcuZV6tIsT4li0CiMMoglBfJdcquY5VkeTs6WBFLX6uBcPl9qfWHmgRrZvi4xXZzosyfHnq465qoL3BbtOZ5LK-UVlaRPxB93fgitLRjlmlG91lTK4QQOemxdbHO5YHy0bYeFg/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9gIx-PcuZV6tIsT4li0CiMMoglBfJdcquY5VkeTs6WBFLX6uBcPl9qfWHmgRrZvi4xXZzosyfHnq465qoL3BbtOZ5LK-UVlaRPxB93fgitLRjlmlG91lTK4QQOemxdbHO5YHy0bYeFg/s400/DSC_0003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the detail on this sweet little tulip plant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kP-wy66KHLPAWF-QN_2OyJO7WcijBY_HoZ0TJJshRXYyyJoVHC1Sm07SRcQCxmFY49B73DEnwQOJhaj1mImA8ZUG2w8YYK8M2ojc6VjJoAaKtxbd51uit-BhuFseRCLAh9tunr4yvNM/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kP-wy66KHLPAWF-QN_2OyJO7WcijBY_HoZ0TJJshRXYyyJoVHC1Sm07SRcQCxmFY49B73DEnwQOJhaj1mImA8ZUG2w8YYK8M2ojc6VjJoAaKtxbd51uit-BhuFseRCLAh9tunr4yvNM/s400/DSC_0026.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And look at the gorgeous hand quilting. I love studying the tiny stitches. A lot of work and love went into the making of this quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjNgLRYK-aG5NGsTwmALhwKoxsOuOOh1-zD_G05mOIMEfTP8awL8kMDzXyOF0ktsIjGsYs5Fgv8V-N06Y2zezunrQhLZFAgwJPhqxtbjTURWzw6iU5DqZLLwwUhRC9on_y-b7VQ-lpuo/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjNgLRYK-aG5NGsTwmALhwKoxsOuOOh1-zD_G05mOIMEfTP8awL8kMDzXyOF0ktsIjGsYs5Fgv8V-N06Y2zezunrQhLZFAgwJPhqxtbjTURWzw6iU5DqZLLwwUhRC9on_y-b7VQ-lpuo/s400/DSC_0035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think the leaves were originally a much more vibrant green. They have turned to a soft gray and the quilt is lovely even with it's aged, muted tones. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKilxdQjxaXu7g90RZP6b1JBtOggf1b8FKguXOTVddCdkcMgQdQ3h9M1xhna5Vw-QAT3YxJVLqVm_iUpHVSjmXGfoCfrT4mmLYoX-JiLh7-uz6HDyggVj2SQoTLwTfTMejmC87kbDL-Bw/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKilxdQjxaXu7g90RZP6b1JBtOggf1b8FKguXOTVddCdkcMgQdQ3h9M1xhna5Vw-QAT3YxJVLqVm_iUpHVSjmXGfoCfrT4mmLYoX-JiLh7-uz6HDyggVj2SQoTLwTfTMejmC87kbDL-Bw/s400/DSC_0036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I've been bitten by the applique bug and I won't quit until I've mastered the technique (that's kind of how I operate). I've been browsing blogs looking for inspiration and I think I know what I'm going to make for my first project. If I can make a little progress this evening, I'll share it with you tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What projects are you working on (obsessing over)?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you're having a great day!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1