tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22547820228386044112023-11-19T00:28:31.318-07:00Colleen Quilts Too!Quilts are my stress reliever and my joy! This blog is mainly about my quilts, and a bit about my life.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-77928647647543388902019-02-23T16:08:00.000-07:002019-02-23T16:08:06.789-07:00Fish Quilt is Done! Fish Quilt is Done!What a saga getting this quilt finished! But first, here it is.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNN-Fy3H6DEHO4KFQeXh_NJtJuehE_VSs7-yCOCkpH9KIqtgIA02rnihlj20ZINxmBv2oVhUIgMYeGk7pyqSwpcG9HZ1R5pAI519jiYdvoLkxs2bWNqIVu_hN0oFRwd0C09nDEw4uZfc7/s1600/IMG_3837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNN-Fy3H6DEHO4KFQeXh_NJtJuehE_VSs7-yCOCkpH9KIqtgIA02rnihlj20ZINxmBv2oVhUIgMYeGk7pyqSwpcG9HZ1R5pAI519jiYdvoLkxs2bWNqIVu_hN0oFRwd0C09nDEw4uZfc7/s320/IMG_3837.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
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I started this quilt a couple years ago, and finished the top relatively quickly. I was working on it out here at the acreage on weekends, when I was still going back and forth to the city to work during the week. It was winter, so there wasn't a lot of work to be done out here. So, lots of time to sew. </div>
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I have a mid-arm, which was in the city. I loaded the top on, and did a couple passes. Then, a combination of procrastination and warmer weather set in. It sat for months! When we sold our house in the city, and had to move the mid-arm to the acreage, that posed a problem. It's hard to move a loaded quilt! I had to figure out how to roll it on to the bars, and remove them from the table to move them. Then wrap it so it wouldn't get dirty in the process.</div>
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It worked, though, with only a couple minor hiccups. One was that the quilt got a little rumpled, so I had to iron it ON the mid-arm frame, each time I rolled it forward.</div>
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More procrastination ensued. The garden and yard was much more enticing than my basement studio. Finally, this winter, I sat myself down and told myself to smarten up and finish that quilt! And went back to work on it.</div>
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The one smart thing I did was draw out the design I used on the top border and cornerstones. After a year, there was no way I would remember how I did it. That saved me having to unroll my quilt back to the beginning.</div>
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Finally, I finished it, and it turned out better than I expected. (They almost always do - I don't know why I sit on the quilting so long.)</div>
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Here is a close up of some of the quilting. I was going for a fish scale effect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACo9VmR05hwaZLCRZcNXjmNVrGWKUCCmqDjT-oSELMC2uTMXvTSL2NMFxBejtrW2MoHwVZl_7aOA75p9XBNQbqjMdbmyitpYLhhiXJUgJ8nlCng_P4QxRTjmpfHYAoAk85mvd0zXZPmJx/s1600/IMG_3839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACo9VmR05hwaZLCRZcNXjmNVrGWKUCCmqDjT-oSELMC2uTMXvTSL2NMFxBejtrW2MoHwVZl_7aOA75p9XBNQbqjMdbmyitpYLhhiXJUgJ8nlCng_P4QxRTjmpfHYAoAk85mvd0zXZPmJx/s320/IMG_3839.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I backed it with this wonderfully soft flannel. I'm sleeping under the quilt now, and it makes for a really cozy quilt!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMJKDupdox5ShUNXp7cTymBBnhWywxXgaIXIK3AUoai9m-q0BSJ-7-Va9lwBHqdvw4OYDTtBOc7YwCeVCwp7Z7ORsvNU9_JM9xps2wTDvd_MtR1dE7Gv8dZmtrYiD256pcPNan_ZafYHe/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMJKDupdox5ShUNXp7cTymBBnhWywxXgaIXIK3AUoai9m-q0BSJ-7-Va9lwBHqdvw4OYDTtBOc7YwCeVCwp7Z7ORsvNU9_JM9xps2wTDvd_MtR1dE7Gv8dZmtrYiD256pcPNan_ZafYHe/s320/IMG_3840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And finally, just because I never tire looking at my view, here is a shot out my kitchen window, just as the sun was coming up the other day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRB_1VQKKQ9rMYqyONCfQsdn0JCOZz40SWhg6FtXJAZwGxHRIgbv29IQAMF7JVcBTbp3sxKBcvX9s5M4nHFSvRtWkJPjynzNH-aCPbyAcc_g_b8TWsCWbGFwKzFJtccJrOanLmScI6PRm/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRB_1VQKKQ9rMYqyONCfQsdn0JCOZz40SWhg6FtXJAZwGxHRIgbv29IQAMF7JVcBTbp3sxKBcvX9s5M4nHFSvRtWkJPjynzNH-aCPbyAcc_g_b8TWsCWbGFwKzFJtccJrOanLmScI6PRm/s320/IMG_3834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-58601652678649350752019-02-20T15:45:00.000-07:002019-02-20T15:45:51.211-07:00Moving Right AlongWhen I was working, I had visions of me quilting, quilting, all day long. Turns out, that hasn't happened. There are other things to keep me busy. But, I have been getting a lot more quilting time in than I used to - that's for sure!<div>
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I joined a quilt group in town. It's very small, only about a dozen members, but that suits me just fine. We quilt for the entire day (9 - 5), then go for supper. Then, some of the ladies go back and quilt into the evening. For me, 8 hours is enough! </div>
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I have finished a couple table runners. Both of these are kits. Theoretically, they are nice quick projects. That's without factoring in the procrastination. They both sat for quite a while waiting to be quilted.</div>
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This first one is bright and cheerful - springtime colours. I have it on my table now, in contrast to the very cold temperatures we've been having. It warmed up today to -7 C. This is the warmest it's been in a month. Most daytime temperatures have been around -20 C. (January was mild, but we're paying for it now!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3R4oCFk69uX5KG6qcUhAxtJxj5Zg-K9_qLPEvGFDSTWklT4Kuhqt1j9q50vpHFQB-DN_vOpherngCnv-FaN_PeLO-LtXf9nap4UwXPDM8joyxpToPQWjZnkF8X4d3dKGc-BPRMHXD_lsj/s1600/IMG_E0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3R4oCFk69uX5KG6qcUhAxtJxj5Zg-K9_qLPEvGFDSTWklT4Kuhqt1j9q50vpHFQB-DN_vOpherngCnv-FaN_PeLO-LtXf9nap4UwXPDM8joyxpToPQWjZnkF8X4d3dKGc-BPRMHXD_lsj/s320/IMG_E0367.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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The second one won't come out till the heat of the summer - when I'm in the mood to eat watermelon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod2zd9pL6LnfY-Wc-gGU3Yc9jchzMHeC85uJBbQkvt-rFDGuGW1d5U1BrHZL4TyAyRo0cAP50fq_bWtOb7enWSfU2YiXwbidoJKtWeZH3awlrH16EjRongeS3lqtqdi5oXTvCyQQZZyaB/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjod2zd9pL6LnfY-Wc-gGU3Yc9jchzMHeC85uJBbQkvt-rFDGuGW1d5U1BrHZL4TyAyRo0cAP50fq_bWtOb7enWSfU2YiXwbidoJKtWeZH3awlrH16EjRongeS3lqtqdi5oXTvCyQQZZyaB/s320/IMG_3810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a close up of the quilting. I did wavy lines in both directions. Easy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtrL__riWSQ3AGyp8hdkOwpICQROOBvJ26tOAmGlLcRmtdegv4kv0hlfS1n1KiZ5smtQaV5OMVgyTdmsnDTkXTLOmEG42uCEtGawJy9EghWCHokeBZw686h0L3FRutdv0anisB9VWBqXe/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtrL__riWSQ3AGyp8hdkOwpICQROOBvJ26tOAmGlLcRmtdegv4kv0hlfS1n1KiZ5smtQaV5OMVgyTdmsnDTkXTLOmEG42uCEtGawJy9EghWCHokeBZw686h0L3FRutdv0anisB9VWBqXe/s320/IMG_3811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got some other things almost done - should be able to post again in the next few days!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Colleen</i></span></div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-12947173710713335822018-12-02T16:59:00.001-07:002018-12-02T16:59:17.626-07:00Car Seat QuiltsMy daughter and son-in-law have just had twins! A boy and a girl. I'm not posting pictures, as I haven't got permission from them to do so, but I do have pictures of quilts (surprise!)<div>
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I made them each a quilt to cover their carseat. This is a Moda Bakeshop pattern, the <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/02/sophie-car-seat-quilt.html" target="_blank">Sophie Car Seat Cover</a>, by Jennie Pickett. I saved it years ago, as it was so cute - and I knew it would come in handy in the Canadian climate.</div>
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Here are my versions:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZjLSNB5HTqUMRBqkNVj9SRSpGRpHozMI2h9guxZNf5lAUqDkK6sKjMzzuFHA6Jt4SJTpD5PgJRDuu-LMJZc40JHq0pDzzq2x5rZ1zNDaHvDr-rd0GUfBVI9nOu9HMPTGzwR7rN96Z9xw/s1600/carseat+cover+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZjLSNB5HTqUMRBqkNVj9SRSpGRpHozMI2h9guxZNf5lAUqDkK6sKjMzzuFHA6Jt4SJTpD5PgJRDuu-LMJZc40JHq0pDzzq2x5rZ1zNDaHvDr-rd0GUfBVI9nOu9HMPTGzwR7rN96Z9xw/s320/carseat+cover+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The colour is off, as I took the picture indoors, after dark. They are actually more of a teal colour than the pictures show.</div>
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The quilts are identical, but I quilted them differently. This one is quilted with swirls - a la <a href="https://kathleenquilts.com/" target="_blank">Kathleen Riggins</a>. My daughter gave me Kathleen's "Diary of a Young Swirl" last Christmas, and I was able to put the instructions to good use!</div>
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The second one is my version of the Pop design, from <a href="http://www.afewscraps.com/" target="_blank">Christina Cameli's</a> "Step by Step Free Motion Quilting" book. I say "my version" because, if you happen to have the book, you'll see it really doesn't look much like Christina's version. But I'm happy with it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp71pqC9Gf4Q83bC6MJhj2m9XSNitAejgMh_Ay2GmbNArgzPRjUyM-zta884JtQq8C75_G-s3p2FGuuMrbhVlQWx8Lw4NEYm07HQ38VOKosnL-br2-iO3eD8ky00Db4ZVxjifitsuwWLV/s1600/carseat+cover+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp71pqC9Gf4Q83bC6MJhj2m9XSNitAejgMh_Ay2GmbNArgzPRjUyM-zta884JtQq8C75_G-s3p2FGuuMrbhVlQWx8Lw4NEYm07HQ38VOKosnL-br2-iO3eD8ky00Db4ZVxjifitsuwWLV/s320/carseat+cover+5.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Both quilts have made their way to my daughter's place, ready to use when the twins come home from NICU. (They are both doing well, just having a few issues as a result of being preemies.)</div>
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And, no doubt the quilts will be needed. Here is what it looks like today at my place! We've got about 10 inches of snow so far, and it isn't supposed to stop until later on tonight.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Colleen</i></span></div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-79487484033512734142018-07-08T17:38:00.002-06:002018-07-08T17:38:34.679-06:00One Finish to ReportI really intended to get more done this quarter! I could offer all kinds of excuses, but you've heard them all before. (Probably from me!)<br />
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In any event, I do have one finish for the Finish-A-Long. This is an Easter table runner - finished in lots of time for next Easter!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7viHP8SKJMRD5pJX9wCAmJKnEZVJKMfbB64gjxjJdSFBbFgm5E6-Cuzo0YYGQCI-i7mtbkycFXNMh08h9wZONhzQgy1ZN55H2AhOGh5SAnVRSzLKq2iDhzthgBLcw7pPWchcnfAr8g6J/s1600/easter+runner+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7viHP8SKJMRD5pJX9wCAmJKnEZVJKMfbB64gjxjJdSFBbFgm5E6-Cuzo0YYGQCI-i7mtbkycFXNMh08h9wZONhzQgy1ZN55H2AhOGh5SAnVRSzLKq2iDhzthgBLcw7pPWchcnfAr8g6J/s320/easter+runner+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was a kit that was on sale. I probably wouldn't have bought it is it wasn't, as the bunny is kind of funny looking. It looks a little better after I quilted it. I used metallic thread and outlined all of his "parts" which made them stand out a bit more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonSXpCDMk4jePbm4tGcpe7dQYx9kQQ4Pgp62e0j3ZVhmkRmmF_QWQeUoVSZPDfw8CP52e711F-VoPCobzSleMDD83V43dRGlWsGkBqX6SoLg6VsTUefLkPokaUR_DONpHHsx5mZqHuVEU/s1600/easter+runner+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonSXpCDMk4jePbm4tGcpe7dQYx9kQQ4Pgp62e0j3ZVhmkRmmF_QWQeUoVSZPDfw8CP52e711F-VoPCobzSleMDD83V43dRGlWsGkBqX6SoLg6VsTUefLkPokaUR_DONpHHsx5mZqHuVEU/s320/easter+runner+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's the first time I have used metallic thread. I discovered, fairly quickly, that the stitch regulator was not the way to go. Once I turned that off, and slowed down a lot, the stitching went quite well, with very little breakage.</div>
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My other complaint with this kit was the fabric. There were two different purple batiks. They were so similar, though, you can't even see the flying geese beside the flower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8tMl4dQ2hTP4tGQjWNQKKZcxERsBvA6dzr9EiBARMPXBdvKh4Fi58qTw9rWJYe8LjYNVXfgIVrB_ZN3MgY7aNflJhXCixEi4F6rJk9uDOUenzyul1DIC2OyRFEr5rmhhKKnmKuDbMXPm/s1600/easter+runner+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8tMl4dQ2hTP4tGQjWNQKKZcxERsBvA6dzr9EiBARMPXBdvKh4Fi58qTw9rWJYe8LjYNVXfgIVrB_ZN3MgY7aNflJhXCixEi4F6rJk9uDOUenzyul1DIC2OyRFEr5rmhhKKnmKuDbMXPm/s320/easter+runner+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enough whining though. It's done! And ready for next Easter.</div>
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I leave you with a photo of, what I think is a Mock Orange Last summer, I saw a few white flowers hidden behind an overgrown lilac next to my house. I cut out most of the lilac, and was rewarded this year with this pretty bush! I'm quite pleased with this gardening success!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIdyWoNLI6gvADrknZ4zzwL32pm9CHsCqr44RC3kkQEldv6lEUNVVvhlaW-nX-XRu5Z2Fe2Q3PzEO6P0ZEWEt271nklNjTm7qo1RMOVNYY07K4Q-c3lfgXZjPupzy05oHjdgqDQ2rrs_U/s1600/mock+orange+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIdyWoNLI6gvADrknZ4zzwL32pm9CHsCqr44RC3kkQEldv6lEUNVVvhlaW-nX-XRu5Z2Fe2Q3PzEO6P0ZEWEt271nklNjTm7qo1RMOVNYY07K4Q-c3lfgXZjPupzy05oHjdgqDQ2rrs_U/s320/mock+orange+2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I will be linking up with the Finish-A-Long gals.</div>
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<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/2018/07/q2-fal-dont-forget-to-link-up-your.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZFTb9HoKziIboHOC0J9INbEjex2SiY1s_AxUDtcW7tftGKSdjSyjOGgAe6T0JYK1YYJVxwcU6D8WVjueZjf09r5-lACVxUQulcAgPGMt_PpnAdXKrRk2fXzGq1OvxxJWbOCEBsEiW8PQ/s1600/2018+Finish+A+Long+Logo+2.jpg" /> </a></div>
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Colleen</div>
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-3946387970805762742018-04-18T20:53:00.001-06:002018-04-18T20:53:29.369-06:00Let's Dust This Old Thing Off and See if it Still Works<br />
It's been a loooong time since I've written anything here. Lots has happened, which I'll get into in some other posts. (All good, but not so much quilty.)<br />
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I will use this post to post some entries in the Finish Along. I do have quite a few to finish, but I'll concentrate on these three for now.<br />
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This is my fish quilt. The fabric is all fish themed. When I spread the top out on the floor like this, Mr CQT and my mom both thought it was Christmas trees! No sense of imagination, those two. Anyway, I'm halfway through quilting it, so should be able to finish it up as soon as I stop procrastinating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xrCZC9lD7TWUTkpDSLAW9gzUHCeTrktGJBbt0AglFmL7Nn4Y7sLUn_VcudSZwV72yTQaA_yqLJwdtuZbckQPggWyx5cVdz8DnuMpAr3LH7B2ahVRR7CXRKIDxoXxzwrRaxPL8zFJHUIO/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xrCZC9lD7TWUTkpDSLAW9gzUHCeTrktGJBbt0AglFmL7Nn4Y7sLUn_VcudSZwV72yTQaA_yqLJwdtuZbckQPggWyx5cVdz8DnuMpAr3LH7B2ahVRR7CXRKIDxoXxzwrRaxPL8zFJHUIO/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" width="314" /></a></div>
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Next, is an Easter table runner. You would think I would finish this up for Easter, right? Nope, didn't happen. I did have the top finished for Easter and spread that on the table. Again, Mr CQT could not figure out what it was supposed to be. But with this one, I don't blame him. That bunny is in a really weird position. (If you can't see it either, he has his back to us, with his head up in the air and crooked to the side. It was a kit on sale - what can I say?) I'm almost done quilting this now, and have the binding ready to put on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSup3pk5kc6TAr76COhyphenhyphenxmSXGWWN_cdkO1dUdx7niz5D5uxj9sNHpOw9DJDlGGJrr_ILAzboslbJDpk8Bmh8wPZ8sT6KQfNL8ItnTSQ29ruX3jyhUJAgj5Om-q-Uik0ENn6WIwHnDdfCbx/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSup3pk5kc6TAr76COhyphenhyphenxmSXGWWN_cdkO1dUdx7niz5D5uxj9sNHpOw9DJDlGGJrr_ILAzboslbJDpk8Bmh8wPZ8sT6KQfNL8ItnTSQ29ruX3jyhUJAgj5Om-q-Uik0ENn6WIwHnDdfCbx/s400/IMG_3804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Third is another table runner. This one was another kit I picked up somewhere, several years ago. I really like the floral print, and I've never done that ribbon piecing, so that was fun. It needs to be quilted and bound.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s-p_PC0mEjKvkn7ijw8jvkLjpsecS4wZBRlI5_D-RyNI_gWTqLfz8HS1SLYXhOA_SWIE9UDB9muvKV4FfuLY38uZ5v3lp1o1GlYD6axAHuZqmoys4GiHMYT8lQZZD3kpaG5p8j8WD58H/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="872" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s-p_PC0mEjKvkn7ijw8jvkLjpsecS4wZBRlI5_D-RyNI_gWTqLfz8HS1SLYXhOA_SWIE9UDB9muvKV4FfuLY38uZ5v3lp1o1GlYD6axAHuZqmoys4GiHMYT8lQZZD3kpaG5p8j8WD58H/s400/IMG_3806.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>
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And finally, one more kit. I've done the cutting but that's it. This one makes a wall hanging and a table runner. Both about coffee, which, I confess, is something I can't live without. This one should be fairly quick and easy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RE8b9BgooJFKvmksJyP8p6MTBVqfEWbK2nk21UEhebshBXERDdy83lo8u-n7KcYaVp4S0IKTWiyxAQZ0sAT7HDYIXMDd7sPRxqKnT8AekGM7Ql1DuF4uHSvz2ItsrQMnPvty-ilUJCi5/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RE8b9BgooJFKvmksJyP8p6MTBVqfEWbK2nk21UEhebshBXERDdy83lo8u-n7KcYaVp4S0IKTWiyxAQZ0sAT7HDYIXMDd7sPRxqKnT8AekGM7Ql1DuF4uHSvz2ItsrQMnPvty-ilUJCi5/s400/IMG_3807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm linking up with the Finish-A-Long gang.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/2018/04/fal-q2-link-up-your-list-of-proposed.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiOhECKtkHaE2kzvCEX2hf8NtILvJ57Zz8Iyr1EaY3NQoLZUSM4dfC-Tpnt5smxJq0xOkMuED-tJc1k3ycfmisiMJG9Nx3mFZ-s47CHaiLX5KKPTsGEXP6e9vOxchX10gWYTEpAHZV6zW/s1600/2018+Finish+A+Long+Logo+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Colleen</div>
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-39193406900218077502016-01-18T21:30:00.000-07:002016-01-18T21:30:10.331-07:00Scrap In a Box is Done!And it only took a year!<br />
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Last year this time, Charlotte, at <a href="http://scrapitudequilts.com/" target="_blank">Scrapitude Quilts</a> started the clues for her second mystery, Scrap in a Box. I kept up to her for a time...well, you know.<br />
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I pulled it out again before Christmas and started plugging away, and, Ta Da!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE0wWp3KceJSr2YERfiG51v-NAia4qx2xgk4Vs_efiuWE7CrPxw_N7p8OMW4LeznhOP5fVTeXuRBvZVbXTSoguRGkY1bWTJ6EEMhKr_UK6_qC5Ac9aq1XEMh4vBgD2ze8R-9Q1IYCdGNq/s1600/scrapinabox+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE0wWp3KceJSr2YERfiG51v-NAia4qx2xgk4Vs_efiuWE7CrPxw_N7p8OMW4LeznhOP5fVTeXuRBvZVbXTSoguRGkY1bWTJ6EEMhKr_UK6_qC5Ac9aq1XEMh4vBgD2ze8R-9Q1IYCdGNq/s320/scrapinabox+done.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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I dragged Mr CQT outside yesterday, which was a VERY cold day, and had him hold it for me. He even took off his gloves to daintily hold the corners, like I've taught him. Behind there, he is saying "Are you done yet? Have you taken any pictures yet?"</div>
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I'm really happy with how this turned out. I started out with this stripe as a guide, and pulled mostly scraps in red, pin, orange and yellow. I didn't realize the colours would be so cheerful! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI39C7jr3efTgRkR4UJrssaTf2s4DaFoJttFgn4degJuLWRWn8ox17G2zTQAqs91rasyPM1DZWYDghEk0ZB-17bY4OyMIyGig-u0xt1JVuNutzsCrx_T-25bet73jUJ7pvi_psoRVy8GcU/s1600/scrapbox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI39C7jr3efTgRkR4UJrssaTf2s4DaFoJttFgn4degJuLWRWn8ox17G2zTQAqs91rasyPM1DZWYDghEk0ZB-17bY4OyMIyGig-u0xt1JVuNutzsCrx_T-25bet73jUJ7pvi_psoRVy8GcU/s320/scrapbox1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And it's the perfect size for a couch quilt - long enough to cover your feet and wrap around you for a nice nap!<br />
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I quilted it with a fun pantograph, with dragonflies and flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPG5_W9_mEJWJjHYaOcXe8GHRdF7pEoFgY3g-ti2FrWX2riwCso_z2r8lR2mq-_lzXbO6G762D-byvsYk9JosqMQ5Ro_li_Tgyhwnmd13tz-jiEN_Ey_nY802XF6YDjSP0deUbx3k52gS/s1600/scrapinabox+quilting+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPG5_W9_mEJWJjHYaOcXe8GHRdF7pEoFgY3g-ti2FrWX2riwCso_z2r8lR2mq-_lzXbO6G762D-byvsYk9JosqMQ5Ro_li_Tgyhwnmd13tz-jiEN_Ey_nY802XF6YDjSP0deUbx3k52gS/s320/scrapinabox+quilting+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Either that pantograph was real easy, or I'm getting better at this longarm stuff.<br />
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And, I used the stripe again for a bias binding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVSYlonXRzioz5xtbBnKfnHY48mUkAuX_DoMcQkw1QDxZo74MW-syx__WXRmwqtEhFW6CK2hWnQ9cbQugw67sf7A7hjbfB3gXAhEl9rsPg-5-6pd7_9tgy61lID6Af3aJWaqFUNlCGaBx/s1600/scrapinabox+folded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVSYlonXRzioz5xtbBnKfnHY48mUkAuX_DoMcQkw1QDxZo74MW-syx__WXRmwqtEhFW6CK2hWnQ9cbQugw67sf7A7hjbfB3gXAhEl9rsPg-5-6pd7_9tgy61lID6Af3aJWaqFUNlCGaBx/s320/scrapinabox+folded.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I finished just in time to link up with <a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/2016/01/scraptastic-tuesday-january-link-is-open.html" target="_blank">Leanne's Scraptastic Tuesday</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/" title="Scraptastic Tuesday"><img alt="Scraptastic Tuesday" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwifbmm53f6Ugw2H66N7UJFFY7dlFHzkZoQm9n5WwgMungz33t0I_DfP30hdm-tQESnUTv5AChxXInH8Jdz_2w8X24GkI4C7-IFaPufip7PKDzSnMqDgaDtSniAi_3FUmimgmpXsMFdY/s200/Scraptastic_Tuesday.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-5414307615618188222015-06-17T15:51:00.000-06:002015-06-17T15:51:12.889-06:00I Haven't Been QuiltingBecause we have bought ourselves an acreage! We've been looking for years, and have finally found our ideal property.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsJi7uwJEJWaJ8IO9snCPoU6KqPrmfkJ0-wEtmDfPSK8xHciOWOjKhXBwjQeR0Qn0eLYbFrAW_BpdQ9Q_oLJ0cFfmxq-Kn7k-vAeC-pOpzw_UJgagHdctkwaErW5wJhUYrS1ZRRSlWtrO/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsJi7uwJEJWaJ8IO9snCPoU6KqPrmfkJ0-wEtmDfPSK8xHciOWOjKhXBwjQeR0Qn0eLYbFrAW_BpdQ9Q_oLJ0cFfmxq-Kn7k-vAeC-pOpzw_UJgagHdctkwaErW5wJhUYrS1ZRRSlWtrO/s320/IMG_0714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The property is 9.5 acres. About 5 are developed, and the rest are currently being farmed by the fellow that farms the rest of the quarter. The house was built in the 70's and, although it has been very well maintained, it has not been updated since it was built. It needs some work on the interior, for sure, but, for now, it's very comfortable!<br />
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And lookee here! A barn! We have no plans to actually use this, but it is gorgeous. My first thought was "barn quilt block", but Mr. CQT put the kibash on that idea. Not to worry - there are a couple other buildings that could hold a barn quilt block quite nicely.<br />
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There are gorgeous trees everywhere. We are having a challenge identifying them all. The previous owner was a bit of an amateur horticulturalist, and the yard is quite nicely landscaped. We are trying to identify the trees that are here using our "Lois Hole's Favourite Trees and Shrubs" book. Many of them were not on Lois' favourite list, so that makes it more challenging. I need to get my sister out here - she's the gardener in the family.<br />
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There are several outbuildings. This is one - it was used as a woodshop by the previous owner. With some work, it could make a good quilt studio. But, there's also lots of room in the house, so maybe not necessary. Mr. CQT has a huge shop, so he's in heaven. <br />
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It even comes complete with a privy! Luckily, it's not operational (although, in the first few days, when we were figuring out the well, it might have come in handy).<br />
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And, to complete the whole experience, we adopted this little cutie:<br />
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This is Ralphie. There was some confusion about her gender for the first few days, so she's ended up with a sort-of masculine name. But she comes to it already, so we don't want to change it. She's border collie, 11 weeks old now, and she's as smart and sassy as can be.<br />
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So, this has kept me pretty busy these last three weeks. I've been on vacation, but Monday, it's back to the office, and only out here on weekends. I'll have to set up a sewing room here too - I've surprised myself with how much I miss my quilting time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-45385933574457455202015-05-19T21:41:00.000-06:002015-05-19T21:41:08.682-06:00Scrap in a Box - the Penultimate ClueThere are some words that I really love. "Penultimate" is one of them. I'm not one for big words (in fact, I specialize in plain language writing), but for some reason, penultimate tickles my fancy, and I use it whenever I have the chance.<br />
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So, we're almost done the Scrap in a Box Mystery Quilt, designed by Charlotte at Scraptitude Quilts. In fact, the final clue (or should that be the ultimate clue?) should be up any day!<br />
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Here are some of the blocks and corner pieces - laid out as I think the final result will be. But there still are some extra half square triangles left, so I could be wrong.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/colleen_n/17261410363" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="scrapbox 9 by Colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="scrapbox 9" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7730/17261410363_99ea838113_b.jpg" width="553" /></a></div>
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I'm quite pleased with the look of this, so far! I even have a name for it - I'm going to call it Tutti Frutti.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-28680247696363078802015-04-19T16:30:00.000-06:002015-04-19T16:30:03.273-06:00Open Wide Zipper PouchIn the mood for something a little different, I decided to make an Open Wide pouch from <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Noodlehead's free tutorial</a>.<br />
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I have to say that her instructions were very easy to follow, and the bag worked up in no time!<br />
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I think, with tne next one I make (and I'm sure there will be a next one), I would make the lining just a bit smaller than the outside. This was a bit puffy. But, not to complain! I'm very happy with the result.<br />
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I gave it to my daughter, who is teaching Grade IV this year. I'm sure she has enough doo-dads to fill it up completely!<br />
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I've now bought Noodlehead's <a href="https://www.noodle-head.com/product/divided-basket-pdf-pattern-2" target="_blank">Divided Basket pattern</a>. I've seen it being made all over the blogosphere, and each time it looks great! And, it seems very practical too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-8429708814651313382015-04-11T21:54:00.002-06:002015-04-11T21:54:20.530-06:00I'm an Eternal OptimistI must be -- that's the only way to explain why I'm entering the Finish-Along, even though I rarely have any finishes!<br />
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This year, the Finish-Along is hosted by Adrianne at On the Windy Side. Click on the logo to get to her site.<br />
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<a href="http://onthewindyside.co.nz/" title="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side"><img alt="2015 FAL at On the Windy Side" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsB_ZgqphLpGrvww-26_nCi7U6NhfL1fbK68UYfXbm31qcr8H8l5yMldyKQBkqOWKOJiBImaxsd0Qa5tbnaN2waSxjW8qH80ZCzbpjWa70TB_J7RSaMYPf9rvYxEsHkIYSY75psWZbRtj/s1600/2015FALbutton200.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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So, here are my second quarter goals.<br />
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These are my blocks from the 2013 Craftsy Block of the Month (the Laura Nownes one). I wasn't crazy about the layout that was offered, and thought it would be a good chance to try quilt as you go. So, I've put the smaller ones together, and added white borders to most of them to make 9 blocks that are each about 15 inches. They all need to be quilted and sewn together.<br />
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This one is less ambitious. The top is all together. It needs a little embroidery to mark the watermelon seeds, and then to quilt it up, just in time to put it on the table and eat watermelon!<br />
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This one is a leader - ender project. I cut scraps into 2 inch squares, and sewed lights to darks, then sewed twosies into foursies and foursies into sixteenies. (Is that even a word??) And before I knew it, I had a good sized lap quilt done. It will be a charity quilt once it's done. I've actually started quilting this one, so it shouldn't be long.<br />
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Think I'll get any of those done? Of course I will! <br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://www.onthewindyside.co.nz/2015/04/2015-finish-along-q2-now-open.html" target="_blank">Adrianne - On the Windy Side</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-78566142814104567212015-04-10T16:58:00.000-06:002015-04-10T16:58:00.461-06:00Modern Mini SwapThe Calgary Modern Quilt Guild challenged us all to create a modern mini quilt, and at the last meeting, we exchanged them.<br />
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You'll recall that the one I made was my idea of a spring theme - windmills.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/colleen_n/16732050656" title="modern mini by Colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="modern mini" height="498" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8638/16732050656_b87866a9b9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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I thought the quilting looked like wind blowing.<br />
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In exchange, I received this lovely -- made by Corina:<br />
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The pattern is Puddle Jumpers -- again, a great spring theme. And, in my favourite colours too!<br />
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I've already put it to use.<br />
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The weather here has smartened up considerably since my last post. Spring is arriving!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-61864449315250242492015-04-05T16:51:00.003-06:002015-04-05T16:51:59.452-06:00Scrap in a Box Part TwoPlugging along on Charlotte's <a href="http://scrapitudequilts.com/here-we-go-clue-2/">Scrap in a Box</a> mystery quilt. This was the second clue.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/colleen_n/15995811104" title="scrapbox 7 by Colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="scrapbox 7" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/15995811104_7c7f3be416.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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We had to make 82 of these little blocks (4 1/2 inch). I mixed and matched, so that no one block had two of the same fabrics.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/colleen_n/16432199819" title="scrapbox 8 by Colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="scrapbox 8" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8644/16432199819_b785db2950.jpg" width="224" /></a>
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Each of them had to be trimmed just a hair (due to my sewing, not Charlotte's instructions!) and the dog ears removed. That took almost as long as the sewing!<br />
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I still can't start to imagine how this quilt will look when it's done. But, I 'm still loving the colour combination, so I can hardly wait!<br />
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Today is Easter Sunday -- for some reason, we've always celebrated it quietly. Supper tonight will be just Mr. CQ2 and me, and I've cooked up a big pot of clam chowder. It will go well with the snow we've had today.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-12626888791421379922015-03-12T18:28:00.000-06:002015-03-12T18:28:00.096-06:00Book Review: "Sneaky Piecing" by Beth Ferrier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Sneaky-Piecing-Techniques-Stitching-Finishing/dp/1607056283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425860643&sr=8-1&keywords=sneaky+piecing" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514OfE84t6L.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
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I haven't done a book review on the blog before, and I don't plan to make this a regular thing. But, I just stumbled upon an unusually good quilting book, and wanted to pass the word along.<br />
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<i>Sneaky Piecing</i> gives Beth Ferrier's take on most aspects of quilting - from cutting (which side of the black line do you line up the edge of the fabric with?) to sewing an accurate 1/4 inch seam, to pressing (where she quickly disposes of the "press to the dark" rule). <br />
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What amazed me, though, was that there were tips and tricks in here that I have never seen before - and I have done a LOT of reading, class-taking and DVD watching in the last 16 years! Not just one new idea, but several. And, she gives the math to make any size of square in a square and flying geese blocks.<br />
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Beth's writing style is warm and witty. I actually laughed out loud a couple times. I can't say that I have <u>ever</u> done that reading a quilt book before!<br />
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I borrowed this book from the library, but I plan on purchasing a copy to keep.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-83332270533223651272015-03-08T16:09:00.002-06:002015-03-08T16:09:55.591-06:00Modern MiniThe Calgary Modern Quilt Guild is having a Mini swap this month. I took it as a good opportunity to do my own design, and also to practice my free motion quilting. <br />
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I usually sew down my binding to the front, then hand stitch it to the back. I have tried doing it the other way, and machine stitching to the front, but found the fabric bunched up a bit and the stitching was not as neat as I'd like it. This time -- and I have no idea where I heard of this -- I used a line of white school glue and my iron to baste down the binding on the front. It held really well, and I was able to stitch it down pretty neatly. What do you know?<br />
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Here's the finished mini - it's 16 x 16:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/colleen_n/16732050656" title="modern mini by Colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="modern mini" height="498" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8638/16732050656_b87866a9b9.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-18576083407731653652015-02-21T18:33:00.000-07:002015-02-21T18:33:08.135-07:00Making ProgressI've been participating in the <a href="http://evapaigequiltdesigns.blogspot.ca/p/drop-and-give-me-twenty-2014-is-almost.html">Drop and Give Me Twenty</a> challenge over at Quilting Hottie Haven. I'm plodding along, but I AM making progress. I am such a slow quilter!<br />
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I'm finally, completely finished Sand and Sea Glass. I made Mr. CQT climb up on a ladder in the snowy back deck to hold it up for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1yRdAC4QMwVQ_PqbW8lHYgGM6YR6o32coAxKoyURvJa1y55L_CNZe7SCqTYXOq8uleanyKMs4XJUg9C4RPIc6yZ4Ms2jmdPy6WVPHuhAZmIxZZXuMM5oOhK6cx4WOGylz0_ZpKaO8f_b/s1600/sand+sea+finished+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1yRdAC4QMwVQ_PqbW8lHYgGM6YR6o32coAxKoyURvJa1y55L_CNZe7SCqTYXOq8uleanyKMs4XJUg9C4RPIc6yZ4Ms2jmdPy6WVPHuhAZmIxZZXuMM5oOhK6cx4WOGylz0_ZpKaO8f_b/s1600/sand+sea+finished+2.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
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As I was hand-sewing the binding on, in my living room, I was pleasantly surprised to find the quilt blends in remarkably well with my grey-green furniture. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but it's become a living room snuggle quilt.<br />
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And, I've been keeping up with the <a href="http://scrapitudequilts.com/category/mystery-quilts-2/mystery-quilts/">Scrap in a Box</a> mystery. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGCugLtSt-1fvFHiIy-Y06k5d-t04Flc3lVe5TWCioxTWmn2P0IwrW6Z8wyLGKKEV_StsS7VeCayqqaUupmwzqOer2FgU6cMdwi6l7wqizfgZwKkuUmQMzkdttYNNHgkfWYA6jDvDxIhI/s1600/scrapbox+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGCugLtSt-1fvFHiIy-Y06k5d-t04Flc3lVe5TWCioxTWmn2P0IwrW6Z8wyLGKKEV_StsS7VeCayqqaUupmwzqOer2FgU6cMdwi6l7wqizfgZwKkuUmQMzkdttYNNHgkfWYA6jDvDxIhI/s1600/scrapbox+7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Step 2 of the mystery. I've made 82 of these. Now, I'm just squaring them up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknA4_d4wXpguerBfKyHjXN0_VlJuJ3xfS4Gy_XLBWSbUrP-Hvl-Au_TsGe_b-ZXvaUmqULSvDVS0C6iEDd6CU-KzYvGEoKOrksANWZuExdVyzF8HPAXLrQLbz6bIXsd6k-lCmJLGcTZZq/s1600/scrapbox+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknA4_d4wXpguerBfKyHjXN0_VlJuJ3xfS4Gy_XLBWSbUrP-Hvl-Au_TsGe_b-ZXvaUmqULSvDVS0C6iEDd6CU-KzYvGEoKOrksANWZuExdVyzF8HPAXLrQLbz6bIXsd6k-lCmJLGcTZZq/s1600/scrapbox+8.jpg" height="320" width="143" /></a></div>
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Twenty one down - sixty three to go! I'm really happy with how cheerful these blocks look.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-40944489622373153852015-02-06T18:29:00.000-07:002015-02-06T18:29:00.644-07:00Charity BlocksI made these a long time ago, but forgot to write about them.<br />
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At the Calgary Modern Quilt Guild, we are making charity quilts for bone marrow transplant patients at the local cancer hospital. We've decided to make blocks, each 15 1/2 inches, so that we can use them to practice our free motion quilting skills. We've had a couple of good demonstrations by Andrea at <a href="http://www.urbanquiltworks.com/">Urban Quiltworks.</a> (Take a look at the quilting on her blog - she is fabulously talented!)<br />
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Then, we're going to put them together using the <a href="http://littleislandquilting.blogspot.ca/2014/02/how-to-qayg.html">quilt as you go method</a>. <br />
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I know you'll be surprised to hear that I had a couple, OK lots of blocks in my UFO piles. I selected a couple from a BOM I started years ago, and truthfully, will never finish. I added a little extra fabric to make them 15 1/2 inches, and tried to stretch myself a bit with the quilting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzddg_vC2XM7zSC7vTuuQ-Q7LwvyzdNHf0X4OPjTg5uumFLaS05OgtK3iGU9hxudokQc_ycHz1h_NtcEVs6IpRfJy3EYAf1a-WHvbMXJ6CYihLrBlg4vBPv51esvHRUEG77bo-3Nq7PFE/s1600/block+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzddg_vC2XM7zSC7vTuuQ-Q7LwvyzdNHf0X4OPjTg5uumFLaS05OgtK3iGU9hxudokQc_ycHz1h_NtcEVs6IpRfJy3EYAf1a-WHvbMXJ6CYihLrBlg4vBPv51esvHRUEG77bo-3Nq7PFE/s1600/block+2.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can see a bit of the blue marking pen in the centre of this one - I did manage to get that out before I handed it in. It's the first time I've used that, and it's not as easy as I thought to remove it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-61772591802019397392015-02-01T18:20:00.001-07:002015-02-01T18:20:19.646-07:00Scrap-In-A-Box Part OneCharlotte, over at Scrapitude Quilts, posted her <a href="http://scrapitudequilts.com/sew-scrap-in-a-box-mystery-clue-1/">first clue for the Scrap-In-A-Box</a> mystery a couple weeks ago.<br />
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This week, I completed it - 82 of this little block - each squared up to 2 1/2 inches.<br />
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I had a little fun trying out different ways of putting them together.<br />
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However, there are lots of cut pieces yet to incorporate into this quilt - I'm sure the finished product will have none of these combinations in it!<br />
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I have not forgotten about my Drop and Give Me Twenty commitment. Today was February 1st, and I actually gave Beth about 200 minutes, being Sunday and all. I cut my binding for the Sand and Sea Glass quilt...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0NQY5f_a5W4WF7iH30VbFp_eK82xn3ZhmaAzLIJ0T5Jn-bNQzrrY-fE_kUMeyAOXNdUjsUnRnoPtCt-hqp5DCxPL6BXCztL_ksqTXx3rFyE5QkKk06ufGnlW604Z2SP2cqvKs8NW9fU-/s1600/sand1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0NQY5f_a5W4WF7iH30VbFp_eK82xn3ZhmaAzLIJ0T5Jn-bNQzrrY-fE_kUMeyAOXNdUjsUnRnoPtCt-hqp5DCxPL6BXCztL_ksqTXx3rFyE5QkKk06ufGnlW604Z2SP2cqvKs8NW9fU-/s1600/sand1.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a></div>
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...sewed it on the front, and started hand stitching the back.<br />
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Linking up to<br />
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<a href="http://evapaigequiltdesigns.blogspot.ca/p/drop-and-give-me-twenty-2014-is-almost.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGDJ5Gg5-TuD2VeVO7t2ntoEJQBppdfRwd_K5Z7hn3aXPeREtRfa9WGAiiXMHMkk6uW9Wtt13Vq-K8x82AaYBndIQT-Rqz0_Wstm8Yqw51fmAWvkzvHVXWFXWCdRk_8kWnSMZn2xefIaB/s1600/DAGMT+2015.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/" title="Scraptastic Tuesday"><img alt="Scraptastic Tuesday" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz0QgSqr_Rc/VGM6vG44_TI/AAAAAAAAKjg/sIh2N
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-35253905463055531182015-01-23T19:00:00.000-07:002015-01-23T19:00:00.135-07:00The Log Jam has Broken!Are you like me? If I have something I feel I have to do, but I don't want to do, then I feel guilty doing anything else - which means I don't get <u>anything </u>done!<br />
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I started Sand and Sea Glass back in 2011. That's three years ago - around the same time I started this blog. It was a block of the month, and I was pretty good about keeping up with the blocks. I even put them together fairly promptly. Then it came time to quilt it. And I stalled, and stalled.<br />
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I actually started quilting it over a year ago. I got the bright idea to quilt each block differently. Which meant I had to think up a quilting design for each block - yikes! <br />
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It got put on hold while we renovated, last year, and after that, I seemed to be unable to focus on any other project. In my mind I ought to be finishing the quilting on that monster. And yet, I wasn't finishing the quilting. Gak!<br />
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While I was off over Christmas, I twisted my own arm, and got back to work on the quilt. And got it done! Well, almost - I still have to bind it.<br />
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Hopefully, now that this monkey is off my back, I'll be able to get back my quilting mojo!<br />
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Here it is, draped over the fence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQREROqRuI-py_IJF-dtm2ORWTOHSe_nMIQVJV2CTW3Gqo8AkfcgbuX-4Y_1MiI8WxmHmpIxVGaT_QZ0OZix3dCeaJlhDknp5d6eneodZIuzymmIXFulVIfYgXeW8v_wJdzCeFTwo_9jkY/s1600/sand1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQREROqRuI-py_IJF-dtm2ORWTOHSe_nMIQVJV2CTW3Gqo8AkfcgbuX-4Y_1MiI8WxmHmpIxVGaT_QZ0OZix3dCeaJlhDknp5d6eneodZIuzymmIXFulVIfYgXeW8v_wJdzCeFTwo_9jkY/s1600/sand1.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand and Sea Glass</td></tr>
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And, draped the other way round.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6D6_IIWUizfnb7-P6_1aI0xklIwWT0A-lmLwKjmrcR2yiuI9uYykL_7BQY9ln3UGtXuM0cgUcEI_Xly2ewENIN5XR3qStJan0QMCqyxqOW-LZ6baoBx6byaWa-sSI8apdTbkKsVC42s7/s1600/sand1A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6D6_IIWUizfnb7-P6_1aI0xklIwWT0A-lmLwKjmrcR2yiuI9uYykL_7BQY9ln3UGtXuM0cgUcEI_Xly2ewENIN5XR3qStJan0QMCqyxqOW-LZ6baoBx6byaWa-sSI8apdTbkKsVC42s7/s1600/sand1A.jpg" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll post some close-ups, and try and convince Mr. CQT to hold it up for a proper photo after the binding goes on.<br />
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Now, I remember that I cut the binding strips for this quilt at the time I put all the blocks together. But, do you think I can remember where I put them?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-86558752799094881632015-01-19T19:00:00.000-07:002015-01-20T08:06:28.500-07:00Drop and Give me Twenty Time Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://evapaigequiltdesigns.blogspot.ca/p/drop-and-give-me-twenty-2014-is-almost.html"><img alt=" Drop and Give Me Twenty" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHS0tiD0pnULONSEniNn4-H_C_cOHZpZ41QvkDq8SCOyUsT2jV-XGpw7cg9awJftpw2BjOW_lP14aUWQkgffrNaWoH-hPm0WemcU-VY41RO7Y8pkODMz8185KkRuZTF9SDDaiph__tgaq/s1600/DAGMT+2015.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: #e9edec; color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 28px;"><i>I, Colleen, owner of too many UFOs and/or more fabric than I can hope to use up in my lifetime, am joining Quilting Hottie Haven's third annual DaGMT event, and pledge to quilt for at least 20 minutes, (since Downton Abbey will be almost over, and Outlander doesn't start again until April) every day of the month of February, 2015. In doing so I hope to finish 5 or 6 UFO's (but who am I kidding - I'll be lucky to finish one) and I think Beth Helfter is brilliant for coming up with this concept and inspiring me to join.</i></b><br />
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OK, OK, she made me post this pledge - but I DO plan on joining in and you might want to take a look at it her blog. Beth has a wickedly good sense of humour!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-31131072795952139172015-01-17T22:26:00.003-07:002015-01-17T22:26:40.514-07:00Another Scrappy MysteryBack last winter, I had a few posts about the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/scrapitude/pool/">Scrapitude Mystery</a> quilt. I was really pleased with the result (which doesn't always happen for me with mystery quilts). <br />
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Here is my Scrapitude top<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/colleen_n/12687386883" title="scrapitude top by Colleen, on Flickr"><img alt="scrapitude top" height="135" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/12687386883_457fbc6bd5_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>
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Have I actually finished the quilt, you ask? Well, um, no.<br />
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But let's not think about that! Charlotte, the designer of the Scrapitude quilt is running another mystery - Scrap in a Box. When she did Scrapitude, she didn't have her own blog, so the clues all ran on Sandy's <a href="http://quiltingfortherestofus.com/blog/">Quilting for the Rest of Us</a> blog. But this year, Charlotte has her own blog, Scrapitude Quilts, and she is running a new mystery, called Scrap in a Box. It starts <a href="http://scrapitudequilts.com/scrap-in-a-box-cutting-instructions/">here</a>.<br />
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What I liked about Scrapitude, and what will continue with this new mystery, is the slower pace. I've thought about joining other online mystery quilts, but before I've even made up my mind, they're already on Step 3!! I'm a slow quilter! (All of my blog followers are nodding vigorously at this point.)<br />
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Charlotte posted her cutting directions in October, and gave us till now to pick fabric and cut. Then, her clues will run once a month. I can keep up with that.<br />
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When I did Scrapitude, I went totally scrappy. I had never done a scrap quilt before, and was a little nervous, especially in a mystery, with trying to control the colours. And I really liked how it turned out.<br />
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But this time, I'm going to restrict the colours a little. I have this fabric, which I like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76Yqf9cMJjvkYLery-WD6JXs7NUPPTmwAVfGEcSDabhBeflqiQeZZTv2pM4kdaKL2To-vQFpjFQ3vdDkyx7Bh8uGCoO4H8ovFN3D9UOZfjddtZ2YQwpbaFxXTrIluwhg_691y0qgFgmfn/s1600/scrapbox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76Yqf9cMJjvkYLery-WD6JXs7NUPPTmwAVfGEcSDabhBeflqiQeZZTv2pM4kdaKL2To-vQFpjFQ3vdDkyx7Bh8uGCoO4H8ovFN3D9UOZfjddtZ2YQwpbaFxXTrIluwhg_691y0qgFgmfn/s1600/scrapbox1.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm going to use those colours - red, pink, orange and yellow. The background will be white. Here are the fabrics I chose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaY5FT4NQiq7vJCIhquHW3kOT9qnYnljmwJuTzRqtJGuUPgJBzOayu1fZ6A7VIS3BqZlVx3TDR6Hq0hw59rEYi9MtAl0VPfOY3JHKPjxc8CSN920DS1Pxq_NJyaI_hHZcD20_vBsrY0fG/s1600/scrapitwo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaY5FT4NQiq7vJCIhquHW3kOT9qnYnljmwJuTzRqtJGuUPgJBzOayu1fZ6A7VIS3BqZlVx3TDR6Hq0hw59rEYi9MtAl0VPfOY3JHKPjxc8CSN920DS1Pxq_NJyaI_hHZcD20_vBsrY0fG/s1600/scrapitwo+2.jpg" height="307" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUvjFmMMdv1sH3TCp4ft0ToFaSLIGjJ5_bIuwvDXSU_GrRo1EAVo9SfQYz5vqbwwRYws_An39YTHrWLD9kf0fM_T7DNs3XS6HBvBF0iJdI3ChXvF_P5Yl5mswrBcX6b9UTO6ZQSLaTC0_/s1600/scrapbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUvjFmMMdv1sH3TCp4ft0ToFaSLIGjJ5_bIuwvDXSU_GrRo1EAVo9SfQYz5vqbwwRYws_An39YTHrWLD9kf0fM_T7DNs3XS6HBvBF0iJdI3ChXvF_P5Yl5mswrBcX6b9UTO6ZQSLaTC0_/s1600/scrapbox2.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've got all my cutting done. The instructions for the <a href="http://scrapitudequilts.com/sew-scrap-in-a-box-mystery-clue-1/">first step went up this week</a>, so I'll be working on it this weekend.</div>
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But, on Sunday night, I do have some other plans:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6Q5JtMHmTwDBanOaYX4Lc3QolsHKSZYabGaEcNrz3UY4UasKd7uzTIvvlob_brEnyCwNOD-jfAkpsi4jGzML6m1-yRKR4wKfYB7cxq9Tcp4Drb1gWLKIIAdEF4WKkykl5IIygNjp5knn/s1600/downton+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6Q5JtMHmTwDBanOaYX4Lc3QolsHKSZYabGaEcNrz3UY4UasKd7uzTIvvlob_brEnyCwNOD-jfAkpsi4jGzML6m1-yRKR4wKfYB7cxq9Tcp4Drb1gWLKIIAdEF4WKkykl5IIygNjp5knn/s1600/downton+cartoon.jpg" height="200" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-37369662942930070832014-11-19T05:00:00.000-07:002014-11-19T05:00:01.245-07:00It's Not a Quilt, But...I did buy the kit at a Quilt Shop!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYLuSRdkGJx8Ehu7FTcCpu_Sa3d2n8zABq3qDdzv-V0DoCpqJTzHr1S1T6UkfwKiHjYjBEjYdQRmh5S6ll27eTqmrV7CDve36hnYZ4fdRcTy4SQocGuP9OS0lxAj322GSe9oTbLl2nEmn/s1600/embroidery+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYLuSRdkGJx8Ehu7FTcCpu_Sa3d2n8zABq3qDdzv-V0DoCpqJTzHr1S1T6UkfwKiHjYjBEjYdQRmh5S6ll27eTqmrV7CDve36hnYZ4fdRcTy4SQocGuP9OS0lxAj322GSe9oTbLl2nEmn/s1600/embroidery+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This past summer, Mr. CQT and I went on a road trip to Montana. I had never been there and was surprised at how beautiful it is! We went to Great Falls, Helena and Bozeman, and, of course, I visited most of the quilt shops. <br />
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I was surprised at the prevalence of embroidery patterns, supplies and kits. I haven't seen that many in Alberta, nor in my previous trips to the US. Maybe it's a Montana thing? Or maybe an up and coming thing?<br />
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This was a little linen towel kit from <a href="http://www.pricklypearquilts.com/">Prickly Pear Quilts</a> in Helena.<br />
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I did a lot of embroidery as a child, and in my early 20's. I then moved to counted cross stitch, but gave that up when I discovered quilting. But it was nice to pick it back up. My vision is bad - well, it's weird. Even though I have 50 something eyes, and need bifocals, I actually can see better, close up, without my glasses. So, this weekend, I stitched and listened to an audiobook - blind to the world around me - and, actually, quite enjoyed it! I see more embroidery in my future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQSZDBtG4K5au8di-C5tVaFJvG37VWevcapbecSpdnStbmZRloKOq7GsWOoDRZts3LLhLz3QtruEtpwxVe_UPWDZWS08UVU1RCe5983JpxiQkpRsQQjn7uZMKpjjkitJ8H9laNOug6egQ/s1600/embroidery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQSZDBtG4K5au8di-C5tVaFJvG37VWevcapbecSpdnStbmZRloKOq7GsWOoDRZts3LLhLz3QtruEtpwxVe_UPWDZWS08UVU1RCe5983JpxiQkpRsQQjn7uZMKpjjkitJ8H9laNOug6egQ/s1600/embroidery+2.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-62305805912044087472014-11-14T17:58:00.000-07:002014-11-14T17:58:25.633-07:00It's Blogathon Canada Time!If you are Canadian, or interested in Canadian quilters, you will want to check out Sew Sister's <a href="http://sewsisters.blogspot.ca/p/blogathon-canada-is-back.html">Blogathon Canada 2014</a>, starting on Monday!<br />
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Sew Sisters is an online and bricks-and-mortar store located in Toronto. I've long been a fan (well, OK a customer) of Sew Sisters, and have been lucky enough to win prizes from them on a couple occasions. I can vouch for their great customer service. I can also vouch for their addictive clubs - I joined their Bargain Lovers club a few years ago. They send you a fat quarter bundle in the mail every 6 weeks or so. I loved getting those squishies so much that I continued on, much longer than I really should have! Now, they also have a Kona Solids Club, which, I'm guessing, is just as addictive!<br />
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Sew Sisters store site is <a href="http://www.sew-sisters.com/">here</a>. You go on and take a look - me, I have to avert my eyes!<br />
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Anyway, back to the topic at hand. The Blogathon page links quilty blogs in different parts of the country each day. Those blogs are each hosting a giveaway!! And, they are linking to lots of other quilty blogs in their province or territory, so you can check them all out. I'll be linked up to one of the Alberta ones on November 19th. See you there!<br />
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<a href="http://sewsisters.blogspot.ca/p/blogathon-canada-is-back.html" target="_self"><img alt="Sew Sisters Blog" height="125" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGQPF1AymxSCxhklyyAUF2l0zud1cAQNov7oI9soTMDpDiK5hNsW_g4U5PA-nDFsL5y5j1xCB1Mwogk-3wjJPonrxLD3_dSF_wfqZn2cUcWVrMp4vrhsjacgKNPJFq6ZEPQRtBsvjty-V/s1600/blogathon_badge_2014_150px.png" width="125" /></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-84220747728178232222014-11-02T15:25:00.000-07:002014-11-02T15:25:40.932-07:00I Don't Believe It! A Finish!!It has been such a long time since I actually finished a project! Oh, I have lots of finished tops and partially finished projects, but this one - I actually saw through to the end! Yippee!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6s_zdf6IvBGacauCZCDc-rIK1N21GGyXP7Nd4G_vcCpN9_SY7kupq-HU7XsdyBq9SNgIWhHrF3mhOHgMD3GzJZEI4vVjQvvvs3H7ZQZ9SKhPUmFrJF5mUWu8V_6zbc6ODxPv1VLuR5XA/s1600/friedland+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6s_zdf6IvBGacauCZCDc-rIK1N21GGyXP7Nd4G_vcCpN9_SY7kupq-HU7XsdyBq9SNgIWhHrF3mhOHgMD3GzJZEI4vVjQvvvs3H7ZQZ9SKhPUmFrJF5mUWu8V_6zbc6ODxPv1VLuR5XA/s1600/friedland+1.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a <a href="http://carolynfriedlander.com/">Carolyn Friedlander</a> pattern, called Sunrise. I won the pattern in a giveaway hosted by Stephanie, at the <a href="http://www.modernsewciety.com/">Modern Sewciety</a> blog and podcast. <br />
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I don't normally work in one line of fabric, but this pattern indicated that you could use a jelly roll, so I thought I'd give it a try. I bought "Hubba Hubba" by Me and My Sister Designs. The frames are Kona Snow, and the sashing is - well, I don't know, some teal-ish kind of solid. The colours make for a happy, girly quilt!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-QM-wLplGVFCygL0CDJKE-Ns9Fzt1hxzPV7SkKsEqYHCeC5hR5P-8_2eW6-hK6R48EEdfFpmIaD3XMGGXmfswWwd7xCqRKORyINxnpubkpyTtcOo6LmB3w_4vR5tb_S86uzaskjFL4Q0/s1600/friedland+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-QM-wLplGVFCygL0CDJKE-Ns9Fzt1hxzPV7SkKsEqYHCeC5hR5P-8_2eW6-hK6R48EEdfFpmIaD3XMGGXmfswWwd7xCqRKORyINxnpubkpyTtcOo6LmB3w_4vR5tb_S86uzaskjFL4Q0/s1600/friedland+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The sunrises are paper pieced. I found that the pattern was not quite jelly roll friendly - one of the bands was wider than 2 1/2 inches. So, I drew a new line on the pattern to narrow that one band, and it worked fine after that.<br />
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I quilted it more heavily than I normally do, with spirals in the white and loopy things in the teal. In the sunrises, I used my walking foot to do a wide zig zag up each band.<br />
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For the back, I cut up a lot of the leftover jelly roll fabric into squares, and used them to add some colour.<br />
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The quilt is 48 by 48 - a good sized baby quilt. I haven't got a baby in mind, yet, but I have no doubt I'll have need of a baby gift sooner or later!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54492/320/E3827DFACE2B270BDA55937E828490EB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-78680147035845883572014-10-15T19:16:00.002-06:002014-10-15T19:16:56.934-06:00Unexpected HolidayDespite living in Canada, and experiencing regular snowfalls, we, in Calgary, never have a Snow Day - not in the 23 years I have lived here. It snows -- we carry on. We're late; we have car accidents; we go to work anyway. I work at the court house, and we do not shut down. Last year, as you may recall, Calgary suffered major flooding in June. Parts of downtown were under water. But the court house wasn't, and I went to work. (To be fair, we told many of our staff to stay home, and stayed open only long enough to adjourn all of the matters scheduled for that day.)<br />
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But, yesterday and today, we have been shut down. There was a <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/downtown-calgary-electrical-fire-damage-will-take-days-to-fix-require-rebuild-1.2796497">major electrical fire in the downtown</a> and several blocks are without power. So I get to stay home! Yay!<br />
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What to do? Well, I did have some yeast in the cupboard that was in danger of expiry. So, I made some bread.<br />
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Then, I made some cinnamon buns.<br />
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I did some reading and podcast listening.<br />
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And, oh ya - I did some quilting too! The Calgary Modern Quilt Guild is collecting 15 1/2 inch quilted blocks, then we're going to put them together for charity quilts. I just happened to have some blocks laying around from my early days of quilting, when I was "trying stuff". Add an extra bit of fabric to bring it up to size, and had some fun trying some new quilting designs, including doing a spiral with my walking foot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJXelkb2vV6ZEIgKn5RC-UeRJQ3_foaL5r0e4hyphenhyphenpunaT-C7j9ANy336Yk8e4Y7gpuy6WL6_vfMSxlOwvQRhSMwwuZ7sW4YD8PN51dEwr9hBYir5HZMbdt0TmHaIe7s5BgXgYjamUWwi7c/s1600/block+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJXelkb2vV6ZEIgKn5RC-UeRJQ3_foaL5r0e4hyphenhyphenpunaT-C7j9ANy336Yk8e4Y7gpuy6WL6_vfMSxlOwvQRhSMwwuZ7sW4YD8PN51dEwr9hBYir5HZMbdt0TmHaIe7s5BgXgYjamUWwi7c/s1600/block+1.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a></div>
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All in all, a very nice way to spend a couple of surprise free days!<br />
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<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2254782022838604411.post-51318918685478762072014-10-14T10:15:00.000-06:002014-10-14T10:15:35.965-06:00Q4 Finish Along GoalsI've been suffering from serious quilters block over the last few months. I blame this:<br />
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Yes, you have seen this before - it's Sand and Sea Glass, the block of the month project from (now defunct) Traditional Pastimes. I have quilted the easy parts of this quilt - the sashing and borders. I've started quilting the blocks, and I'm not having any fun. And, I've got it in my head that I have to finish this one before I can enjoy starting any others. I don't even like this quilt any more! But I WILL finish it! I will! And, so, I'm putting it on my list for one more quarter.<br />
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You've also seen this one - another one I'm hesitant about.<br />
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This is Scrapitude, and it's still at the flimsy stage. How to quilt it? On the one hand, it's scrappy, so an all over pattern would be fine. On the other hand, there are some nice white patches in there that could do with some custom quilting. Decisions, decisions!<br />
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This one is new. (I managed to push the quilters block aside for a bit.) I won this pattern, Sunrise, from <a href="http://carolynfriedlander.com/">Carolyn Friedlander</a>, through a giveaway on <a href="http://www.modernsewciety.com/">Modern Sewciety</a>. I spent some pleasant hours this summer, with easy paper piecing, and have started quilting.<br />
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This is baby sized. The quilt ends at the teal border - what shows as white outside that is just batting. I only have the white parts to quilt yet. I'm actually pretty pleased with the quilting so far. Just when I start to fall into despair (see Sand and Sea Glass, above), I look at something like this quilt, and I see that I HAVE improved my quilting. I'll never be Angela Walters, but I'm coming along!<br />
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I also put together this one, in the early days of spring - hoping to have a nice table runner by summer. This is a Thimbleberries pattern that was kitted in more modern fabric. It's still a flimsy:<br />
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And - in for a penny, in for a pound - I might as well throw in these two once more:<br />
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Maple Sugar, above, and Aqua Stars, below.</div>
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So, that's it. List everything, I say, and perhaps I'll finish a few.<br />
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My list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Sand and Sea Glass</li>
<li>Scrapitude</li>
<li>Sunrise</li>
<li>Watermelon</li>
<li>Maple Sugar</li>
<li>Aqua Stars</li>
</ul>
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Linking up to the Q4 FAL at The Littlest Thistle</div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02198380481975287285noreply@blogger.com1