tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20880305406986599332024-03-05T10:04:01.634-05:00A Frustrated QuilterMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-11805638118390591522014-11-24T13:07:00.002-05:002014-11-24T13:07:28.821-05:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 11/24/2014<div style="text-align: center;">
I have neglected my City Sampler quilt the last few weeks, not that I haven't been busy quilting. I have entered my marathon Christmas quilting season and have been very busy trying to get quilts made for my kids. But I do have two more blocks to share. I think I am up to 21 blocks. However, I also have at least 2 (maybe 3) blocks to do over. One of them is this block:</div>
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Somehow I lost my point on the blocks on the right side...</div>
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I am enjoying HST much more than I did a couple of years ago, but I still miss the point occasionally.</div>
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I did a little better with the points on this block; however, two of the blocks on the right end lost their points as well. </div>
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I don't know that I will ever make the perfect quilt block, probably because I don't really mind the mistakes. How horrible is that? ;-))))</div>
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I'll add these two blocks to my grid later...right now I am on babysitting duty, and my grandson has very little patience :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene'</a> and <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Cindy</a> have some beautiful blocks to share this week, so be sure to head over to their blogs!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-25386647757590476152014-11-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-11-03T07:33:16.711-05:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 11/3/2014I can't believe it is already November!!! I am entering my panic mode, thinking of all the things I want to make for Christmas. Yikes!! I am thinking it was a wise decision on my part to commit to only two blocks each week towards my City Sampler quilt ;-)))<br />
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I love the two blocks for this week.<br />
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I have added the blocks to the grid I've been using, with placement according to block number from the book.<br />
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I have created a second grid where I will be moving blocks around, testing different block arrangements for the Gridlock quilt (yes, I finally decided on the layout).</div>
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I'm sure this will be a challenge for me, but it is time for me to stretch myself and become more comfortable in making design decisions.</div>
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It's been a busy week, so I haven't received my usual sneak peek of Rene's blocks. But I know she has more amazing blocks to add to her Dear Jane quilt. And since I have Christmas on my mind, I know that Cindy's blocks will keep me in the spirit. So head over to <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene' Creates</a> and <a href="http://liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Live A Colorful Life</a> and see what they have been up to ;-)</div>
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Thanks, as always, for stopping by!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-54863075476090846692014-10-27T12:13:00.002-04:002014-10-27T12:13:04.114-04:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 10/27/2014I only have two blocks to show today. I have started my marathon Christmas quilting and spent most of the weekend working on my youngest son's quilt (which, by the way, I am so excited about).<br />
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I still haven't decided on the layout for my quilt. I think I need to spend some time this week really thinking about this and possibly start playing around with different layouts on my grid.<br />
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Don't forget to check out <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene's</a> and <a href="http://liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Cindy's</a> progress!!<br />
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Thanks, as always, for stopping by!!<br />
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~ Michelle ~Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-91534175333131466102014-10-20T12:49:00.003-04:002014-10-20T12:49:47.544-04:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 10/20/14After taking last week off from blogging for a quick trip home, I have three more blocks to share from my City Sampler quilt using Cotton+Steel. Have I mentioned how much I am loving my blocks?<br />
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My last block will probably need a do-over. I'm not sure if my measuring was wrong while cutting or if I was thrown off cutting on the bias for the first time. Maybe I have forgotten how to stitch a straight line ;-) In addition, I realized after taking pictures that I didn't even piece the blocks together correctly. No worries, though. It's one of my favorite combinations of prints and solids, and I certainly don't mind a do-over!<br />
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I finally placed all my blocks on my excel grid sheet.<br />
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Right now I have them placed in order according to book. I hope this week to start playing around with color combinations and finally decide on the layout/quilt assembly I want to use. For those familiar with the City Sampler quilt, I am wavering between the Sliding Scale, which uses 70 blocks to make a queen size, or the City Planner, which uses 100 blocks to make a king size quilt.<br />
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Don't forget to swing by <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">ReneCreates</a> and <a href="http://liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">LiveAColorfulLife</a> and check out their progress!<br />
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!<br />
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~ Michelle ~Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-3529678186445771272014-10-06T06:00:00.000-04:002014-10-06T06:00:04.571-04:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 10/6/2014I was very productive this past week, piecing 6 blocks of my City Sampler. However, I was also busy with MeMe duty, so I only have three blocks to show ;-)<br />
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I love the way they are coming together!!<br />
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I hope that next week I can not only show the other 3 blocks I've done, but also share my plan for the layout of my City Sampler quilt.<br />
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Don't forget to check out the blocks made by Rene' (<a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Renecreates</a>) and Cindy (<a href="http://liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">LiveaColorfulLife</a>).<br />
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Thanks, as always for stopping by!!<br />
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~ Michelle ~Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-45272984995400538892014-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T07:39:23.315-04:00A Whim and A WinnerI'm not usually one to purchase on a whim, especially when it comes to fabric for quilting. Generally, my fabric purchases are based on some idea of a future project. This summer, however, all I heard on social media was <a href="http://www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Cotton & Steel</a>. Everyone was talking about it. I had no idea what C+S was, but, for the first time, I decided to purchase some...completely on a whim.<br />
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My first purchase was from the Homebody line, totally because I am such a homebody ;-))) Really, for no other reason. Soon, my whim became a complete obsession! And I think it is way cool that the designer of Homebody, <a href="http://www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com/catalog/fabric/designer/6/" target="_blank">Kimberly Kight</a>, is a fellow Speech Therapist!!<br />
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Here is a mini quilt I made for <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">my sister</a> for her birthday using Kimberly's Homebody line. Bless her heart, she had to wait almost a month before getting it.<br />
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The pattern is <a href="http://thimbleblossoms.bigcartel.com/product/mini-spools-pdf-pattern-169" target="_blank">Mini Spools</a>, by Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms.<br />
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I think it looks great hanging in her quilt studio!! The <a href="http://frustratedquilter.blogspot.com/2012/07/gift-for-my-sister.html" target="_blank">quilt</a> below it was gifted a couple of years ago for her birthday.<br />
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And now for the winner of the <a href="http://www.rjrfabrics.com/fabrics/new_collections.cfm" target="_blank">RJR Cotton Supreme Solids</a> fat quarter bundle of the solids I used in my Twinkle Twinkle quilt.<br />
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The random number generator picked Michele, who wrote, "The quilting! Swoon! Such a pretty quilt." Thank you Michele!! I will be sending you an email shortly. And thanks to all of who left such kind words about my quilt. A big shout out to RJR Fabrics for introducing me to their wonderful solids and hosting my giveaway!!<br />
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~ Michelle ~Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-48725673215470060022014-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:002014-09-29T06:00:11.851-04:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 9/29/2014<div style="text-align: left;">
Welcome to another week of the Choose Your Own BlockAlong. I am really excited about this week's blocks! I think I hinted last week that I may be using only Cotton + Steel for my City Sampler. It makes perfect sense, as I am totally in love with this collection (I feel almost stalkerish...haha). But it also makes sense as all the lines from the collection coordinate so well with each other. </div>
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My first block is actually a repeat. No. 100 was the first block I made, and I loved it. But, at the time, I was not planning an all C + S quilt, so I had used another one of my favorite fabrics. Here is my do-over:</div>
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My second block of the week:</div>
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And my third block of the week:</div>
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I am now up to nine blocks,</div>
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and boy am I excited about where this quilt is going!!<br />
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I have actually started taking notes of my quilt (a first for me) to help me stay organized. I still haven't decided on a layout. This may be a problem, as the layout/assembly involves choosing colors, which I really haven't thought about yet. I've been having too much fun playing with my C + S ;-)))) </div>
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Don't forget to check out the blocks that <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene'</a> and <a href="http://liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Cindy</a> have made this week. I know they will be amazing!! </div>
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And if you are on IG, we'd love for you to join the fun there! You can find us at @frustratedquilter, @renecreates, and @liveacolorfullife. Be sure and hashtag the blocks you are working on</div>
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#chooseyourownblockalong</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-4773977413877331632014-09-26T08:00:00.000-04:002014-09-30T17:24:03.516-04:00RJR Cotton Supreme Solids Blog Hop and a Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited to participate in the RJR What Shade Are You? blog hop. For those who follow me on Instagram, you know <strike>how obsessed I am</strike> how much I love the new Cotton+Steel Collection. Lately, anything and everything I've been making has been with Cotton + Steel, especially the Homebody line. A couple of months ago, I was asked by RJR Fabrics if I needed some <a href="http://www.rjrfabrics.com/fabrics/collection.cfm?packageID=150" target="_blank">RJR Cotton Supreme Solids</a> to go with my C+S. Well, of course I did ;-) They kindly sent me the following solids to play with:<br />
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(Blue Bayou #300, Navy #30, Proud as a Peacock #289, Rio RP #311, Carnation #135, Tropiacana #339, Turks & Caicos #292, On The Rocks #283) <br />
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And I had the perfect pattern to showcase their solids.<br />
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Twinkle, Twinkle is one of Megan Nichols' patterns from her <a href="http://citystitches.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Quick-Sew Baby Quilt Club</a> (I have been itching to make this quilt to hang in my therapy room at school). Megan's club runs from June through November, with a new quilt pattern delivered each month. You can still sign up for the club...previous patterns will be sent out within one business day. I have received four patterns, and they are beautiful and wonderfully written!!<br />
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I usually bombard IG with lots of progress pictures, but I was keeping this project under wraps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6d1NPxTGcbYJIMPQbd_B1NYy1giJBzRYQv2xDr5EGETBGjOSghWkPQtIRhniguIVeHMEBXmZMaj21-U8yomF7u8myzMTLTof-CTC2fMcr7BFN03T109554N6TxLGsxC4VQJirZ5NH-4/s1600/progress3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6d1NPxTGcbYJIMPQbd_B1NYy1giJBzRYQv2xDr5EGETBGjOSghWkPQtIRhniguIVeHMEBXmZMaj21-U8yomF7u8myzMTLTof-CTC2fMcr7BFN03T109554N6TxLGsxC4VQJirZ5NH-4/s1600/progress3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I used <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/creative-quilting-with-your-walking-foot/562?_ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-qbb&_ctp=562,1" target="_blank">Jacquie Gering's sectioned curves technique</a> for quilting. I love the way the gentle curves add movement to the quilt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxnO7w_KD-2zcXzDZXO7Mvfl2MF7QBWI3rujg3lYkA6ICkQsGxprF5Xvcey2ndycUQiHrTDv-aNO8n4YtoS__78HALqZrPkdJneYqNPx548KHepe_qe2zoc7jd7MLxpGaBmSB474wloU/s1600/binding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxnO7w_KD-2zcXzDZXO7Mvfl2MF7QBWI3rujg3lYkA6ICkQsGxprF5Xvcey2ndycUQiHrTDv-aNO8n4YtoS__78HALqZrPkdJneYqNPx548KHepe_qe2zoc7jd7MLxpGaBmSB474wloU/s1600/binding.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love hand stitching the binding to my quilts!!</td></tr>
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I absolutely loved working with RJR's Cotton Supreme Solids!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA2wiSXaVejNfUjnu46f8xrpSCiEMjeT9s6Cmb9Nph7aZ71T-oKL7LFp8m8v4_NTUTS3stB5-fhqEVBB6oqVDoDSdUIXOjlxJOFFH4AWl-3KboL8YfdrU2YDDjx4kZyGIsBxjwp1r7GE/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA2wiSXaVejNfUjnu46f8xrpSCiEMjeT9s6Cmb9Nph7aZ71T-oKL7LFp8m8v4_NTUTS3stB5-fhqEVBB6oqVDoDSdUIXOjlxJOFFH4AWl-3KboL8YfdrU2YDDjx4kZyGIsBxjwp1r7GE/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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They are a perfect combo with the C+S collection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquWElKkNlrmXkSX3Te1IZ9LhyphenhyphenNVubiyn8xVsepBAzkZQ9iOD5jRb6ejAcjCUrzz8Ns1rih4SBHCtDA86YIp0IJXgQ6C-Jo0kuhoP0FEz_U8V7U1LPz3FtvBpzoteeTkeIxHH8EMiCOt0/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquWElKkNlrmXkSX3Te1IZ9LhyphenhyphenNVubiyn8xVsepBAzkZQ9iOD5jRb6ejAcjCUrzz8Ns1rih4SBHCtDA86YIp0IJXgQ6C-Jo0kuhoP0FEz_U8V7U1LPz3FtvBpzoteeTkeIxHH8EMiCOt0/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I found that there was less fraying than with other solids, which has always been frustrating for me.<br />
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And the colors!!!! Oh, my...beautiful!!<br />
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So, what shade am I? I have no idea ;-)))) But I do know that I really love the Cotton Supreme Solids and can't wait to get more! Luckily for me, <a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/pages/color-inspirations-club" target="_blank">Pink Castle Fabrics</a> has a Color Inspirations Club that is calling my name!!!<br />
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One of my favorite parts of a blog hop is the opportunity for a give away ;-))) RJR Fabrics has been generous in offering a reader (US and Canada) a bundle of the solids used in my quilt. If you would like to win these gorgeous solids, leave a comment and I will randomly pick a winner next Tuesday. Be sure and leave an email address if you are a no-reply commenter.<br />
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You can also see other wonderful quilts from their blog hop on RJR's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/RJR-Fabrics/199784296353?id=199784296353&sk=app_137541772984354" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.<br />
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2014/09/patterns.html" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts finish it up Friday</a>!<br />
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Thanks, as always, for dropping by!!<br />
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~ Michelle ~</div>
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***The giveaway is now closed***</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-11261449382659714142014-09-22T06:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T06:00:10.540-04:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 9/22/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc_ilOVu31Cywd6mlpM7dMcv7uQBE0s1_BQgbYUqHAv-5T5qyW-cvrcaYV4iwGb0EE9ZWiB7ivzxut3E8SqZlq853yvEHI6ojAinHocATtugX1Nr2gfEP0EAqfyCdVQ2eZ_6sFaDhq3U/s1600/final+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc_ilOVu31Cywd6mlpM7dMcv7uQBE0s1_BQgbYUqHAv-5T5qyW-cvrcaYV4iwGb0EE9ZWiB7ivzxut3E8SqZlq853yvEHI6ojAinHocATtugX1Nr2gfEP0EAqfyCdVQ2eZ_6sFaDhq3U/s1600/final+button.jpg" /></a></div>
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Welcome to another week of our Choose Your Own BlockAlong. Please forgive my brevity this week...I've been burning the midnight oil lately, trying to finish a project with a deadline, and I am beat ;-) </div>
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I am continuing with my City Sampler using my much loved Cotton+Steel. </div>
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Here are my six blocks: </div>
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For those of you keeping count, I should have 8 blocks. It didn't take long for me to realize I wanted all my prints to be from the Cotton+Steel collection, so I already have 2 orphan blocks. I'm sure I will find a way to use them in a future project.</div>
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Don't forget to head over to <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene' Creates</a> and <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Live A Colorful Life </a>to see their progress. I had a sneak peek of Rene's blocks, and they are gorgeous!!! And be sure to stop by Friday for a finish and a giveaway!!</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-41332589623175091432014-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:002014-09-15T06:39:04.949-04:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong 9/15/14<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back to another week of our Choose Your Own BlockAlong. I have two more blocks to share from the Tula Pink City Sampler.</div>
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Both blocks were made using my current favorite line, Cotton + Steel. I'm beginning to see a pattern ;-)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsXLkuc1nPsETHrkfM7IKaYEUPoit-KFZESCJQi1f7rieY49-m1CEtDb3WPDCyzx4Eb0PfskCSR0hIxGIFXNH8tZFV8AHZLx5e-Ewvt8ddQJPSlFykvdIyG1Fa9K3Dvj9TS2_a1Yz_Eg/s1600/blue+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsXLkuc1nPsETHrkfM7IKaYEUPoit-KFZESCJQi1f7rieY49-m1CEtDb3WPDCyzx4Eb0PfskCSR0hIxGIFXNH8tZFV8AHZLx5e-Ewvt8ddQJPSlFykvdIyG1Fa9K3Dvj9TS2_a1Yz_Eg/s1600/blue+book.JPG" height="355" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 44</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaIhVPa8OXoO29wOtoo4-f8hcaLTtpbnCg4Rl7NrRu08IgNLEmweBOQV4bKg3XAO-rPrTHUifdNesXZi-rPi_VVDKYEKY_FNoLDup1Eyr39bxXUYSrHh3tJqn7AefwUdFmDlfcaBtHTc/s1600/tacks+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaIhVPa8OXoO29wOtoo4-f8hcaLTtpbnCg4Rl7NrRu08IgNLEmweBOQV4bKg3XAO-rPrTHUifdNesXZi-rPi_VVDKYEKY_FNoLDup1Eyr39bxXUYSrHh3tJqn7AefwUdFmDlfcaBtHTc/s1600/tacks+book.JPG" height="363" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 38</td></tr>
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I am loving the C + S blocks...</div>
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Don't forget to drop by <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene' Creates</a> and <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Live A Colorful Life</a> to see their progress.</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-62204024932393603572014-09-08T06:00:00.000-04:002014-09-08T06:07:15.802-04:00Choose Your Own BlockAlong<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to this week's Choose Your Own BlockAlong! I sure enjoyed seeing the blocks that <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene</a> and <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Cindy</a> made last week!! And I can't wait to see their newest blocks!</div>
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This past week was a challenge for me. Between work, family, and end-of-Summer colds running through the family, I wasn't able to even think about my blocks until Saturday. Fortunately for me, Tula Pink makes it easy to choose blocks based on available time ;-)</div>
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Needless to say, I chose blocks with very low numbers ;-)))</div>
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Both blocks were pieced using Cotton + Steel...my favorite!! I had some difficulty with the first block. I'll attribute my cutting and/or piecing errors to the cold medicine. It may end up as an orphan block, which is a shame as I ended up liking the mustard colored solid used. </div>
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Here are my four blocks placed on the City Sampler grid.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIfY1cBnb5qp4FuraCSOJ0pvDnHZWFFeIJpT2wuTRC-02kfDaNVVZ_fWWDjfip6ZqJW09hLdeBDQk5WFMgsZa0K0HOI5wSxyaZn6GKHDw8pfTYsPYctGmlnKG7xQzpr_H-mWFZUglPrg/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIfY1cBnb5qp4FuraCSOJ0pvDnHZWFFeIJpT2wuTRC-02kfDaNVVZ_fWWDjfip6ZqJW09hLdeBDQk5WFMgsZa0K0HOI5wSxyaZn6GKHDw8pfTYsPYctGmlnKG7xQzpr_H-mWFZUglPrg/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="360" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My blocks look so lonesome...haha!!</span></td></tr>
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As more blocks are made, I will need to decide the layout I want to use. In the book, Tula provides 5 possible layouts. The number of blocks and setting fabrics vary according to the layout. I also need to be thinking about color choices for the blocks. So far I've been winging it ;-) I need to be making some decisions very soon!</div>
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Rene' was kind enough to make a button for our BlockAlong. Be sure and grab it from my sidebar if you want to play, which I hope you will. </div>
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<img src="https://us-mg204.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2%5f0%5f0%5f1%5f4427971%5fACd3w0MAAAO%2fVAzy7QAAALx9Tis&m=YaDownload&pid=2.2&fid=Inbox&inline=1&appid=yahoomail" /></div>
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And don't forget to head over to <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene' Creates</a> and <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Live A Colorful Life</a> to see their blocks for the week.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-79268123010779779682014-09-01T06:00:00.000-04:002014-09-01T07:41:07.502-04:00And So It Begins...Choose Your Own BlockAlong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited about a new project with my sister Rene', of <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene Creates</a>, and friend Cindy, of <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Live A Colorful Life</a>...and my return to blogging! During the summer, Rene' and I were discussing the <strike>endless list of</strike> projects we would like to work on. I have been itching to start my <a href="http://tulapink.com/2013/04/24/city-sampler-100-modern-quilt-blocks/" target="_blank">Tula Pink's City Sampler</a> quilt, and Rene' has been wanting to make a Dear Jane quilt. However, we both have lots on our plates and have been slow to get started. Cindy was also busy planning her next sampler quilt (remember her amazing <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/2011/06/farmers-wife-friday-living-in-gods-open.html" target="_blank">Farmer's Wife Fridays</a>?) We thought it would be great to work on our sampler quilts together, as a collaborative project, to <strike>hold each other accountable</strike> share with each other. And So It Begins...our Choose Your Own BlockAlong.</div>
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Each Monday, we will highlight, on our blogs, the blocks we have made for our quilts. I am hoping to make two blocks a week. I know that's not a lot, but I want to be realistic. I have A LOT going on now that the school year has started.</div>
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Here are my first two blocks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 100: Tula PInk's Acacia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 27: Amy Butler...</td></tr>
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Here are my blocks with the corresponding blocks from the book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVdvMowB6H99XrszvmoWh_BLCK-gcsEnTZ5pzb03wYUfZpzZIOK6qu8r1iBVuPfS4cnU-oAgxLn3gtMi14R8tIaunkc0rpjLnouWhivcUH2fHecpwDYAVxZRte6cQF8O5b1GLkdtpeMU/s1600/book2+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVdvMowB6H99XrszvmoWh_BLCK-gcsEnTZ5pzb03wYUfZpzZIOK6qu8r1iBVuPfS4cnU-oAgxLn3gtMi14R8tIaunkc0rpjLnouWhivcUH2fHecpwDYAVxZRte6cQF8O5b1GLkdtpeMU/s1600/book2+crop.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
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The book has a place for you to write the name of each block (which I won't be doing...I have a hard enough time naming quilts...haha) and to write fabric notes (which I probably won't remember). I am terrible at remembering fabric designers and/or collections, so please feel free to leave a comment if you know, or if I am mistaken, about the fabric...I will be sure to add it to my notes!</div>
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I will be uploading my pictures on an excel document to help me stay organized while working on my blocks. Debbie, from A Quilter's Table, has a great<a href="http://pdf.aquilterstable.com/making%20a%20grid.pdf" target="_blank"> tutorial</a> for creating a grid for the City Sampler blocks. </div>
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Hmmm...I have quite a ways to go ;-)))))<br />
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I hope you will join me each Monday as I create my way through the City Sampler quilt.</div>
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Don't forget to head over to <a href="http://renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene'</a> and<a href="http://liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank"> Cindy's</a> blogs to check out their blocks!</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-5023003642611072162013-07-15T09:19:00.001-04:002013-07-15T09:19:41.186-04:00(Another) Gift For My Sister<div style="text-align: center;">
I love making quilty gifts for<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank"> my sister</a>. She was, after all, the one who led me to this obsession. Last year I made her a <a href="http://www.frustratedquilter.blogspot.com/2012/07/gift-for-my-sister.html" target="_blank">wall hanging</a>, which has become one of my favorite quilts. This year I decided to stretch myself by making her a bag...Elizabeth Hartman's<a href="http://www.ohfransson.bigcartel.com/product/sewing-circle-tote-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank"> Sewing Circle Tote</a>. Oh my, what was I thinking??? I have always said, "I don't sew, I quilt."</div>
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I have to admit, this was a challenge...one I thoroughly enjoyed. I used materials I had never heard of (cotton webbing, fusible interfacing, Peltex...what????) and tried techniques new to me (zipper pouches, elastic pouches)...oh, my!!! Fortunately, I had <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/" target="_blank">Cindy</a> as my go to person to email and text throughout the making of the bag!!! You can see her bag (which is awesome) <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/2013/05/im-bag-lady.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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The pattern called for making the long and short straps first.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These wonder clips eased my pain quite a bit</td></tr>
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After successfully making the straps and the bottom of the bag, I felt pretty confident ;-) Next up was making the four outer pockets using the quilt as you go method (a first for me). This ended up quite time consuming, as I spent probably an entire day decided on what scraps to use.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a hot mess ;-)</td></tr>
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Below are some progress shots, taken quickly, as I was rushed to finish before Rene's birthday!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After what seemed a lifetime, I had my four outer pockets.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first zipper pouch EVER...not pretty, but it worked</td></tr>
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Below is a picture of the bag delivered to my sister in Montana.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTpJglJipDRTxeYqwe0r92jmCZ-jeV0bF613bszjE63akAfMv6dRh64leLJI4efKvccM4M9nD29bvXv7SD-unTpZYQ9Atbr3ZHQuMgXvLVpQ1sBfTgBHsMAx7qrznrYXp2VPa9hkHfKE/s1600/IMG_3929.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTpJglJipDRTxeYqwe0r92jmCZ-jeV0bF613bszjE63akAfMv6dRh64leLJI4efKvccM4M9nD29bvXv7SD-unTpZYQ9Atbr3ZHQuMgXvLVpQ1sBfTgBHsMAx7qrznrYXp2VPa9hkHfKE/s400/IMG_3929.PNG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture stolen from Rene's Instagram</td></tr>
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Of course, no posting of mine is complete without a glam shot (or two) of My Frustration, who is always on hand to provide support ;-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bless his heart...he was exhausted upon finishing the bag!!</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1006119603"></span><span id="goog_1006119604"></span>I guess I can no longer say that I don't sew. In fact, I have purchased another Elizabeth Hartman bag pattern!! A big shout out to her...she has the most detailed and illustrated patterns...almost "Michelle proof."<br />
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!!<br />
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~ Michelle ~<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-73577927445884170772013-06-14T09:35:00.002-04:002013-06-14T09:35:43.633-04:00Catch Up<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't been here for awhile...too busy with work, family, and Instagram (my new obsession). I have been quilting a little, though.</div>
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My latest finish is my #scrappytripalong quilt. I have found it impossible <i>not</i> to include the hashtag...thanks to IG ;-)<br />
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A big thanks to Bonnie Hunter, who has a great tutorial for this quilt on her <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/scrappy-trips-around-world.html" target="_blank">blog</a>.</div>
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I jumped on this wagon a little late, but boy did I have fun making it. I used a bunch of civil war era fat eights my <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">sister</a> had gifted me a couple of years ago. </div>
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For the first time, I was working on multiple projects (don't you just love my Kaffe shoofly block?...haha). And, as usual, most of my pictures are taken with my phone while working. </div>
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Although the quilt can quickly be put together, it took me forever!!! With lots going on with work and family, most days I was only able to look at my blocks waiting patiently for me to finish ;-)</div>
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I have learned that I work better without lots of starting and stopping. So, with this quilt, I worked in stages. I set aside time for cutting all the strips, then piecing them into strip sets, then subcutting, etc. It took forever before I finally completed my first block.<br />
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The many, many seams were a challenge for me, but a great reminder of the importance of pinning!!<br />
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While I was playing around with the layout, my oldest son asked who would be getting this quilt. He was quite surprised when I said that I was just making it to make it...no one in particular in mind. Well, he was quick to claim it as his! I love that my boys love my quilts ;-)<br />
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I returned to my old habit of quilting at the dining room table, which my Frustration LOVED!!! I quilted it using a meandering stitch throughout. Unfortunately, my best pictures would not upload without major distortions (not sure what the malfunction is), so I leave you with a few pictures my son took of the completed quilt.<br />
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I hope to work out some kinks with uploading my pictures. Maybe it's time to start using a real camera and not my phone!!!<br />
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In the meantime, I hope to share more quilting now that my summer vacation has finally arrived.<br />
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I have switched over to<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5214885/?claim=tqha2398mwy%22%3EFollow%20my%20blog%20with%20Bloglovin" target="_blank"> Bloglovin</a>, so if you wish, you can follow me there.<br />
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Thanks, as always, for stopping by!!<br />
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~ Michelle ~<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-70132985179749351952013-03-01T17:23:00.001-05:002013-03-01T17:23:57.794-05:00The 350 Blocks Project - February Report<div style="text-align: center;">
I am happy to report that I met February's goal of 28 blocks in the <a href="http://prairiemoonquilts.com/?page_id=1037" target="_blank">350 Blocks Project</a>, although I'm not quite caught up for the year. Quite frankly, I doubt I will be caught up until mid summer when I'll have much more time to quilt. In the meantime, thank goodness for quick and easy blocks!!</div>
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I am continuing to work on my ScrappyTripAlong and Shoofly quilts.</div>
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What a contrast in design and fabrics! I'm loving both of my projects.</div>
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As usual, all of my pictures stink, as I use the camera on my phone. I just don't have time for awesome photo shoots ;-) *sigh* Maybe one day...</div>
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I have enjoyed working in shifts with my projects. Kind of like an assembly line. With my scrappy quilt, I spent a day sewing sets of six strips together and pressing them. Then, as I found time, I would subcut and piece together the blocks. </div>
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I did the same with the shoofly blocks. One afternoon drawing the line across the squares and pinning them, then chain piecing the HSTs, then pressing another day, finishing with trimming the dog ears. Too bad it's not a true assembly line with lots of people taking care of each step. Of course, then it wouldn't be mine, so what would be the point, right? </div>
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I do love the way my shoofly blocks are coming together...I have been so scared of HSTs...so silly of me!!</div>
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So...my report for the month...</div>
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February's block - 32...Goal met</div>
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Year to date - 36...9 blocks short.</div>
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Thanks, <a href="http://prairiemoonquilts.com/" target="_blank">Shelly</a>, for helping me set and work towards a quilty goal!!!</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-56028810990631136262013-02-04T06:56:00.000-05:002013-02-04T06:56:15.668-05:00The 350 Blocks Project - January Report<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a hard time juggling family, work, quilting, and blogging. When I do find time to quilt, I find I don't have time to take pictures of my projects and blog about them. With that in mind, I decided to join <a href="http://prairiemoonquilts.com/?page_id=1037" target="_blank">Shelly's 350 Blocks Project</a>. I am hoping this will help me "record" what I am working on and share it with others. So, here is my <strike>pitiful</strike> block report for January ;-)</div>
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I made a little mini quilt just for fun. </div>
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I have three blocks for my #scrappytripalong. Unfortunately, the poor lighting doesn't do justice to the beautiful prints.</div>
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And one big block which is actually a flimsy (I resisted trying to count this as more than one block...haha).</div>
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I am hoping I will have more to show for February's report!!<br />
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog.<br />
~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-52861657841825395902013-02-03T10:50:00.003-05:002013-02-03T10:50:50.048-05:00Birthdays, Super Bowl, and a Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is a big day in our house...my youngest son's 19th birthday!! Kyle shares his birthday with many special people...two great grandfathers from both sides of the family, his girl friend, and my friend<a href="http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Mary</a>. </div>
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Kyle's not much for having his picture taken, but I was able to snap this picture of him last year while visiting the grandparents.</div>
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Kyle is a big supporter of my quilting, and all things "Momma." He insists that the quilt I made him a couple of years ago (while still learning) is the best.</div>
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He did say, though, with some concern in his voice, that my Peace quilt may actually outdo his ;-)</div>
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Today is also Super Bowl Sunday. Ehhh...blah blah blah...go Falcons!!!</div>
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I guess we'll be rooting for the commercials this year.</div>
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I'm excited to announce the give away winner of <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/2013/01/big-news.html" target="_blank">Rene's Peace Pattern</a>, Ting, who wrote, "Looks great to have a Peace quilt for Christmas. I love the tangerine one too. Thanks for the chance." Ting, I have forwarded your email address to Rene', who will be contacting you shortly. Congratulations on winning this great pattern. I'm sure you will have lots of fun with it!!</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-44374044082792921382013-01-24T07:05:00.000-05:002013-01-24T18:47:57.116-05:00Peace Quilt Bloggy Party and a Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited to participate in the Peace Quilt Bloggy Party and be able to share my Peace Quilt and Peace top. I have been a follower of Rene' for over 40 years ;-) For those who may not be familiar with us,<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank"> Rene'</a> is my sister, best friend, motivator, source of inspiration...yes, I think she is awesome. And her Peace Quilt Pattern is just as awesome. <br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmZwo36e1c8WYKLM4D35zF5SnHTV6JJ04W-Q2K-wLZJ2bFniLkAUx0rDvvyCqeuH8E7MDMSKCEwqtm2ZzOgbcHxfNZvtaNGir9vC8GqWsE6saVuiMkmceVyTpf-FTj8ZdVho6TtdDyiOW/s320/Peace+Pattern+2013+-+Version+2.jpg" width="241" /><br />
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I totally fell in love with her first Peace Quilt, <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/2010/04/sew-tell-friday-25.html" target="_blank">Feeling Groovy</a>. If you haven't seen it, it is SO worth following the link!!</div>
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After some <strike>begging and pleading</strike> gentle persuading (thanks <a href="http://ktquilts4fun.blogspot.com/2013/01/peace.html" target="_blank">KT</a>), Rene' developed the pattern, which is now <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/546251/pattern-store" target="_blank">available for purchase</a>.</div>
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I had the pleasure of testing the pattern and am so happy to share a little #peace.</div>
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I made the baby peace quilt using Christmas scraps for a wall hanging.</div>
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I loved how quickly the top came together (I am all about instant gratification). I loved how all my squares lined up so perfectly...a first for me ;-) The cutting instructions were spot on! I was able to lay out the strips on my <strike>dining room</strike> table and easily pieced the top in one afternoon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvPTwqZyiJqB9526OY1WrDnDiX7AhSHxsTTe3FCDsFeJLc17onk8_Q6uFC9OFkG0P391yVv0iQLPVudaMus7m8sagmejggu5FyxC1fqOChPxaY42NkqRnbrKzDo_RhbAHGFYzxOlDGmQ/s1600/7D28E9D2-84D9-4EF7-B215-C4A56A68A452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvPTwqZyiJqB9526OY1WrDnDiX7AhSHxsTTe3FCDsFeJLc17onk8_Q6uFC9OFkG0P391yVv0iQLPVudaMus7m8sagmejggu5FyxC1fqOChPxaY42NkqRnbrKzDo_RhbAHGFYzxOlDGmQ/s400/7D28E9D2-84D9-4EF7-B215-C4A56A68A452.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quilt was a perfect size for my Frustration and I to practice our FMQ.</td></tr>
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The wall hanging goes perfectly in our kitchen, and we were able to enjoy this beauty during Christmas.</div>
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I have to say, however, that my second Peace quilt (the lap size) is my favorite. The squares are primarily Kaffe Fassett, with a few random squares thrown in. I waffled on the background fabric, finally choosing Kona Tangerine. As Rene' said, "Go bold or go home!" A perfect choice!!</div>
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As with the baby quilt, the instructions were perfect, and everything lined up nicely. Rene's pattern sure makes my quilting look good ;-)</div>
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Rene' included great graphics/diagrams for each size quilt. This really helped while laying out the strips and during piecing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyEZYOSdmbX-TRFEsDyir4n0TH1gMchqZbuhZNvUh3f-3QyZovtLRXQ0iezwuL77xsaLJtBNxab69YT_LEcQURFooqgxSBYKtA2-RlVt0lns0upyY0l-WwRRs22AkHbN280ASq1js3cA/s1600/DCA885DE-EE1A-462E-A4C5-BC603501D8F2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyEZYOSdmbX-TRFEsDyir4n0TH1gMchqZbuhZNvUh3f-3QyZovtLRXQ0iezwuL77xsaLJtBNxab69YT_LEcQURFooqgxSBYKtA2-RlVt0lns0upyY0l-WwRRs22AkHbN280ASq1js3cA/s400/DCA885DE-EE1A-462E-A4C5-BC603501D8F2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am looking forward to finishing my Peace quilt, although I have no clue yet how I'm going to quilt it! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFPHiho-so5sLXVktqimzFAtgzPTPGtFYWEbwkuroHyTPzU_r5Rea7vFD9_flqXXDTBgG6Uiu141nDbFI46yjUKaViX8lbBgB9XeJiCmMnc5IB2tW-6dLhh-4Qf4goQmvo_XGtf5AFs/s1600/842CD36C-77BB-4ED5-9EC5-A8DC93045C08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFPHiho-so5sLXVktqimzFAtgzPTPGtFYWEbwkuroHyTPzU_r5Rea7vFD9_flqXXDTBgG6Uiu141nDbFI46yjUKaViX8lbBgB9XeJiCmMnc5IB2tW-6dLhh-4Qf4goQmvo_XGtf5AFs/s400/842CD36C-77BB-4ED5-9EC5-A8DC93045C08.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Be sure and leave a comment for your chance to win the giveaway of this pattern. I will leave the giveaway open through February 1st. And be sure to check out the other blogs for some beautiful eye candy and more chances to win.</div>
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Bloggy Party Schedule:</div>
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Monday, January 21 - Katie at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1060069422" rel="" target="_blank">KT Quilts</a><br />
Tuesday, January 22 - Michele at <a href="http://nostalgiccafe.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nostalgic Cafe</a><br />
Wednesday, January 23 - Cindy at <a href="http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live a Colorful Life</a><br />
Friday, January 25 - Stephanie at <a href="http://peasinapod.typepad.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peas in a Pod</a> </div>
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Monday, January 28 - Terri at <a href="http://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Terri's Notebook</a> </div>
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Tuesday, January 29 - Doris at <a href="http://madebyabrunnette.typepad.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Made by a Brunnette</a> </div>
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Wednesday, January 30 - Mary at <a href="http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mary on Lake Pulaski</a> </div>
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Thursday, January 31 - Shelly at <a href="http://www.prairiemoonquilts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prairie Moon Quilts</a> </div>
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Friday, February 1 - back to <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rene' Creates</a> for a give away</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-62767189781253459032013-01-21T07:55:00.002-05:002013-01-21T07:55:48.215-05:00~ Family Secrets ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Who would have known that while<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank"> my sister</a> and I were scheming a <a href="http://www.frustratedquilter.blogspot.com/2012/12/most-special-gift.html" target="_blank">surprise birthday quilt</a> for our mom that she had a little secret of her own?!? Christmas quilts for us both...</div>
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Although we knew our mom had taken a quilting class in October, we never imagined that she would be working on TWO quilts for Christmas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XDqxIf3herdlkThQ-6QTWXAuct-VNvXOEYqUwCORi_w8VRVQAZyE-5cvgNFrg7ZVeE5EkFusakuqj5dSOmuLNBytWrlvv5xc7oaYy5pMVEv0EBe3Q_P8clMl_ud6zWCdC-V3cusL1H8/s1600/970D7FFD-5A1B-47A9-9A81-7F6CAB2B9C7B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XDqxIf3herdlkThQ-6QTWXAuct-VNvXOEYqUwCORi_w8VRVQAZyE-5cvgNFrg7ZVeE5EkFusakuqj5dSOmuLNBytWrlvv5xc7oaYy5pMVEv0EBe3Q_P8clMl_ud6zWCdC-V3cusL1H8/s400/970D7FFD-5A1B-47A9-9A81-7F6CAB2B9C7B.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am totally blown away by this "beginner!" And I use that word lightly.</div>
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My quilt is absolutely gorgeous!! And perfect for nap taking ;-)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9WxGhlZQvYSFj5zN78ERWaxxxQMtNn8uP3WDP22jlwXVoYYhRXt2eI1IhwmrAUiehP-M-8IaRaUjc8VbjkTGejX-9ZbEm2CCxADMqNgBL_JlfHW_T5mnZd7yugjZ3wo3KDRLM0dMTWs/s1600/70D8FBEE-DD9D-408A-AB32-4BB700C978DC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9WxGhlZQvYSFj5zN78ERWaxxxQMtNn8uP3WDP22jlwXVoYYhRXt2eI1IhwmrAUiehP-M-8IaRaUjc8VbjkTGejX-9ZbEm2CCxADMqNgBL_JlfHW_T5mnZd7yugjZ3wo3KDRLM0dMTWs/s400/70D8FBEE-DD9D-408A-AB32-4BB700C978DC.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere under that bundle is me ;-)))</td></tr>
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Mom named the quilt "Memories." We have such wonderful memories of past Christmases, and we are always looking forward to making more memories. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZamoISye5oVG5j0-QN8d7NL-IhzqaAGyqkOa_e6LBHcYdtQ5K3mqMMYljSqPfblUtusFjkOweG6VRHMk5jzBpRMFVHoXICuSHGIacq5duQ1xYPizLDxN_Jde0n9WKuxbXk7_mDaJzmcU/s1600/33B04B1B-563F-4568-9D8E-1384DB55A3F6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZamoISye5oVG5j0-QN8d7NL-IhzqaAGyqkOa_e6LBHcYdtQ5K3mqMMYljSqPfblUtusFjkOweG6VRHMk5jzBpRMFVHoXICuSHGIacq5duQ1xYPizLDxN_Jde0n9WKuxbXk7_mDaJzmcU/s400/33B04B1B-563F-4568-9D8E-1384DB55A3F6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We have had so much fun the past few months sharing our quilting journey. We laughingly ask what we talked about before we quilted, as the three of us spend hours on the phone with quilty talk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IogW112ln7U4smD5P9mn5YXmsehb6HeGEuSoNX92km5iJ1NYgu0C8C-EQvFdVRmURAXqhb47BFOX2q76NOEbLdo9aua99dyg-VlhqMHY95ERaAYPun7qOWqx3ckp7E-QFitebY2D9sE/s1600/08CC439A-1147-4D68-97EA-1093F7B1D515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IogW112ln7U4smD5P9mn5YXmsehb6HeGEuSoNX92km5iJ1NYgu0C8C-EQvFdVRmURAXqhb47BFOX2q76NOEbLdo9aua99dyg-VlhqMHY95ERaAYPun7qOWqx3ckp7E-QFitebY2D9sE/s400/08CC439A-1147-4D68-97EA-1093F7B1D515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Be sure to drop by my sister's<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/2013/01/friday-finish-first.html" target="_blank"> blog</a> to see the beautiful quilt our mom made for her!!!</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-53391119156483942212012-12-22T09:01:00.000-05:002012-12-22T09:42:40.189-05:00~ A Most Special Gift ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is a most special day for a most special lady...my mother. Happy Birthday, Mom! My sister, <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene'</a>, believes strongly in celebrating all milestone birthdays (any birthday ending in a five or zero) in a BIG way. So to honor our mom's milestone birthday, we decided to make her a quilt...together. And I am so excited to finally be able to share it!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafeyIzVdVgJY7ttoztcBtDWm1ZPhvPDn9sVr5leXbkPbPRY6sEDZblVOGvbstilxBuvUcfMzLRqR8QK-JCBeeGoA8O4TlInY2KgsClDEINnn__XZT9-KZwBPD7btrKTecHClQMQwLHAk/s1600/97DDBE6F-E8A3-44A0-9513-59B24C904944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafeyIzVdVgJY7ttoztcBtDWm1ZPhvPDn9sVr5leXbkPbPRY6sEDZblVOGvbstilxBuvUcfMzLRqR8QK-JCBeeGoA8O4TlInY2KgsClDEINnn__XZT9-KZwBPD7btrKTecHClQMQwLHAk/s400/97DDBE6F-E8A3-44A0-9513-59B24C904944.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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We started our planning this past summer during our Gruber's retreat. Even though I<a href="http://frustratedquilter.blogspot.com/2012/10/pay-back.html" target="_blank"> <strike>blamed</strike></a> gave credit to Rene' for coming up with the idea of a Great Granny Square quilt, it was our good friend<a href="http://madebyabrunnette.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> Doris's</a> idea (God bless her). It was a perfect choice!! After all, our mother recently became a Great Grandmother, but has also been a great grandmother and a great mother!!</div>
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We spent much time talking, planning, choosing the perfect fabric, stressing...</div>
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...for me, mainly stressing. So much, in fact, I was very careful to follow the directions</div>
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TO . A . T!!!</div>
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In fact, the tutorial never left my side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu5TVqYA_jcTIEcGk1_quEL2bL_xIJJZo7b1LiaRBJAkHyvzNZcx8skejP-s9z756Ri7_Zj0vm5qZWit3WinWTZvP3kf4Wm6CnTNZ1lGL7ZY29AscuIdDcFypJSwVjLV1pRjRM-88p7E/s1600/A3FC4437-F0F7-4A87-84A8-0BA2309F083C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhu5TVqYA_jcTIEcGk1_quEL2bL_xIJJZo7b1LiaRBJAkHyvzNZcx8skejP-s9z756Ri7_Zj0vm5qZWit3WinWTZvP3kf4Wm6CnTNZ1lGL7ZY29AscuIdDcFypJSwVjLV1pRjRM-88p7E/s400/A3FC4437-F0F7-4A87-84A8-0BA2309F083C.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My Frustration was also nearby to ensure I did not miss a step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0PyWTXjFEbRwd0G7MwHzZUxbxbeZXU9zv1IbE_MWKtWOscZD9SvUHZG6MWgMGaaOMuZjmX-K1cqQeh8oXgWd7y7IfIKepKW01NX8I2R9vYxgIM4t13Rk5u7zv6k39ef27t2nGuRAe6Y/s1600/419DBFEE-254F-4D14-9AA8-5EEE4D00B02C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0PyWTXjFEbRwd0G7MwHzZUxbxbeZXU9zv1IbE_MWKtWOscZD9SvUHZG6MWgMGaaOMuZjmX-K1cqQeh8oXgWd7y7IfIKepKW01NX8I2R9vYxgIM4t13Rk5u7zv6k39ef27t2nGuRAe6Y/s400/419DBFEE-254F-4D14-9AA8-5EEE4D00B02C.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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As I completed each block, I would send a pic to Rene' through Instagram. Here are a couple of my blocks...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Yznu9h5qNeX8czqETMpRBSzDEzW60u73EHWyhqaR0poulpus9n2hym4pi1nvF9YWrXHvAdaFd9LrgA_EdO-YIn3d6re-7NYlVLOfoedqlX7LyslMf4dzd5-Uva1IWnQQx-s7wwcjhk/s1600/1CDFDDFE-9B48-4E36-B5E2-0C17C33359BA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26Yznu9h5qNeX8czqETMpRBSzDEzW60u73EHWyhqaR0poulpus9n2hym4pi1nvF9YWrXHvAdaFd9LrgA_EdO-YIn3d6re-7NYlVLOfoedqlX7LyslMf4dzd5-Uva1IWnQQx-s7wwcjhk/s400/1CDFDDFE-9B48-4E36-B5E2-0C17C33359BA.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I must say, our IG friends were awesome in cheering us on during the making of this quilt...thank you!!</div>
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I played around with the layout of my blocks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJkCTXHr7OYntbqJ70tB0C3GceQU2_qMNQxMOPTKkv_fHFsD8fkdEk8OZ-O69aoK6vE4KruBpFELswoXtV4kxLaFV0lzg-ay2t51-4tbBdxKNPTS3PGCAFDPtNxAoRGbwdDZhIXPF6YM/s1600/2D02FD16-1261-4E02-9287-D6B2E0DEA788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJkCTXHr7OYntbqJ70tB0C3GceQU2_qMNQxMOPTKkv_fHFsD8fkdEk8OZ-O69aoK6vE4KruBpFELswoXtV4kxLaFV0lzg-ay2t51-4tbBdxKNPTS3PGCAFDPtNxAoRGbwdDZhIXPF6YM/s400/2D02FD16-1261-4E02-9287-D6B2E0DEA788.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a great picture...my "design wall" is now located behind my bedroom door :(</td></tr>
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I even labeled each block with a piece of painters tape so I wouldn't lose my place. As I have mentioned frequently, I am directionally challenged.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvP7AgJnQMzldbkkreSeCXIzAn7kifrZTmE7M3FVezpC7l_1_L6PACphuYs-pW2UTFAS0Fe5nY1UaO40PZBTY2ua16hciBoGZ6PwCbK-4M-2cNJ-oCUXR634YRW4MA-CyVtvfCjJvfwI/s1600/FCBA9A90-38E7-43DC-9C03-095EE8F4C667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvP7AgJnQMzldbkkreSeCXIzAn7kifrZTmE7M3FVezpC7l_1_L6PACphuYs-pW2UTFAS0Fe5nY1UaO40PZBTY2ua16hciBoGZ6PwCbK-4M-2cNJ-oCUXR634YRW4MA-CyVtvfCjJvfwI/s400/FCBA9A90-38E7-43DC-9C03-095EE8F4C667.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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After sewing my two columns together, I shipped it to Rene' to finish piecing the top with her blocks. She then pieced the back, basted the quilt, and sent it back to me to be quilted. Yikes!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOh74ACjrUcxxdvV95kNk4Yte5Wh_D7sj1F5El6oi37YYtNmqbP-2cUa2n_iOwnIuomRzaUhAZVAxQNYEXtwOetmpbgV1mSr7lE67EcaszCK0fJ8h72k1JJJc4prseAE2fRaWvGyVdgM/s1600/D7DB51EF-FE48-44B4-AF45-BB13CAFECC4D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOh74ACjrUcxxdvV95kNk4Yte5Wh_D7sj1F5El6oi37YYtNmqbP-2cUa2n_iOwnIuomRzaUhAZVAxQNYEXtwOetmpbgV1mSr7lE67EcaszCK0fJ8h72k1JJJc4prseAE2fRaWvGyVdgM/s400/D7DB51EF-FE48-44B4-AF45-BB13CAFECC4D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My Frustration must have realized that I was <strike>a nervous wreck, seriously stressing, panic ridden</strike> really focused on the quilting, because he stayed as far away from me as he could that day (yes, I cranked this baby out in one day...not recommended).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9AS2aZ0CF3n5jqdY4MTVnnNEipLyzdJC8QHxz4Wjm9YQAHVtg2KCUE_tVLjAFP42CdAQfVO0-ne_er1-iL5x_CndafZlaKThwkqkZI_1bQ_LEFoNPltnGac7zHN8mLvzOgW4xtA9W90/s1600/E34EA1FD-9940-4F3D-97A8-713327509D9B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9AS2aZ0CF3n5jqdY4MTVnnNEipLyzdJC8QHxz4Wjm9YQAHVtg2KCUE_tVLjAFP42CdAQfVO0-ne_er1-iL5x_CndafZlaKThwkqkZI_1bQ_LEFoNPltnGac7zHN8mLvzOgW4xtA9W90/s400/E34EA1FD-9940-4F3D-97A8-713327509D9B.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We were able to get a couple of pictures of the two of us with the unfinished quilt when Rene' and her family made a quick stop over after an FSU game.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksZpMBE9OMd09EMxENhcpRbeFIvcghZZfz5u1WxiXyL9DW0kJ98xO-1VH1_4tPKr1zFycHlAvZ4RTd-mz_qt5vK4pHTBGD46o2Kz4NGQ71mpcJqrrsC67qYRnKSZ320MXpIlrAjvpY7s/s1600/DP3A1711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksZpMBE9OMd09EMxENhcpRbeFIvcghZZfz5u1WxiXyL9DW0kJ98xO-1VH1_4tPKr1zFycHlAvZ4RTd-mz_qt5vK4pHTBGD46o2Kz4NGQ71mpcJqrrsC67qYRnKSZ320MXpIlrAjvpY7s/s400/DP3A1711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rene' took care of the binding and a most wonderful photo shoot of the finished quilt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEmCz_j8mVrOd0wb6mVtrQ4hPSlU2TOrWJ79i8zf4NPYAsAM288yT0ZM1I8yY6D5XbQCnB7EySdl5kRsFZ9VMoaBGa08nmE7GdSlFLem1hAzir_wStu1ASgjZR0WsCCN5mHbe5NBmTsw/s1600/DP3A1992+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEmCz_j8mVrOd0wb6mVtrQ4hPSlU2TOrWJ79i8zf4NPYAsAM288yT0ZM1I8yY6D5XbQCnB7EySdl5kRsFZ9VMoaBGa08nmE7GdSlFLem1hAzir_wStu1ASgjZR0WsCCN5mHbe5NBmTsw/s400/DP3A1992+-+Version+2.JPG" width="370" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0g6HJR8lwQxEnVKQqJ1i-T5tw5S1kAxbOsCDQTdTEWCRL78denNLzBzYI-3onNQzlFoFkKZL66ZjmaXSFopmbLTo_i6kLZksmKqZcBBi_GIsBwNSIqs0CQhh1ZzGVIwgii2mEWPybU4/s1600/DP3A1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0g6HJR8lwQxEnVKQqJ1i-T5tw5S1kAxbOsCDQTdTEWCRL78denNLzBzYI-3onNQzlFoFkKZL66ZjmaXSFopmbLTo_i6kLZksmKqZcBBi_GIsBwNSIqs0CQhh1ZzGVIwgii2mEWPybU4/s400/DP3A1999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j6tBKFH08HyPbpPr5A24tlqt_QidksE1Fhj42YNBfNppLokrWUzMJI3soXtnqvgSI4QZ3WqjBLXUC95s6oCOMs0TIIfn3JTleZ1zjl2RIZvsieSoYleYEGh4C-G4Rjz5VKaX6gUPaeQ/s1600/DP3A2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j6tBKFH08HyPbpPr5A24tlqt_QidksE1Fhj42YNBfNppLokrWUzMJI3soXtnqvgSI4QZ3WqjBLXUC95s6oCOMs0TIIfn3JTleZ1zjl2RIZvsieSoYleYEGh4C-G4Rjz5VKaX6gUPaeQ/s400/DP3A2003.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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Quilt Stats:</div>
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finished size 58"x72</div>
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pattern used: <a href="http://www.beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/2012/07/great-granny-along-and-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">great granny square blocks</a></div>
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pieced by me and <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene'</a>, quilted by me</div>
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fabric used Top: Kate Spain Serenade and Kona White, Backing: <a href="http://www.artgalleryfabrics.com/cgi-bin/fabricshop/gallery.cgi?func=show&file=15&Category=67&Page=1&v=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rock n Romance by Pat Bravo</a> (Rebel Cheri Whispers) , Binding: Kate Spain Fandango.</div>
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What a great time we had making this quilt!! I can't think of a better gift to give our mother, who has been such a big supporter of our quilting journey.</div>
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I can't wait to see the finished quilt in a few days...and to get a picture of the birthday girl with her birthday quilt!!</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank">Rene's blog</a> and her post about our special quilty gift!</div>
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2012/12/finish-it-up-friday-122112.html" target="_blank">AmandaJean</a> and <a href="http://www.confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/search/label/whoop-whoop" target="_blank">Sarah</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, Mom!! We love you (most)!!!</span></div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
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(whew)</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-24067451610234995302012-11-23T12:14:00.001-05:002012-11-23T13:46:06.041-05:00~ Lots of Work, Little to Show ~<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been very busy with quilty projects this week. So busy, in fact, that just about every muscle in my body aches. However, I don't have much to show for it...you know, 'Tis the Season to be working on Christmas gifts and such ;-) But here is what I can show...</div>
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I have begun my first scrappy quilt (barely) and I am SO excited!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77cLAPa2D6zi8fX23uv-fNVCaVmU9i46nFC2EyK93fWrhRPSZQ7Ji4cIXK23qQKJ2tI0zr-9mfGMf59MyegHTdvX5HAg421WZCIX4AasLFBa4akfQ1m1LTktIu1xI5SJGENdcCBmDCDs/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77cLAPa2D6zi8fX23uv-fNVCaVmU9i46nFC2EyK93fWrhRPSZQ7Ji4cIXK23qQKJ2tI0zr-9mfGMf59MyegHTdvX5HAg421WZCIX4AasLFBa4akfQ1m1LTktIu1xI5SJGENdcCBmDCDs/s320/004.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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This quilt is inspired by the Checkerboard quilt from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Morning-Quilts-Projects-Treasured/dp/1607054272" target="_blank">Sunday Morning Quilts</a>. Although I am piecing blocks instead of rows, as in Amanda Jean's pattern, I love how she combined whites and creams to go with her scraps. </div>
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I've been cutting and storing my scraps the past few weeks, </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bIyD0NwSwZ5TGzPybf0mnLJY41V9K-2IzoZV4wrA055Q9Wv-du_hyUGOnWXbdTShNjyy-Q9xjQPqUAivIKmgJOeQcNsNREsXNG-m42XNh48DjmfwCqB3eb_PkndHYvWzemanctGcFrg/s1600/1CE36B2B-6DD5-4A1E-9826-F3CF6AAC9992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bIyD0NwSwZ5TGzPybf0mnLJY41V9K-2IzoZV4wrA055Q9Wv-du_hyUGOnWXbdTShNjyy-Q9xjQPqUAivIKmgJOeQcNsNREsXNG-m42XNh48DjmfwCqB3eb_PkndHYvWzemanctGcFrg/s400/1CE36B2B-6DD5-4A1E-9826-F3CF6AAC9992.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting my scrap basket from Cindy, Live a Colorful Life, to good use ;-)</td></tr>
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and cutting and storing my whites and creams.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my bag from Michele, at Nostalgic Cafe :)</td></tr>
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This quilt will be a long time in the making, so I hope I can remain patient and forgo my tendency toward instant gratification.</div>
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I've also been working on my FMQ skills. Typically, I do a meandering stitch, but I decided to try some loopy stitches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1ZlFC708-15dvLxx95-AKv8YfsjoxF8G3uf6ZB9VTVH447iXTMjlIPe2X9SWb7nuICqncRNMP0RJpoYEWadAjZj53SnJddwEnqJOy34brH5by08G1V6H5kWcu8mHXPDXRT3Tfespzp0/s1600/04C4ED40-8AAB-44C7-B6EF-B17DD9B27DF5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1ZlFC708-15dvLxx95-AKv8YfsjoxF8G3uf6ZB9VTVH447iXTMjlIPe2X9SWb7nuICqncRNMP0RJpoYEWadAjZj53SnJddwEnqJOy34brH5by08G1V6H5kWcu8mHXPDXRT3Tfespzp0/s400/04C4ED40-8AAB-44C7-B6EF-B17DD9B27DF5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have to admit, I feel much more comfortable with the meandering stitch, but with practice, I'm sure I'll learn to love doing the loops.</div>
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Of course, my Frustration has enjoyed our quilting time as always...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTpeIj7LYLEQLCmp6W51kKZFUlIy9syJzPDkpAbi-Y9yUOrLMHemIhBbf53ZVz2o5xZitEjGu7SXytiL1nvJs3hArKz-SD2T44NnhQW1wXOkhzkMwrvii5v_KclFL2q3Gyh1U5XEmcXo/s1600/373AF672-A4B9-40C4-9901-047C30077841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTpeIj7LYLEQLCmp6W51kKZFUlIy9syJzPDkpAbi-Y9yUOrLMHemIhBbf53ZVz2o5xZitEjGu7SXytiL1nvJs3hArKz-SD2T44NnhQW1wXOkhzkMwrvii5v_KclFL2q3Gyh1U5XEmcXo/s400/373AF672-A4B9-40C4-9901-047C30077841.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaupPHoxoy4Xm0m1kUXuR84w1dnuVtX_5y7S3TfDzgjLJGxxhkokE8DlRL8-XNUq_JW27QXdmnNDV5SZzQLHBi1m5cNlFB60sKrNd6drALjM_guGUFu6ZxODdopStMSaGYD2BPwvZ1sKA/s1600/62CFD01D-C64E-45AD-B4FA-C6E37A554424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaupPHoxoy4Xm0m1kUXuR84w1dnuVtX_5y7S3TfDzgjLJGxxhkokE8DlRL8-XNUq_JW27QXdmnNDV5SZzQLHBi1m5cNlFB60sKrNd6drALjM_guGUFu6ZxODdopStMSaGYD2BPwvZ1sKA/s400/62CFD01D-C64E-45AD-B4FA-C6E37A554424.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Pretty pitiful showing considering the hours I've quilted this week ;-( Hopefully, I can show some completed projects soon!!</div>
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I hope everyone had a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-36620886276846207172012-10-28T12:32:00.000-04:002012-10-29T18:50:37.772-04:00Blogger's Quilt Festival ~ Fall 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited to participate in my second <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2012/10/26/bloggers-quilt-festival-fall-2012/" target="_blank">Blogger's Quilt Festival</a>. Thank you, Amy, for organizing this great event and thanks to all of the sponsors!</div>
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This year, I chose to enter a mini/wall quilt that I gifted to my<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank"> sister, Rene'</a>, for her birthday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UM_wusTCaCQHVO6pgIXpmRXI_lXrluHPryuYdNIrBr0ZCE79v94soPtqGgCfAuW45-3VjiWuqJLyohakE5B_NM9g1NVfU6bdQgPMNbhdfl7uUICS2mkTaCOajvQGxlmlFcufsLSo5iM/s1600/DP3A0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UM_wusTCaCQHVO6pgIXpmRXI_lXrluHPryuYdNIrBr0ZCE79v94soPtqGgCfAuW45-3VjiWuqJLyohakE5B_NM9g1NVfU6bdQgPMNbhdfl7uUICS2mkTaCOajvQGxlmlFcufsLSo5iM/s400/DP3A0496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I enjoy making quilty gifts, but I find it stressful to make quilts for Rene'. She is, after all, the one who introduced me to quilting. I still ask her lots of questions while making quilts, so it's difficult not to rely on her input and advice while making gifts for her.</div>
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The pattern, Fiesta Wall Quilt, is from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quilting-Modern-Techniques-Projects-Improvisational/dp/1596683872/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342182136&sr=8-1&keywords=quilting+modern+techniques+and+projects+for+improvisational+quilts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0033;">Quilting Modern</span></a>, by Jaquie Gering and Katie Pedersen. Fortunately for me, they were very detailed with the instructions. And trust me, I went step by step with this one, not wanting to make a mess of it. The fabrics selected were:</div>
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Center block: Couture French Dress by Laura Berringer for Marcus Brothers Fabrics</div>
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Inner Border: Kona Teal Blue</div>
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Center Border: Kona Azure</div>
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Outer Border: Kona Aqua</div>
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This was the first time I used my design wall for something other than just a place to hang my blocks ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTpRUz3paCDt_-b2TXiXV6HMg7IOuu1CsidVIFdn1rxCZS5-dKw3pi1kfRbNV-p42UDtT2kigUuRmJS9Hsgr9_gtDBiNTglGXyaNz-9EHXlpI2xoQZCjE1R3oyJenC4CncMhmwru66Jw/s1600/strips+on+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTpRUz3paCDt_-b2TXiXV6HMg7IOuu1CsidVIFdn1rxCZS5-dKw3pi1kfRbNV-p42UDtT2kigUuRmJS9Hsgr9_gtDBiNTglGXyaNz-9EHXlpI2xoQZCjE1R3oyJenC4CncMhmwru66Jw/s400/strips+on+wall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I am directionally challenged, I numbered each strip with painters tape so I wouldn't get turned around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TWYPTOpz5Uy2i3Cr-mjwdVnH1__yhun6XW0cQzQbHaydAIuRXDG2IsRiIKi77G7ud2UaDJWrKip_LYK1VUQhcQjfom_Z_klzPpQNWj271rliZJrp35-DJVRpXSIYpgJU0XI1cqrs1vA/s1600/strips+with+pins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TWYPTOpz5Uy2i3Cr-mjwdVnH1__yhun6XW0cQzQbHaydAIuRXDG2IsRiIKi77G7ud2UaDJWrKip_LYK1VUQhcQjfom_Z_klzPpQNWj271rliZJrp35-DJVRpXSIYpgJU0XI1cqrs1vA/s400/strips+with+pins.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And of course, I kept the book opened on my table for quick (and frequent) checks to make sure I hadn't missed a step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrjfDR6GUMFmret9rdgdFMLFaCue3z9aOspYpcpaeqEqQlR9udaIx8cjoRl03ruRmVjk64tQqr7wuFAjrbKpaLq2cWi6SRtNk04EzOHDXdCBdqQgsVyIkkYhyoBbJ_Kj5LgLVYlTXtaI/s1600/top+with+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrjfDR6GUMFmret9rdgdFMLFaCue3z9aOspYpcpaeqEqQlR9udaIx8cjoRl03ruRmVjk64tQqr7wuFAjrbKpaLq2cWi6SRtNk04EzOHDXdCBdqQgsVyIkkYhyoBbJ_Kj5LgLVYlTXtaI/s400/top+with+book.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My Frustration and I were quite exhausted, but pleased, once completed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgXIEm7XmpIkKcSvTxfFhMNNwphUgKlzfN44MzIVButCswKNcCPzd8M8J-NXTNyGuL0F_bd022xcahA3YOMCnuambQSthyphenhyphen-jYU6f6VpMe5bq1bdmuIIvVjRY53FVID9SrgqTTADjBue4/s1600/devlin+with+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgXIEm7XmpIkKcSvTxfFhMNNwphUgKlzfN44MzIVButCswKNcCPzd8M8J-NXTNyGuL0F_bd022xcahA3YOMCnuambQSthyphenhyphen-jYU6f6VpMe5bq1bdmuIIvVjRY53FVID9SrgqTTADjBue4/s400/devlin+with+book.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This mini quilt spent time in Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, Washington, Mississippi, and then back to Florida where it now hangs in my sister's house. Here are a few shots that were taken during its travels...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGqDlKelDYoYBthiKTCTN7vju_IazVh-g_u9pEWg-SCg8ZQwpcEnVK1sALTJppaClwM7TzuRGGTjo4ryqWGPCZX7BvLDqYpo3WdjBf5hkuPPv-ArYd9BboTiLm5b1mV7vzqSuA4JWm_s/s1600/rene+holding+quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGqDlKelDYoYBthiKTCTN7vju_IazVh-g_u9pEWg-SCg8ZQwpcEnVK1sALTJppaClwM7TzuRGGTjo4ryqWGPCZX7BvLDqYpo3WdjBf5hkuPPv-ArYd9BboTiLm5b1mV7vzqSuA4JWm_s/s400/rene+holding+quilt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH7LJGNSHDEA2BIZdU3AsBJbacXxurPgoZFsbYAIVegFYvnUYc3rcOaThQLnxUMRd5eYgKg2wxrDScAmt2dx8Aw9Qy_jSlkq9iGz-k2k2HsxutPVkDJrAfFocjunNCT7KF1kKw01IS1s/s1600/IMG_3837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH7LJGNSHDEA2BIZdU3AsBJbacXxurPgoZFsbYAIVegFYvnUYc3rcOaThQLnxUMRd5eYgKg2wxrDScAmt2dx8Aw9Qy_jSlkq9iGz-k2k2HsxutPVkDJrAfFocjunNCT7KF1kKw01IS1s/s400/IMG_3837.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicizdxiOY9K9SmrwpdLsD37Bo59DCjH4umIwRvccxaOdRJnyCckJ36jQnBhWdn13xoTJjM6mHB0LkU0leMA5CPg77H5G9ZW5JKWfKGi_bvnClnsk7G3aSfhdvTRNSm4_Tbj0lfu5FdRuI/s1600/fiesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicizdxiOY9K9SmrwpdLsD37Bo59DCjH4umIwRvccxaOdRJnyCckJ36jQnBhWdn13xoTJjM6mHB0LkU0leMA5CPg77H5G9ZW5JKWfKGi_bvnClnsk7G3aSfhdvTRNSm4_Tbj0lfu5FdRuI/s400/fiesta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Blogger's Quilt Festival Stats:</div>
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Finished Quilt Measures 24 x 24</div>
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Quilted with organic lines by me using my home machine</div>
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Best Category: Favorite Mini Quilt, Favorite Wall Hanging</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><em>Edited to add: Festival Number:358</em></span><br /></div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-42227986855124790902012-10-14T21:07:00.000-04:002012-10-15T09:06:56.038-04:00Pay Back<div style="text-align: center;">
Any believers in karma out there? Or maybe just payback? Well, I got a little taste of both recently. As many of you know, I have a really awesome<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/" target="_blank"> big sister</a>. So awesome, in fact, that she loves me even after the angst of our childhood years. By angst, I mean that I was an absolute booger to her. I was the tortuous younger sister who would start fights, then sit back and watch smugly as she got blamed by our parents. Sweet, right?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm the smarty pants on the left pointing to the chalkboard.</td></tr>
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My mother used to say that I was spoiled, but not spoiled rotten.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL3679du17IeyXNLSM1H-wlIoMfB4Clf-mM2GDDAJPGwSM47O6Sqhu0LuSqso_-MiyYO9qs7J4QtAuUFcH3hTuNpAXm16kgTVVETHmTyBsv0Ikv5y8TyhPx6igAjaUp9nhQre95WiELw/s1600/011+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL3679du17IeyXNLSM1H-wlIoMfB4Clf-mM2GDDAJPGwSM47O6Sqhu0LuSqso_-MiyYO9qs7J4QtAuUFcH3hTuNpAXm16kgTVVETHmTyBsv0Ikv5y8TyhPx6igAjaUp9nhQre95WiELw/s400/011+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoiled? Yes <br />
Rotten? You betcha'</td></tr>
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What does this have to do with quilting? Well, I think Rene' got a wee bit of quilty revenge. </div>
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I've been a little bummed lately because I don't have time to work on any major project. Rene' has always encouraged me to try smaller projects like mini quilts or random blocks. One block suggested was the Great Granny Square. Isn't she sweet? Anyone who knows me (and my sister knows me WELL), knows the following:</div>
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1. I don't like working with small pieces (by small I mean less than 5 inches...haha).</div>
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2. I stress over my accuracy in piecing and matching seams.</div>
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3. I am directionally challenged.</div>
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Anyone familiar with the Great Granny Square must already see where I am going with this!!</div>
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I began my block by laying out my printed squares in seven rows as suggested in <a href="http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/2012/07/great-granny-along-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>. So far, so good. Then I added my 12 white background squares on the ends of each row. Huh? Something wasn't right. I was short two white squares. I counted the 12 squares, recounted them, counted the number of row ends, recounted them. UGH! Then I called Rene' ;-)</div>
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Our conversation went something like this:</div>
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Me: "My squares aren't adding up (Insert a panicked voice) !!! What am I doing WRONG (Insert slightly whiny voice)??"</div>
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Rene': "Did you read all the directions before you started?" (insert laughter)</div>
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Me: "Uh, why would I do that?"</div>
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Rene': "Well, it would probably help with this block."</div>
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I turn the page...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the words "excluding" (in CAPS!!!!!) the middle row.</td></tr>
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So, after reading ALL of the directions, my layout was much better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLkqL14JR_5MI4BHMqIGUAfVX-mlI9vINfQHW5BDrT8OzyzxKh02yDYrJGe8LhLAGAxPCol6V6RQFzPQlPGUOL1FJBE_roec6dXFSspOq4rh7-ImrOP19z7fcBxxWq45OUuxp4VmVIKE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLkqL14JR_5MI4BHMqIGUAfVX-mlI9vINfQHW5BDrT8OzyzxKh02yDYrJGe8LhLAGAxPCol6V6RQFzPQlPGUOL1FJBE_roec6dXFSspOq4rh7-ImrOP19z7fcBxxWq45OUuxp4VmVIKE/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I pieced the blocks in each row and carefully carried them to my kitchen, uh, ironing station.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two must have tools...coffee and Best Press</td></tr>
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Well, the directions read to "press your rows with the seam allowance going opposite directions (oh, crap...I have to remember the direction when pressing the rows?????). I'm sweating at this point and wishing my beverage of choice was not coffee!!! Meanwhile, I'm imagining my sister laughing hysterically!!! I press my first row to the right. No problem, that's how I usually press. Therefore, the next row needed to be pressed to the left. Hmmm...not used to that direction (kind of like writing with my left hand), but others do it, I guess I can. I start cussing and wondering why this was so dang hard!! I swear it took me forever to realize I could just turn the row around and press it to the right. DUH!!! Now, I'm sure, Rene' is on the floor laughing her butt off, picturing my stupidity. She's probably crying at this point from the laughter!!</div>
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Sewing the rows together was relatively pain free, and my resulting block didn't turn out too badly! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first block set "on point."</td></tr>
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I think the next time Rene' suggests a smallish project I should question her motives. SERIOUSLY!!</div>
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I mean really...</div>
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41 little bitty pieces (okay, not that small) and 24 connecting seams to match...for ONE block??? <br />
Two and a half hours later???</div>
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And making another Great Granny Square block? Well, let me just say that it would take some SERIOUS arm twisting!!!!!</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-40744068722452826692012-10-12T07:33:00.002-04:002012-10-12T07:33:18.067-04:00Chasing Butterflies For A Friend<div style="text-align: center;">
I spent a beautiful afternoon chasing a butterfly, trying to get that perfect shot of this mini I made for a friend. The sun did not want to cooperate, and the shadows wanted to play with us, but boy did I have fun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyImeykRkI3cQy-45d8iVSUaZgrh-n8rlZCZTVe_QOhjgH0QhDwa1g8hf3K1oXV3s1n-Cm-T2nshk18mleFIm2tgrQBFmnxE85oWIKMbYzrLQrcpluw9VuAxqNW_9uEfPWxiztDROeSQg/s1600/001+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyImeykRkI3cQy-45d8iVSUaZgrh-n8rlZCZTVe_QOhjgH0QhDwa1g8hf3K1oXV3s1n-Cm-T2nshk18mleFIm2tgrQBFmnxE85oWIKMbYzrLQrcpluw9VuAxqNW_9uEfPWxiztDROeSQg/s400/001+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This mini was made for a swap with my <a href="http://www.grubersquiltshop.com/Retreat_Center.htm" target="_blank">Gruber</a>'s retreat friends. I drew <a href="http://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Terri'</a>s name, and it didn't take long for me to decide the fabric I wanted to use.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7eHFmRqUKzzqA6b2VhLtZCz-vE1cFJN5jt6fsilOUZt7wP16UNr9XBCLuwt8CQZAnJ5VunIX0D7TUhnAYxQCuvLjAuZ-KSwi9R-BDu0aepCpCAMgkhK0UHUFKGr_ThArxTNBYvSLtJA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7eHFmRqUKzzqA6b2VhLtZCz-vE1cFJN5jt6fsilOUZt7wP16UNr9XBCLuwt8CQZAnJ5VunIX0D7TUhnAYxQCuvLjAuZ-KSwi9R-BDu0aepCpCAMgkhK0UHUFKGr_ThArxTNBYvSLtJA/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Terri is a huge fan of Anna Maria Horner, and I knew she was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her new line, Field Study. So while I began waiting for the arrival as well, I started brainstorming on what to make.</div>
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Once I received my Field Study order, I realized that the ideas I had come up with just would not work. So, back to the designing board. </div>
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Field Study has beautiful, large prints, and initially I did not want to cut it! Seriously... I <em>really </em>did not want to cut it...it almost <em>pained</em> me to cut it!! I think I even heard a little groaning from the cutting mat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvbmOv2bWVaGEK5Ta7w-WzFp8qeRjsHMzSWQ8xSf2EhA46yFAKgvVUNuVzoURFjusvZISFLzC7v8A2_DB3nr-Hn1CuFowrqg5p854AXYHS9Lvb2Y-OF52G-a2SMPVxrDER5qcQ0KrgCQ/s1600/002+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvbmOv2bWVaGEK5Ta7w-WzFp8qeRjsHMzSWQ8xSf2EhA46yFAKgvVUNuVzoURFjusvZISFLzC7v8A2_DB3nr-Hn1CuFowrqg5p854AXYHS9Lvb2Y-OF52G-a2SMPVxrDER5qcQ0KrgCQ/s400/002+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But I know a quilt cannot be made without a little cutting. So cutting I did...alot...too much. It took me awhile to finally decide on what I wanted to make, but hopefully Terri will be able to use the scraps (big and small) that I included with her mini quilt. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtlXtS3EWcctfFRIPgGOHUMjTvIuJOjH25zNdZJGfxTGoYb5BcE0ri-94DA9CzZdzNNjrfKmrak4rgmF5-Md0tPZpQactDQRqp1L5jyx3ZDv-iLyODKwPiLQjkIR6NuAmK6IG6r7b9Qg/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtlXtS3EWcctfFRIPgGOHUMjTvIuJOjH25zNdZJGfxTGoYb5BcE0ri-94DA9CzZdzNNjrfKmrak4rgmF5-Md0tPZpQactDQRqp1L5jyx3ZDv-iLyODKwPiLQjkIR6NuAmK6IG6r7b9Qg/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted it to showcase the beauty of the prints. I fussy cut a butterfly (Terri loves butterflies!!) and surrounded it with some wonky log cabin strips. The quilt top, backing and binding is all from the Field Study collection with a little Kona White added to help bring out the beautiful colors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLLaqBnPF8zi0EyA8b8zkeFaQAFI_6QNPDZZSnzce2Tu9us-8VVE_JZgL7T3Z5TXl8P1d0eUPSt-LsYYgsIV_0WhWZrq7bjBrk5rlG58nGEniO5RCjK39qnSsPeomHcIdvaTrCxDQuKs/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLLaqBnPF8zi0EyA8b8zkeFaQAFI_6QNPDZZSnzce2Tu9us-8VVE_JZgL7T3Z5TXl8P1d0eUPSt-LsYYgsIV_0WhWZrq7bjBrk5rlG58nGEniO5RCjK39qnSsPeomHcIdvaTrCxDQuKs/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I quilted this mini using organic lines (my favorite) using a pale pink thread. </div>
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I hope I did Field Study justice, and that Terri loves the mini as much as I came to love it!!</div>
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Thanks, as always, for visiting my blog!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2088030540698659933.post-5147649939445677152012-10-11T10:48:00.002-04:002012-10-11T14:30:32.914-04:00Between Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple of years ago, my sister<strike> had this hair brain idea</strike> invited me join her and a wonderful group of ladies at a quilt retreat at Gruber's. Never mind that I had only been quilting for less than a year, and in no way could match the talent and creativity of this group. She must have caught me at a weak moment, as I said, "Sure, why not? Why wouldn't I fly from Georgia to Minnesota to quilt? Duh!!" Of course, my non quilty friends thought I had lost my mind. Well, I've had the immense pleasure of quilting with this group for two summers. Last July, we decided to do a swap of "<a href="http://www.renecreates.com/2011/07/happy.html" target="_blank">Happies</a>." (hopefully, we have started a tradition to be continued next July). We drew names, returned home, and got busy creating!</div>
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I was totally overwhelmed when I received my swap from <a href="http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cindy, of Live a Colorful Life</a>. She is, after all, the Queen of All Things Selvage ;-) </div>
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I had a sneak peek of my "Happy" on Cindy's post <a href="http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/craft-book-month-sunday-morning-quilts.html" target="_blank">Craft Book Month: Sunday Morning Quilts</a>, although I had no idea I would be the recipient of this beautiful basket. Dare I mention that <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda Jean</a>, co-author of Sunday Morning Quilts, is one of the awesome ladies I have the pleasure of retreating with? I love how Cindy made Amanda Jean's quilted storage box with selvages!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSeXioaqjfQJrpuod0-_ceEPbKl2p4gd093jWzMkK_j4BIqnmednX3sAIrhK-rseyXoXxGpRmH_EebKkeCN_wOEiv42ptk0-Dj8eBc7FJvlFMV9cK_v3kzmG5sWaLWZU6DF1L8DNJ5oo/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSeXioaqjfQJrpuod0-_ceEPbKl2p4gd093jWzMkK_j4BIqnmednX3sAIrhK-rseyXoXxGpRmH_EebKkeCN_wOEiv42ptk0-Dj8eBc7FJvlFMV9cK_v3kzmG5sWaLWZU6DF1L8DNJ5oo/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Included in the Happy was lots of goodies...magnets, tape, pumpkin gumdrops (a first for me), a fat quarter of the prettiest fabric, and ...</div>
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my own personalized pin cushion!!!</div>
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How.stinking.cute.is.that!!!!!!</div>
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Michelle, Michelle, Michelle</div>
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SWEET!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpP0PSoGjJcQCjhA9O1sR0CZ8b7ntqAlDo4_4HPI-u6NkgYoRHGxaF9m5ScMsDxirjB_IOL0dOrTihvEKXr3ddZduRQskFgYCXKImP3apzWQaND_Uq2wCn6wLYx3UnhXIAwuZI7-rfio/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpP0PSoGjJcQCjhA9O1sR0CZ8b7ntqAlDo4_4HPI-u6NkgYoRHGxaF9m5ScMsDxirjB_IOL0dOrTihvEKXr3ddZduRQskFgYCXKImP3apzWQaND_Uq2wCn6wLYx3UnhXIAwuZI7-rfio/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love everything Cindy sent me :) And I absolutely love the friends I have made through this quilting journey!!!</div>
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I hope you come back tomorrow to check out the Happy I made for my swap partner!!</div>
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~ Michelle ~</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07964168436758736876noreply@blogger.com6