tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41791661372796915602024-02-18T19:41:56.903-08:00Stitching With 2 StringsSmall quilting projects. Sewing. Recipes. Craftsy pattern shop.
2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-41819626073571601672021-01-03T16:32:00.000-08:002021-01-03T16:32:19.020-08:00New Year, New Plans <p>Don't be surprised if you see an abundance of house themed projects in my pattern shop and on my Facebook page this year. There will be houses on quilts, houses on mug rugs, and projects for things to use inside our new house.<br /></p><p> I definitely have houses on my mind. There's a reason for that. My daughter is building a new house for the two of us this year. We are so excited! For well over a year, we've been working together to come up with a plan that suits us both, and now it will all come together. We'll have shared spaces and private spaces, and I'll have a lovely sewing area. <br /></p><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNxilQQMr6k-6NOrlT9jX-0-lIbMPEYwJLfx5IOWVnGyPdJ9n3nVfwdB2zpIz3CVvo_ayfyOB_dMv4fwiY1gqNw_g9U-hQnlBuHXLJs7VZUU9ILtFbNjq8TrHIDTjrrPORudBhqvg5r4/s1656/128826527_228376845386747_5739239342009073605_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1656" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNxilQQMr6k-6NOrlT9jX-0-lIbMPEYwJLfx5IOWVnGyPdJ9n3nVfwdB2zpIz3CVvo_ayfyOB_dMv4fwiY1gqNw_g9U-hQnlBuHXLJs7VZUU9ILtFbNjq8TrHIDTjrrPORudBhqvg5r4/w300-h400/128826527_228376845386747_5739239342009073605_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><div> </div></td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"> </td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The photo shows our little bit of Nebraska prairie. It's in a newer
development on the edge of town. The trees are on a farm that lies across the street from us. We're hoping to see deer, rabbits, and goodness knows what other wildlife. <br /></p><p>Culling the excess in my house is underway. We knew this was coming, so we had two garage sales this summer, and I took several car loads to City Mission. I worked in my sewing room this past week after Christmas. Downsizing is hard. I've lived here for 30 years, and it will take me many months to go through everything in this house and decide what to keep, what to let go, and what to replace with new. <br /></p><p>For now, we are staying home and playing it safe as we wait for the vaccine that should help make 2021 a better year than last. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Fingers crossed!<br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-68970927565141731252019-03-04T16:37:00.002-08:002019-03-04T16:37:39.220-08:00The Empty Chair, Part 5: The Accident<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ZultXoLYD3iTRv-4gmjdhQ2czE36pZG7v4teash3PYtrFRH3UCKrMJgM8PZ7CD0hwFXKudLZynaen4QmPkm7jzTYIOknSdjTuvfPfRjxxwu1Fy05M1CC3wlabX8F349_V6J-j8dPaw/s1600/IMG_7212-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="800" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ZultXoLYD3iTRv-4gmjdhQ2czE36pZG7v4teash3PYtrFRH3UCKrMJgM8PZ7CD0hwFXKudLZynaen4QmPkm7jzTYIOknSdjTuvfPfRjxxwu1Fy05M1CC3wlabX8F349_V6J-j8dPaw/s400/IMG_7212-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last Friday after work, my daughter left Lincoln with her two little dogs and headed back to Plattsmouth for the weekend. The last meeting of her day had run late, so the sky was darkening by the time she got on the road. The evening was cold and windy with more snow predicted during the night and into Saturday. It only made sense to go right away and beat the storm. <br />
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I sat down to finish writing the pattern for my newest mug rug, a sweet mother giraffe with her new calf. I designed it for Mother's Day and for giraffe lovers like my daughter. I looked up from my typing to check the clock several times. I expected my daughter to call when she arrived home.<br />
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Mandy's call came at 7:15. When I saw her name on my phone, I thought she'd made good time, but the instant I heard her voice, I knew something was terribly wrong. <br />
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"Mom, I'm okay, but..." My heart lurched, and I tried to catch my breath. "..but, I've been in an accident." The police arrived just then, so I had to wait for her to call back and tell me more.<br />
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I tried to focus on "I'm okay", until she called a few minutes later. A friend and her husband had driven out right away, and the pups were in the truck with them. She said she was truly fine, and the tow truck and ambulance had also arrived. I didn't learn all the details until she got home an hour later.<br />
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She had been only a few miles from town, when she came over a hill and into a swirling wall of white snow. Although no new snow was falling, gusty winds were carrying Thursday's snow from the hilltop across the highway. Heavily packed snow and ice covered that stretch of road, and the visibility was zero. She was going slowly, but the snow blinded her, and the car skidded into a spin. She had almost gained control, and was trying to get her bearings, when she was hit by another car coming behind her over the same rise. Her car slid off the road, and down the embankment. If it hadn't landed in a snowdrift, the car and everyone in it would have tumbled into the ravine below.<br />
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Miraculously, aside form some bruising from the seat belt and the airbag, she was uninjured and the buckled-in pups hadn't been hurt at all.<br />
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On Saturday, a friend took Mandy to the lot where her car had been towed. She knew the car had been totaled, but she was surprised to see that both the front and the back were badly damaged. She only recalled one impact. The had evidently been hit from the front, sending it back into a spin, and then the back of it collided again with the other vehicle. <br />
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Mandy bagged up the items that had been left behind, and put everything into her friend's car. Before leaving, she decided to take one more look. Just to make sure nothing was forgotten. <br />
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And that's when she found it. Tucked in a corner of the pocket in the door on the driver's side was a small medallion in its plastic sleeve. Her father had given it to her the spring before he passed away. He had told her to keep it in her wallet for good fortune. <br />
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So she did. She placed it safely in her wallet. But when she got home that night, her wallet was still inside her purse.<br />
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I don't think I believe in guardian angels, but the events of
the past year have sometimes made me wonder. Someone or something seems to be
looking out for us. Each event has seemed to connect back to my husband in some way. Her father hated that car, and he scolded her for buying it. He told her the car was unsafe. It was too lightweight, had too many miles
on it, and it didn't have the four-wheel drive essential for winter driving in Nebraska. <br />
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Mandy and pups got a ride back to Lincoln yesterday, and I was able to see for myself that she really is okay. She's off right now, buying a car. This time she's taking her father's advice. This one will newer and heavier, and it will come with four wheel drive and a backup camera. <br />
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The two pups are tucked in next to me on the couch at the moment. I'm looking at my mug rug picturing the mother and baby giraffe, and, once again, I'm counting my blessings. Mother's Day came early this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79-bqYY5bxwJsRqD6nKKV7rRhDQBIKh73cP2leGSJgTqzp7WJFvswsqTbe0VsknT-GTIGKdwLuij50v-_dmlzJtjoxwA18Maeu90XvxQrYvLONNrZj_V3YOD5H_wvnaViXIQFJSsaU1c/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79-bqYY5bxwJsRqD6nKKV7rRhDQBIKh73cP2leGSJgTqzp7WJFvswsqTbe0VsknT-GTIGKdwLuij50v-_dmlzJtjoxwA18Maeu90XvxQrYvLONNrZj_V3YOD5H_wvnaViXIQFJSsaU1c/s640/IMG_2799.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Newborn" <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/687368565" target="_blank">Click here:</a></td></tr>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-15506373003668405082019-02-26T10:54:00.002-08:002019-02-26T13:04:03.248-08:00Blotting Out Winter With Rainbows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1600" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1Ohwuf4NY3j3m49yLxwtBcTWh3ydra4ReAap8uIgr4YTRTQoBvzNsE0GWaumiWntA4B5PCfHS9Nc7M5eHGE9FpLmwbO4GbnCJ86J_EN1Om9mY-2TTmDwJCFrcVdize-sFhOz0Y0m-6w/s640/IMG_2736+2.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Click here for pattern: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/672531808" target="_blank">Rainbow Bows</a></div>
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It all started with a sale on fabrics. Right after Christmas, I happened upon a package of sixteen fat eights in bright, rainbow colored, polka dots at half price. How could I pass that up? The baby box containing items I'm making for future great-grands is far from overflowing.<br />
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While cold winter took hold and the snow fell constantly, I played with warm, summer colors. I dreamed of warm days, soft rain, and lovely rainbows. The rainbow colored fabrics turned into a quick and easy rainbow quilt made with large and small bow tie blocks. I kept the theme going in the border of alternating colored and white squares - rainbows everywhere to contrast with the gray skies and white snow outside my window.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqUB98LXAShlnX8vceBy4NWFqL4agbNpmghdIaofoUzGgNCnKMitGbh30c32rZ_XezvLcsq-qZ3bAha4E1T_vwN5kb8P0hgyuOAt57_dgFZUa4ttQJ2LKhtsm7MVRqd3XlkvnuCqpwws/s1600/IMG_2778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqUB98LXAShlnX8vceBy4NWFqL4agbNpmghdIaofoUzGgNCnKMitGbh30c32rZ_XezvLcsq-qZ3bAha4E1T_vwN5kb8P0hgyuOAt57_dgFZUa4ttQJ2LKhtsm7MVRqd3XlkvnuCqpwws/s400/IMG_2778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much snow! </td></tr>
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I almost never use polyester batting in my quilts. It's too lightweight to drape nicely or to hold it's shape as a table runner or a wall hanging, but when it comes to quilts for babies, polyester is my first choice. It's warm, it's soft, and it is lightweight. A baby quilt like this is light enough for a toddler to drag everywhere. It can be tossed into the washer and dryer with other laundry, too. This isn't the kind of quilt you might display on a wall. it's meant to be used and loved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1l3kjRxq6Br-M209wKE7INEFKlEyGDEpsEIstepYOp94ObptGDvihDa8g8DO_b7pra_sS9klbBWzQOO88zAWUd7NUQ-nNv-QZxJAJUSVaq3tmUls01VaNR2zZbugjLJYwiEmlTRDmU0/s1600/IMG_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1600" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1l3kjRxq6Br-M209wKE7INEFKlEyGDEpsEIstepYOp94ObptGDvihDa8g8DO_b7pra_sS9klbBWzQOO88zAWUd7NUQ-nNv-QZxJAJUSVaq3tmUls01VaNR2zZbugjLJYwiEmlTRDmU0/s640/IMG_2693.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Minimal stitch-in-ditch quilting was perfect this time. Simple, straight lines with a walking foot are fast, well suited to the batting, and the quilt remained soft and fluffy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38CZdDnbGb1ux_G-KBsjSkt9meO1nmaKEJSY1fmQFHeJvBFLJuT6h2Qm-VvrbFL8jydoZriWupvM2YLxBUITYMOjRDlRWBJdURndMyGsBT0GtNEEuTd9pJWJTRpLz5eAEHY4Txz4fjH0/s1600/IMG_2775-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="800" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38CZdDnbGb1ux_G-KBsjSkt9meO1nmaKEJSY1fmQFHeJvBFLJuT6h2Qm-VvrbFL8jydoZriWupvM2YLxBUITYMOjRDlRWBJdURndMyGsBT0GtNEEuTd9pJWJTRpLz5eAEHY4Txz4fjH0/s400/IMG_2775-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Quite a bit of fabric was leftover, so I improvised the back of the quilt to use up the extra.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxboizSt3vv4DpNuL5TU7l33wgSiVt0KSJBv2HOyXAPhGe_F6vCPgLwP3f9rd4oiMdaP0rBVmCgb6Ko-xB1mKUFd0jHLCUGljMyT6tjr75eswuJwN9IrhFsOBi65CiQ3a4_S2phW5aR3g/s1600/IMG_2743+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxboizSt3vv4DpNuL5TU7l33wgSiVt0KSJBv2HOyXAPhGe_F6vCPgLwP3f9rd4oiMdaP0rBVmCgb6Ko-xB1mKUFd0jHLCUGljMyT6tjr75eswuJwN9IrhFsOBi65CiQ3a4_S2phW5aR3g/s320/IMG_2743+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also made a coordinated slip on pillow cover There is no zipper this time, so the entire project was both fun and easy.<br />
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Dreaming of spring.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a lovely end to winter. </span></div>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-79520523626140121092019-01-14T14:41:00.003-08:002019-01-14T14:42:01.062-08:00The Empty Chair, Part 4: A Year Gone By<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week marks a full year since my dear man has been gone. So many things have changed. I still miss him every day, but I'm gradually adjusting. I think the hardest part has been the silence. I've been running the television or playing the radio all day long, just for background noise.<br />
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Life has changed in so many ways, but this next year will be one of happier adjustments. Something is in the works. I always knew I'd married a stubborn man, and there are moments that leave me wondering. <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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I mentioned in an earlier blog that Fred was adamant that I not live alone. My grandchildren moved next door in March. Everything fell together so suddenly after his passing, that I questioned if Fred had a hand in it all. I've so enjoyed having those sweet, young people so close by. It's been wonderful, but not exactly what Fred wanted. In those last weeks, he insisted that I should live in the same house with one of our children. He worried that I'd fall, or get sick, and no one would be here to help me. He had the same concerns for our daughter, who has been living on her own for several years. Fred thought we should be together under one roof. There was just one problem. Mandy has been living over an hour's drive from me and working in Omaha. <br />
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Then, just before Christmas, a position in Lincoln suddenly opened up. Mandy applied, and job was hers. Her transfer took effect last week, and she'll be moving back to Lincoln as soon as her house sells. It will go on the market in March when winter begins to bow out. In the meanwhile, Mandy is staying with me during the week, and going home on weekends. While she's working, I have the company of her two little dogs, Watson and Willow. They are delightful, and my house isn't quiet unless they're sleeping. Puppies during the day, a daughter in the evenings. What could be better?<br />
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After the sale of her house, Mandy will find a house in Lincoln. She says that her dad won't let her rest until she finds something with enough space for both of us and the pups. She also won't settle for anything that doesn't have well lighted studio space where she can paint and I can sew.<br />
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This is all quite exciting. I'm truly looking forward to the coming year. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvguWOku8TU9WuI2wqf60wj063biqFqtUFdGsrKw-jLQ7AgC5ZSqgcXs-5YRP-HBH-NsoMWFzQaj_7g5xCax3d9WQmHSJCF4pVYnXfxYxQ43yA8kJa7cRfGcYX1vX0Z9pRsw77VhyEer8/s1600/IMG_2488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvguWOku8TU9WuI2wqf60wj063biqFqtUFdGsrKw-jLQ7AgC5ZSqgcXs-5YRP-HBH-NsoMWFzQaj_7g5xCax3d9WQmHSJCF4pVYnXfxYxQ43yA8kJa7cRfGcYX1vX0Z9pRsw77VhyEer8/s400/IMG_2488.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time for Watson and Willow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Change is inevitable, so I wish all of us a year filled with love, happiness, and only those changes that bring joy. </span></div>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-16859431843568160202019-01-07T14:11:00.001-08:002019-01-07T14:11:57.004-08:00Changes in the Crafty Pattern Marketplace<br />
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Craftsy is in the process of merging with Blueprint, the sister company that has been affiliated with Craftsy for the last couple of years. While this is occurring, there has been more than a bit of turmoil in the pattern marketplace.<br />
<br />
I don't really know many details, but I'll share what I do know. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How Designers Are Affected:</span><br />
<br />
The marketplace really did need changes. It had grown way too large, and Craftsy had no control over the quality or originality of the patterns that were sold. The company has started out with a mass culling of both patterns and designers. I was one of the fortunate designers to remain on the website, although my patterns have been trimmed from 132 to 31. I'm not sure what criteria were used in making these choices.<br />
<br />
Designers have been told that Blueprint will allow new patterns to be published later this year. At some point, they will also be open to new designers and some of those who were not retained. When the website is ready to welcome designers back, they will have more control over which patterns will be published. Whenever that happens, I will let everyone know. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">How Craftsy Pattern Customers Are Affected:</span><br />
<br />
Any pattern you have purchased should still be available in your pattern library, so nothing purchased should be lost. You may need to be patient about downloading for awhile as this part of the website is still incomplete. All of the patterns that have been kept on the website are available for purchase and download, too.<br />
<br />
Any patterns left in your cart or your wish list from those that have been removed will not be available for purchase.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Locate Patterns on Etsy</span><br />
<br />
Last summer I opened an Etsy shop for my patterns. I didn't know what Craftsy was up to, but previous changes at Craftsy had affected my sales, and I needed a second venue for my designs. You may love many of Craftsy's other independent designers. Many of them also have Etsy shops and Facebook pages. <br />
<br />
Etsy functions in ways both similar to and different from Craftsy. My patterns are available as PDFs and can be downloaded instantly much like on Craftsy. Visitors can make my shop one of their favorites, favorite individual patterns or add patterns to their carts. If you favorite the shop, you can more easily follow the addition of new patterns as they are published. <br />
<br />
Not all of my patterns are on Etsy right now. I've been uploading one or a few at a time, but I will gradually add more. If you can't find a pattern you want from my Craftsy store, please contact me. I'll add the requests to my Etsy shop as quickly as I can. <br />
<br />
You can contact me at these locations:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KLee2Strings" target="_blank">Etsy</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KLee2Strings" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
Email: klee2strings@gmail.com<br />
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-56742032132153182802018-11-16T17:05:00.001-08:002018-11-17T13:53:53.727-08:00 German-Russian Kuchen: Grandma's Recipe<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuchen, fresh from the oven. Yum!</td></tr>
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Once a year or so, when the air is cold and the snow is blowing, I bake a batch of my German Russian grandmother's kuchen. Kuchen, pronounced "kooga", is the food from Grandma's kitchen that I remember best. <br />
<br />
There was always kuchen at Grandma's house. She baked it at least once a week, and she made eight or ten at a time. Kuchen was usually dessert, but it could also be breakfast or an anytime snack with coffee or milk fresh from the cows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandparents. Circa 1946</td></tr>
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Each time I bake kuchen, I am swept back in time and find myself with my grandmother in her fragrant, farmhouse kitchen. It's 1947, and I'm five years old. There's is a big, black, wood burning
stove, polished to a shine, and mismatched wooden chairs gathered around a long table covered with an
oilcloth tablecloth. A hand pump sits over the kitchen sink, and pink depression
glass cups and saucers are neatly stacked in the cupboard. Grandma bustles around humming
softly, as she churns up wonderful fragrances that make my mouth water. Her hands and apron are covered in flour, but she stops to give me a kiss on my forehead. Sometimes she gives me a bit of pie dough and helps me turn it into sugar and cinnamon roll-ups. If she's baking bread or kuchen, I get to help with the kneading. I may be a child, but I'm already learning about cooking and baking. <br />
<br />
My mother didn't enjoy cooking or baking, and kuchen is time consuming. After my grandmother passed away, I only got to taste this special pastry when we visited my aunts in North Dakota. All six of my red-headed aunties were cooks who followed the old traditions. If they didn't have freshly baked kuchen, they could more than likely find one in the freezer.<br />
<br />
When I was married and settled in my own kitchen, I asked my aunties for the recipe. It's easy, they said. You just make a sweet dough, layer fruit on top, and pour egg custard over it all. Not one of them could give me measurements. Making kuchen was so instinctual, that they never thought about how much flour or how many eggs. They just put it all together. Years later, when three of them were visiting in Lincoln, my daughter gathered them in her kitchen. They baked the kuchen with my daughter while I wrote down the steps and the measurements along the way.<br />
<br />
I've modified the recipe a bit since that day, but it still makes five or six kuchen. Fortunately it freezes very well, so we can make it last for a couple of months.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">German-Russian Kuchen</span><br />
<b>Makes five 9" kuchen or six 8" kuchen </b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lightly grease five 9" pie pans or six 8" pie pans.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to dough and custard, you will need about five 15 oz cans of canned fruit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Traditional fruits include sliced peaches, apricots halves, sliced pears, or seedless plums. Dried prunes are often used, too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Drain the fruit, and pat it dry with a paper towel. Soak prunes for fifteen minutes or more in warm water to soften them. Cut the prunes in half. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sweet Dough</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>4 c flour</li>
<li>1 tsp salt </li>
<li>1/2 c sugar</li>
<li>1/2 c butter, room temperature</li>
<li>1 c warm milk, divided</li>
<li>1 pkg yeast </li>
<li>3 eggs, room temperature, </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Place flour, salt, sugar, and butter in a large bowl. Mix to a fine crumb as you would a pie crust.</li>
<li>In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of warm milk. Beat the eggs with a fork. Add the eggs, a pinch of sugar, and the remaining half cup of warm milk to the yeast mixture. Let it rest for a few minutes until it develops a thick foam on top.</li>
<li>Make a well in the flour mixture. Pour the yeast liquid into the well.</li>
<li>Mix the dough with a spoon or your hands. Place it on a lightly floured board.</li>
<li>Knead briefly, just enough so it forms a shiny ball. Do not overwork the dough. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little milk or water.</li>
<li>Put the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Turn to cover with a thin film of oil and cover with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm place.</li>
<li>Let it rise until double in bulk, 1 - 1 /2 hours. </li>
</ol>
If the kitchen is cool, I heat the oven very little, to about 150
degrees, then I turn it off and place the bowl of dough inside. If the oven is too warm, the yeast can be killed or the dough can rise too fast and be ruined.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU3E8i2XZAjbt5nvaBHh-J8WqIE__lHsA3bnweH1tVVTobFR5BRCKLeaHjcptJTLdVVl_ZmkXjN2m5dnNKq6FwPTebldpYJLYvvINvS4TBD3A-JRuNj7ohSwXiV3lw8gbSk18pgXD_zc/s1600/IMG_2077.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU3E8i2XZAjbt5nvaBHh-J8WqIE__lHsA3bnweH1tVVTobFR5BRCKLeaHjcptJTLdVVl_ZmkXjN2m5dnNKq6FwPTebldpYJLYvvINvS4TBD3A-JRuNj7ohSwXiV3lw8gbSk18pgXD_zc/s640/IMG_2077.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dough rising in the oven, custard cooking in the double boiler.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> While the dough is rising, make the custard.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Custard</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li>6 eggs</li>
<li>1 1/2 tbsp flour</li>
<li>1 1/2 c sugar </li>
<li>3 c cream or half and half</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<br />
Mix all of the ingredients with a wire whisk or hand mixer. Cook the in a double boiler, stirring constantly until the custard begins to thicken.<br />
<br />
If you don't have a double boiler, cook it in a heavy pot over low heat stirring constantly. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot as you stir to prevent scorching.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Assemble the Kuchen</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklSlHhyphenhyphenbPlTl0AxlYAUvvIIYdvEQ0-EH_IHW3xbf5mlZHU02EGHgP_Xh1OK90nVJAouFTsQDV1afsUHQ9QaFU16FD3TOCKhqjCcuLQ6wcCo_T9W1cCimXHBzVD93F2_AE8_ie_Z-Ano4/s1600/IMG_2078.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklSlHhyphenhyphenbPlTl0AxlYAUvvIIYdvEQ0-EH_IHW3xbf5mlZHU02EGHgP_Xh1OK90nVJAouFTsQDV1afsUHQ9QaFU16FD3TOCKhqjCcuLQ6wcCo_T9W1cCimXHBzVD93F2_AE8_ie_Z-Ano4/s640/IMG_2078.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuchen dough with fruit layered on top. I made peach and apricot kuchen.</td></tr>
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<ol>
<li>When the dough is ready, punch it down. Divide it into either five or six equal pieces. Cover it with a towel and allow it to rest for ten minutes. </li>
<li>Shape each piece of dough into a flat pancake. </li>
<li>Place the dough into a pie tin, and use your fingers to spread it evenly over the bottom and 1/2" to 1" up the sides. </li>
<li>Top with a layer of prepared fruit. </li>
<li>Carefully pour equal amounts of custard over the fruit layer. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. </li>
<li>Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. </li>
<li>Cool on a wire rack</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKETUxJh4CuyZTgD2m2-YVOJvqsBitequCi2D_VZNIPTGaIgEf-G36suHGdBme6oI0Brzw43_ZlHlI6mby-mT7RfK4cuLIUD1WQmq92rylr2DrpeBw6U0I8fWri7iS5ytGBKVIkas6HpQ/s1600/IMG_2079.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKETUxJh4CuyZTgD2m2-YVOJvqsBitequCi2D_VZNIPTGaIgEf-G36suHGdBme6oI0Brzw43_ZlHlI6mby-mT7RfK4cuLIUD1WQmq92rylr2DrpeBw6U0I8fWri7iS5ytGBKVIkas6HpQ/s640/IMG_2079.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuchen in the oven. Smells good already.</td></tr>
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<br />
Slice each kuchen into six or eight wedges. It can be eaten either warm or cold. It's delicious either way. Wrap tightly and keep in the refrigerator for no more than one or two days. Any excess kuchen can be stored in the freezer for up to a six weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WsgZM4Q7MrUv-q3KCkYQtmUAzTieg5Jfo4_uaMlPThDzgrSib5nlM5vcNp3KcVa5Gc23otUHQKAGnMxol2-J6WR8nYLzBDQD71E5KwrfpGK2eZ5ssLzchwvJMHdwAbgYVBg_FDbE5YA/s1600/IMG_2107.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WsgZM4Q7MrUv-q3KCkYQtmUAzTieg5Jfo4_uaMlPThDzgrSib5nlM5vcNp3KcVa5Gc23otUHQKAGnMxol2-J6WR8nYLzBDQD71E5KwrfpGK2eZ5ssLzchwvJMHdwAbgYVBg_FDbE5YA/s640/IMG_2107.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yum!! So good.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a fantastic Thaknsgiving! </span></div>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-41106666254194382052018-09-19T12:01:00.003-07:002018-09-19T12:01:36.160-07:00Three Quarters of a Century Plus OneI had a birthday earlier this month. I've become old enough that I<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>turned my age into a math problem. I'm a retired teacher, so everything becomes a lesson. It's automatic. Maybe I'll even remember my own age this way. All that counting backwards to 1942 gets harder every year.<br />
<br />
I volunteer at school every working with and for my former fifth grade teammates. One of the teachers told the students that I'd just had a birthday, and, of course, the kiddos wanted to know my age. They had no trouble with the math, but there were some very large eyes. A few of them have never actually known anyone so ancient.<br />
<br />
Working with my former team is one of the highlights of my week. I give book talks, help students with reading issues, shelve books in the library, and then enjoy lunch with my friends.<br />
<br />
That brings me to this newest mug rug pattern. I'm trying to design a mug rug for each of the teachers for Christmas. I want to create designs that fit their own unique interests, and I don't want to use anything that I've already made.<br />
<br />
The newest addition to the teaching team is a young man who is an actor in his spare time. I haven't seen him perform, but those who have, say that he's fabulous. I started there.<br />
<br />
The Greek muses of comedy and tragedy seemed fitting for his mug rug. I'm sure that
there are thespians in almost every family, so some of you may be
looking for a gift just like this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrtPKayFb6NudeEfb68Lo8LV7cZgVbwmwPB5yR-uX2PugeMycUcC7ORDuaUlTs-smi0H-lYs0iW5c9em9RwTbNHN4_Ax9p95GhmBV1UNrrLuH1sWvFVSHSqpBYLLFf1C8NQmaFg-qbD4/s1600/IMG_1591-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1024" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrtPKayFb6NudeEfb68Lo8LV7cZgVbwmwPB5yR-uX2PugeMycUcC7ORDuaUlTs-smi0H-lYs0iW5c9em9RwTbNHN4_Ax9p95GhmBV1UNrrLuH1sWvFVSHSqpBYLLFf1C8NQmaFg-qbD4/s400/IMG_1591-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muses, Masks of Comedy and Tragedy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/631235764/muses-mug-rug-masks-of-comedy-and?ref=listing_published_alert" target="_blank">Etsy Listing</a>, <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/muses-mug-rug/638674" target="_blank">Craftsy</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Summer officially exits the stage this week, and colorful, cool autumn will make a dramatic appearance.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a fabulous season. </span></div>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-13822410210682765082018-08-24T14:54:00.002-07:002018-08-24T14:54:45.983-07:00Inspired by PuppiesMy daughter has two adorable little dogs named Watson and Willow. They are inseparable buddies, snuggle pups, forever together. <br />
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<br />
These puppies are so much fun, and I don't see them very often, so, of course, they found their way into a pattern. I didn't expect three variations of a pattern, but that's the way it worked out. Goodness knows, I'm not in control of any of it. Inspiration takes over, and I can only go with the flow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtu47g0j2kBC1aepPNa4L0n6TbGaolmhkLZDHu1AbOdIWXWlI94uqsRas2rVVgSVa3xhDrf738pBQbCMvsvZGsluaMWQ4xGSFs5qC-D-ng7ESjs95z5Mm_RbjvuDR2JaLn6psXvs5fOJA/s640/IMG_1483-001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddies Trio Pattern <a href="http://Click for Craftsy Click for Etsy" target="_blank">Click for Etsy</a> <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/buddies-trio/630036" target="_blank">Click for Craftsy</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
Although the pups are in all of them, each of the projects is very different from each of the others. A person can add as much embroidery or thread work as liked. Nothing more than mouths and eyebrows works well, too <br />
<br />
The 9" x 9" quilt block can be used as part of a quilt, a small wall hanging, a hot pad, or a large mug rug. It could even be left unquilted and placed in a picture frame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2mCKwaN0eWyVIfw82MjaBenz4V6yMFQ6AXO0RjdlW1adouKMO4hxO8g0qmzsVGAEQ_NZ7b0LxrwI0DJCLywjWo_E9qluBilDM-RN3S2UrfvAZEp-6qgmyDjxUKwVufGnO92TeDaP6g8/s1600/IMG_1477-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="800" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2mCKwaN0eWyVIfw82MjaBenz4V6yMFQ6AXO0RjdlW1adouKMO4hxO8g0qmzsVGAEQ_NZ7b0LxrwI0DJCLywjWo_E9qluBilDM-RN3S2UrfvAZEp-6qgmyDjxUKwVufGnO92TeDaP6g8/s400/IMG_1477-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The pups have eyebrows, mouths and a few little bits of stitching to add dimension to Watson's hair and Willow's ears. The quilting on this one was fun. I just followed the leaves so it required no thinking about the design. This was the first of the three projects that I finished. It's cute as can be, but I changed Willow's mouth on the other two.<br />
<br />
These little guys lent themselves beautifully to pillows. The background on the !2" s 16" unquilted pillow was chosen by vote on my Facebook page. I wasn't sure about using the black, but I really like it. The contrast in colors really makes the pups pop. This time I accidentally left out the stitching on Willow's ears, but it doesn't detract from her at all. <br />
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<br />
The 16" x 16" pillow was the most fun to make because it had the most detail. This one was pure play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB0_02EYJk4PM4ykZS0q1ZHE1lSYCBIlAOAZ5q93sGj6KWlIxqrHpU34zlgec7Yq8aeA9GS9xec-Xf3jUXBwhUJdPTEYS1wZQdtCLrXL8HAiHcnyWFLLrC8vUnspA3mwm1Mka12CSrEM/s1600/IMG_1482-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="680" height="585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB0_02EYJk4PM4ykZS0q1ZHE1lSYCBIlAOAZ5q93sGj6KWlIxqrHpU34zlgec7Yq8aeA9GS9xec-Xf3jUXBwhUJdPTEYS1wZQdtCLrXL8HAiHcnyWFLLrC8vUnspA3mwm1Mka12CSrEM/s640/IMG_1482-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I quilted the front of the pillow cover and I added rickrack so it wouldn't look so plain. The gray background and rickrack were special choices to go with my daughter's decor. You can see her colors in the puppy photo at the top of the page. Yes, she gets this project, too, poor thing.<br />
<br />
The real fun, though, came when I added extra thread play to the puppies. Something was needed to make them stand out better against the fabric background.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc9rh0SCp5y1RJ36OJNZhN9IDu5xqMQbcGa1udihLGYs1l4zpm4Pw_hr4LIvedkiPqOhgHzobZHWv0Bkekj8VisfyLLKNp0vSbsifMAZUUYNfk5Ofc-wJJYnimAR15zB2pM4dTlk1P1I/s1600/IMG_1478-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="800" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc9rh0SCp5y1RJ36OJNZhN9IDu5xqMQbcGa1udihLGYs1l4zpm4Pw_hr4LIvedkiPqOhgHzobZHWv0Bkekj8VisfyLLKNp0vSbsifMAZUUYNfk5Ofc-wJJYnimAR15zB2pM4dTlk1P1I/s640/IMG_1478-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, I'm thinking ahead to the next project. I'm not sure what it will be for sure, but it will likely have a Halloween theme.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wishing you a lovely last week of August. </b></span></div>
2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-16936746109635315622018-08-09T10:42:00.000-07:002018-08-09T10:42:45.571-07:00Summer Progress It doesn't feel like it's been a full two months since I posted here, but it has. I'm just beginning to find my footing in this new reality of life without the support and comfort of my sweet hubby. Summer sunshine, working in my garden, evening walks, visiting with neighbors, and spending time with my friends have been the best therapy possible. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKNJmoyPgvpZ0-HNlQPjHOCw4hPnRhzuw4NgQcelW9aTyay-NsjI81GDx36_DxkxMesRc1UqZl2lsBMu9-NLgdJkXmpAwESDxAU1KOuD6ntVf5iTW48kjjCH044Q2lLZIpBwaUZ4TNhc/s1600/IMG_0774-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKNJmoyPgvpZ0-HNlQPjHOCw4hPnRhzuw4NgQcelW9aTyay-NsjI81GDx36_DxkxMesRc1UqZl2lsBMu9-NLgdJkXmpAwESDxAU1KOuD6ntVf5iTW48kjjCH044Q2lLZIpBwaUZ4TNhc/s320/IMG_0774-001.JPG" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etsy Listing, <br />
<a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/everyday-zippered-tote/622954" target="_blank">Craftsy Listing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After I returned from a trip to visit my sister in June, I spent most of the summer setting up my new Etsy shop and writing a pattern for my tote design. I was still unable to come up with new design ideas, so writing the pattern was a welcome challenge.<br />
<br />
I would never have gotten through writing the tote pattern without the help of four amazing and very patient ladies who volunteered to test the pattern. I"m afraid that none of us knew what we were getting into when this journey began.<br />
<br />
Patterns for bags and totes are not at all like patterns for quilts and
mug rugs. In all honesty, I stumbled and bumbled my way through the entire process. My testers were terribly patient with me, and found every one of dozens of mistakes. Every time I fixed one area, I seemed to screw up another. When it
finally seemed like the pattern was finished, I got in a hurry and
published it too soon. Then, I had to make corrections to the pattern
that had already been published - not once, but three times!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqQXWRLEuB3F2autZ-KAKY0jQVTWIhL8eKxm8AJUBZwv4y5HAp-uZOKd_FCg9-QSKAtMsa4_lHM-agA5EdLIb0HVLbGZHF-eHTWGqKy2dMOTnOWcn8sOCWm3UzZXb_7MDNyGqKlTWpgY/s1600/EverydayZipperd+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1200" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqQXWRLEuB3F2autZ-KAKY0jQVTWIhL8eKxm8AJUBZwv4y5HAp-uZOKd_FCg9-QSKAtMsa4_lHM-agA5EdLIb0HVLbGZHF-eHTWGqKy2dMOTnOWcn8sOCWm3UzZXb_7MDNyGqKlTWpgY/s640/EverydayZipperd+Tote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These are two of the darling totes my helpers stitched. I'll post more photos when they come in. <br />
<br />
I love sewing bags and designing bags, but it will be awhile before I even consider writing another purse or tote pattern. <br />
<br />
With the completion of that pattern, my mental dam cracked, and new ideas have begun trickling through.. The first to reach completion is this pair of rainy day mug rugs. I'm publishing on both Craftsy and Etsy now, so buyers have choices.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX0pqprw0H_ycxPa7CclPkKmviUCJzr7HsxCzFc85dRLtjrgUBkmslfySRvv_JlnctStU-hjDDu7234dW4C27yid_5yvxYxiZbfVLXS9F2_SeqUDqjKm95kdHFowRYQIVKMcQs0baliE/s1600/IMG_1284-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1200" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX0pqprw0H_ycxPa7CclPkKmviUCJzr7HsxCzFc85dRLtjrgUBkmslfySRvv_JlnctStU-hjDDu7234dW4C27yid_5yvxYxiZbfVLXS9F2_SeqUDqjKm95kdHFowRYQIVKMcQs0baliE/s640/IMG_1284-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Etsy Listing, <span id="goog_1718483504"></span><span id="goog_1718483505"></span><a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/rainy-day-mug-rug-pair/625295" target="_blank">Craftsy Listing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wishing you a wonderful August!</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-53634283169606560572018-06-13T09:16:00.000-07:002018-06-13T09:16:18.929-07:00Let's Talk Piping<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0QT_lCkkKOmwyap0sUFntUiIKsrgYs9xIcHwqI45OLwPdiiCgxT2etJR6gJhG_7-NikSCrTtZDb4wEU-SXLezNRoDDTzxrLjJ4v_u371Y1G4As6upIQdwL3Vs929_eyyEvIuvH_5z0k/s1600/IMG_0544-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="698" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0QT_lCkkKOmwyap0sUFntUiIKsrgYs9xIcHwqI45OLwPdiiCgxT2etJR6gJhG_7-NikSCrTtZDb4wEU-SXLezNRoDDTzxrLjJ4v_u371Y1G4As6upIQdwL3Vs929_eyyEvIuvH_5z0k/s400/IMG_0544-001.JPG" width="348" /></a></div>
Whether brightly contrasting or sublimely subtle, piping can be that little extra element that takes a simple dress, pillow, or bag from "nice" to "wow". It adds a finished, tailored element to the simplest designs. Adding a bit of piping isn't complicated, but it can appear intimidating for inexperienced makers. Once you've gone through the process, you'll be surprised at how truly easy it can be. <br />
<br />
I'm going to talk a bit about piping in general, explain how to make your own, and then show how to place any piping into the seams of your project.<br />
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You can to buy ready made piping by the yard in most fabric stores. It's often seen in huge displays right next to zippers and bias tape. More specialized styles and sizes are availabel in some craft stores and online.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin8ECZhqBTfKPXsd7qK2sxZA77LUeZIG3LHznE3f9unUh1VSa0XDXRe_dTuCXLp-shQKnu8uLjl4sEG68WHQO0w8U2tnq4KNMP797etZMs82Ld5qRgOE3Kfjw9RMVTd4Cng29FO4OUCc/s1600/Desktop7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhin8ECZhqBTfKPXsd7qK2sxZA77LUeZIG3LHznE3f9unUh1VSa0XDXRe_dTuCXLp-shQKnu8uLjl4sEG68WHQO0w8U2tnq4KNMP797etZMs82Ld5qRgOE3Kfjw9RMVTd4Cng29FO4OUCc/s640/Desktop7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The packaged tape on the above left, is the right weight for shirts and lightweight dresses. Although it's inexpensive and comes in multiple colors, this product is not the best choice for most bags and pillows. The poly-cotton broadcloth fabric used in the piping doesn't hold up well to the wear that bags and pillows often receive, and the cord is too narrow to stand out on quilted or stuffed projects.<br />
<br />
Spooled tape sold by the yard may be made with sturdier materials, but it can get pricey. Choices of color and fabric are limited, as well. <br />
<br />
If you're going to put the effort into adding piping to a bag or decorative pillow, it usually makes more sense to make your own piping. You can choose a fabric of the same weight and in the perfect color to make your project stand out as special. The process is uncomplicated, no magic involved. You only need basic sewing tools: a quilter's ruler, a cutting mat, a rotary cutter, and a zipper foot.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to make your own piping:</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>1. Gather necessary materials </b><br />
<ul>
<li>piping cord at least 1" longer than the seam it will be inserted into <i></i></li>
<li>fabric strip to encase the piping at least 1" longer than the seam (Width will depend on the thickness of the cord. See #3 below.)</li>
<li>thread to match the fabric of the piping</li>
<li>A zipper foot </li>
</ul>
<b><i>Notes:</i></b><br />
<ul><i>
</i>
<li><i>Strips cut on the straight grade work fine for straight seams, bias strips are necessary for curved seams. (Commercial piping is cut on the bias.) </i></li>
<i>
</i>
<li><i>To sew strips together for long or multiple sections, cut the ends of the strips at a 45
<span style="font-family: "geneva"; font-size: 10.0pt;">º</span> angle. Sew together as you would strips for binding. </i><style>
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2. <b>Choose the cording that is the best size for your project.</b> You can buy cording in weights from barely there, to heavy duty.<br />
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For totes and pillows, I almost always use polyester cord with a diameter of 5/32". If you only need a small amount, it may pay to purchase it by the yard. I use a lot, so I buy packages of 10 yards each.<br />
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3. <b>Cut the fabric for the cord casing. </b><br />
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A rule of thumb to determine the width of the fabric strip is to double the diameter of the cord and add 1 1/4". Cut the fabric strip and the cord about 1" longer than the seam the piping will be sewn into.<br />
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If the piping will be in a straight seam, the fabric strips can be
cut on either the straight grain or on the bias. If seams are curved, the fabric strips should definitely be cut on the bias. <br />
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<b>4. Encase the cord inside the fabric strip.</b><br />
<br />
Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine. If using 5/32" cord, cut the fabric 2" wide. <br />
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Center the cord on the prepared strip of fabric.<br />
Fold the fabric over the cord and match the edges.<br />
Sew along the cord, getting as close as possible to the cord.<br />
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Use the fingers of your left hand to push the cord up snuggly against the zipper foot. When stitched, the fabric should fit tightly around the cord.<br />
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<b>5. Trim the prepared piping.</b><br />
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For regular seams, trim the fabric 1/2" beyond the edge of the piping. This is the same width that most ready made piping has been cut.<br />
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This job will be much easier if you have a 1/2" quilter's ruler. If you are using a wider ruler, align the 1/2" mark on the seam next to the cord. <br />
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<b><i>Watch your fingers! Rotary cutters are sharp!</i></b><br />
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For quarter inch seams, trim the fabric at 1/4" from the edge of the piping.<br />
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The piping is ready. Next comes stitching it into the seam of your project.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to sew piping into straight seams </b></span><br />
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1. Cut the fabrics being used with the piping.<br />
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2. Lay the piping along the edge of the right side of one of these fabrics. Align the edges. Position the zipper foot against the cording inside the piping. When stitching, try to sew directly on the row of stitching that encases the cording.<br />
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3. Place the two fabric sections right sides together. The section with the piping should be on top. Sew directly on the line of stitching that holds the piping in place.<br />
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4. Fold the fabrics open and press the seam open.<br />
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6. When the piping will lay on the outside edge of the seam, fold the fabrics back from the piping and press.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to sew piping around a curve</span></b><br />
<i>The process for sewing piping into curved seams is basically the same as for sewing it into straight seams. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1. Align the piping on the edge of the right side of one of the fabrics being used. Sew directly on the stitching on the piping. You will need to manipulate the piping around the curve as you stitch.<br />
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2. Pin the second piece of fabric right sides together with the piece to which piping is attached. Make sure the edges of the two fabrics are exactly together and stretched over the thickness of the piping between the fabrics.<br />
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3. Flip over so the stitching from step 1 is on top. Once again stitch directly on the previous line of stitching.<br />
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4. Clip the seam with little "v" shaped cuts to reduce bulk.<br />
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5. Open the seam and press. (In this case, you would turn the band right side out.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That's it! Easy as pie.</span></div>
2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-79767989979862024432018-05-28T19:13:00.002-07:002018-05-28T19:21:09.551-07:00The Empty Chair, Part 3, Falling in Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCZZ4dU-ayzhZyHXIiISZhCKmS_WkCJIS-qsKh1Q0sxH8sUKv8fnR8LEsbNNBnIsr1y1sYCOsdebdHtU59VvJusdMHfmu8UN5I_cOBmehXXv0s_ZJwVKIbsfMdvHP5nUz5_MnIIrgGJ0/s1600/IMG_7212-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="800" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCZZ4dU-ayzhZyHXIiISZhCKmS_WkCJIS-qsKh1Q0sxH8sUKv8fnR8LEsbNNBnIsr1y1sYCOsdebdHtU59VvJusdMHfmu8UN5I_cOBmehXXv0s_ZJwVKIbsfMdvHP5nUz5_MnIIrgGJ0/s320/IMG_7212-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've worn myself out this weekend, and it will be an early night.<br />
<br />
It's been five months since my hubby passed away. It seems like forever and it seems like yesterday. I needed time, but I was finally ready to clean out his office this weekend. Our former guest room is now my sewing room, so I'm going to turn the office into a guest room. It will be nice to have a place where visitors can stay.<br />
<br />
It took all weekend, but the desk, the bookcase and all the drawers of files have been sorted through and emptied. I moved important things to empty drawers in the bedroom, and listed the office furniture for sale on Craigslist.<br />
<br />
Moving furniture around, emptying and filling drawers, and carrying boxes up and down the stairs, was tiring enough, but sorting through his things was the hardest part of it all. Fred had tucked away little things that meant something to him, and I found several boxes of small treasures. This mug rug was in one of them.<br />
<br />
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So many of my designs stem from something in my own life experiences. I named this mug rug "Winter Romance", and I gave it to Fred for Christmas shortly after I made it. The design was all about the winter we met.<br />
<br />
It was in January of my junior year University of Colorado in Boulder. On the first day back from Christmas vacation, I was sitting in the student union with a friend after our last classes for the day. The room was filled with people escaping the cold and snow outside. Marty and I found it almost impossible to carry on a conversation with all the shouting and laughing from students just back from a two week break. The fragrances of wet wool and hot coffee permeated the air.<br />
<br />
A couple of tables away from us a group of several boys was crowded around a very small table. They were all talking at the same time and laughing over something. I may not have noticed them were it not for my friend, Marty. "Don't look like your looking, but look at those boys," she said, nodding at their table. "One of them keeps looking at you." I glanced that direction, and I'm sure I blushed. She was right. "He can't take his eyes off you," she said. "He's really, really cute! I'm so jealous!" <br />
<br />
"He's okay," I said nonchalantly. "Nothing special." I tugged my skirt down to in an effort to hide my legs better. Skirts were short in 1963. I had lied when I said he was "okay". He had curly black hair, twinkling brown eyes, and a
beautiful smile. He was wearing a hand knit, golden yellow wool sweater
over a black turtleneck. Yes, I noticed what he was wearing, and I can still picture it as if it were yesterday. I was
dressed in blue, in case you were wondering. Some things stick. But, back to Fred. He was so much more than just okay. He was the most gorgeous young man I'd ever seen! I proceeded to pointedly ignore him, but I couldn't get him out of my head for the rest of the evening.<br />
<br />
The next day I went back to the student union during a mid-morning break between classes. The union was almost empty, so I sat at a table for eight by the window where I could watch the snow coming down and people rushing by.<br />
<br />
"Excuse me," a voice interrupted. I looked up to see the same beautiful boy from yesterday. He looked around the almost empty room as if searching for a place to sit. "Is this seat taken?" He pointed to a chair directly across from me. His eyes sparkled with humor. I laughed out loud. <br />
<br />
We talked with the ease of people who had known each other forever. There was so much to discuss, but we both needed to get back to class. We made a date to meet at the union for lunch the next day.<br />
<br />
I was several minutes late arriving at the union for our lunch date on Wednesday. It was bitterly cold, and the wind was blowing fiercely. I couldn't believe that Fred was waiting outside in the cold for me. The first thing I noticed were his ears. He wasn't wearing a hat, and his ears were bright red. His hands were stuffed deep in his pockets, and he looked half frozen. You may have noticed that the snowman in the mug rug wears no hat. Now you know why. <br />
<br />
We were inseparable from the on. The rest of the winter was magical. The Boulder campus was even more beautiful than usual. Some of the wonder was from the deep white snow that we trudged through and turned into snowballs, but most of the beauty came from the two of us. Was it love at first sight? Fred always said he was in love from that first glimpse of me across the crowded room, but it took longer for me to know that he was the one - at least until the end of the first week.<br />
<br />
I'm putting the mug rug carefully away as a reminder of the winter we fell in love.<br />
<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-79881397707828325712018-05-26T17:52:00.001-07:002018-05-26T17:52:11.387-07:00Bedtime Story<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/AVvXsEi6ZSqHOcxOmCSiqgfvGghJMg-6goTUko8PVtaCZJq-0IsE8_2J_ddYRn2dy4ZRxAFpKGuNRnhpYyKWG8m96mAHISPllh4DtMtkXYM37hr8joELTnoSF1vZPTTTeNKK-ZkkeGqVBUddbXA/s1600/IMG_0367-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="800" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZSqHOcxOmCSiqgfvGghJMg-6goTUko8PVtaCZJq-0IsE8_2J_ddYRn2dy4ZRxAFpKGuNRnhpYyKWG8m96mAHISPllh4DtMtkXYM37hr8joELTnoSF1vZPTTTeNKK-ZkkeGqVBUddbXA/s640/IMG_0367-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bedtime Story Pillow". 12" x 16" <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/bedtime-story-pillow/599633" target="_blank">Pattern link</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's a pillow top called "Bedtime Story". It's scrappy, colorful, and fun. With the combination of books and two little pets, it had to be happy. Who could forget the sweet times spent reading a child to sleep?<br />
<br />
Reading in bed these past few months has reminded me of those years when I read bedtime stories to small children. My children, and later my grandchildren, and I would squeeze onto a chair or tumble into bed together, and I'd read until my audience dozed off. The same books appeared over and over on the list of choices. The stories were quickly memorized, so we would "read" them together. Such warm and loving memories.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubi_BSdN7bpmUIXuCuxcg-sZq4AsmbW6VDL2jl4TnqcnzqcIoAYdL3V0dBLeFZE5I5vo323YclO5aC788HQ-_2dSENhW_4eDikWEzoRhL4117y_Oa5gzOctyUDOwx5x2WfjmDLuHP4vc/s1600/Kiddos+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1175" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubi_BSdN7bpmUIXuCuxcg-sZq4AsmbW6VDL2jl4TnqcnzqcIoAYdL3V0dBLeFZE5I5vo323YclO5aC788HQ-_2dSENhW_4eDikWEzoRhL4117y_Oa5gzOctyUDOwx5x2WfjmDLuHP4vc/s400/Kiddos+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One down, one just getting started.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On to a new project tomorrow, I hope. I have a couple of ideas, so it's basically a matter of choosing one over the other. <br />
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2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-66713790742719387242018-04-18T10:01:00.000-07:002018-04-18T10:01:06.512-07:00A Cheerful Baby Quilt and the Baby Box<br />
You know how one thing leads to another and another, and before you know it, you're in a totally unexpected place?<br />
<br />
It all started with making gifts for two young mothers expecting new babies. First I made the "Carriage Ride" mug rug. Next I made some flannel blankets with satin binding, and crocheted baby bibs for baby showers coming up.<br />
<br />
I was really on a baby roll, so a baby quilt came next. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTcTvjlUSTNBGNfebyFWIQbiH8TfHUlgAsV0BvBBmPQOf0lQsa7fGTBoeSfWh1yQiZbAKR2otTlk0q2xeZ9K_Tx9AFTVNo-kyNcn7-NHPbrQiEGt64l1l9_YN7VhfJ8oWyseL13j23Bs/s1600/IMG_0135-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="645" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTcTvjlUSTNBGNfebyFWIQbiH8TfHUlgAsV0BvBBmPQOf0lQsa7fGTBoeSfWh1yQiZbAKR2otTlk0q2xeZ9K_Tx9AFTVNo-kyNcn7-NHPbrQiEGt64l1l9_YN7VhfJ8oWyseL13j23Bs/s640/IMG_0135-001.JPG" width="515" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hearts and Pinwheels" 34 1/2" x 43 12" <a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/hearts-and-pinwheels-baby-quilt/585593" target="_blank">The Pattern</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I pulled a layer cake of cheerful baby prints from my stash, and designed this little quilt that can easily be made with either 10" squares or with 5" squares. It turned out so sweetly. The photos really don't do it justice. I used polyester batting to keep it lightweight, and minimal quilting to keep it soft and fluffy. The only quilting other than stitching in the ditch around the blocks is a bit of FMQ on the outside border.<br />
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<br />
There was quite a bit of fabric left over, so I made a bib to match the quilt. I'll add a button or some velcro as soon as I can get to the store.<br />
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<br />
Since my granddaughter now lives next door, she had been following the progress of the baby quilt. "What are you going to do with it?" she asked.<br />
<br />
"Why, it goes in the baby box."<br />
"You have a baby box?" She sounded quite surprised. "What's in it?"<br />
<br />
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<br />
I pulled the box from the closet. There isn't a lot in it right now because I keep giving things away as gifts. There are the little bibs and blankets that I've made recently , a couple of quilts have been put aside for eventual great-grandbabies, and something very special that I've been saving for ten years.<br />
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<br />
I asked Sara, "Do you recognize this?" <br />
"The fabrics are familiar," she said. The rest of the story surprised her. <br />
<br />
Ten years ago, when Sara was 11-years-old, she was very interested in sewing. I'd been sewing for my niece who was expecting a baby girl. Sara decided she wanted to make a baby quilt for the new baby, too. So, she made this quilt top. She chose the fabrics and the pattern. We worked together on it during the summer.<br />
<br />
When the quilt top was finished, Sara changed her mind. "I don't want to give it away," she said. "I want to keep it for my own babies."<br />
<br />
Summer ended, Sara started middle school, and in the whirlwind of new school, friends, and all that early adolescent craziness, sewing lost it's appeal. I put the unfinished quilt away for her. I hope that someday, she'll have reason to finish it.<br />
<br />
What's in your baby box?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a lovely week!</span></div>
2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-59106117238111492322018-03-22T09:28:00.000-07:002018-05-28T19:10:14.555-07:00The Empty Chair, Part 2. Exciting News<br />
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<br />
A few days after Fred was gone, when my house was still filled with family, my next door neighbor came over to tell me that they were moving in less than a month. I was shocked. They'd been next door for seven years and I would miss them. But, their moving placed an additional stress on me well beyond the loss of a neighbor.<br />
<br />
We live in one unit of a triplex that we own. The other two units are rented, so on top of everything else I was dealing with at that moment, I would need to find new renters and get the unit completely ready for them. She apologized for the timing, but on the day after my husband passed away, they had received notice that they were being transferred to Kansas City . Her husband would leave in a week, and she and the girls would stay until the end of February to pack and clean the apartment.<br />
<br />
My daughter and granddaughter were sitting together on the couch, following this conversation and carrying on a side conversation of their own. After a few minutes had gone by, my daughter interrupted us. "Sara has something to say." <br />
<br />
"We'd like to live there," Sara said. "If that's okay." Of course that was okay! I couldn't think of anything that would make me happier than to have my granddaughter and her sweet hubby next door.<br />
<br />
I silently wondered, "Fred, did you have anything to do with this?" It was exactly the kind of thing I might expect from him, and the timing was surprisingly coincidental. <br />
<br />
During those last few months when he knew he didn't have long, he became more and more concerned about my safety and well being. He hated for me to go anywhere without him, because, what if ... ? He reminded me, "Hold the railing", whenever I went up or down the stairs, and, "Is the door locked?" was a frequent question.<br />
<br />
Most emphatically, though, he didn't want me to ever live alone. What if something happened and no one was there to help me? He insisted that I must either go to live with our daughter or ask our son to move in with me. I tried to assure him that lots of people live alone, and they're just fine, but he was adamant. I changed the subject, but he came back to it several times every day.<br />
<br />
I've spent most of March getting that apartment ready for my granddaughter, and her hubby. It has a master bedroom and bathroom on the main level, and another two bedrooms and full bathroom on the walkout level. They don't need all that space, so they invited my grandson to move in, too! I'll have both of my grandbabies right next door! <br />
<br />
The kiddos have been filling cupboards and closets, and the moving van comes tomorrow. I am so excited! <br />
<br />
No, Fred, I won't be living alone. Not really. <br />
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-19094422726291650272018-03-13T14:39:00.000-07:002018-03-13T14:39:04.403-07:00New Babies Everywhere!<br />
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<br />
Something wonderful is happening in my garden! Spring is really, truly arriving. <br />
<br />
This has been the longest, bleakest winter in my memory. I am so glad it's spring. I'm sure that with the warmer weather and all of the new life, my mood will start to lift. The babies help. Baby birds, baby rabbits, baby goats. Baby humans, too. I wish there were lots of babies in my own family, but it's too soon. My grandchildren are still in college. The time for our babies will come, but right now, there are plenty of other babies attracting my attention. <br />
<br />
A young former coworker just had a baby girl. Another, even younger
teacher friend is due almost any day now, and one of my dearest friends will have a new grandchild in a few
weeks. There's a new baby a few doors down from my house and another a
few blocks up the street.<br />
<br />
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My newest mug rug, "Carriage Ride" celebrates both spring and babies. Happy pinwheels, happy balloons, happy colors. I may use this for a baby shower gift. Then again, I just might choose to save it in my great-granny hope chest. It would be sweet used as a mug rug, and it would be lovely hanging on a nursery wall.<br />
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-13775322203214744362018-03-05T09:47:00.000-08:002018-03-05T17:06:01.845-08:00"The Girls". A New PatternIt's been months since I've published a new pattern, but my house is quiet - too quiet, and I have more time than I ever wanted. I plan to fill much of that time with sewing. This week I finished working with the hens. The bright colors and busy hens with button eyes
make me smile every time I look at them. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_IQAbVo23eElNpWs9A_NREglX1b_sDefHcWSr7RPcoUQXA0PmafIAO-ePTpX7fki4_u2ZRMbO9pLWhXqunJB3yV26Xh6IlzZU63xneEPWMQJXrguj1tgbBEUwv7vnTodXjMf2ikVDqg/s1600/IMG_7411-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="799" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_IQAbVo23eElNpWs9A_NREglX1b_sDefHcWSr7RPcoUQXA0PmafIAO-ePTpX7fki4_u2ZRMbO9pLWhXqunJB3yV26Xh6IlzZU63xneEPWMQJXrguj1tgbBEUwv7vnTodXjMf2ikVDqg/s640/IMG_7411-002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Girls", Table Runner 11" x 29"<br />
<a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/the-girls-table-runner/570622" target="_blank">https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/the-girls-table-runner/570622</a><a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/the-girls-table-runner/570622" target="_blank"> </a></td></tr>
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The baby chicks are fun, too. I hand embroidered their beaks and legs. <br />
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I only used three hens in the table runner, but a templates for a fourth hen are included in the pattern. I used that hen and one extra to make 9"
blocks. I haven't decided what to do with them yet. They could go into a
lap quilt. That might be fun. <br />
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I can think of so many other ways to use the chickens. These two would be fun on a pillow. I reversed the templates for the chicken on the left for this project. <br />
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Or, all four could fit together on a wall hanging. As you can see, I played around quite a bit before settling on the table runner. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVCDWYsopXYsVBpwVaR0se4MgY-S4pjlHaBYxDxhF6c2DegQf1bSlaab27GrgjNHq6-xAfEYt-rIm0pYRqWbCupoa2OOMbzgZL-yS0b7snEtl2F_dBgibxCZkywQIvLT5cgfnQ05nIWM/s1600/IMG_7216-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="717" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVCDWYsopXYsVBpwVaR0se4MgY-S4pjlHaBYxDxhF6c2DegQf1bSlaab27GrgjNHq6-xAfEYt-rIm0pYRqWbCupoa2OOMbzgZL-yS0b7snEtl2F_dBgibxCZkywQIvLT5cgfnQ05nIWM/s320/IMG_7216-001.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
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It's time to start thinking about a new idea to work on. A mug rug? A square table topper? A lap quilt? Something pieced?<br />
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It will officially be spring in less than three weeks! I am so looking forward to sunny skies, mild temperatures, and flowers in bloom.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wishing you a wonderful week!</b></span></div>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-77635784194193746522018-02-12T18:03:00.000-08:002018-02-12T18:03:41.996-08:00The Empty Chair, Part 1. The Last Gift<br />
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I came home from grocery shopping today, and I almost called out, "I'm home!" Almost, but I stopped myself. There was no one to call back a greeting.<br />
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My husband passed away in January. His squeaky green recliner sits empty, and my house is silent. I miss him every day, all day. Tears come unexpectedly, like they did this morning while I put groceries for one in the refrigerator.<br />
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I want to tell our story, but it will come in bits and pieces, and not in any sensible order. This is the story of his last gift for me.<br />
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Fred had been unwell for several years. Over time, in addition to diabetes, he had developed the neurological and mental symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Dementia was creeping up on him, and he shuffled with tiny, exhausting steps that made going anywhere very difficult.<br />
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In October, he had emergency surgery for a kidney stone. He was so frail, that he never really recovered. In spite of it all, he remained the same kind and loving man that he had always been.<br />
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Four days before Christmas, Fred decided that he wanted to go to Von Maur to buy me a Christmas gift. He'd only left the house a few times since last October, but he said that he felt a bit stronger that morning. I tried to convince him that a gift wasn't at all necessary, but he insisted. He was dressed and ready to leave at 10:00 A.M. The department store is only a mile and a half from our house, so we wouldn't need much time.<br />
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When Fred was all buckled up, I began backing out of our driveway. The back of my car had barely reached the street when there we felt a jolt and heard a sickening thump. The neighbor, whose driveway was directly across the street from ours, had come zooming out like she always did. This time, she'd rammed right into the back of our car.<br />
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We both got out of our cars to see the damage. My bumper had a big, cracked dent, and her car looked even worse. The woman seemed panicked. She said she hadn't even seen a car in my driveway, then she began frantically texting someone on her phone. My man was waiting, and he was my first priority. If he wanted to go to Von Maur, I would get him there as soon as I could. <br />
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I told the neighbor, "Look, you didn't see me, and I didn't see you. It was just a freakish accident, so let's each take care of our own damage." She continued texting, and then ran into her house without responding. We left. Fred had shopping to do. <br />
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When we walked through the big doors, Fred looked around the store. "It's all clothes," he said. He seemed disappointed. "Don't they have any jewelry?"<br />
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They do carry a small selection of jewelry. It was in the middle of the store, so we made our way down the long, center aisle. We found the jewelry, but except for a few tiny chains, nothing was actual gold. Fred was disappointed. Costume jewelry wouldn't do. He looked around the store again in search of something else. "A sweater?" I suggested. "I can always use a new sweater." <br />
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"Not clothes," he said. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Do they have perfume?"<br />
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The perfume was a bit farther down the same aisle, so we shuffled on. Fred was only interested in one fragrance, Chanel #5. It had always been his favorite, and he purchased a small bottle of it. The sales clerk couldn't help but smile at this sweet, old man buying a special Christmas gift for his wife. <br />
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He carried the bag in one hand and held my hand with the other. As we made our way back through the store and to the car, he shook his head, "I'm just like a little boy with his mommy."<br />
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Once home, he handed the bag to me and asked me to put it under the tree. On Christmas morning, our whole family came to spend the day. We gathered around the tree to open gifts. When I was handed his little bag from Von Maur, I pretended to be completely surprised. Fred laughed and made a joke about his beautiful gift wrapping. Christmas was such a happy day. Fred told stories of his youth in the afternoon, and, in the evening, we shared our traditional spaghetti dinner. It was my hubby's last good day. <br />
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The perfume is still unopened. I can't bring myself to break the seal quite yet, but I don't know why. I'll get there eventually, but not today.<br />
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-86700876156539913762018-01-11T11:21:00.000-08:002018-01-11T11:21:24.467-08:00When the Creative Muse Doesn't Strike, Sew Anyway!A jillion ideas for new mug rugs and wall hangings are bouncing around in my head, but nothing is actually taking hold. It happens now and then - more frequently as time goes on. I'm sewing anyway - just not something totally original.<br />
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My daughter likes these little microwave soup bowl holders that are all over Pinterest. There wasn't time to make some for her Christmas, but January is a good soup month. This was also a super way to use some of those 10" precuts that I keep collecting. <br />
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I was having fun, so when the bowls were finished, I made a bread basket to match, and gave it button-on
handles that can be placed up or down. Then I added a reversible napkin for the bread basket. Playing with my favorite toys is always fun.<br />
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I haven't made a pattern for the bread basket, because it isn't all that impressive, but I will be playing with more basket ideas in the future. <br />
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I did make an actual pattern for <span data-offset-key="ad0at-0-0"><span data-text="true">the soup bowl holders, though. The idea of drawing lines from corner to corner and side to side on each 10 inch square seemed a bit much. A pattern shortened the process considerably, and the measuring was finished when the pattern was done. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Make a pattern for 10" fabric squares.</span></b><br />
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1. <span data-offset-key="ad0at-0-0"><span data-text="true">Cut a 5" x 10" rectangle from your paper. Draw a dotted down the center to make two 5" x 5" squares.</span></span></div>
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2. Measure 2 1/2" down from the top on the dotted line. Make a dot.<br />
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3. At the very top of the dotted line, measure 1" to either side of the line and make dots.<br />
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4. Make dots 1" up from the bottom on each side edge of the paper.<br />
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5. Make dots 2 1/2" in from each bottom side edge of the paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfadJRO6Io23vYI12W1dR477voad8UuB64hVsmuOj7A4-6PVUz0wiEQuZNy10FWJGaLm_0_kd-QkB6shXetYhV4BK0vvCgdCTf4MKk2d9UIcRo81AWasotRWmrbK-_u1q30ni1c62sUDU/s1600/IMG_7021-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="800" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfadJRO6Io23vYI12W1dR477voad8UuB64hVsmuOj7A4-6PVUz0wiEQuZNy10FWJGaLm_0_kd-QkB6shXetYhV4BK0vvCgdCTf4MKk2d9UIcRo81AWasotRWmrbK-_u1q30ni1c62sUDU/s640/IMG_7021-003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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6. Connect the dots. These are the stitching lines for the darts.<br />
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7. Measure exactly 1/4" to the inside of each dotted line and cut.<br />
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8. Two pattern sections can be taped together for a complete pattern.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cut and sew the bowl holders:</span></b><br />
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1. Place a 10" x 10" square of fabric right side up on a piece of 100% cotton batting. <br />
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<span data-offset-key="ad0at-0-0"><span data-text="true">2.
Pin the fabric and batting at the corners and in the center. Use the
pattern to cut out the "v" shapes on each side of the square. (It took a few turns of the paper, but the half pattern worked just find for cutting darts.) </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFhK5-t9qPPhej5UF3bhpn8x7n5yd9QCSs-dVYqWv7skl-Ud2vnge7N-dVlN3rSem19aBY_IcmXw_AyYIYwtuvJU9DECzAgjO__Wxr-JDtxSlfBPn5g2ureicKi2jrqj8LxboVZ1jWKM/s1600/IMG_6942-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFhK5-t9qPPhej5UF3bhpn8x7n5yd9QCSs-dVYqWv7skl-Ud2vnge7N-dVlN3rSem19aBY_IcmXw_AyYIYwtuvJU9DECzAgjO__Wxr-JDtxSlfBPn5g2ureicKi2jrqj8LxboVZ1jWKM/s400/IMG_6942-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ad0at-0-0"><span data-text="true">3. Mark the dots for the inside corners on the batting with a fabric marker or ball point pen. </span></span><br />
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4. Fold the cut edges of the "v" together. Stitch the dart 1/4" from the edges of the cutout, ending right at the dot.<br />
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5. Snip the end of the four darts open almost to the dots and press the seams open.<br />
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6. Pin two of the fabric/batting sections right sides together. Using
a 1/4" seam, stitch all the way around leaving about a 4" opening to
turn the soup holder right side out.<br />
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7. Turn, stitch the opening closed, and press.<br />
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-20361572118754252522017-12-24T15:44:00.002-08:002017-12-24T15:54:34.733-08:00Christmas Eve: A True Story - Honest!<br />
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Christmas Eve is always hectic at my house. There are invariably a hundred and one last last minute things to accomplish. It's bad enough now, but it was much worse when the children were young. <br />
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I published this poem several years ago, but it seems like a good time to repeat it tonight. This event described here took place in about 1982. It is absolutely true - every single word of it. I hope you enjoy reading about our totally unexpected Christmas Eve event.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Christmas Eve Story </span><br />
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Christmas Eve - in the morning, I was bustling to and fro,<br />
Stitching this, baking that, making piles of presents grow.<br />
A needle jabbed into my thumb, clock hands were swiftly turning.<br />
While searching for my Christmas list I smelled the cookies burning.<br />
<br />
My kids were blasting music (not the kind that I would choose),<br />
Their father yelled for quiet, then turned up the TV news<br />
My head was really throbbing, but I could not slow my pace.<br />
To leave something unfinished would have been a huge disgrace!<br />
<br />
The telephone began to ring, my daughter raced her brother,<br />
Not noticing that in their haste they'd nearly killed their mother.<br />
I chased out of the kitchen to answer knocking at the door,<br />
And I tripped upon the carpet and fell sprawling on the floor.<br />
<br />
The florist smiled, "Good morning! Please just sign your name right here.<br />
A poinsettia from the neighbors to bring you Christmas cheer."<br />
I sat down on the lowest step, the flowers on my lap,<br />
I couldn't deal with any more until I'd had a nap.<br />
<br />
I retreated to my bedroom and stretched out on my bed.<br />
Quiet peace flowed over me ... then my eyes flew wide with dread!<br />
From the bathroom in the hallway, the children's, not my own,<br />
Came a sound I'd heard before, one I wish I'd never known.<br />
<br />
I tiptoed very slowly, till before the stool I stood,<br />
Wishing it would go away. Praying that it would.<br />
One gurgle. Then another. My body swayed with fright,<br />
What I imagined underneath the lid, was a plumber's true delight.<br />
<br />
My first thought was to flush it. Maybe it would come unplugged.<br />
Then I visioned murky waters overflowing on my rug.<br />
So I raised the lid so slowly, peeked to see what I had heard,<br />
And there, splashing in the toilet, was a wet a frightened bird!<br />
<br />
This was not what I'd expected, and I slammed the lid back down,<br />
As I screamed so very loudly that my voice was heard downtown!<br />
Well my husband, he came running, and the children followed suit.<br />
"There's a bird in the toilet!" They just stood, three statues, mute.<br />
<br />
I repeated in a softer voice, and I motioned with my hand,<br />
But they looked upon me blankly like they didn't understand.<br />
"There's a bird in the toilet! Do you think that I am blind?"<br />
I heard my husband whisper, "Son, your mother's lost her mind.<br />
<br />
"Dear, it's been a trying day," soothed my husband with a frown.<br />
I just shouted, "Go do something - or that bird will surely drown!"<br />
So they looked, just to humor me, and guess what they found there -<br />
Yes, a bird, flopping desperately! Not a moment left to spare!<br />
<br />
My son retrieved the dripping thing and wrapped it in a towel.<br />
He placed it in a spot of sun to dry the soggy fowl.<br />
Did it fall down the chimney? No, we had closed the flue.<br />
Then how did it get there? I really wish we knew.<br />
<br />
Did it swim up the sewer? That seems quite absurd,<br />
But stranger things have happened close to Christmas. So I've heard.<br />
After awhile we took it out, and watched it fly away.<br />
And I thought, how very fitting as an ending to this day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas, everyone!!</span> </div>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-18984883850116026312017-12-09T11:34:00.000-08:002017-12-09T11:34:56.040-08:00A New Robe and a Family Favorite Cookie Recipe<span style="font-size: large;"><b> The Robe</b></span><br />
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I did it! I rarely sew for myself, but I actually found the time to sew a new robe. Lovely, soft, warm flannel in beautiful turquoise blue. It's roomy and warm with enough length and fullness to wrap around my ankles at night. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-q3XBA5_7DymuUX_zOUcr8nMid3Jwx9-P3U_JIdTYWPDFFefJzYZJsIAxJdA4jXpmL9UepVukWdZGVREpQ_AoAruv1h6GiSVZpKyptuwLJ_fK2kqB32r9l1i_DbaFqzypg69w31B0wM/s1600/IMG_6751-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="614" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-q3XBA5_7DymuUX_zOUcr8nMid3Jwx9-P3U_JIdTYWPDFFefJzYZJsIAxJdA4jXpmL9UepVukWdZGVREpQ_AoAruv1h6GiSVZpKyptuwLJ_fK2kqB32r9l1i_DbaFqzypg69w31B0wM/s640/IMG_6751-001.JPG" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to see the details with the light behind me. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61MnDBlGAeKyIiWfS2nf4NXoDsIk2l1WPEteDhPI-hdq-U3z5K0-9ukxK35cxk0Zny6QjieiwPtT5s_4Mu8tpxh8mLqqMP5pNkIqG3fwyKqpBeOVBK7rKwpberpMJNQsPINk7-c9pxGM/s1600/IMG_6744-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="451" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61MnDBlGAeKyIiWfS2nf4NXoDsIk2l1WPEteDhPI-hdq-U3z5K0-9ukxK35cxk0Zny6QjieiwPtT5s_4Mu8tpxh8mLqqMP5pNkIqG3fwyKqpBeOVBK7rKwpberpMJNQsPINk7-c9pxGM/s400/IMG_6744-001.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A better photo in a shorter mirror.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The Recipe</span></b><br />
<br />
I only bake these little morsels of delicate yumminess<b> </b>for very special occasions. They are far too rich for everyday nibbling. Crunchy nuts and sweet fruit preserves contrast beautifully with a melt-in-your-mouth, buttery cookie base. It's hard to eat only one. <br />
<br />
<b></b>
<b>Jelly Filled Swedish Butter Cookies</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat-MDDYDQDQqiFeC69iV8Ts7qJHCYWIQ2yzZo-n40_pBvOh08TN4939EtAhbn6xcm_fpX44w603DgnVIktGB96RsAB2OBbr9TAtal2g0VtnHT17MNQutzhjL0nzfx1sO8pse-VAciJos/s1600/IMG_6739-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="800" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat-MDDYDQDQqiFeC69iV8Ts7qJHCYWIQ2yzZo-n40_pBvOh08TN4939EtAhbn6xcm_fpX44w603DgnVIktGB96RsAB2OBbr9TAtal2g0VtnHT17MNQutzhjL0nzfx1sO8pse-VAciJos/s400/IMG_6739-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half are filled with sour cherry preserves, half with fig preserves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 c. butter</li>
<li>1/2 c. sugar</li>
<li>1 egg, separated plus the white of a second egg</li>
<li>1 T. cream</li>
<li>1 t. vanilla </li>
<li>2 c. sifted flour</li>
<li>1/2 t. baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Heat oven to 350º F.
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</li>
<li>Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. </li>
<li>Add the egg yolk, cream, and vanilla. Mix well</li>
<li>Sift the flour and baking powder together. Stir into the butter mixture until smooth.</li>
<li>Beat both egg whites lightly with a fork.</li>
<li>Form dough into small balls, about 1" in diameter.</li>
<li>Dip dough in the egg white, then roll in the chopped nuts.</li>
<li>Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet. (I lined the cookie sheet with parchment paper.)</li>
<li>Make a small indentation in the center of each ball. (A finger is about the right size, but I used the rounded end of a wooden spoon.)</li>
<li>Fill the indentations with preserves. </li>
<li>Bake for about 20 minutes.</li>
<li>Allow to cool slightly on the cookie sheet before moving to a cooling rack.</li>
<li>Handle carefully as these are very fragile when warm. </li>
</ol>
<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/AVvXsEg88WYmLLNDNmKGH84-a5LBJUj_X5Loz2JGlm-9KJP2llIEc2gy51kc4O1sl-Dd8HZUoBPtihAdNHAYqj_A3dwgsFlZU-XKvnugg8JpRKNjm4jHhzcrf3cltaQdCA5-BOFiaZfpIJGocmQ/s1600/IMG_6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="800" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88WYmLLNDNmKGH84-a5LBJUj_X5Loz2JGlm-9KJP2llIEc2gy51kc4O1sl-Dd8HZUoBPtihAdNHAYqj_A3dwgsFlZU-XKvnugg8JpRKNjm4jHhzcrf3cltaQdCA5-BOFiaZfpIJGocmQ/s640/IMG_6735.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the oven and almost baked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>YUM!!</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yikes! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Only 16 days till Christmas! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Still no tree, no decorations, no cards sent out and several batches of cookies yet to bake. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'd better get busy!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b></b><br /></div>
<b><br /></b>2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-38055187092770062912017-12-02T10:40:00.002-08:002017-12-02T11:59:51.310-08:00Christmas Place Mats, Part 2: The MatHooray! All eight of my Christmas place mats are finished! They really were quite easy and fast. I intentionally made them without binding for two reasons. 1) I didn't want to spend the time it would have taken to hand stitch the binding on the back side of the mats. Eight is a big bunch. 2) I wanted the outer edge to have no extra bulk in the seam. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i5C1UxM7DKvnlDpYKZ3Hg0pgirTNilsplW4CVJ6OUyfCdOKADy3uXEuj9ldbYTiUdlst5yojpmKYUA4bRVy8Kqs1BqW7KvVw9lJ7qsIt2DaVwvt0U-dPDE7UA-it2mdlqSjIW7zPOZs/s1600/IMG_6726-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i5C1UxM7DKvnlDpYKZ3Hg0pgirTNilsplW4CVJ6OUyfCdOKADy3uXEuj9ldbYTiUdlst5yojpmKYUA4bRVy8Kqs1BqW7KvVw9lJ7qsIt2DaVwvt0U-dPDE7UA-it2mdlqSjIW7zPOZs/s640/IMG_6726-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Figuring out how to go about this process quickly became an irresistible challenge. An extra step or two had to be added in order to do the job right. Did it save time in the long run? Yes, but not as much as I'd hoped. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The instructions shown here are for a set of four place mats. I made two sets.</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZYXTVJrCh5IfoXAHaUsAyFYLqhFYpjABMkEJoXXSI8R8wXT-qYhDAivL2u7YGqhUaHfnzjSYTG8JAmqH_WNzA5jLI-nvocV4G35dK3NhyphenhyphenMZv3Cick1wcG7dluC7jxOQ5oNrIOQIeaaE/s1600/IMG_6719-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZYXTVJrCh5IfoXAHaUsAyFYLqhFYpjABMkEJoXXSI8R8wXT-qYhDAivL2u7YGqhUaHfnzjSYTG8JAmqH_WNzA5jLI-nvocV4G35dK3NhyphenhyphenMZv3Cick1wcG7dluC7jxOQ5oNrIOQIeaaE/s400/IMG_6719-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Place Mats: 14" x 18"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Use 1/4" seam allowances. </b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc1rUrk1N156W7M3aGIpevqOTpy8HrMNFsr-YKPkmykbbJo3vQRDAc_7gQj7NQKVes_LqlgBct1FDNSlFPJhRYkpSsrdCz9SGPofn7RD04r14DGQyV8AJeSgi9lfVGBpuN0F5BLpLYy4/s1600/Document1c_000001-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="800" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc1rUrk1N156W7M3aGIpevqOTpy8HrMNFsr-YKPkmykbbJo3vQRDAc_7gQj7NQKVes_LqlgBct1FDNSlFPJhRYkpSsrdCz9SGPofn7RD04r14DGQyV8AJeSgi9lfVGBpuN0F5BLpLYy4/s640/Document1c_000001-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Fabrics needed for four place mats</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 yard inner background fabric </li>
<li>1/4 yard or one fat quarter contrast fabric for narrow, inner border</li>
<li>2/3 yard coordinating or contrast fabric for wider, outer border</li>
<li>1 yard backing</li>
<li>1 yard batting</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Cutting for four place mats</b><br />
<br />
From inner background cut:<br />
<ul>
<li>four rectangles, 10" x 14" </li>
</ul>
From narrow border fabric cut:<br />
<ul>
<li>eight strips, 3/4" x 10"</li>
<li>eight strips, 3/4" x 14 1/2" </li>
</ul>
From outer border fabric cut:<br />
<ul>
<li>eight strips, 2 1/2" x 10 1/2"</li>
<li>eight strips, 2 1/2" x 18 1/2"</li>
</ul>
From backing fabric, cut:<br />
<ul>
<li>four rectangles, 15 1/2" x 19 1/2"</li>
</ul>
From batting, cut:<br />
<ul>
<li>four rectangles, 15 1/2" x 19 1/2"</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<b>Sewing for each place mat</b><br />
<br />
1. Position the tree from on the 14" x 10" background fabric. Fuse and stitch in place with a machine zigzag stitch.<br />
<br />
Instructions for making the trees are found in last week's blog post. <a href="http://klee2strings.blogspot.com/2017/11/christmas-tree-place-mats-part-1-tree.html" target="_blank">Christmas Placemats, Part 1</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Dbaqvm08HVaH7gvLOCZjpDzAU0dFJkISxMmZ1zFNvQVqotbsXF1AAzJta_UUJJETcScTMvNHR1U1ZiYbul-CI8dcr645dNLfMhwJnk1CC43czK7iyyOwXGStsbi4A7P19u3PbbkG0xU/s1600/IMG_6569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Dbaqvm08HVaH7gvLOCZjpDzAU0dFJkISxMmZ1zFNvQVqotbsXF1AAzJta_UUJJETcScTMvNHR1U1ZiYbul-CI8dcr645dNLfMhwJnk1CC43czK7iyyOwXGStsbi4A7P19u3PbbkG0xU/s400/IMG_6569.JPG" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. Sew a 3/4" x 10 strip of inner, narrow binding to either side of the 10" x 14" rectangle of background fabric.<br />
<br />
3. Sew a 3/4" x 14 12" strip of narrow binding to the top and the bottom of the background fabric. Press.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8SM2bFc85rqNQzqOn7BwnJJ2KZW6F2m4UbS333auFZXb8PdM1NG5zG7mUNwBAuCSBJ1t4-sBpylqd0UTQV3i2eVcjtchU248EUTTaDSkkcgS5YCQAUDRD56uf-kbe07xz3OjAnv5lpQ/s1600/IMG_6583-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8SM2bFc85rqNQzqOn7BwnJJ2KZW6F2m4UbS333auFZXb8PdM1NG5zG7mUNwBAuCSBJ1t4-sBpylqd0UTQV3i2eVcjtchU248EUTTaDSkkcgS5YCQAUDRD56uf-kbe07xz3OjAnv5lpQ/s320/IMG_6583-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strip piecing makes the process quick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. Sew a 2 1/2" x 10 1/2" strip of outer border fabric to each side of the quilt top. Press seams to the border.<br />
<br />
5. Sew a 2 1/2" x 18 1/2" strip of outer border fabric to the top and to the bottom of the quilt top. Press seams to the border.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsxmXstP7Cxl6PiiI-DU0e9I6AIZlduqtmRrn2qX-QZ6dC7A92m-_RBLr65aqAkuFwmOUmzhCMsSlaki34IRJ2hgafzRV1SkZxJLCYigD4eB1d7FDMZeQ-gwQ_vm32DUk4rt_7DbWAhU/s1600/IMG_6580-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsxmXstP7Cxl6PiiI-DU0e9I6AIZlduqtmRrn2qX-QZ6dC7A92m-_RBLr65aqAkuFwmOUmzhCMsSlaki34IRJ2hgafzRV1SkZxJLCYigD4eB1d7FDMZeQ-gwQ_vm32DUk4rt_7DbWAhU/s400/IMG_6580-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>To make place mats with binding, add the batting and backing at this point, quilt, and bind.</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The following instructions are for making the place mats without binding.</i></span></b><br />
<br />
1. With a removable fabric marker and a ruler, draw a line all around
the outer border of the place mat top. Make the line 5/8" in from the
edge of the border. <br />
<br />
2. Center the place mat top right side up on a 15" x 19" piece of batting. Pin in place.<br />
<br />
3. Stitch in the ditch on one side of the narrow, inner border. This will hold the batting securely in place under the place mat top. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNRepbMI0RCoXdcgOotNpWjj5ygwmZQkHfRUi_NW2rSPI3pvktK_4YUJXjw2iN4ry-lO5YSbhX0n3I4xdxEKgIr_LX8W3eEGcjF8bfpiydTOh7DF1SgaEAL4GSAV9g9Ra1ayQWsVu1aY/s1600/IMG_6602-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNRepbMI0RCoXdcgOotNpWjj5ygwmZQkHfRUi_NW2rSPI3pvktK_4YUJXjw2iN4ry-lO5YSbhX0n3I4xdxEKgIr_LX8W3eEGcjF8bfpiydTOh7DF1SgaEAL4GSAV9g9Ra1ayQWsVu1aY/s400/IMG_6602-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
3. Stitch on the line with a very long machine stitch to baste the place mat top to the batting.<br />
<br />
4. Trim the batting to 1/4" beyond the edge of the basting stitch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc5V9_b8wJid2o-y0bfKUdYoerPySY9kYf0so19WVVCuvM3c-1am5YdF60iy27P1OLHzPXpkLDtnASp3mPaakZXfmfLHo2xM_ACClfySQx-8TDpIYMGPfdDSbiufFVES23pE97dtCJ8M/s1600/IMG_6613-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc5V9_b8wJid2o-y0bfKUdYoerPySY9kYf0so19WVVCuvM3c-1am5YdF60iy27P1OLHzPXpkLDtnASp3mPaakZXfmfLHo2xM_ACClfySQx-8TDpIYMGPfdDSbiufFVES23pE97dtCJ8M/s320/IMG_6613-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The edge of a cutting ruler can be used to flip the edge over so that the batting can easily be trimmed to 1/4"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. Trim the corners of the batting.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf9n-Rb6mNz4yPxpifVcKqTYuCJ9KLVDIrzgCmYcxcfE3wMqrIduWw5wIQdsLdQNxHwInnTdlWsPwSKiTypyTZFIspEpBFftNSAmMJWbrgpAlH2piBjvASL7FmZIPqP_plKX5s4zG94s/s1600/IMG_6623-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="800" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf9n-Rb6mNz4yPxpifVcKqTYuCJ9KLVDIrzgCmYcxcfE3wMqrIduWw5wIQdsLdQNxHwInnTdlWsPwSKiTypyTZFIspEpBFftNSAmMJWbrgpAlH2piBjvASL7FmZIPqP_plKX5s4zG94s/s400/IMG_6623-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Place the quilt top right sides together with the backing fabric. Center and pin together.<br />
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7. Stitch together, 1/4" from the edge of the place mat top. Leave an opening of about 4" on one side of the place mat for turning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZlLOXAaBmv834TfXkhMMnGy_c7jRdXuLXPdauQ8bk6IBxAacvdMU8kiuKViQENKx9b_r_JPHYCO6uhK02yU8yBd0L9P1W00xwXKUsDQUv4Hb1OVL14ObCYwm8HKQn1mRUPz0dT8vDg/s1600/IMG_6641-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yZlLOXAaBmv834TfXkhMMnGy_c7jRdXuLXPdauQ8bk6IBxAacvdMU8kiuKViQENKx9b_r_JPHYCO6uhK02yU8yBd0L9P1W00xwXKUsDQUv4Hb1OVL14ObCYwm8HKQn1mRUPz0dT8vDg/s400/IMG_6641-001.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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8. Trim off the excess lining and pull through the opening to turn the place mat right sides out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuqZNz4CQX4FJtUK9urnJ9RQytI1Cp9tZNgazcaoQpPiJqe6M0giF5sh4jxzMyTSGy2CC9JV8VX14TUFuYeT2kiY6N2G9wQyGVkWAMrvagsOx5dcDZ_FVrenZfAEtyodPHI5Nfn1jB1k/s1600/IMG_6644-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuqZNz4CQX4FJtUK9urnJ9RQytI1Cp9tZNgazcaoQpPiJqe6M0giF5sh4jxzMyTSGy2CC9JV8VX14TUFuYeT2kiY6N2G9wQyGVkWAMrvagsOx5dcDZ_FVrenZfAEtyodPHI5Nfn1jB1k/s400/IMG_6644-001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use a large knitting needle to poke the corners out, then I smooth the seam open with the needle, pressing it flat as I go. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
9. Tuck the edges along the opening inside, press, and pin in place. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTeRTdQf83d0B_QwhzSczLsVZGzE0PS7UZhv5MYHqZNJvA99Oqz7vEZnKWNhA4EcbKRvnAowYlzvylZuzNJKtsw-PdG4LV6E6MS66EAUSA1QXsxrtyBuFhLsqz9-AXTLDX6oFTIJd31o/s1600/IMG_6650+1.37.16+PM-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTeRTdQf83d0B_QwhzSczLsVZGzE0PS7UZhv5MYHqZNJvA99Oqz7vEZnKWNhA4EcbKRvnAowYlzvylZuzNJKtsw-PdG4LV6E6MS66EAUSA1QXsxrtyBuFhLsqz9-AXTLDX6oFTIJd31o/s400/IMG_6650+1.37.16+PM-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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10. Sew very close to the edge all around the place mat enclosing the opening at the same time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uoGcyZx-wYthFlm1s0mlIQ0W9kBdWwdJT9lrCNtQZ2563AeQzfeKfhyphenhyphen45MU4QFfpVGP9-bNv3SCkk2qqX-2Z3ZoQ3aVC_BoQqYmRhgD9tFYcBa-yMNx-HvoLkS4qhZDTsnafRkDLga8/s1600/IMG_6665-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uoGcyZx-wYthFlm1s0mlIQ0W9kBdWwdJT9lrCNtQZ2563AeQzfeKfhyphenhyphen45MU4QFfpVGP9-bNv3SCkk2qqX-2Z3ZoQ3aVC_BoQqYmRhgD9tFYcBa-yMNx-HvoLkS4qhZDTsnafRkDLga8/s400/IMG_6665-001.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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11. Remove basting stitches. Quilt as desired. I kept the quilting very plain and simple to complement the minimalistic design of the place mat.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9uVQ4zrpTWqT4VmIo-_-f-ee-5F47tpe5-y_56LqOZeec-S9HWs4YN5D69a0vsriRz0RQzGZYKCfKiMi6gmgHTYYXOghetH7oQ7iBkcsXIslkilgcCCX1DcU3Svzj2KPC6zn8t7z9HE/s1600/IMG_6667-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9uVQ4zrpTWqT4VmIo-_-f-ee-5F47tpe5-y_56LqOZeec-S9HWs4YN5D69a0vsriRz0RQzGZYKCfKiMi6gmgHTYYXOghetH7oQ7iBkcsXIslkilgcCCX1DcU3Svzj2KPC6zn8t7z9HE/s400/IMG_6667-001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple, straight line stitching on the outer border.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEj64lxjkbfKZzTvw7YupvbnhHFXP11SvorX0z8kKS1RaWMeND92MtQTAjU7OjlcrcJrEthlxcOszq6DLrAgh__RfANZPVXBzXYFESAxYPJYNd78y5k_le9IyGmpk_ooPKSrMAr80WoWNs0/s1600/IMG_6651-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64lxjkbfKZzTvw7YupvbnhHFXP11SvorX0z8kKS1RaWMeND92MtQTAjU7OjlcrcJrEthlxcOszq6DLrAgh__RfANZPVXBzXYFESAxYPJYNd78y5k_le9IyGmpk_ooPKSrMAr80WoWNs0/s320/IMG_6651-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilting around the tree with a walking foot.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgjlKXn92xyQPe2-RCpFwqfoZZo7AihBkc-BCwFBNXsCzQCwwszFY3VYa88VpVA48CyU-pkIKD-9Bb1A3mcLMWysGNtj-69y4h-f52t6Om95HscYFlCQlA6BCcD7uWmB4yHSA3oy08NXHg/s1600/IMG_6693-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlKXn92xyQPe2-RCpFwqfoZZo7AihBkc-BCwFBNXsCzQCwwszFY3VYa88VpVA48CyU-pkIKD-9Bb1A3mcLMWysGNtj-69y4h-f52t6Om95HscYFlCQlA6BCcD7uWmB4yHSA3oy08NXHg/s320/IMG_6693-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing the quilting lines with my removable marker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4R25E02Wd1O3OYoWrhchMGK_1s37vxoLOikN9fgSE6CGuOlNd1iUYyGGQ4qrDcAbCeTTVFY0Why9eQ1hTG8uuBgNPYQRgczpReDehB3sbk3WC44B9rCvVeFBN-rf5BUfeQccGHPOUis/s1600/IMG_6694-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="800" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4R25E02Wd1O3OYoWrhchMGK_1s37vxoLOikN9fgSE6CGuOlNd1iUYyGGQ4qrDcAbCeTTVFY0Why9eQ1hTG8uuBgNPYQRgczpReDehB3sbk3WC44B9rCvVeFBN-rf5BUfeQccGHPOUis/s640/IMG_6694-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so ready to move on to other things. The last two months have been so disrupted with health issues that I decided not to try sewing Christmas gifts this year. I've ordered everything online, instead.<br />
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The place mats were the first thing I'd made just for myself in quite awhile. It felt good to be sewing for me. I think I'll sew myself something else. Let's see .... I need a new robe, a pretty spring table cloth, everyday place mats, a cozy lap quilt ... Well, maybe not all at once.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N8PxJKBysWg17fLkpPpIXqCrWsHVMmFYQ43MQnbU9vmES-U7g2rEzEBpeYKVMlLF2YXIFRcNQbna5JqChD1jvikQrUEuIAP0Sgrw-e3I08BOb0OEobruXIo4qkVPpxVEedJFxLZHurw/s1600/cheer_up_yellow_emoji_party_happy_face_symbol_classic_round_sticker-r821c9ad7d35943228f0f0e973050e063_v9wth_8byvr_630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N8PxJKBysWg17fLkpPpIXqCrWsHVMmFYQ43MQnbU9vmES-U7g2rEzEBpeYKVMlLF2YXIFRcNQbna5JqChD1jvikQrUEuIAP0Sgrw-e3I08BOb0OEobruXIo4qkVPpxVEedJFxLZHurw/s320/cheer_up_yellow_emoji_party_happy_face_symbol_classic_round_sticker-r821c9ad7d35943228f0f0e973050e063_v9wth_8byvr_630.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a very happy December!</span></div>
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-37782100845853754322017-11-27T09:18:00.000-08:002017-12-02T10:53:38.174-08:00Christmas Tree Place Mats, Part 1: The TreeEight Christmas Tree place mats are in the works. So far, I have four of them almost finished and waiting for the inner panel to be quilted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowYu1RfZnR_zt9XzXX0Md-HfOvepnPUvqQQsLFxv0xAhG8AxZNeanrHFwbiaNu8R3qTMN2WlWIcJDfW9Jj-5wasvsWIUusnKMAQ1ois1GG5VZfLVgypHbzWJ81tacWE4hL8A13jlxNMk/s1600/IMG_6668-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowYu1RfZnR_zt9XzXX0Md-HfOvepnPUvqQQsLFxv0xAhG8AxZNeanrHFwbiaNu8R3qTMN2WlWIcJDfW9Jj-5wasvsWIUusnKMAQ1ois1GG5VZfLVgypHbzWJ81tacWE4hL8A13jlxNMk/s640/IMG_6668-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll have instructions for the actual place mats ready in a few days, but today, while my leftover turkey stew is simmering on the stove, I'll focus on just the tree.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0sBue1-Qs_QBcl-ot4Nxx9MgLMVtQSg5hVfqmtYcxaB7SZnBIcSKl8CkQqTaRKTyqCWnTnIHxaca8m_1faEePcx4n3Q9fWV-c7YrWbhjqeksgAchv-DC5_8rJcmfdb4GSy3R-qi7oeQ/s1600/IMG_6569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0sBue1-Qs_QBcl-ot4Nxx9MgLMVtQSg5hVfqmtYcxaB7SZnBIcSKl8CkQqTaRKTyqCWnTnIHxaca8m_1faEePcx4n3Q9fWV-c7YrWbhjqeksgAchv-DC5_8rJcmfdb4GSy3R-qi7oeQ/s400/IMG_6569.JPG" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is such a sweet little tree, and it's a super stash buster to use up some of those leftover bits of green fabrics. Not too large, not too small, just right for either a place mat or for a really quick batch of mug rugs.<br />
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The scrappy strips finish at 1" each. Templates for the trees are traced onto the paper side of fusible web, fused to a rectangle of pieced fabric strips, then appliqued to a background fabric. Fast and so easy.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">A. Make a template for the tree.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh76eBoFvSMSH3HnJlMkdL2QrqxRi3JaHUVRnwADAPojClndVs6mHr-46W_0oGdYYWvL4WrHS5ZXTQcyVKppZFrUmNmplGKMP4ADYKhTzAp91Q0HXnE6SXrfdwGndgYSKScoBCCksVPk/s1600/IMG_6677-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="800" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh76eBoFvSMSH3HnJlMkdL2QrqxRi3JaHUVRnwADAPojClndVs6mHr-46W_0oGdYYWvL4WrHS5ZXTQcyVKppZFrUmNmplGKMP4ADYKhTzAp91Q0HXnE6SXrfdwGndgYSKScoBCCksVPk/s400/IMG_6677-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. On a piece of stiff paper like card stock, draw or cut out a rectangle 3" x 5 3/4".<br />
2. On the top of the 3" side of the rectangle, make a mark 1 1/2" in from the side. This will mark the center point for the top of the tree.<br />
3. Use a ruler to draw straight lines from the mark at the top of the template to each corner at the bottom of the rectangle.<br />
4. Cut the template on the lines.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>B. Make a layout to use with fusible web. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <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/AVvXsEgPk1cGS-HzWppg5lr7IHz3WB9z99f7Z3NZsDBFv9YWJodbAYyiDzX1mdFq0FJKsJg2xpKrlb4sWRVZ1yQhNYvt0VKImxWE6Zs3SsZrR-4HmJaMbgDtZWvChn7_hsTLXqPMr_xMXSiusLU/s1600/IMG_6678-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="800" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk1cGS-HzWppg5lr7IHz3WB9z99f7Z3NZsDBFv9YWJodbAYyiDzX1mdFq0FJKsJg2xpKrlb4sWRVZ1yQhNYvt0VKImxWE6Zs3SsZrR-4HmJaMbgDtZWvChn7_hsTLXqPMr_xMXSiusLU/s400/IMG_6678-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The layout shows the position of the trees on the pieced strips. Dotted red lines show the direction and number of the fabric strips. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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</b></span>1. Either start with a rectangle of paper to trace onto a piece of fusible web, or draw directly onto the paper side of the fusible web. <br />
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<ul>
<li>For two trees, make the rectangle 4" wide and 6 3/4" tall. </li>
<li>For four trees, make the rectangle 7 1/2" wide and 6 3/4" tall. </li>
<li>For eight trees, choose one of two sizes for the rectangle as described below.</li>
</ul>
If making eight trees, determine the size of the rectangles by the way you want to place the trees.<br />
<ul>
<li>To place the two sets of four trees one above the other, make the rectangle 7 1/2" wide and 13" tall. (Many of my scraps were short, so this is the layout I used.) </li>
<li>To place the two sets of four trees side by side, make the rectangle 15" wide, by 6 3/4" tall.</li>
</ul>
2. To draw the first tree, line the template up with one one long side parallel with the edge of the rectangle. Align other trees with side edges together as show in the photo above.<br />
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3. Set the layout on the fusible web aside.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>C. Make the strips sets of green scraps.</b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqcSfXb3EZ3Vw8g1B0ygGJ7eUQ2rZHHfZGleA6OR1sI1xHKvvcOaox7kZBtd4RSMAoP3KbHVMXbqlSs4MrxTcUeXcqwlFDudPXkF7qqKu_yUWpnHAI_vYhJ6teVSG39EjU_fVh6qmkPI/s1600/IMG_6684-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqcSfXb3EZ3Vw8g1B0ygGJ7eUQ2rZHHfZGleA6OR1sI1xHKvvcOaox7kZBtd4RSMAoP3KbHVMXbqlSs4MrxTcUeXcqwlFDudPXkF7qqKu_yUWpnHAI_vYhJ6teVSG39EjU_fVh6qmkPI/s400/IMG_6684-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Six strips of green may be enough, but I cut seven just to be sure.</span> </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
1. Cut green fabrics into strips 1 1/2" wide.<br />
<ul>
<li>For two trees, cut six or seven strips, each 1 1/2" x 4 1/2</li>
<li>For four trees, cut six or seven strips, each 1 1/2" x 8".</li>
<li>For eight trees placed with one set of four above the other, cut thirteen strips, each 1 1/2" x 8". </li>
<li>For eight trees placed with two sets of four laid side by side cut six or seven strips, each 1 1/2' x 15 1/2". </li>
</ul>
2. Sew the strip set together with 1/4" seams. Press all seams to one side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcG1dXziOUYArB693oR0dFgEhOsU7GAommmJFbkUItWmcRfqwZH1vYCLKYe1bvsR3zVmP8ND1ovJVN0tWbCB4P32DSH6raSq6LD25Y9t4FKXMeSUFwI2LDghsIx7420PQaDOY8StpEjc/s1600/IMG_6566-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcG1dXziOUYArB693oR0dFgEhOsU7GAommmJFbkUItWmcRfqwZH1vYCLKYe1bvsR3zVmP8ND1ovJVN0tWbCB4P32DSH6raSq6LD25Y9t4FKXMeSUFwI2LDghsIx7420PQaDOY8StpEjc/s400/IMG_6566-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. Lay your fusible web cutting layout on top of the wrong side of the strip set, paper side up. Press to fuse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKU-oGvAE_zti7VDSev7vdQlrZ-cR4kpKy9gYVhKb1E78mWMPTNYakoTMy3xvu0EIk_SGv4HKRj9EjBEEg5oRxGgRk3fTRTpz2Wi3F8p7rg0plUWRHRYJb2Db3JWJBrZiQbrRYm9Ter0/s1600/IMG_6567-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKU-oGvAE_zti7VDSev7vdQlrZ-cR4kpKy9gYVhKb1E78mWMPTNYakoTMy3xvu0EIk_SGv4HKRj9EjBEEg5oRxGgRk3fTRTpz2Wi3F8p7rg0plUWRHRYJb2Db3JWJBrZiQbrRYm9Ter0/s400/IMG_6567-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Use a quilting ruler to cut the trees out on lines drawn on the paper side of the fusible web.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GqvDVLWMbLqb7S_Gjq6eSvX15O9Oc-0NLGqGDii3Z9BbvjMN8Ixtor4M3QmxKqFwmO1LuwuRdXjXPpem7FQ9pwP7vxpg9KYyQ0FbZu7a2ogajSIdi-70JFUE4eWY7y9XLFVRIzbyc9A/s1600/IMG_6568-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GqvDVLWMbLqb7S_Gjq6eSvX15O9Oc-0NLGqGDii3Z9BbvjMN8Ixtor4M3QmxKqFwmO1LuwuRdXjXPpem7FQ9pwP7vxpg9KYyQ0FbZu7a2ogajSIdi-70JFUE4eWY7y9XLFVRIzbyc9A/s320/IMG_6568-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
5 Make the tree trunks. Fuse a small piece of fusible web to the wrong side of brown fabric. Cut each trunk 1/2" x 1 1/4".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7jdC_fg_f-xLKiBW9FqA_xyyZ9i1zK1ifHWFsmSKuGrtb-9AHekx2GGoKbcD9K2X5WEDx72FJq7urLUu003M6-rm7GSh9cmjF0Owa3YhFj1SX0s8inUJuxy8Aqh9AlBnSHgIqiBXzq0/s1600/IMG_6569-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="542" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7jdC_fg_f-xLKiBW9FqA_xyyZ9i1zK1ifHWFsmSKuGrtb-9AHekx2GGoKbcD9K2X5WEDx72FJq7urLUu003M6-rm7GSh9cmjF0Owa3YhFj1SX0s8inUJuxy8Aqh9AlBnSHgIqiBXzq0/s320/IMG_6569-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
6. Remove the paper backing from the trees and trunks. Position them on your background fabrics and stitch in place with your favorite zigzag stitch. I used the blanket stitch. As usual.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZNBSfc9betCJ_SyDfgpcUPi3ZB8Gym6eHLcBSWEUt0LAZLsrhKwYX1vulDqO1590JX4IzlxnJmI2oZsGU_Fsy0rUvtN8_8hQO5LwF3TL0hpIwGhnalvK8LSh_dWTb_P_4AWdFawKwvg/s1600/IMG_6686-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZNBSfc9betCJ_SyDfgpcUPi3ZB8Gym6eHLcBSWEUt0LAZLsrhKwYX1vulDqO1590JX4IzlxnJmI2oZsGU_Fsy0rUvtN8_8hQO5LwF3TL0hpIwGhnalvK8LSh_dWTb_P_4AWdFawKwvg/s320/IMG_6686-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b>Done!</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And my stew is done, too! Oh, yum! It smells so good!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNVw4s46vT1e_CyxDQR_IZ2-SqqE9q6pKDdd-SIphWRtqj-f3Oy9Lmx5yMkalZDXWvBZ6_vm7uQdDn7F_4kaRFLLaYm0pBnvPaBQe-ihc00QbwD7LXqLG5AFsvmHkQUt5UHBmtt1hVkY/s1600/IMG_6681-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="800" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNVw4s46vT1e_CyxDQR_IZ2-SqqE9q6pKDdd-SIphWRtqj-f3Oy9Lmx5yMkalZDXWvBZ6_vm7uQdDn7F_4kaRFLLaYm0pBnvPaBQe-ihc00QbwD7LXqLG5AFsvmHkQUt5UHBmtt1hVkY/s320/IMG_6681-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Oven roasted carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, leftover turkey, leftover broth from the turkey, parsley, rosemary, and thyme, salt and pepper - dumped in a pan and simmered slowly. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you a lovely week! </span></div>
<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-84039880152456053742017-11-26T14:06:00.000-08:002017-11-26T14:06:53.513-08:00Thanksgiving Successes and a Disappointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Our Thanksgiving was almost perfect. The sun was shining, the weather
was ideal, the catered food was delicious, and the cake for November
birthdays was a success. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxE8E3rGp69CeyH6CrYGUE7LV7NnbVgJ1PVuSAMLUqt1P5TXMgjk0oYswf5ep3ffNjxRFtKR9i0E9fOm1Wc3hi0xinWh2RX5KjNl3yVxVev1uu21DoRIDVJPrvG6cgcq7mF1nWatpr_E/s1600/IMG_6624-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxE8E3rGp69CeyH6CrYGUE7LV7NnbVgJ1PVuSAMLUqt1P5TXMgjk0oYswf5ep3ffNjxRFtKR9i0E9fOm1Wc3hi0xinWh2RX5KjNl3yVxVev1uu21DoRIDVJPrvG6cgcq7mF1nWatpr_E/s400/IMG_6624-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving dinner in my fridge on Wednesday morning. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEjSR8XI9NHtd_gTTL3EzGCV8wfQ_LY7jZcNowjYm5uVG4SZsGY57GZsRGfCqj7ogHRwU2ryqL9pAXxRRitpg1S5t7acB-B_FR9WeV3rx9hix_YAW2vKFWqR6I0EiW2kj2bxTIFwYYFyABM/s1600/IMG_6632-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR8XI9NHtd_gTTL3EzGCV8wfQ_LY7jZcNowjYm5uVG4SZsGY57GZsRGfCqj7ogHRwU2ryqL9pAXxRRitpg1S5t7acB-B_FR9WeV3rx9hix_YAW2vKFWqR6I0EiW2kj2bxTIFwYYFyABM/s400/IMG_6632-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sane fridge, Wednesday afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, it was all lovely, except for one thing. My daughter was missing from our little
gathering. She woke with a fever and stayed home with a virus and her two little dogs for
company. It was such a nasty turn of events. We missed her terribly, but, fortunately, she had a four day weekend to recover.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYjUo3JTTUGKC97uRPri3V5NnJLyCnssbTN1mhlxU7aa3IH9IUhEJ6H4POrddj3y7SNJ251olf2-cEKpAnQQOYatQKwg6CMi3ze5fkZU8lc9HcDbe2A5xHdfcnmjqUEIyBGpBE-EnvQ4/s1600/IMG_6638-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYjUo3JTTUGKC97uRPri3V5NnJLyCnssbTN1mhlxU7aa3IH9IUhEJ6H4POrddj3y7SNJ251olf2-cEKpAnQQOYatQKwg6CMi3ze5fkZU8lc9HcDbe2A5xHdfcnmjqUEIyBGpBE-EnvQ4/s320/IMG_6638-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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While I packed up leftovers to send home with everyone, the grandkids did the dishes and cleaned up my kitchen. Then we ate the cake and collapsed overstuffed. I sent my daughter this photo of the cake she'd missed and photos of her babies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEv2IjP26J3qvGNgwUE8Yo4mxe8c4DsJkJ2OBHDroNC4pJuMSiN6CZ-4k-c-lLl4bGZ3qwT-eRUmdCqMWOxENTSTB8ITatadpMHA5eL0LeK-gTcBgWcI0NiMgO5vpKHvoc4x3sLSpA7Y/s1600/IMG_6633-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEv2IjP26J3qvGNgwUE8Yo4mxe8c4DsJkJ2OBHDroNC4pJuMSiN6CZ-4k-c-lLl4bGZ3qwT-eRUmdCqMWOxENTSTB8ITatadpMHA5eL0LeK-gTcBgWcI0NiMgO5vpKHvoc4x3sLSpA7Y/s320/IMG_6633-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David, the college freshman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEgjYvRBv_wqVnucMY6L_CgvH4KddNwPhXNSn3kIDYiDpfw-S_YrnbrUv_6FJQssM-Ru0FeDqv3EC91X5M97-yfRcDsd9m_DKgY7Pj5aqbC5hxoiib4ete3DEbRNon2o94j2xbNVXiz3SZM/s1600/IMG_6636-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYvRBv_wqVnucMY6L_CgvH4KddNwPhXNSn3kIDYiDpfw-S_YrnbrUv_6FJQssM-Ru0FeDqv3EC91X5M97-yfRcDsd9m_DKgY7Pj5aqbC5hxoiib4ete3DEbRNon2o94j2xbNVXiz3SZM/s320/IMG_6636-001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara, Tim, and Lemon</td></tr>
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<br />
Friday was a day for napping, reading, and watching Netflix, but yesterday and today there has been time to do some sewing.<br />
<br />
The place mats are coming along, slowly but surely. My work time is more limited than it was before my hubby's health setback, but he's improving, and I can steal an hour here and there to work.<br />
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There is much to be thankful for. We have a great little family, and I'm so proud of each of my children and grandchildren. We are truly blessed.<br />
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<br />2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-10364975815457795892017-11-18T07:15:00.000-08:002017-11-18T07:15:13.141-08:00Not Hiding, Just OverwhelmedIt's quite out of character, but I've posted no new patterns and no blogs in a full month. I'm just starting to find time to sew after a very difficult month.<br />
<br />
My husband has been very ill, and I'm afraid we have reached that age when I'll be a caretaker for the foreseeable future. Here's the story.<br />
<br />
It all began on October 17th, the day after I posted the final pattern in the Christmas Elves quilt.<br />
<br />
My husband fell in the garage shortly before noon. Fortunately, I went out to see what was taking him so long. There he was on the floor and unable to lift himself at all. He asked me to help him up, but I couldn't budge him. I called 911. Sirens, paramedics, ambulance, neighbors offering to help - the whole bit. He spent the next week in the hospital and three additional days in rehab. Who knew a kidney stone could cause so many problems? Fever, infection, and more. When a person is elderly and in poor health to start with, illness is so much more complicated. <br />
<br />
The kidney stone is gone now, as is the infection. Fred's recovery has been slow. The whole ordeal left him totally exhausted. He's just beginning to feel and act more like himself, and life is slowly returning to somewhat normal. I'm afraid to leave him alone for more than a few minutes at a time, though. I think of what may have happened had I been out having lunch with a friend when he fell, and it terrifies me. <br />
<br />
I can't work in my sewing room for long stretches at a time quite yet, so my latest project is going very slowly. <br />
<br />
I'm stitching up some very simple holiday place mats. I'm trying to make eight of them using only fabrics I already have on hand. Since I need eight place mats, finding enough fabrics in my stash has become a challenge and I've had to completely revamp my pattern idea. The stash of green Christmas scraps is dwindling, and I'm totally out of silvery grays. I am going to try to make these without binding. For one thing, I don't have enough of any matching fabrics to use for the binding. It will also speed the process along, and I would like to move on to other things soon.<br />
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This is what the tops will look like. As I said, very simple.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwljn5srqLT2dnPWVt9Rx-mYurN35VjgwCLkbgzJFDZqpgDiz-8vvpefbqTWY_buDPzayldLXEENhYZos7w7LbeiBMyLurUBfcyxEDLWjTERKte3PvAYMxw1F2EK53uEUZcZ7kr-U03E/s1600/IMG_6569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwljn5srqLT2dnPWVt9Rx-mYurN35VjgwCLkbgzJFDZqpgDiz-8vvpefbqTWY_buDPzayldLXEENhYZos7w7LbeiBMyLurUBfcyxEDLWjTERKte3PvAYMxw1F2EK53uEUZcZ7kr-U03E/s400/IMG_6569.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
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I'll post a tutorial for you as soon as I've finished. Next week, I hope.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanksgiving is coming, and my children and grandchildren will all be gathered around my table. I'm counting my blessings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you and yours a wonderful ad blessed Thanksgiving. </span></div>
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Here's to a calm November! 2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4179166137279691560.post-32490290431939345932017-10-16T14:55:00.001-07:002017-10-16T18:27:36.479-07:00Needing a Break from Christmas QuiltsIt's two days later than planned, but the Christmas Elves quilt is completed, and the pattern is written and ready to download.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="800" height="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2sj0aDA4Xrq3_TAs8kxjiGxNoSiIMmej38DwzBiAU2OzM__KBb7CajEyMRorTeWGg3QmJMrXoQOXHvF3MKY_kTwwdCLRRpwusaZSNpZX3RSbHJXxnfqY3qZOdEHOOQXX95-TpzikKms/s640/IMG_6474-001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.craftsy.com/quilting/patterns/christmas-elves-assembly-and-border-instructions/518673" target="_blank">The Pattern for Assembly and Borders</a></td></tr>
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I am really pleased with the way the borders and the binding work together. This crazy striped fabric pulls all of the scrappy Christmas fabrics together. It's as if it were made for this quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTJwcugV78CLfxkhe2cyg3RyRWzrH1qjsNGSfoUac3cIBCuo5cTktUD5vPS2Xwj22A0T-6XDdTqvNI3xHslK6JGVKjVXf3jesx3g_JAOooj1aJx9mYZiATZ7-1OWzAYrHWj12q6BtBkU/s1600/IMG_6484-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="800" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTJwcugV78CLfxkhe2cyg3RyRWzrH1qjsNGSfoUac3cIBCuo5cTktUD5vPS2Xwj22A0T-6XDdTqvNI3xHslK6JGVKjVXf3jesx3g_JAOooj1aJx9mYZiATZ7-1OWzAYrHWj12q6BtBkU/s400/IMG_6484-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I debated using a different fabric for the wider border, something that would contrast, but I'm really glad that I stuck to my original instinct to carry the background into the border. The quilt is so full of color that it verges on being too busy. The wide light gray border gives the quilt a chance to breathe. The added space reduces the cluttered look and gives the eyes a place to rest.<br />
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Look at the fabric I found for the back of the quilt. Could anything possibly have been more perfect?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxhr9MwYBWxg9Cntp1k8g1sGWetwc-76CGXXeqOKPHbBtY217w0FVG-zMyZ330AfKQd0-cBCZjpcgigS_tLP4Blgt0BH5dzvN_941nJ4s3YaMn79joDXz0x83QF8JyUn63dbGhRUglWU/s1600/IMG_6486-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxhr9MwYBWxg9Cntp1k8g1sGWetwc-76CGXXeqOKPHbBtY217w0FVG-zMyZ330AfKQd0-cBCZjpcgigS_tLP4Blgt0BH5dzvN_941nJ4s3YaMn79joDXz0x83QF8JyUn63dbGhRUglWU/s400/IMG_6486-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The last two months of designing this quilt and making the pattern have been pretty intense. This quilt has about finished me on Christmas for the time being, so I'm going to take a break from all holiday thoughts and work on something completely different. I'm not sure what that may be just yet. Ideas for projects are never ending. I want a flannel bathrobe that comes all the way to the floor, I've been wanting to make a bicycle quilt for a very long time, I have an idea for a fun sewing box, and I'd like to make a very small art quilt, too. I've been thinking about a series of small quilts with a theme of friendship and another house quilt too. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing all of you a lovely October week! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And, no holiday music until December, please! </span></div>
2 stringshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08585939186086969137noreply@blogger.com12