tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22140892999345324432024-03-05T23:04:13.969-05:00Karen Says SewKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-17780303158627174352015-03-09T20:30:00.001-04:002015-03-09T20:30:41.772-04:00Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival<div abp="126">
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<span abp="128" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Earlier this month we, along with Mother
Nature, were vending at the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton VA.<span abp="129" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the wicked weather, ice and 7+ inches
of snow, the show was wonderful.<span abp="130" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
crowds were lighter than expected, but sales were up.<span abp="131" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Customers kept commenting on how much they
enjoyed being able to shop every booth, see every demo and not have to wait in
line to have fabric cut.<span abp="132" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those that
braved the elements really did have a wonderful time.<o:p abp="133"></o:p></span></div>
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<span abp="136" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">As a vendor we arrive early each
day.<span abp="137" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That gives us time to freshen the
booth, restock and get ready for the day.<span abp="138" style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also gives me time to sneak away and look at the quilt show!<span abp="139" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every show has inspiring quilts.<span abp="140" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rarely have time to study them, so I just
focus on the ones that catch my eye.<span abp="141" style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here are a few of my favorites.<o:p abp="142"></o:p></span></div>
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<a abp="288" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gasgNn2fZl72lSZ5yot8G9yuwwNYPDxNJ3wzO5HNq4Czx2Mp88RnurxuCgK-5WGNjWZqzjs6UJi2FDIsUayDUT3DpYL462nxkthQUvUB4I9pY6bU1U9PaJzJVdvdFwurTL6mkkyXmhz-/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="289" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gasgNn2fZl72lSZ5yot8G9yuwwNYPDxNJ3wzO5HNq4Czx2Mp88RnurxuCgK-5WGNjWZqzjs6UJi2FDIsUayDUT3DpYL462nxkthQUvUB4I9pY6bU1U9PaJzJVdvdFwurTL6mkkyXmhz-/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span abp="147" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I posted this one on The Quilt Company
Facebook page.<span abp="148" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is it a fun
subject, but this quilt was made by 4 different people.<span abp="149" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of those challenge projects where
you select a photo, enlarge it and then cut it into sections.<span abp="150" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each person in the group creates one section
without consulting the others.<span abp="151" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the
sections are finished they are joined together to make the finished project.<span abp="152" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you look closely you can see some of the
division lines.<span abp="153" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up close you can even
see that the fabrics that join are different prints even though they are very
close in color.<span abp="154" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The subject made me
smile and I appreciate the work that this group did to make the project come
together.<span abp="155" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun!</span></div>
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<a abp="461" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY07Imp4ikxkPbi0x0xDvJ2WrklBHD8X1JSchrcX3QDvrMfkpGaCdCb5W87ZhYsLpNlbhAVIgC2Ps57gDB5G8Zj-BscnxD4ZQaB3U7L1GigslBEWuRvb8CRX4SOUKay0l0YdAp1AgND1W/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="462" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY07Imp4ikxkPbi0x0xDvJ2WrklBHD8X1JSchrcX3QDvrMfkpGaCdCb5W87ZhYsLpNlbhAVIgC2Ps57gDB5G8Zj-BscnxD4ZQaB3U7L1GigslBEWuRvb8CRX4SOUKay0l0YdAp1AgND1W/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span abp="159" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I wanted to walk up to this quilt and
pick up one of the balls.<span abp="160" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked that
dimensional!<span abp="161" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Notice how it is a simple Irish Chain that the circles were added to. Not only did the quilter add the circles, they are larger in the center and get smaller toward the edges creating a unique optical illusion. </span>I found it to be an
excellent use of the blue and white fabrics.<span abp="162" style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am rarely fond of painting on quilts – traditional quilts.<span abp="163" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Art quilts are a different category.<span abp="164" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a very traditional quilt and the
dimension given to the balls was done with paint – or fabric dye, but the white
looked too opaque to be a dye. The effect was stunning.</span></div>
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<a abp="386" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEQZylYpaKvLG5vDWxX6aoiIpRS0NXOHau_SSYJdOjCsQn7nB6sBVT8lHsf0cX8RJOV7IOqKJSV0fNgArruEVTLVlqFex0Fde830VZhJ9z4tB-p3_DfwbLaGDCqPRhd05OeTJNE6cTJaa/s1600/IMG_1498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="387" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEQZylYpaKvLG5vDWxX6aoiIpRS0NXOHau_SSYJdOjCsQn7nB6sBVT8lHsf0cX8RJOV7IOqKJSV0fNgArruEVTLVlqFex0Fde830VZhJ9z4tB-p3_DfwbLaGDCqPRhd05OeTJNE6cTJaa/s1600/IMG_1498.JPG" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
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<span abp="168" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here is a close-up of what the balls
looked like.<span abp="169" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dark shadow was given to
the bottom left side of each one.<span abp="170" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
simple white brushstroke provided a highlight on the top right.<span abp="171" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Art class 101, but it created an amazing
effect! Those white brush strokes really look like a reflection of light. The dark shadows on the balls and the background finish the illusion.</span></div>
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<a abp="391" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBEv6yLU0nJ2AN897mWqS-GeoXohzn_PUzSsrNvwkBgNmXH2tehrHjnYd_ZNayx9ZrXXcsBDVDyX9c1tXoCs-j5mniIFZzId7l4k5IInZACjvfw7UJIbOeumSMJvu9N8_Vt_KlYN2kGCd/s1600/IMG_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="392" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBEv6yLU0nJ2AN897mWqS-GeoXohzn_PUzSsrNvwkBgNmXH2tehrHjnYd_ZNayx9ZrXXcsBDVDyX9c1tXoCs-j5mniIFZzId7l4k5IInZACjvfw7UJIbOeumSMJvu9N8_Vt_KlYN2kGCd/s1600/IMG_1502.JPG" height="200" width="156" /></a></div>
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<span abp="175" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I took a photo of this next one especially for my First
Friday/First Saturday group that meets at the store.<span abp="176" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are currently working on 6 inch blocks in
a wide variety of different techniques.<span abp="177" style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Foundation Paper Piecing was not everyone’s favorite technique.<span abp="178" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You should have heard the moaning! </span>These blocks finish at just 5 inches.<span abp="179" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The half square triangle borders measure ½ inch
and the pieced blocks are only 4 inches.<span abp="180" style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somebody loves foundation paper piecing, because this is the entire
quilt!</span></div>
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<a abp="464" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D9LYNXxTbq57nr5eWKSSNdd8XAdFI_pu-SNCLYT4FJXCwWwYXFbrmrNd_vOII8OCamHK0iD5QX4wZg14gNP3JTFEXA0pBzmQ1g-WCcXyFGyrsqyUZKVD5WSnJ1GYVDamu9GGOCOeWfvH/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="465" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D9LYNXxTbq57nr5eWKSSNdd8XAdFI_pu-SNCLYT4FJXCwWwYXFbrmrNd_vOII8OCamHK0iD5QX4wZg14gNP3JTFEXA0pBzmQ1g-WCcXyFGyrsqyUZKVD5WSnJ1GYVDamu9GGOCOeWfvH/s1600/IMG_1504.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span abp="484" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">And this is a close up of another quilt
that was done in the English Paper Piecing technique.<span abp="485" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, people really DO have those skills to be
proud of! … I can hear the moaning now. Those hexagons are about the size of a quarter.<o:p abp="486"></o:p></span></div>
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<a abp="488" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3DzZ936DuMWvcM2l2ErL_NsDBcAqhRAJuEuY3RjImgHSzF2545qvnWktVbUcnP4sdbN3dgh4CZJj-0fm8K3gaT-bly75m-lVX03FyIngIdmlXqVbkjNTUFgXGtWLZO_U74NNB9W095Bk/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="489" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3DzZ936DuMWvcM2l2ErL_NsDBcAqhRAJuEuY3RjImgHSzF2545qvnWktVbUcnP4sdbN3dgh4CZJj-0fm8K3gaT-bly75m-lVX03FyIngIdmlXqVbkjNTUFgXGtWLZO_U74NNB9W095Bk/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span abp="175" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p abp="181"></o:p></span> </div>
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<a abp="469" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmlDMTpR9Q6W1pLuurMuDHvBdDhFVFNtsWzIxjL6GM4-tIAzSNdrE0mVG75fUTqKEhmJj5WSMflgc1EGRmhFSgzc_ANUIdd5XsBIF4R5Ke_got7AkohR5PFexliI74nxAx1hDSuzTtqUk/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="470" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmlDMTpR9Q6W1pLuurMuDHvBdDhFVFNtsWzIxjL6GM4-tIAzSNdrE0mVG75fUTqKEhmJj5WSMflgc1EGRmhFSgzc_ANUIdd5XsBIF4R5Ke_got7AkohR5PFexliI74nxAx1hDSuzTtqUk/s1600/IMG_1508.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span abp="184" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">That brings us to the jaw dropping
quilts.<span abp="185" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to look at the quilting
designs that transform an average quilt top into a show stopper.<span abp="186" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have plenty of creative talent, but not in
that area.<span abp="187" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can design patterns, write
instructions, publish books and even design fabric and notions, but I leave the award
winning quilting to the professionals.<span abp="188" style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This ribbon winner is a very nice quilt, but it’s the quilting that
makes it a ribbon winner! <o:p abp="189"></o:p></span></div>
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<span abp="192" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t get me wrong, the person that made
the quilt top definitely had some talent.<span abp="193" style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Check out the interesting fabrics in those tiny squares in the border.<span abp="194" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black and tan check is something I wouldn’t have
thought of.<span abp="195" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure you check out that
tiny pink piping in the wavy border – beautiful.<span abp="196" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still it is the quilting that makes this
quilt.<span abp="197" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love what the quilter did to
create a mirror image of the border triangles in that inner green border…..
never would have thought of that.<o:p abp="198"></o:p></span></div>
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<a abp="474" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSAmjgBUX4BUVL4Dg3uuIXWybkKP3W-ow5XDylZPeWxoPlZMDQKpNotoUgiD7b6cBNzWwfhXBB1ovmWzwzJ1MDpgBvux3qWAx0AYcbJt4U1hM_4f2LN8XImunPY5lpaena98v2Ggiz-rZ/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="475" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSAmjgBUX4BUVL4Dg3uuIXWybkKP3W-ow5XDylZPeWxoPlZMDQKpNotoUgiD7b6cBNzWwfhXBB1ovmWzwzJ1MDpgBvux3qWAx0AYcbJt4U1hM_4f2LN8XImunPY5lpaena98v2Ggiz-rZ/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" height="320" width="271" /></a></div>
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<span abp="201" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">And in honor of spring – which had
better be right around the corner or I am going to lose it – here is a photo of
my favorite daffodil quilt.<o:p abp="202"></o:p></span></div>
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<a abp="479" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWmPyZJKz4jK8Jm2VnlQtPApu-iuvBUQ5_JxNuugCTw4PWRHUEZpIn_lNldfvmjoDb3exh-h4pHHxDGJtfxTBA61uWXMbQuVtCjqTr0dl_qsMRY07rZ8sVz2m8HnhqAiFwOHcMpD2aafg/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="480" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWmPyZJKz4jK8Jm2VnlQtPApu-iuvBUQ5_JxNuugCTw4PWRHUEZpIn_lNldfvmjoDb3exh-h4pHHxDGJtfxTBA61uWXMbQuVtCjqTr0dl_qsMRY07rZ8sVz2m8HnhqAiFwOHcMpD2aafg/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span abp="205" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The weather is getting nicer here in the
northeast, get out and visit your favorite quilt shop.<span abp="206" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get inspired to make something beautiful!<o:p abp="207"></o:p></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-70199331118146025282015-02-13T12:10:00.001-05:002015-02-13T12:10:28.716-05:00Social MediaAs you can see, it's been awhile since my last post. That has something to do with the fact that I was unable to get at least 25 of you to comment on my last post in over a year. Yep, a whole year. Feeling a little like Rip Van Winkle over here. zzzzzzzzz. It also has plenty to do with the industry advisors that were busy telling us that blogs are not the way to go, Facebook is where all of our customers are hanging out. Good business people should have a business page, an Instagram account and we shouldn't forget to Tweet at least once per day.<br />
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Add those chores to getting 8 hours of sleep, drinking 8 glasses of water, walking at least 10,000 steps a day and oh yes, I have a job too. Something had to give. Sleep was the first thing to go. Then I moved my social media efforts over to Facebook. Despite the fact that everyone wants to be friends with ME and not The Quilt Company, not that The Quilt Company can have friends. It's a business page and those deal in "likes" and accumulate "followers" not friends. I use our shop Facebook page to post, well... facebooky things. Things I like what is happening in the store, fun things I get to do with famous people, etc. I don't really use the page to sell anything, although I do let you know about SALES that we have throughout the year. <br />
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Facebook figured out that most business pages WERE selling to the consumer and they wanted a piece of the action. They started limiting who gets to see your post. For example if The Quilt Company has 500 followers any post that I might write will go to about 125 of them. UNLESS I choose to "boost" that post and pay a fee. Really? Pay a fee so that more people, that chose to follow my page, can see a photo of what I made at the Kaye England Retreat? <br />
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Facebook is also not the place for detailed explanations of things (read that as long rants) which I tend to do. There have been several times that I have wanted to "explain" something to the world in a format that is better suited to the blog. I just let it drop. Truthfully because I was pouting over that 25 comment thing - but I'm getting over it.<br />
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This all brings me to the fact that I'm coming back to the blog. I can say what I want. Show you how to do things in pictures and not have to pay for you to see it. Seems like a good idea to me. Now I just have to make friends with Windows 8.1.<br />
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Watch for a fresh blog face coming soon.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-23883692107511232092013-10-06T22:53:00.001-04:002013-10-06T22:53:54.641-04:00Would you like to win a set of Scrap Crazy Templates?
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Are
you wondering where I have been?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Care
to take a guess?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come on, just
guess!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your wild and crazy imagination
can't be more ridiculous than some of the rumors that are going around!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rumors are part of our business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's natural for women to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear lots of things we don't repeat and
I'm not surprised to find out that sometimes we are the subject of talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just try to keep it to a minimum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every few years someone comes into the shop
to tell me that they "heard" that we are closing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(wouldn't I be the first to know?)</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For years I laughed it off and my standard response was "Did they
also </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2AwTxSXZ8c/UlIa8XpWqqI/AAAAAAAADpQ/3Mx9qosWHok/s1600/Mel_Gibson_2011_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2AwTxSXZ8c/UlIa8XpWqqI/AAAAAAAADpQ/3Mx9qosWHok/s1600/Mel_Gibson_2011_cropped.jpg" /></a></div>
tell you that I am sleeping with Mel Gibson?".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was fun until Mel went off the deep end
and became a bit of a nut case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
after his crazy tirade that I decided to break things off with Mel and take up with Hugh Jackman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You read that correctly, I am
no longer sleeping with Mel Gibson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Do
you really want to know where I've been?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Working, working hard!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I
am always working on new ideas, October is the kick-off month for all of the club
programs in our shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rarely do
something "off the shelf" so that means creating new projects,
writing new patterns and test sewing everything before we start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be the first to admit that I normally
work down to the wire - if I don't need it until tomorrow my usual attitude is
that I still have plenty of time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
year is different. I happen to have </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdBvcxwfP0k/UlIa70YKxAI/AAAAAAAADpI/qLRKp-B2Pbk/s1600/Hugh_Jackman_4%252C_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdBvcxwfP0k/UlIa70YKxAI/AAAAAAAADpI/qLRKp-B2Pbk/s200/Hugh_Jackman_4%252C_2012.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
selected projects that need to be completed
before anything can begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because they
are monthly clubs, I'm working on things that my club members won't see until
next JUNE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Working that far ahead </span>I should have some
free time between now and then.... right? I'm going to have to let Hugh know.......<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">I
have also been out of the shop ... a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Monroeville PA at the end
of August, Mancuso Show in Oaks PA in mid September and a personal appearance
at the Aurora Sewing Centers near Buffalo New York last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the speaking engagement in New York one of
the attendees reminded me of one of my favorite rumors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm known as the Tattooed Lady to a busload
of women from near Syracuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jvcueLytzM/UlIfFBW2vfI/AAAAAAAADpc/1Y_ztcNsKUA/s1600/tatoo+sleeves+q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jvcueLytzM/UlIfFBW2vfI/AAAAAAAADpc/1Y_ztcNsKUA/s200/tatoo+sleeves+q.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Several
years ago for our "Spooktacular Bus Tour" I
"dressed up" by wearing a pair of sheer nylon sleeves that make it
look like you have tattoos on your arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was Halloween day. They were $1.98.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought it was fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I
didn't realize was that most of the women on the bus thought those tats were
real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were offended, a few finally put
two and two together and asked me about them then laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The youngest girl on the bus told me she was
proud of me for showing off my "art".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I crushed her opinion of me when I show her they were fake. Honestly, who would think that 2 bucks worth of nylon stocking would be taken for real body art on Halloween day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's been years since that bus trip and I
still have people asking if I am the shop owner with the tattoos (even when I
am standing right in front of them).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">This
past weekend was the kick-off weekend for our clubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joked with the group that I would be
staying home for awhile, so they would see me in the shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I will be chained to my desk".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least until Quilt Market at the end of the
month and I'm going to squeeze in a quick trip to see the grandkids too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfectly normal right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought so, except that I was wearing THIS
when I said it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA624_J1zV8/UlIa7UyhVyI/AAAAAAAADo8/lgitrdLEqJY/s1600/8390054_ra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA624_J1zV8/UlIa7UyhVyI/AAAAAAAADo8/lgitrdLEqJY/s200/8390054_ra.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Does
that look like a monitoring device to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is - sort of - it is a Fitbit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It tracks how many steps I take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a fancy schmancy pedometer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is NOT a security device that tracks the whereabouts of criminals. I am
NOT under house arrest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't get zapped
if I leave the parking lot....... but that is kinda funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope the woman that thinks I'm under house
arrest is also telling everyone that it is the Quilt Police that put me there
because I need to stay home and SEW more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn't mind being sentenced to a few
dozen more quilts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Let's
have some fun with this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave me a
comment on why you think I am under house arrest - the funnier the better - and
when I get 25 or more comments I will select one to win a set of Scrap Crazy
templates! If you don't comment you can't win!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-20651005398230312652013-08-04T14:46:00.002-04:002013-08-04T14:46:42.530-04:00Have You Gone Scrap Crazy Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnCH-xnwZO0/UTEYxPt-hII/AAAAAAAADIE/dBnVwiSleko/s1600/CGRMT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnCH-xnwZO0/UTEYxPt-hII/AAAAAAAADIE/dBnVwiSleko/s200/CGRMT4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When is the last time that you purchased a product that put your creative thinking in high gear? I'm thrilled to say that my Scrap Crazy Template Set from Creative Grids has reached the Top 10 Best Selling Notions! YEA!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Earlier this year I shared with you the introduction of my Scrap Crazy Template Set. I have to admit that I knew in the design process that we were creating something special. Each time I looked at the templates I had another idea for how to use them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once I had prototypes in my hand I started to work through the math and cutting instructions. A whole world of possibilities opened up when I realized that I could cut all of the pieces I need for one block from one ten inch square. That means that every Layer Cake that you own is now a Scrap Crazy kit - with little or no waste!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkTjk2UmW-o/UTEYBw7d9PI/AAAAAAAADGc/ap6R1MpYgC4/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkTjk2UmW-o/UTEYBw7d9PI/AAAAAAAADGc/ap6R1MpYgC4/s200/IMG_1996.JPG" width="198" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Timeless Treasures then introduced new "6 Packs", six inch strips of batik fabrics that also work perfectly with the template set. Suddenly I couldn't sew fast enough to get all of my ideas into patterns to share with you! It doesn't matter if you are sewing with pre-cut fabrics or from your overflowing scrap basket, there are a multitude of ways to combine the templates into beautiful quilts. I think that versatility is the ultimate key to their success.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Creative Grids has a "rule" that they won't introduce a new product until they have at least 3 support patterns to go along with it. No problem! I quickly created a Minky backed baby quilt using a pack of batik 10 inch squares. Next came a Keepsake Pillow, all done in white, with ribbons, lace inserts and lots of decorative stitching. Then I ventured into block projects, partial blocks, rectangles and creating tessellated, diamond, chevron and pinwheel designs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egb4VlAj7IM/Uf6TPAu2SnI/AAAAAAAADhw/ddJPwuAABUo/s1600/SCRAP+CRAZY+PHOTOS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-egb4VlAj7IM/Uf6TPAu2SnI/AAAAAAAADhw/ddJPwuAABUo/s640/SCRAP+CRAZY+PHOTOS1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Each pattern offers you the opportunity to learn something special. Working with partial blocks, cutting from purchased fabrics rather than scraps, using mirror image pieces, something other than the basic block instructions. But how many individual patterns do you really need? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66-vJ2vfiow/Uf6TdZ8cIuI/AAAAAAAADh4/dcGB4246MH4/s1600/IMG_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-66-vJ2vfiow/Uf6TdZ8cIuI/AAAAAAAADh4/dcGB4246MH4/s200/IMG_2066.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I expected you to get creative! You don't have to play with the templates for long before you realize that you can cut the shapes from anything, including smaller scraps and strips that you have sewn together to make a larger sheet of fabric.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Still, the number one question that I get from customers is "Do you have a pattern for that"?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Enter the Scrap Crazy Playbook! I've been busy writing and sewing seven new projects to include in one 12 page booklet that has all of the basic information, finishing instructions, charts and requirements. For some of the projects I have included several sizes. Whew! I'm down to the home stretch in editing and the new Scrap Crazy Playbook should be available to purchase at the end of August.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCqQ1KhXoK4/Uf6NPbyChUI/AAAAAAAADhg/Nwk_0xiNvyo/s1600/scrap+crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCqQ1KhXoK4/Uf6NPbyChUI/AAAAAAAADhg/Nwk_0xiNvyo/s640/scrap+crazy.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then, just when I thought I had covered everything another idea popped into my head. Scrap Crazy blocks are 8 1/2 inches (8" when finished) Erin Underwood's new Diamond Ruler is 8 1/2 inches....... I think there is a Scrap Crazy Lone Star in my future!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">From time to time I get an email with a photo attached from someone that has used one of my patterns or rulers to make something special. I LOVE to get those emails. I'm sending this shout-out to all Scrap Crazy fans! I want to see - so that I can share the photos here - pictures of what you are making. Large, small, finished or in-the-works, you can email the photos to:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="mailto:Karen@thequiltcompany.com">Karen@thequiltcompany.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-20374292724317682013-08-04T13:02:00.002-04:002013-08-04T13:02:53.975-04:00We WON!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T_T7IraOds/UTEYsGrSrCI/AAAAAAAADH0/HtrnsZ6gxjk/s1600/IMG_2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T_T7IraOds/UTEYsGrSrCI/AAAAAAAADH0/HtrnsZ6gxjk/s320/IMG_2052.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for voting!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our Gone Scrap Crazy quilt knocked it out of the park in our first MLQ match up. We have won the first round, but there are plenty more to go. We will be competing against Suzanne's Quilt Shop in round 2 in September. I will keep you posted and make sure I extend a personal invitation to the game. Meanwhile keep logging in to vote for your favorite quilt on the MLQ website.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-2308144995827133342013-07-24T22:54:00.000-04:002013-07-24T22:57:46.908-04:00Major League Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Iq3nn0Fzc/UfBlGg5zwiI/AAAAAAAADgo/uP21bmahMVM/s1600/MLQ-logo-button+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Iq3nn0Fzc/UfBlGg5zwiI/AAAAAAAADgo/uP21bmahMVM/s1600/MLQ-logo-button+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Are
you ready for some BASEBALL... </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">um.....
QUILTBALL?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How
about some Major League Quilting FUN?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Major League Quilting season is underway!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thirty of the finest quilt shops you will ever find have formed
"teams" and their chosen quilts are competing for the World Series of
Quilting title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike a normal baseball game, YOU the fan are
in charge of who wins this illustrious event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All you have to do is log on to the MLQ website, sign in and cast your
vote for your favorite of the two competing quilts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No fee, nothing to buy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Games are held each Monday and Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">THE GAME STARTING TODAY IS
ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: small; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is the link:</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://majorleaguequilting.com/index.php">http://majorleaguequilting.com/index.php</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Being
the true-to-my-heart Pittsburgh girl that I am, my quilt represents the
Pittsburgh Buccaneers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting today we
are competing against the St. Louis Redbirds and we really want to WIN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 'burgh is the known as the City of
Champions and we take our competition seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
"Gone Scrap Crazy" quilt is up against The Quilt Asylum's "1000
Pyramid".</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T_T7IraOds/UTEYsGrSrCI/AAAAAAAADH0/HtrnsZ6gxjk/s1600/IMG_2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T_T7IraOds/UTEYsGrSrCI/AAAAAAAADH0/HtrnsZ6gxjk/s200/IMG_2052.JPG" width="165" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eliIuU-23uQ/UfBlHNN5MYI/AAAAAAAADgw/737jKGqrnHw/s1600/1000Pyramids-Kaffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eliIuU-23uQ/UfBlHNN5MYI/AAAAAAAADgw/737jKGqrnHw/s200/1000Pyramids-Kaffe.jpg" width="145" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While
the Asylum has brought a heavy hitter to the competition, claiming that the
triangles resemble baseball pennants, I think the Scrap Crazy project should
win this round hands down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, if
you should make both quilts, when you are finished with Gone Scrap Crazy you
will have a beautiful quilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND you
will have cleaned out over 400 scraps (does that mean I'm batting 400?) AND you
will have the coolest, most versatile, creative template set you have ever
owned left to use to make a million more quilts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you make The Quilt Asylum's 1000 Pyramid quilt you will have a
beautiful quilt.... and your fill of triangles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ask me how I know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhUj9xxVmGM/UfBlgj_798I/AAAAAAAADg4/Jr7_eoi5BR0/s1600/Pyramids-Quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhUj9xxVmGM/UfBlgj_798I/AAAAAAAADg4/Jr7_eoi5BR0/s320/Pyramids-Quilt.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
is MY version of the 1000 Pyramid quilt that I created for Timeless
Treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It features their new
"Six Pack" in the Sugar colorway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Six Packs are twenty 6 inch strips by the width of the fabric that come
packed like bricks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of them as
super sized Jelly Rolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same length
but much wider. The instructions for my quilt are a FREE HANDOUT on the
Timeless Treasures website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
download them here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.ttfabrics.com/projects/tonga-sugar-1000-pyramids/">http://www.ttfabrics.com/projects/tonga-sugar-1000-pyramids/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I'm
swinging for the fence here and asking for your vote!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Log-on, join in the fun and help Gone Scrap
Crazy and the 'burgh make it all the way to the Quilting World Series!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are wondering what fabulous prize
will be awarded to the winning quilt, the answer is..... bragging rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn't mean that we aren't all
in-it-to-win-it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quilting Treasures in
Rogers MN even has a video scouting report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After you have voted, check out the Bracket page to see who will be
competing against whom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we tromp
the Redbirds we will be facing some stiff competition in the Atlanta Raves!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">LETS
GO BUCS!<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-21151911802051427672013-07-08T16:00:00.000-04:002013-07-08T16:02:22.659-04:00Back to Work<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I write this blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's been
many weeks since my last post and the days have been whizzing by with good
intensions, but very little productivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not that I have been laying around doing nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Far from it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFoa15twSyM/UcjjaEu-DrI/AAAAAAAADaM/qNH-dk7JXsU/s1600/1010768_610219922335991_2035348724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFoa15twSyM/UcjjaEu-DrI/AAAAAAAADaM/qNH-dk7JXsU/s200/1010768_610219922335991_2035348724_n.jpg" width="199" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mid June we
participated in the Western Pennsylvania Shop Hop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smack in the middle of that we hosted Alex
Anderson for a wonderful event co-sponsored by BERNINA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mixing those two events was quite the
experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The theme for the Shop Hop
was "Into the Forest".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As part
of our decorations to create the "forest" theme our front porch was turned
into a campsite, complete with tent, sleeping bag, campfire and coffee
pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Alex arrived she played right
along, making herself at home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
good sport, sharing the spotlight with all of the hop activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex and almost 600 traveling hoppers in 4
days makes for long busy days!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ky7LeuLR_kU/UdsUzmFK5BI/AAAAAAAADdE/CQaL0a11WEw/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Immediately
after the hop my husband and I headed for Shipshewana Indiana to vend at the
annual Quilt Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to
think of it as a relaxing 5 days in Amish country, but the truth is it is a
very busy show and I spend all 4 of the show days demonstrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year the featured product was my new
Scrap Crazy Template Set from Creative Grids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm sure that I did that demo more than 500 times and I am looking
forward to seeing what all of those happy customers create!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn't mean that I didn't find time to
sneak away and get a good look at the amazing quilts on display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These photos are of the quilt show - but not
the grand prize winners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those were in
the Hudson Museum and I forgot to take my camera with me when I went to view
those.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68CmajrVzUI/UdsXL2OMc0I/AAAAAAAADdU/PcGZoaBm_Rs/s1600/shipshewana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68CmajrVzUI/UdsXL2OMc0I/AAAAAAAADdU/PcGZoaBm_Rs/s640/shipshewana.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After
Shipshewana we head to Cincinnati to pick up our grandkids and bring them home
for the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having twin two year olds
in your house without their parents for 5 days is exhausting, but I wouldn't
miss a minute of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they left
yesterday I sat down to a quiet cup of tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My tea bags have words of wisdom on the tag and mine read "Children
tend to make their parents feel old and their grandparents feel
young".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That and the joy of random,
sticky, unsolicited kisses, pretty much sums up my last week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUXNptIvTnc/UdsXyyq4FnI/AAAAAAAADdc/qEoSDrvtAco/s1600/PA+Row+by+Row+wide+banner+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUXNptIvTnc/UdsXyyq4FnI/AAAAAAAADdc/qEoSDrvtAco/s320/PA+Row+by+Row+wide+banner+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">With absolutely
no rest in between we jumped right into the Pennsylvania Row-by-Row Shop Hop
that started July 1st.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can stop by
any of the participating Pennsylvania or New York shops and simply ask for a
FREE pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No participation fees, no
passports to keep track of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just collect
the patterns, make a quilt and win prizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
Many of us have kits available to purchase for our rows to make your job even easier. Ours retails for only $8! </span>Follow the fun on the Facebook page by clicking here:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PARowbyRow?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/PARowbyRow?ref=ts&fref=ts</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If that isn't
enough excitement for you, starting July 15th we are also participating in
Major League Quilting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like Major
League Baseball, two quilts will compete against each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your votes determine the winner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing to buy, no fee to play
along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kits for the featured quilts are
available, but all you have to do is vote for your favorite on the Major League
Quilting website to keep it moving along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know you will all want to support the Pittsburgh Buccaneers and their
Gone Scrap Crazy entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So vote early
and vote often to keep us in the game!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fl1fVbj34yM/UdsZGJcC8NI/AAAAAAAADeA/CC3mdlnwYxU/s1600/MLQ-logo_high-res+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fl1fVbj34yM/UdsZGJcC8NI/AAAAAAAADeA/CC3mdlnwYxU/s320/MLQ-logo_high-res+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Does it sound
like I need a rest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully I have
one planned for Thursday and Friday in the form of a 1 day cruise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MJ our Travel Agent that is making the
arrangements for our Quilting Cruise next May has invited me to spend the night
on the very ship we will be sailing on, leaving out of Baltimore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the perfect chance to check out the
ships facilities, see our sewing room, make plans and arrangements so that
everything goes smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only one
night onboard, but it is still a cruise, there will still be a deck chair
available and possibly a dip in the hot tub after a nice glass of wine.....
ahhhh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you can't join me Thursday
but there are still some spaces available for next May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new prices are even lower than we first
announced and if you book this weekend MJ is offering a special onboard
gift!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are in the area, stop by
the shop on Saturday morning to meet MJ and allow her to answer any questions
you might have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eoPbFGk7KMY/UdrDD_y9SWI/AAAAAAAADbw/dDBIE2dcN4Y/s1600/GR_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eoPbFGk7KMY/UdrDD_y9SWI/AAAAAAAADbw/dDBIE2dcN4Y/s320/GR_01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Right after that
I will be getting ready for Christmas in July.... but let's not get ahead of
ourselves!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-56677976453568337872013-05-26T11:43:00.002-04:002013-05-26T11:43:21.258-04:00Happy Memorial Day Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope all of you are enjoying the long holiday weekend. It is a bit chilly here in the 'burgh for full blown summer activities like swimming, but the sun is shining and we should hit the mid 60's later today. Darn good quilting weather if you ask me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV5YaFqa7FW2c4n99TdtMx8HnKqFcoZNUF0Qs82eVr-5408qMvuyiRyohyGL481wrlWnaoI50h8GWhoBZkpISJSBG_laxFUV_k6jUVAUTbOa2do6VpGmg7oEGPgGmUE3r667KnUOsJGPK/s1600/63b6a116c86ea756d4bf66a249957aba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV5YaFqa7FW2c4n99TdtMx8HnKqFcoZNUF0Qs82eVr-5408qMvuyiRyohyGL481wrlWnaoI50h8GWhoBZkpISJSBG_laxFUV_k6jUVAUTbOa2do6VpGmg7oEGPgGmUE3r667KnUOsJGPK/s200/63b6a116c86ea756d4bf66a249957aba.jpg" width="200" ya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once again my husband and I have chosen to celebrate the official start to summer by attending PyroFest. An amazing tribute to all things that light up the night sky that is held in the park just around the corner from our store. Trust me, this daylong event isn't your grandmother's fireworks display. This is an amazing spectacle of color and design that is timed to music on an enormous scale. The gorgeous displays are interspersed with live music performances and fun activities for kids. In the daylight hours the fireworks include a powdery substance that creates what look like chalk painting in the sky. If hunger strikes, the park grounds are surrounded by the festival favorites, funnel cakes, fresh lemonade, ice cream and Gyro vendors. As darkness falls the unbelievable spectacle begins. It is something that has to be experienced in person. We here in western PA love our colorful explosions and if you are a fireworks fan, this is an event not to be missed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxCt3b4JO8klyek8j1XBslUSeDTK3afO6MYsmM39Xm_mWd81Nnt7ew7TU4fkYkX_mLvGzNyEOz5G3bqDJedIHPqtkb2ne1p_FggyT_L4_p2mPseijOS4sCgKTuF4MTSxDhO1TeaVqNTru/s1600/164626_597848593561490_699658213_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxCt3b4JO8klyek8j1XBslUSeDTK3afO6MYsmM39Xm_mWd81Nnt7ew7TU4fkYkX_mLvGzNyEOz5G3bqDJedIHPqtkb2ne1p_FggyT_L4_p2mPseijOS4sCgKTuF4MTSxDhO1TeaVqNTru/s1600/164626_597848593561490_699658213_a.jpg" ya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why am I sharing this experience with you? Because I have decided to commemorate PyroFest in quilting. Our shop is one of over 50 stores in the state of Pennsylvania that is participating in the Pennsylvania Row-by-Row Shop Hop this summer. Beginning July 1st and running through September 2nd you can stop in any of the participating shops and pick up a FREE pattern for a 36" row to make a row-by-row quilt. No registration, no participation fee, no hoops to jump through, just ask for the FREE pattern and it is yours. How fun is that?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Naturally there will be prizes! As a participant your job is to collect at least 8 rows for your quilt. Make the rows, assemble and finish the quilt. To "win" all you need to do is be the first person to bring your finished quilt to one of the participating stores and you will be awarded a FREE bundle of 25 FAT QUARTERS! Only one prize will be awarded per participating store but that also means that with 50+ participating shops there are 50+ bundles to be won! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each shop has been asked to design a 36 inch row that has commemorates a festival that is held in their area for this event. I've chosen PyroFest! Our 36 by 6 inch strip features bright batiks in the night sky. Stop in the shop to pick up the FREE pattern after July 2nd (when the hop officially begins). You can also purchase a kit that includes the pattern, fabric and foundation papers for the star points for only $8.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wn03iUuYMK_xVx_pISKScOM1DY2Czi412J9lVXvxyCzOawggGpnj8w91gZ1ltVlQRRCAve-PrQkicnJS3QmNzF_mbVZ9BW2m3BBco8gRwIrlHJcZyQje1qJPMon5M4z67A-W9CcKjC5_/s1600/DSC_00681500x1393_zpsb2d20771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wn03iUuYMK_xVx_pISKScOM1DY2Czi412J9lVXvxyCzOawggGpnj8w91gZ1ltVlQRRCAve-PrQkicnJS3QmNzF_mbVZ9BW2m3BBco8gRwIrlHJcZyQje1qJPMon5M4z67A-W9CcKjC5_/s200/DSC_00681500x1393_zpsb2d20771.jpg" width="200" ya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To find a list of participating shops and see the rows as they are designed you can follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KarenMontgomery57?ref=tn_tnmn#!/PARowbyRow?fref=ts" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Row-by-Row Shop Hop</a> on Facebook. As the summer progresses we will also be posting photos of the people that finish their quilts and claim the 25 FAT QUARTER PRIZE in each store. Start planning your summer travel now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If that isn't enough fun. The state of New York is hosting a Row-by-Row hop too! If you have travel plans to the north you are welcome to collect rows from New York shops too. We are quilters without borders! Check out the New York<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NYSRowbyRow?sk=app_234057233273036" target="_blank"> </a>Facebook page by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NYSRowbyRow?sk=app_234057233273036" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grab your friends and your GPS! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This summer is going to be packed with quilting fun!</span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-77818329831955666202013-04-30T21:30:00.000-04:002013-04-30T21:30:20.918-04:00Time For A Change<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lately, looking in the mirror I have had the feeling that it is time for a change. Someone needs to do something with my "look". I have had the same hairstyle, same make-up routine, same everything for a few years. Ok, maybe more than a few years. Someone requested a head shot of me the other day and I found my "publicity photo" in a file on my computer - the file was dated 2006. Is anyone thinking "stuck in the mud"?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbKhuVhuh10yhMR2dMedkGQCbgFvEGaR-bQm73K1DV9-tVqXcAb73yL0kyDPsez42ELi-7-l1l1XlCmpovI6S3pPviCs3YTd-v2SoBahShguLQlyBGLiMis18hNc4rs9MzPAF0IXLyWX8/s1600/Head+Shot,+Karen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbKhuVhuh10yhMR2dMedkGQCbgFvEGaR-bQm73K1DV9-tVqXcAb73yL0kyDPsez42ELi-7-l1l1XlCmpovI6S3pPviCs3YTd-v2SoBahShguLQlyBGLiMis18hNc4rs9MzPAF0IXLyWX8/s200/Head+Shot,+Karen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've checked around and it looks like I am in charge of the situation. I'm not sure why. I've proven over and over again that I am woefully unqualified in the hair and make-up department. Lindsay our youngest daughter performed with several professional choral groups as she was growing up. One required that the girls wear their hair in a French braid for all performances. Ouch. That meant that before every occasion Lindsay and I would both go into the bathroom armed with brushes, combs, spray, pins, clips and ponytail holders. We stayed there until one of us began to cry. There was a 50/50 chance on who would come to tears first. I can triple braid bias strips, macrame with my eyes closed, knit, crochet and weave but I can't braid hair and keep it from sliding all over the place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My attitude toward having my hair done is exactly the same as going to the dentist, I just do it more frequently. My job in the dentist chair is to open my mouth and spit on demand. Reasonable expectations for someone with my qualifications. In the hair salon I willingly tilt my head up or down move from the styling chair to the sink and back as required. If I wanted to be more involved than that I wouldn't bother to seek out a professional.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dentist doesn't look in my mouth and ask me how he should handle installing a new crown or replacing a filling. Why does Sara my stylist want my input if something should be a little shorter here or there. I haven't a clue! She is the one with the comb and scissors. Those of you that see me in person on a regular basis are now thinking "That explains a lot" aren't you?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my half hearted attempt at finding a new "style" I mentioned to Sara the stylist that I was up for a change. Her response was "What did you have in mind?". Change Sara, change is what I had in mind. I have no idea what options are open to me. Just because I point to a look that appeals to me, doesn't mean I have the hair that will make it work on my head. Apparently it is my job to provide Sara with some visual aids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The other day I popped in a DVD to keep me company while I was sewing. The movie was "Somethings Got To Give" with Diane Keaton. I like that movie. I love the beach house in that movie too, but that is beside the point. As is my opinion that she chooses the wrong guy at the end of the movie. My point is that I like her look in that film. I don't have the sparkling eyes or the award winning smile that she has and I could never wear white from head-to-toe without spilling something on myself, but I think I could pull off that hair. And heaven knows I'm a "turtleneck kind of gal".</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3j6ppMaeM587S0kF_qPw4TNRn-VYpatBNur86_LGwcuuVGo86m61DPfoJz0b2czlVdBfcYJDRzPj-IYTTeOxR-gIljTwDDVZapXI0Vf_LWkDmbikIEwv8bFhn2Jf1my4stOjwKDJMS5h/s1600/Diane_Keaton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3j6ppMaeM587S0kF_qPw4TNRn-VYpatBNur86_LGwcuuVGo86m61DPfoJz0b2czlVdBfcYJDRzPj-IYTTeOxR-gIljTwDDVZapXI0Vf_LWkDmbikIEwv8bFhn2Jf1my4stOjwKDJMS5h/s1600/Diane_Keaton.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The plan was to let Sara the stylist know I had found my new look. I would probably have to explain to Sara who Diane Keaton is. I'm not sure she knows any famous people over 50, but she does read People magazine. That was my plan. The next time I found myself in Sara's chair I would be asking for the "Diane Keaton" do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was up late a few days later - still sewing - and Diane Keaton was a guest on The Tonight Show. Ackkkk! What happened to the soft, beautifully styled, sophisticated yet understated somethings-got-to-give Diane? Who replaced her with Goth, leather clad, black nails, fishnet stocking, poker straight hair Diane? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU5DgdtgPyDXDfVQHT5dgpMpqvBaH4Zl_rQC9xY5IR3uKE4JUUO0qj8CLowqRDwJ-qYFCEU9dpU5xz3ydSL4EUITD88zsTodu9N6PsUPtlKH4zyb7PH7jTDxRxFTEXbEBB2cLzvwJC0hY/s1600/167222183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU5DgdtgPyDXDfVQHT5dgpMpqvBaH4Zl_rQC9xY5IR3uKE4JUUO0qj8CLowqRDwJ-qYFCEU9dpU5xz3ydSL4EUITD88zsTodu9N6PsUPtlKH4zyb7PH7jTDxRxFTEXbEBB2cLzvwJC0hY/s1600/167222183.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What if I ask for one and get the other? What if my ineptitude with a round brush means that no matter what I do I end up looking like Tonight Show Diane?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think I will stay stuck in the mud a little longer.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-55082964329115801052013-04-18T15:28:00.004-04:002013-04-18T15:28:52.015-04:00Quilt Sampler - again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVG3Kal6onCvtiNcHB1Wfl8EtbiEmzO6TY0_oIvRX6ueD9Tviivqd1Mxk0h2zVGv4CicNDzLwtwvMNtDJzrUs-oqikn963a93vUycZCQOq1fI5t0QWncES0kFBgJsV2cbqVbKaT4CbNg6g/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVG3Kal6onCvtiNcHB1Wfl8EtbiEmzO6TY0_oIvRX6ueD9Tviivqd1Mxk0h2zVGv4CicNDzLwtwvMNtDJzrUs-oqikn963a93vUycZCQOq1fI5t0QWncES0kFBgJsV2cbqVbKaT4CbNg6g/s200/IMG_2161.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The spring issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine arrived today! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You probably know Sampler as the magazine that features 10 fabulous quilt shops that are located all across the United States and Canada. This issue actually features 11 - and the eleventh one is US! We are the Encore Shop, the "where are they now" shop that they chose to check-in on for this issue. It is very exciting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Way - way - way back in 1997 when we were a very young shop, with just 3 years in the business our phone rang. At that time it was Heidi Kaisand that called to tell me that we had been chosen to be featured. I didn't believe her and it took several minutes for her to convince me that she was who she said she was. From that moment on our business became a pretty wild ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've had the pleasure of working with the Editors of American Patchwork & Quilting, Quilts and More and Quilt Sampler over the years so it wasn't a huge surprise when Jennifer Keltner, Editor of APQ called last fall. However I wasn't expecting her to tell me we had been chosen to be the Encore Shop for this spring issue. Immediately my brain began to whirl. The photo shoot was scheduled for October, when the shop displays feature fall colors, leaf prints, holiday fabrics are on the front fixtures and there are ghosts and snowmen all around the shop. To make the photos look seasonally appropriate we had some shifting to do!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOq08TqpZ_QRgoLoZMQ0ww034bWcJOlj0rWZbp1I_wzLybsVt6deIPXCfBdKi2mojbknQfISD55QnSn9v6VLxbW9C0w-bg8PoOlWCIBeoUJpL9FfTYfo058vnQX7BNCzHyJts8M5ClZLQG/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOq08TqpZ_QRgoLoZMQ0ww034bWcJOlj0rWZbp1I_wzLybsVt6deIPXCfBdKi2mojbknQfISD55QnSn9v6VLxbW9C0w-bg8PoOlWCIBeoUJpL9FfTYfo058vnQX7BNCzHyJts8M5ClZLQG/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In my world it goes without saying that in order for something to become clean and organized something else is going to become dirty and disheveled. Getting the shop ready for the photo shoot was no different. First we shifted all of the holiday fabrics to the shelves facing the back of the store. Those are the red holiday tags you see dangling in the photo.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUmFUU8woBS85-NbqHnbwRmdmspTvabZ0YlFWx-s3SIeqW0_wxEKC83tXLpgGSfvZQ7rgo7057eif2RVO4896ei0Pr5pigneUIP9NtKlf6hGpg9IdbEk19FkYTzV2PuN5dhSkMH58BKcA/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUmFUU8woBS85-NbqHnbwRmdmspTvabZ0YlFWx-s3SIeqW0_wxEKC83tXLpgGSfvZQ7rgo7057eif2RVO4896ei0Pr5pigneUIP9NtKlf6hGpg9IdbEk19FkYTzV2PuN5dhSkMH58BKcA/s320/IMG_1816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next we collected all of the spring/summer quilts we could find and I called in a few extra from my designer friends. It was like hanging </span><span style="font-size: large;">my own private quilt show. With tons of husband help to do the high ladder work it only took a few hours to arrange things and get everything hung. The shop had to be looking good from every angle, because you never know where the photographer will choose to take the shots. What I think looks great might not appeal to them. For example, I loved this shot (without the step stool) but the Editor thought it looked "too workroom".</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt1s17KiP8zCHTJXMCCZpDMiG0DXuRAnien_WF9orImWCa8WwkXZ-78KO1OYZRIDvCccHt4k7nyzkkx79xReACJ7frfnV_AUZ_6dfvErBCekuCxEj-4znM2G8AeTRMoflA2ow65EshiDo/s1600/IMG_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt1s17KiP8zCHTJXMCCZpDMiG0DXuRAnien_WF9orImWCa8WwkXZ-78KO1OYZRIDvCccHt4k7nyzkkx79xReACJ7frfnV_AUZ_6dfvErBCekuCxEj-4znM2G8AeTRMoflA2ow65EshiDo/s320/IMG_1826.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg6OgSYSQi_3uT5EFBz4UcYMr8uJWg-dFQo5UkmhJeT-CJ5Bf5XjestEAJTh6LlaGoWJLRJTQ7WzhiKPh1uwMrX4jtfpz7xqLoLeA73U7H3CCs2uJGH0WaSe41OuCILqcuOlMLI8gS35Q/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg6OgSYSQi_3uT5EFBz4UcYMr8uJWg-dFQo5UkmhJeT-CJ5Bf5XjestEAJTh6LlaGoWJLRJTQ7WzhiKPh1uwMrX4jtfpz7xqLoLeA73U7H3CCs2uJGH0WaSe41OuCILqcuOlMLI8gS35Q/s200/IMG_1832.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the day of the photo shoot Tatiana the photographer, her assistant and the editor set-up the shots while we pretended that nothing special was going on. It is fun to watch them work and see what appeals to the magazine eye and what works better in reality. One of the things we love about our shop is the SIZE. Compared to most we have massive floor space, lots of room for customers to move around and not feel claustrophobic. In the magazine world photos of floor space is a big no-no. Lots of time was spent deciding how to make us look spacious without showing too much floor.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSk_mClcF4-cYuGXd-nVL2d_QMK2l_k67gxtNTooXX5apM3HWYNRT2i4HcvnR_KIqCoUzP9KWMZxZZv_1FOHycEyU_tRnzImoQjpdacMnefw5SkxQRnqvWJkAIj9FzXEcjyDRaIutr18_/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSk_mClcF4-cYuGXd-nVL2d_QMK2l_k67gxtNTooXX5apM3HWYNRT2i4HcvnR_KIqCoUzP9KWMZxZZv_1FOHycEyU_tRnzImoQjpdacMnefw5SkxQRnqvWJkAIj9FzXEcjyDRaIutr18_/s320/IMG_1820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrKBktdCxCU3pcRSFIK7OJa1ntAYUpbvuOwYVlYCZjEvkNRLJd7wIXuYY6D1kngGo4POnLfZAzSLZAUWp00krSORoGcLoGhKZrE3TJyB5iYYwvpAHpUUDfusMZYgmRmp1qm_rkuaOI2Sa/s1600/2013-01-12+13.49.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrKBktdCxCU3pcRSFIK7OJa1ntAYUpbvuOwYVlYCZjEvkNRLJd7wIXuYY6D1kngGo4POnLfZAzSLZAUWp00krSORoGcLoGhKZrE3TJyB5iYYwvpAHpUUDfusMZYgmRmp1qm_rkuaOI2Sa/s320/2013-01-12+13.49.41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once they were finished there was nothing else to do but wait, keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. Well, nothing but submit our project and instructions. All of the Sampler Shops are asked to design something original for the magazine. As the Encore shop I was asked to provide something small to feature. I chose to update our Three Pocket Tote. I added a new elastic closure and chain handle and made not one but three versions for them to showcase. I also chose to quilt the fabric myself - on the Handi Quilter instead of using pre-quilted fabrics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now the issues have arrived, the shop and our project looks great and we get to celebrate and share the issue with you!</span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-12887962991909373252013-03-26T15:41:00.000-04:002013-03-26T15:41:24.631-04:00Home & Trying To Catch Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sleeping in my own bed. Working from my usual spot. Staring at the never ending To-Do list. My world is back to it's normal level of chaos, just the way I like it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, the cruise was absolutely wonderful. The students were great, friendly and very enthusiastic. Cat Nix and I had a delightful time both on and off duty. Deb from Stitchin Heaven Travel did everything possible to make the trip enjoyable for all involved. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I would highly recommend traveling with them if you are ever in the mood for a sewing vacation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent 8 nights on the ship, 3 days teaching, 4 days in various ports and one day on each end helping to set-up or tear-down sewing machines. Not a bad work week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have some fabulous photos from the trip, but I wanted to share my snapshot of this artwork that was on the ship. It is a huge mosaic style piece that was at least 8 by 10 feet mounted on the wall between decks 10 and 11. I absolutely love it and I want one of my own. Can you tell what it is?</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWbIyeQ24Ws/UVHuqsmk4dI/AAAAAAAADKo/nLlbRy8EvKg/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWbIyeQ24Ws/UVHuqsmk4dI/AAAAAAAADKo/nLlbRy8EvKg/s320/IMG_0470.JPG" usa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Maybe this will help.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uTdUHw8u1s/UVHurEkuHbI/AAAAAAAADKw/BkZUfTSvYmE/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uTdUHw8u1s/UVHurEkuHbI/AAAAAAAADKw/BkZUfTSvYmE/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" usa="true" width="170" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was really hard to zoom in and get a good photo, but those are spools of THREAD! They are small spools of Dual Duty thread suspended on vertical wires. Technically speaking it is a counted cross stitch pattern done with whole spools instead of tiny </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">X's. I love that! If any of you decide to make one yourself - I'll be happy to special order the thread for you!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRU-YkxG2iI/UVHuuShe5wI/AAAAAAAADLI/SAfYQUsYPDA/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRU-YkxG2iI/UVHuuShe5wI/AAAAAAAADLI/SAfYQUsYPDA/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" usa="true" width="302" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the cruise I returned home - an uneventful trip I might add - on Sunday evening. Spent Monday through Thursday in the shop and Friday headed out to spend the weekend with a group of customers on a Sewing Retreat for another 3 days and 2 nights of sewing and eating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spring had better arrive soon so that I can get back to running because by the end of the cruise trip I had taught everyone in our group to order their own dessert another one to share and a scoop of ice cream on the side. There was no shortage of sugar energy in our group! </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile back at home the photos of the Winter Mystery are still rolling in. Isn't this version beautiful! I love the piano key border. I'm also really impressed that the quilts are finished, quilted and have the binding - a scrappy binding in this case - completed. I'm going to have to spend more time at home to catch up with all of you!</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-27592814807163269092013-03-01T17:07:00.000-05:002013-03-01T17:07:43.406-05:00Red Letter Day<span style="font-size: large;">Today is an excellent day in my world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've got no reason to complain. I'm sitting in Ft. Lauderdale Florida where I will board a cruise ship tomorrow morning with 40+ other quilters and spend the next 8 days floating in the Caribbean waters teaching and sharing what makes Creative Grids products special. It's my job. Is there any wonder why I love it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If that isn't enough to make one love life, Creative Grids chose today to release my new SCRAP CRAZY template set. I am nuts about these templates - and I hope you will be too!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnCH-xnwZO0/UTEYxPt-hII/AAAAAAAADIE/dBnVwiSleko/s1600/CGRMT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnCH-xnwZO0/UTEYxPt-hII/AAAAAAAADIE/dBnVwiSleko/s320/CGRMT4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The idea for the templates really came from my customers. I hear them comment all the time that they have too much fabric <em>(there is no such thing)</em> and they need to use some of it up. Bingo! Scrap quilts are the answer. I know you don't really want to use those big pieces. You know, the ones you are saving for something "special". I also know that you hate to throw away any usable piece of fabric. Scrap Crazy templates are the answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The basic idea of a Crazy Quilt is that all of the pieces are just scrapped together to form a larger piece. The problem with that is sooner or later you get "up the creek" with set-in pieces or the fabric pieces become too large. The Scrap Crazy templates were designed to give you the look of traditional Crazy Patch without the frustration. All of the pieces fit back together perfectly and form an 8 inch finished block. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SJXmF0qDA8/UTEYwjQtsZI/AAAAAAAADH8/MbynnVBP7F8/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SJXmF0qDA8/UTEYwjQtsZI/AAAAAAAADH8/MbynnVBP7F8/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The table runner above is the most traditional sample I've made. The fabrics are silk, batik, cotton and rayon with a velvet border. The embroidery was done by machine and I am still in the process of adding beads and buttons by hand.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xsj9lAQ35IU/UTEXv9s1vlI/AAAAAAAADF0/VDdbWY6bPX8/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="101" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xsj9lAQ35IU/UTEXv9s1vlI/AAAAAAAADF0/VDdbWY6bPX8/s400/IMG_1969.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next I used the templates to make a larger quilt. All batiks and all from my scrap bin. I started by sorting my stash. This time I planned the color placement. Using the exact same templates and the exact same blocks the Scrap Crazy templates allowed me to turn the batik scraps above into this 84" by 102" quilt below. The templates are even used for the pieced border.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T_T7IraOds/UTEYsGrSrCI/AAAAAAAADH0/HtrnsZ6gxjk/s1600/IMG_2052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T_T7IraOds/UTEYsGrSrCI/AAAAAAAADH0/HtrnsZ6gxjk/s400/IMG_2052.JPG" width="333" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But wait..... there's more! What about pre-cuts? I know that many of you have a stash of 10 inch squares that you have no idea what to do with. You just loved the fabric collection. The Scrap Crazy template set works with those too! I made this baby quilt out of one pack of 10" batik squares.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkTjk2UmW-o/UTEYBw7d9PI/AAAAAAAADGc/ap6R1MpYgC4/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkTjk2UmW-o/UTEYBw7d9PI/AAAAAAAADGc/ap6R1MpYgC4/s320/IMG_1996.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now for the part that I LOVE the most! I designed the templates to work with your scraps, but that doesn't mean you can't use them to create beautiful designs. This chevron quilt - same templates, but it was created using partial blocks.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zjnbAhgHMU/UTEYnFN57nI/AAAAAAAADHs/gWeK9inDD4Q/s1600/KM-Mocha+Kiss+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zjnbAhgHMU/UTEYnFN57nI/AAAAAAAADHs/gWeK9inDD4Q/s320/KM-Mocha+Kiss+%25283%2529.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Partial blocks, mirror image blocks, pinwheels, diamonds..... the possibilities are endless and in the coming weeks you are going to see a whole variety of patterns that can be created using the template set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The template sets have just been released. They sell for $22.95. We have plenty of them on order and they should arrive in the shop any day. The patterns for the projects are printed and ready to go. If you would love to own a set, call the shop to order at 412-487-9532 or ask for them at a quilt shop near you!</span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-28862232315570151982013-03-01T16:55:00.001-05:002013-03-01T16:55:52.686-05:00More Winter Mystery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-QmmvNfQVU/UTEWyqQAT2I/AAAAAAAADFo/nKNqr8bgSqw/s1600/A7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-QmmvNfQVU/UTEWyqQAT2I/AAAAAAAADFo/nKNqr8bgSqw/s320/A7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Janet finished her Winter Mystery and added another narrow border to the outside edge to finish off the sashing. It looks GREAT!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep those photos coming!</span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-64482683110753293942013-02-25T11:40:00.000-05:002013-02-25T11:40:14.507-05:00Winter Mystery DONE!Jolene finished assembling her Winter Mystery and sent this note:<br />
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<em>"I made my top one row longer so it will fit a twin bed. Each of the scrap fabrics is used only once in the large patches. I used a really eclectic mix of fabrics. I decided anything goes! The 11/2" squares were leftovers from a postage stamp quilt I recently made. I may add a border but I have to set it aside for now while I make a baby quilt.</em><br />
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<em>I enjoyed taking a break with some simple piecing as I have been doing more complicated projects lately. I love how it turned out, so bright and cheerful!"</em><br />
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I love it! It looks great with "anything goes". Adding another row, and possibly a border to fit a bed is a great idea. This looks like something that is going to be used and loved for many years to come.<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-82441103709679663772013-02-22T11:24:00.003-05:002013-02-22T11:24:50.185-05:00Winter Mystery Step 4<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure by now you have figured it out! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGaPWeQYreU/USeYvFbDfAI/AAAAAAAADDU/tYDkGeXwzYI/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGaPWeQYreU/USeYvFbDfAI/AAAAAAAADDU/tYDkGeXwzYI/s320/IMG_1114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Janet Aradine was able to guess the next step correctly. She sent several photos of her progress along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Follow the steps below and the mystery will be solved. EASY! Now I only wish that converting photos from my email to my blogger account so that I can share them with you was as simple. It seems that if you send them as an attachment I can grab them and share. If you imbed them in the message it seems impossible to transfer them to Blogger. I'm enjoying seeing Tracey, Jill, Ann, Lisa, Cathy, Donna and Carly's photos. I will see if I can get some technical help to share them with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Terry Faust sent me not only this very organized photo of step 3, she also included a photo of another quilt that is absolutely beautiful! Great job Terry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time for everyone to catch up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">STEP 4 OF 4</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Collect the remaining 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inch accent strips and the scrap fabric rectangles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Working with each individual block create a unit of two rectangles and one accent strip between them, matching the rectangle fabrics to the squares that are already assembled in the block. You will need to create each unit according to the fabrics in the individual blocks. No chain piecing here! Press the seams toward the scrap fabrics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Stitch the units to the sides of the blocks matching the fabric scraps. Press the seams toward the outside edge of the block. These blocks will measure 9 1/2 inches including seam allowance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Arrange the blocks in 8 rows of 7 block each. Alternate the direction of every other block so that the only the sashing seams align. If you pressed correctly these seams will nest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Stitch the blocks together in rows. Pressing the seams in opposite directions in each row. Stitch the rows together to form the completed top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Take a photo and send it - as an attachment to me at karen@thequiltcompany.com!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Layer the quilt top with the batting and backing and quilt as desired. Trim the batting and backing even with the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Cut 7 strips 2 1/4 inches by the width of the fabric. Stitch the strips together end-to-end on a 45 degree angle. Fold and press. Pin the binding to the edge of the quilt with the raw edges even, mitering the corners. Stitch in place by machine. Fold the binding over the edge to the back of the quilt and stitch in place by hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that the mystery is over, it is time for me to get packing. I'm on the "road" again, teaching on a quilting cruise for Stitchin Heaven for the first 10 days in March. I know, I know, tough job, but someone has to do it - why not me?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I expect all of those Winter Mystery projects to be finished when I get home!</span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-62100399910289284822013-02-14T16:45:00.000-05:002013-02-14T16:45:16.545-05:00Winter Mystery Step 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you keeping up?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you adding your sashing to the 9 patch blocks?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few people have mentioned that they thought the pieces were a bit small (I warned you) so they have decided to double them in size. Pam one of our employees that hates to follow instructions is one of those "biggeer is better" people. Hopefully those that have decided to make things larger are making fewer blocks as well or they are going to have a REALLY, REALLY big quilt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will post photos of Pam's variation when she finishes hers. If you have photos you would like to share of the piece you are working on, email them to </span><a href="mailto:karen@thequiltcompany.com"><span style="font-size: large;">karen@thequiltcompany.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and I will share them with everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">STEP 3 of 4</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Collect all 224 squares of scrap fabric measuring 2 1/2 inches and 112 of the accent strips measuring 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Stitch one accent strip between 2 random color squares. Any two random color squares can be stitch in the same unit with an accent strip between them. Avoid having 2 of the same color squares stitched to the same accent strip. Press the seams toward the accent fabric. These units will measure 2 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches including seam allowance. Make 112 units.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Stitch a completed unit to opposite sides of each Nine Patch center. Stitch the units to the same sides that have the smaller sashing pieces (that is the side with 2 seams). Each Nine Patch center will have 2 units added to it. Avoid putting the same scrap color on the same side of the same block. Two corners of the same color are ok as long as they are opposite each other and not on the same side of the block. Press the seams toward the outer edge of the block. The blocks will measure 5 1/2 inches by 9 1/2 inches including seam allowance when completed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Make 56 blocks.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62TjgJGF1Z0/UR1V-sk7vAI/AAAAAAAADDE/m010YHUTDL4/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-62TjgJGF1Z0/UR1V-sk7vAI/AAAAAAAADDE/m010YHUTDL4/s320/IMG_2050.JPG" uea="true" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
In this arrangement notice that the new units are being added to the top and bottom of the center unit. Those are the sides with the smaller sashing pieces.
I am also adding pink blocks to 2 of the corners, but one is on the top left and the other is on the bottom right. That works! (the bottom left might look pink, but it is mostly gold and orange!)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-7806343351944345052013-02-08T08:40:00.001-05:002013-02-08T08:40:16.647-05:00WINTER MYSTERY CLUE #2<span style="font-size: large;">Busy weekend here at The Quilt Company! We are hosting Debby Brown, certified HandiQuilter Educator for 2 full days of classes. How fun is THAT! Therefore the mystery step had to be simple. Sash the blocks with your accent color. Now you know why I called it both accent AND sashing!</span><br />
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rBZKOr-PvJ0/UQqnY1OtjRI/AAAAAAAADAM/G0-8RbhapZE/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" jea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rBZKOr-PvJ0/UQqnY1OtjRI/AAAAAAAADAM/G0-8RbhapZE/s200/IMG_1950.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">WINTER MYSTERY</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">STEP 2 OF 4</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Collect the 112 rectangles measuring 1 1/2 by 3 1/2 and the 112 rectangles measuring 1 1/2 by 5 1/2 cut from the accent fabric. You will also need the Nine Patch blocks that you created in Step 1.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Stitch the 3 1/2 inch sashing strips to the top and bottom of each of the Nine Patch blocks. Press the seams toward the sashing strips.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Stitch the 5 1/2 inch sashing strips to the left and right side of each of the Nine Patch blocks. Press the seams toward the sashing strips. These blocks will measure 5 1/2 inches square including seam allowance when complete.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Make 56 blocks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-54783926684026501942013-02-01T00:30:00.000-05:002013-02-01T00:33:54.557-05:00WINTER MYSTERY CLUE 1 <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-pkSuBK2CQ/UQqnbXp5BmI/AAAAAAAADAs/Ww3Rs583OYE/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-pkSuBK2CQ/UQqnbXp5BmI/AAAAAAAADAs/Ww3Rs583OYE/s320/IMG_1954.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These scraps should brighten up our grey winter days!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready?</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Have you collected your favorite scraps and done a little cutting? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you need the cutting instructions, scroll back a few posts or just work along with the steps each week.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Read all instructions before beginning!</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">WINTER MYSTERY</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">CLUE 1</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Collect the 448 assorted 1 1/2 inch squares and the 56 accent squares that measure 1 1/2 inches.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Randomly stitch the squares together to form a Nine Patch block positioning the accent square in the center. These blocks will measure 3 1/2 inches including seam allowance when completed.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-DFCJw6wqM/UQqnX_nMAGI/AAAAAAAADAA/9cXd2F0dMp4/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-DFCJw6wqM/UQqnX_nMAGI/AAAAAAAADAA/9cXd2F0dMp4/s200/IMG_1948.JPG" width="198" /></a></div>
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, I'll fess up. I cut my scraps into 1 1/2 inch strips of a similar length. I stitched those strips together in sets of three before cross cutting them into the 1 1/2 inch segments needed for the block. For the strips with the accent fabric in the center, I cut the accent strip to fit my scraps. My quilt will have 5 or 6 identical units </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRc7fMKJ0rc/UQqnW-GdiCI/AAAAAAAAC_s/sZSzEMMAzRU/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRc7fMKJ0rc/UQqnW-GdiCI/AAAAAAAAC_s/sZSzEMMAzRU/s320/IMG_1946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7V2moiwEw4/UQqnXcSdRvI/AAAAAAAAC_0/X32J4vSGyww/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7V2moiwEw4/UQqnXcSdRvI/AAAAAAAAC_0/X32J4vSGyww/s200/IMG_1947.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-DFCJw6wqM/UQqnX_nMAGI/AAAAAAAADAA/9cXd2F0dMp4/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-DFCJw6wqM/UQqnX_nMAGI/AAAAAAAADAA/9cXd2F0dMp4/s200/IMG_1948.JPG" width="198" /></a></div>
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Make 56 blocks</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvd0boDGWqI/UQqnZQmq0ZI/AAAAAAAADAU/koUDgaqw0nU/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xvd0boDGWqI/UQqnZQmq0ZI/AAAAAAAADAU/koUDgaqw0nU/s320/IMG_1951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tips: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• If you have selected a light color accent, press the seams away from the accent block. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• If you have selected a dark accent color, feel free to press the seams in any direction you like - but be consistent! You or your machine quilter will be grateful later.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• Because this is a scrappy quilt, there is no "planned" color arrangement for the 8 squares that surround the center accent block. For those of you that have a dominant anal retentive gene (you know who you are) feel free to organize your blocks with darks in the corner or a specific color you happen to own more than enough of in a consistent position. If you are using a rainbow of colors you might want to arrange the squares in red-orange-yellow-green-blue-purple order around the center square just for fun - but you don't have to! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is scrappy!</span></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-4207559230352715652013-01-30T21:26:00.000-05:002013-01-30T21:26:03.742-05:00Las Vegas in the Rear View Mirror<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eUWS9xgO5QFwc1QxJDP-7JNoIUF6nOCKSK4Z099sfb87wr6aoqTUzFXgsoZ7agDAXh1wMcE723iTBV9BNlVeuVIaszReTMxcuc_JMFjcpFaAG0uj0Q4Ju-PPgMsBhQ9w37b9w02tlj9p/s1600/D08A4646377C89736255B69440B60BB6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eUWS9xgO5QFwc1QxJDP-7JNoIUF6nOCKSK4Z099sfb87wr6aoqTUzFXgsoZ7agDAXh1wMcE723iTBV9BNlVeuVIaszReTMxcuc_JMFjcpFaAG0uj0Q4Ju-PPgMsBhQ9w37b9w02tlj9p/s320/D08A4646377C89736255B69440B60BB6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This time last week I was sewing like a crazy person with 53 others in a ballroom of a Las Vegas casino and loving every minute of it. I was attending the Kaye England Seminar for Shop Owners. This seminar is part fabulous creative retreat with a little expensive Boot Camp mixed in. Kaye is wonderful, gracious and hysterically funny. If ever you have the opportunity to enjoy her in person, jump at the chance. You will learn much and laugh lots. My customers will have that very special opportunity next December and I hope each and every one of them squeezes into the room so that nobody misses out on a really good time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Although the schedule is casual, the chance to sew, get samples made and be the student instead of the teacher is rare in a shop owners world. Kaye fills us with fresh coffee and inspiration each morning and lets us do our thing. That might not sound to inspiring, unless you consider that the 53 others working around you are doing some pretty cool stuff - and you want to see and share what they are doing too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpRa5wDEY1U/UQnPRI37ePI/AAAAAAAAC-0/LoDbSVKChT4/s1600/549950_559573387388078_566028716_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QpRa5wDEY1U/UQnPRI37ePI/AAAAAAAAC-0/LoDbSVKChT4/s320/549950_559573387388078_566028716_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These are my tablemates. Deb from New Jersey and Sue and Lori from Canada. Sue is chatting with one of the other Canadian dealers and one of the owners of Quiltique the shop in Henderson NV. The 5 of us managed to get away one evening for dinner on the strip but other than that, we sewed.... and laughed and tested our skills.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqnDtKYIMoA/UQnPQivd8HI/AAAAAAAAC-w/n3hPFGx6eL0/s1600/523238_560456523966431_960156931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqnDtKYIMoA/UQnPQivd8HI/AAAAAAAAC-w/n3hPFGx6eL0/s320/523238_560456523966431_960156931_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Others might not have considered it much of a test, but Kaye and I have polar opposite opinions on just about everything. Kaye is into reproductions. I'm not. Kaye never presses as she pieces. I press every seam as I sew - sometimes twice. Kaye loves scrappy everything. I plan. I design for Creative Grids, Kaye designs the Nifty Notions ruler line. Neither of us are wrong, we just do things differently. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When in Kaye's playground, I play by Kaye's rules..... for the most part. I work scrappier, I try-out her rulers. I learn from her color sense and I attempted to avoid pressing. To be honest, I can't do it - the pressing thing. To quote Kaye "Quilting is like sex. If you aren't enjoying it, you are doing it wrong." If quilting is like sex then I see nothing wrong with making it hot and steamy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLS9oYRb9fw/UQnPR7mDfRI/AAAAAAAAC_A/1ETNiYHeVaw/s1600/184700_559266294085454_1991899443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLS9oYRb9fw/UQnPR7mDfRI/AAAAAAAAC_A/1ETNiYHeVaw/s320/184700_559266294085454_1991899443_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Doing something differently, even something as simple as working outside your comfort zone is good for the soul. It expands your perspective and helps you confirm your beliefs. One of the things we laughed about last week were the comments on this photo I posted on the shops Facebook page. I wondered if I should add another border. The pattern for this quilt is in Kaye's Hens and Chicks book. In the book it is done in 30's green and reproduction style prints. Several people that I know own the book wondered where the pattern was from. Mine looks so entirely different, but we still found that amusing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Kaye appreciated my batik selection and helped me decide on the sashing fabric. I really think it needs another border and I've decided it will be black, but I didn't have the fabric with me, so I moved on to another project. 99% of the Facebook comments were favorable until comment 31 which said: <em>"A black border would make side cornerstones not match. I would not have used that fabric for the sashing. Just my opinion, one out of 30 ain't bad !"</em> What made that comment funny? It came from my Mother.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You can design fabrics and rulers, run a successful quilt shop, be the author of one of the top 20 best selling patterns and have your work featured on the cover of magazines and still not make your Mother happy.</span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-8970401717103066422013-01-09T19:23:00.000-05:002013-01-09T19:23:12.107-05:00Oh Those Frenchmen<span style="font-size: large;">Can you guess what this is?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/simon-beck-snow-art"><img height="426" src="http://api.ning.com/files/ZxRIYXQ*G5SimcpDwlbVqGGnW-zmaRiJ8op36Wqpgeg9kBPc49L23JTpjYKWqNhi6NJ4npi00CXbrD9XexRWVfrNTeg*sN-J/SimonBeck01.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a pattern in the snow made by a man walking in snowshoes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No kidding!</span><br />
<br />
<img height="479" src="http://api.ning.com/files/ZxRIYXQ*G5TntMIpxzyC8WTdhN0JM0hwTg7TkfKSCsGKvQDe0bGoTyXWMpakRQSXcQQBfvmTp4AibH5mMQZ2VPzh-4P903I5/SimonBeck02.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He does this for exercise.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The finished designs are often the size of 3 soccer fields.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We still have plenty of winter left here in the north east.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone want to go for a walk?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can read more about him here:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/simon-beck-snow-art"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/simon-beck-snow-art</span></a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-33894391412606531662013-01-06T19:11:00.000-05:002013-01-06T19:11:19.482-05:00Need A Little Mystery In Your Life?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready for some winter fun? How about a winter sewing project that will keep you guessing?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know that you have plenty of fabric. I hear that from customers all the time. "I probably have as much fabric as you do" or "I can't buy another piece of fabric until I use some of it up". Well here is your chance.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have designed a project we are calling WINTER MYSTERY. It measures 63" by 72" when finished, without borders. That makes it a comfy sized throw or twin comorter. You can feel free to add borders later if you would like a larger size.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This project is designed to help you use up your scraps! Before cutting, sort your fabrics into color groups. Arrange at least 6 different groups, think of them as red, yellow, green, blue, purple and brown. Your groups may actually be pink, teal, gold, green, blue and taupe (you get the idea). You may have as many different groups as you like as long as it is more than six. You may divide one or two colors into light, medium and darks. For example, if you choose to work with all blues and greens, you can separated into light blue, medium blue, dark blue, etc.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have an exceptionally large stash, you might want to use all of your fabrics from a certain "style" or category, like 30's Reproductions or Civil War prints. I've decided to use my Kaffe style prints. I might need to wear my sun glasses for this one!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• Select scraps that are large enough to cut a 2 1/2 by 4 1/2 inch rectangle and 2 1/2 inch square from the same piece of fabric. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• You may have several rectangle/square sets cut from the same fabric. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• If you prefer that all of your sets are different you will need 224 different fabrics.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• Set smaller scraps aside to cut the 448 smaller squares. (these can be 1 1/2 inch strips that are sub-cut later)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">• You will also need an accent color that is NOT one of your color groups. Black, white or cream is an easy choice for this fabric. BUT if you prefer to use a color, like red, eliminate the red scraps from your color groups.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This Mystery is broken down into 4 parts. The plan is to upload one clue each Friday in February. That gives you the entire month of January to get your fabrics together and get everything cut out so that you are ready to sew starting February 1.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the materials list and cutting instructions to get you started:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">MATERIALS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">2 yards accent fabric for blocks and binding. I'm using school bus yellow!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 1/3 yards for blocks only</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Assorted scraps, lots of them!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">4 yard backing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">twin batting, unless you are planning borders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">From the sashing fabric cut:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">5 strips 5 1/2 inches by the width of the fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cross cut these strips into 112 rectangles measuring 1 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">5 strips 3 1/2 inches by the width of the fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cross cut these strips into 112 rectangles measuring 1 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">9 strips 2 1/2 by the width of the fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cross cut these strips into 224 rectangles measuring 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">2 strips 1 1/2 inches by the width of the fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">*Cross cut these strips into 56 squares measuring 1 1/2 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">From an assortment of scraps cut:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">224 sets of 1 rectangle measuring 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">AND</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 square measuring 2 1/2 inches from the same fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">448* assorted squares measuring 1 1/2 inches</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That's all you need, just those 1400 pieces!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">.........Take a rest, we will cut the binding when we are finished</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* If you prefer, cut 1 1/2 inch strips for these pieces. We will sew them together and then cross cut them into squares. The scrappy pieces can be any length - we will make it work!</span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-67824051757889372382012-12-29T15:29:00.000-05:002012-12-29T15:29:45.479-05:00Velcro<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Between holiday celebrations and end of the year inventory I also managed to eliminate one of my pet peeves the other day. I treated myself to a gift-to-me this holiday season. You might asking yourself what it is that makes me almost as happy as the diamond necklace from my hubby? It is simple. I have tamed the wicked Velcro on my winter jacket!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwk_DTXkr_E4Vv6lODeGBXLO6dzg1aYXUW8ZlPOQB1EO95y-HXLbKwXDsBBZKQtVFGXAZbFyuOxJ6urNO3K0XNA7u1E2l2xqCzxO74N6_DRSPrQlq7rE6sNSpRm-wneCi7SPA-jeGFjj_/s1600/canstock4667449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwk_DTXkr_E4Vv6lODeGBXLO6dzg1aYXUW8ZlPOQB1EO95y-HXLbKwXDsBBZKQtVFGXAZbFyuOxJ6urNO3K0XNA7u1E2l2xqCzxO74N6_DRSPrQlq7rE6sNSpRm-wneCi7SPA-jeGFjj_/s1600/canstock4667449.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hate Velcro. I know it has fabulous uses. Everything from the now defunct space program to toddler tennis shoes. I am aware that the introduction of Velcro changed the way we live. I even know that the product was developed by a guy that was trying to figure out why those thorny, chigger type plants stuck to his socks. Maybe "hate" is too strong of a word. It isn't like I rank Velcro up at the top of the list with things like..... stinkbugs. Let me correct myself. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Having exposed Velcro on my winter jacket drives me CRAZY!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I own a very nice ski jacket from L.L.Bean. It has a double zipper, tons of pockets, is light weight and warm. The strange material tabs that were used to Velcro the sleeves so that the air doesn't blow up your arm cracked and split shortly after buying it, so I cut those off. But that isn't the point. It is a nice jacket. It also has four strips of Velcro that close a flap over the zipper. The soft side of the Velcro, the kind that is left unused on my sleeves, isn't a problem. It is the gripper side that has caused me hours of frustration. When the jacket is worn open, which is more often than not, those Velcro strips grab on to anything they pass, including the remaining sleeve Velcro. I've spent a lot of time in that jacket stuck to myself - or the items that I was shopping for. If you have ever witnessed a battle between Velcro grip and a fine knit sweater, you know the bittersweet feeling as that sweater is scarred for life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enough of this daily aggravation! I have a kajillion dollars worth of sewing equipment at my disposal. I should be able to fix this.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I started by finding a scrap of black Ultra Suede in my stash. For all of you nay-sayers out there, this proves that saving things dating from the 1980's is not a total waste of space! The scrap was large enough to embroider and it matched the black accents on my coat. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Using the BERNINA software I quickly digitized a simple design and selected a spool of thread to match my odd shade of blue coat. Having the entire line of Isacord thread at your disposal comes in handy. I never have to worry about making a trip to the store for the right color, because nine times out of ten I'm working on these projects AT the store. Being in the store also came in handy when Brandon recommended that I use a #90 needle. Having a top-notch Tech at your disposal is pretty convienient too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn76JxydxJwaF0vC4RNM8A7I3twsBvrIHIh3eV0CSUFWrWOAZ55sHL50B0UA0Nm9CtUpxujd_91xB4YsHMczupIkaoCFdsCCQjKUSmdDHcisik3zayYdG74dtq2bQ_Gjd3qQjINrlF5oGb/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn76JxydxJwaF0vC4RNM8A7I3twsBvrIHIh3eV0CSUFWrWOAZ55sHL50B0UA0Nm9CtUpxujd_91xB4YsHMczupIkaoCFdsCCQjKUSmdDHcisik3zayYdG74dtq2bQ_Gjd3qQjINrlF5oGb/s320/IMG_1968.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The process was simple, stitch out the design and an outline that was digitized the same size as the Velcro patches on my coat. Flip the hoop over and position soft Velcro strips in each of the outline areas. (I cut these longer than necessary and held them in place with tape) Put the hoop back on the machine and stitch the outline again. That stitched the Velcro to the back of the designs. I took them out of the hoop and trimmed them to size. Using the Ultra Suede meant that the edges were finished and will never fray. I chose a water soluble stabilizer for the project, so that was easy to remove. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUNSduojO66BLPVq6iWyGPQCl4gxD3hPQjz82D0UNfTCVLhAMYboX0r1LcmdfqgYE2eU3aVz5lDdBTX9WGGr7HtvycRWrUNWIer-RJeD7gc_71PUztycSKGal62iaTGM590FEFlpt3IQ1/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUNSduojO66BLPVq6iWyGPQCl4gxD3hPQjz82D0UNfTCVLhAMYboX0r1LcmdfqgYE2eU3aVz5lDdBTX9WGGr7HtvycRWrUNWIer-RJeD7gc_71PUztycSKGal62iaTGM590FEFlpt3IQ1/s320/IMG_1963.JPG" width="165" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">TA-DA! Problem solved! I simply placed the decorative Velcro strips over the offending gripper strips and snag-no-more! If I ever have the desire to close the zipper flap I can simply peel off the decorative tabs and store them in one of the 17 assorted pockets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Scrap of Ultra Suede - Free</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Velcro - .70 cents</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thread to match jacket - $5.89</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Software to digitize the design - $1999.00</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Embroidery Machine - $10,000</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eliminating the aggravation - Priceless</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Satisfaction - worth a million bucks!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I think L.L. Bean should include these with your coat!</span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-28297820297600302152012-12-18T18:00:00.000-05:002012-12-18T18:00:06.713-05:00Help Newtown Begin To Heal<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">The following is a re-post from Joan Fords blog. Joan is the owner of the Hummingbird Highway pattern company. Joan is a friend and she has a wonderful idea. I'm sending some quilts to help her attain her goal and even if only one of you joins in, it was worth passing this along. I know there are people everywhere that could use a quilt hug and the people of Newtown, Conneticut aren't the only ones hurting at this time of year, but we have all been struck by this tragedy. Joan is right, Quilters understand the magic that happens when fabric, batting and stitches come together with love and good thoughts. It is almost impossible for Quilters to not help when a something like this happens. Let's send a Newtown some hugs.</span></em></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You may know that The Taunton Press, the publisher of many wonderful books and magazines, including my own, is located in beautiful Newtown, Connecticut, just down the street from Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Taunton employees were fortunate not to be directly impacted by the events of December 14. But as I write that last sentence, I know in my heart that we have all been affected, but most especially those who live, play, work, and connect in Newtown.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone who has ever made or received a hand-made quilt knows what power is created when fabric, batting, and stitches combine in a quilt. And so, I'm asking you to send a hug and a prayer to the folks in Newtown. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have said that a quilt is a reusable hug. Specifically, I'm asking for quilts. Not because of the devastating loss caused by a natural disaster, but to help heal a broken community who may just need a reusable hug right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I need your help. Here's what you can do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Go to your stash. Find a quilt that is almost done - it only needs a binding or some last quilting stitches, or maybe a border to finish it off. And finish it up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- You'll be sending a bit of yourself along, so think kind thoughts while you make those last few stitches. Those good thoughts will translate to healing and hope for the recipient. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">-Don't worry about whether the quilt is kid-friendly or themed for any one person or another. These will be distributed to folks of all ages. Quilts in all sizes will be accepted. Child and lap sized quilts are especially welcome.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Spread the word. I realize it's horrible timing. And the turnaround seems dreadful. But I also suspect that you might have one or two quilts that are nearly complete, a few stitches and away it goes. There's nothing like a deadline to get things done. . . . am I right?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm planning to deliver quilts personally on January 3, 2013 - so there isn't much time. If you are in the Syracuse, NY area, Calico Gals, Mission Rose Quiltery, and Patchwork Plus Quilt Shop have agreed to be collection points for Newtown quilts. I'll be leaving early on the 3rd, so quilts must arrive at the shops before January 2, 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- If you are not in the Syracuse area, please send quilts to: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Taunton Press</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Attention: Renee Neiger </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">63 South Main Street, PO Box 5506</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Newtown, CT 06470-5506</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you want to help stuff the CRV, you can send quilts to me directly:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Joan Ford</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hummingbird Highway</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">3795 Gray Ledge Terrace</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Syracuse, NY 13215</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My friends at The Taunton Press will make sure the quilts reach their new homes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-40009556078297448892012-11-01T16:40:00.000-04:002012-11-01T16:40:09.650-04:00Home From Market<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know that many are suffering from the effects of hurricane Sandy and I don't mean to make light of their plight. My prayers are with those that came home to devastation and a few others that are still making their way home as I post this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you follow this blog you already know that my experience while traveling is "bumpy" to say the least. Canceled flights, lost luggage, weather delays, sick crew members, you name it, I've experienced it while trying to get from here to there. This fall while attending International Quilt Market I shared my wicked travel gene with the entire industry in the form of hurricane Sandy. Early in the week I was teaching on the east coast of Florida and all of the "spaghetti" tracks for the storm that were shown on the Weather Channel clearly showed the front heading out to sea. Once Mother Nature realized that I was on the Florida coast, the models changed and Sandy did her best to make a B-line For the shore. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Outsmarting disaster is my main goal when I travel, so having experienced weather delays before, I headed for Texas as the feeder bands began. I was confident that the wind and rain would be long gone days later when I would make my trip home. As the storm started to build, much of the conversation on the Market floor revolved around who was getting home, how, and when. With market ending and Festival beginning, hundreds of hotel rooms were scheduled to change hands. If you requested to extend your stay, the hotels promised to do their best to try to accommodate you.... At a higher, much higher, rate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was scheduled to fly from Houston to Orlando, then Orlando to Pittsburgh on Southwest. I didn't even bother trying to check with the airline until my last evening in Houston. When I finally did, much to my surprise my reservation was confirmed and boarding passes were issued for on-time departures. While everyone else was scrambling for someone to share a room with, I finished my orders, picked up a few last minute items and started to say my last good-byes. That's when my phone rang. My son called to say that my Orlando to Pittsburgh flight was cancelled. No problem.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When you have the travel record that I do, you become accustom to a few bumps along the way. I had already checked with my friend in Florida, who happened to be attending a funeral in Orlando, and I could stay with her at her sister-in-laws. Nice weather, friendly people, welcome accommodations. It is all in having a plan B, C, D and occasionally E. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Plan B, overnight in Orlando, was scrapped when I spoke to the airline. It would be two nights in Orlando, possibly three. Jacksonville? I have a daughter attending college in Jacksonville. I've made that drive many times. I actually rented a car and drove home from there during the last ice storm that paralyzed everything south of the Mason-Dixon line. The Southwest operator offered to get me into Jacksonville at 11:35pm, for an additional $315. On to plan D. Columbus Ohio? That would be drivable. Possible, but not until Thursday (it was Monday at the time) and an additional $249. Orlando was looking pretty good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I checked in at the Southwest counter at Hobby Airport for my flight to Orlando. On the off chance that I could get closer to home or at least close to a more familiar bed, I asked the counter person if they had anything going to Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville is a little less than two hours south of my oldest daughter and the twins. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Yes, I can have you there by 9pm" were the nicest words I had heard all day! Done. No matter what the fee. Stranded out of town can be both miserable and expensive, but stranded out of town with an unexpected opportunity to visit with the grandchildren is worth the price! My evil travel gene had instantly produced an unexpected bit of luck! I whipped out my Visa. "No need for that, we don't have change fees here" were the next words from the Southwest agent. Really? That never works for me. I had already spoken to Southwest customer relations earlier. Those were the very helpful, polite people that quoted me the change fees! "No problem, no fee". She did make sure that I understood that getting from Louisville to Pittsburgh would be my responsibility. I didn't bother her with the details, but getting me home to Pittsburgh would actually be Grandpa's responsibility. He could drive out and pick me up and have an excuse to see the kids too.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Quick calls to my husband who called my daughter who arranged for a rental car that I could use to drive the hour and forty five minutes to their home in Covington, KY and I was on my way. The smooth flight to Chicago gave no indication of the horrendous weather out east. We landed in Chicago a bit early and I decided to get something to eat before heading to my next gate. Waiting in line for my Chicago style hotdog my text message alert went "ping". Southwest was notifying me of a gate change. Impressive service! I arrived at gate B19 and looked at the board. Flight 842 to Louisville was scheduled to leave right on time. This was going too smoothly.... The gate agent announced that they would begin boarding immediately after they boarded the flight leaving out of adjoining gate B 17..... to Pittsburgh.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That is correct. Hours ago in Houston there was no possible way to travel to Pittsburgh because of the storm. Customer Relations assured me that nothing was flying in. Absolutely no connections were available that would get me home before Wednesday or possibly Thursday. However sitting in Chicago, waiting for my flight to Louisville I watched as the gate agent booked 3 people through to Pittsburgh. I questioned the seat availability. The gate agent offered to transfer me to the Pittsburgh flight. In my travel world you have to know when to hold them and know when to fold them. With my luck the wind would pick up and that plane would need to be diverted. Probably to Orlando.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead I chose to keep my seat on the flight to Louisville. I would rather change planes, pay $82 for a rental car and drive a few hours for kisses from Grant and Madeline than risk another flight change that might not get me home. If you are keeping score, this is FIVE, count them F I V E trips to International Quilt Market that I have had some issue getting home. This time I got to snuggle, play and get hugs and Halloween kisses from the twins. I going to score this one:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Evil Travel Gene 4</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Karen 1.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214089299934532443.post-58616244361732870632012-10-17T15:20:00.002-04:002012-10-17T15:20:16.689-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I realize that more than one Wednesday has whizzed by without my posting a photo of my design wall. I can't really use "I'm busy" as an excuse, because when am I NOT busy? I'm actually just dealing with your average October craziness. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGCHeijoL_xoowEVg9tlw3Aj5T4229QbmcueE63IrZQ8PXizI9J5j0fLpe0XKV5upAsWT9ZRmXoJFVX4FIibtzOmYjnB5n6vRF0mNCkETvCIUyANqRP0qF229y1SfRbGkPCHJji92vYzU/s1600/548257_467518703292935_251876637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGCHeijoL_xoowEVg9tlw3Aj5T4229QbmcueE63IrZQ8PXizI9J5j0fLpe0XKV5upAsWT9ZRmXoJFVX4FIibtzOmYjnB5n6vRF0mNCkETvCIUyANqRP0qF229y1SfRbGkPCHJji92vYzU/s320/548257_467518703292935_251876637_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">International Quilt Market is about a week away and there are patterns to publish, instructions to proof and samples to finish to show off my two new rulers from Creative Grids. I've been having a ball playing with my new toys and I can't wait to share them with you! Triangle Squared is on the left and the Perfect Rectangle on the right. Both of them will be coming to an independent quilt shop near you very soon!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-mlamWnhwDp5NUt_M0j9kbHBpJ1FO1k98nD1hwTb3dYk_HckJ5VXJUJRUqTGwqRuQ2ljI4MY0i_0hAe0jKYCKoYvBZSAPkjfdH7_Xiv7hcgoRbWDsy6N-1-9834sD2RapM2jAfGZilgq/s1600/MT3+Table+Runner+with+optional+block.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-mlamWnhwDp5NUt_M0j9kbHBpJ1FO1k98nD1hwTb3dYk_HckJ5VXJUJRUqTGwqRuQ2ljI4MY0i_0hAe0jKYCKoYvBZSAPkjfdH7_Xiv7hcgoRbWDsy6N-1-9834sD2RapM2jAfGZilgq/s400/MT3+Table+Runner+with+optional+block.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the finished Table Runners "Any 12 Will Do"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several projects are stitched, quilted, bound and already on their way to Market for display. This is a photo of the stragglers still on the design wall. These are the projects that don't have to be finished before I leave town, but I still have hope that I can squeeze in a few more hours of sewing before next Monday!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsRvG_vUqjF-CTeTKqtal-oosJZL9rzhJ8Fsn7m-mGRIQBBvE-SzRLy7uAA7CbN0G1pSW4_Trj59NscOsE4eDb_Dvj-fRWxlxZDXxFrOppqmWgkpCzoBS-gyjPXwPdFkU37OfdvXvP1iI/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsRvG_vUqjF-CTeTKqtal-oosJZL9rzhJ8Fsn7m-mGRIQBBvE-SzRLy7uAA7CbN0G1pSW4_Trj59NscOsE4eDb_Dvj-fRWxlxZDXxFrOppqmWgkpCzoBS-gyjPXwPdFkU37OfdvXvP1iI/s400/IMG_1856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The one on the right is a second colorway of a pattern I am calling Keystone. It uses both rulers. The kids quilt on the left is called Sawtooth Squares and will eventually have nine blocks and a bright blue border. It uses only the Triangle in a Square ruler.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ4UGwhrq204GCIyzr3d2UB5aCryzhB31Rq8OkMumIyh3sDRgEisLTI0YcJOo9v96aiQoIeoAfKbxhtD9V3SjArbil6-UD0T2cMdkezs0jsK-EqgPd5PdFW4vZq-7cFNzuYFsyxEwzTDc/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZ4UGwhrq204GCIyzr3d2UB5aCryzhB31Rq8OkMumIyh3sDRgEisLTI0YcJOo9v96aiQoIeoAfKbxhtD9V3SjArbil6-UD0T2cMdkezs0jsK-EqgPd5PdFW4vZq-7cFNzuYFsyxEwzTDc/s320/IMG_1858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the aftermath of the finished quilts. Little piles of leftovers, discarded test blocks, scraps for the scrap bin, mistakes, bolts that didn't make the cut or contained more than I needed. What you can't see are the threads, pins, snipped dog-ears and other goodies that will clog my vacuum cleaner when I do get around to cleaning up. I try to make a point of doing that before I leave so that I come home to a room worth working in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next Wednesday I will be in Florida, lecturing and teaching for a guild in Port St. Luci. Then it is straight to Houston for Quilt Market. I will be posting goodies to The Quilt Company Facebook page and I promise to share what I find as soon as I get home.</span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11068991103416273034noreply@blogger.com1