tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58967989618587058972024-02-20T06:59:45.080-08:00Quilt OtakuQuilting, Sewing, Knitting, and SpinningMarisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.comBlogger882125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-87838027909503925752016-01-13T23:42:00.000-08:002016-01-13T23:42:26.813-08:00How to Hand Quilt: Top 10 tools list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV82BxYTYVh1hK1p99ij16-KWU-8E3rlUxMuzrnVMcSL8lmJucZFILu6Z67pPuPTfLQ3U7esU5iulFtm4MMq-9kvW66sF-9aN9lIqzRr1lIDUaMgByqM5aRfD1Yxby2or98Om0xw9b3_y/s1600/tools+and+tools+quilt+otaku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDV82BxYTYVh1hK1p99ij16-KWU-8E3rlUxMuzrnVMcSL8lmJucZFILu6Z67pPuPTfLQ3U7esU5iulFtm4MMq-9kvW66sF-9aN9lIqzRr1lIDUaMgByqM5aRfD1Yxby2or98Om0xw9b3_y/s400/tools+and+tools+quilt+otaku.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hand quilting is an art form that dates back many years if not many hundreds of years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The act of hand quilting is portable, relaxing and quiet, very different than using a sewing machine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having the right tools is important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above are a few of my favorite tools. None are all that expensive, and most are not that hard to find. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting at the lower left corner and moving clockwise...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=thread+heaven+conditioner&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=60680258952&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2914597369297169465&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2vv9iigq5b_b">Thread heaven:</a> lower left, in blue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I run my thread over this stuff before I start to quilt. It does a good job of minimizing the amount of knots that you get in your thread.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=clover+size+10+betweens&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aclover+size+10+betweens">Clover size 10 between needles</a>: middle left</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I generally like strong needles that are short and don't bend easily. These by Clover work well<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=raised+edge+thimble&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Araised+edge+thimble">Raised Edge Thimble by Colonial needle</a>: upper left</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a thimble that fits the middle finger of your dominant hand is key. This one is big, speedy, and needles don't slip off the big cup part on top. It's the only one I use.<br /><br /><br />4) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=finger+cot&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Afinger+cot">Finger Cot</a>: upper, second from left<br /><br />I use one of these on the index finger of my dominant hand. It helps you pull the needle out without putting extra stress on your wrists, fingers, etc. A must in my opinion. It's good to keep things as ergonomic as possible.<br /><br /><br />5) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=clover+chaco+marker&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aclover+chaco+marker">Clover Chaco Marker</a>: upper middle<br /><br />This is handy marking tool for fabrics when you have a plastic template to guide your quilting design. This marker comes in various colors so you can get a blue one when you are using white fabric, etc. <br /><br /><br />6) <a href="http://www.kelmscottdesigns.com/needle-minders.htm#nmind">Magnetic Needle Keeper by Kelmscott Designs</a>: upper right, in green<br />(I found mine at <a href="http://www.theworkroom.ca/">The Workroom</a> in Toronto)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You basically use this as a two part magnet to attach it magnetically to your quilt. When you need to put your needle down for a quick break, you can just drop it on this magnet and it stays there. Genius.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=clover+petite+needle+threader&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aclover+petite+needle+threader">Clover petite needle threader</a>: middle right in white</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For around $3, you can avoid scissors completely and have a needle threader at your side. Not sure you can find any tool better than that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/YLI-NATURAL-1000YDS-QUILT-THREAD/dp/B001P2M9LU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452756259&sr=8-1&keywords=YLI+quilting+thread">YLI Quilting Thread</a>: lower right in blue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have heard this thread is no longer being made, but you can still find it around if you live in the U.S. It comes in 1000yd / spool increments and is my favorite. I'm actually not sure what I'll do when I run out...hm....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Water-Soluble-Fine-Marker/dp/B0018N0AXU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1452756571&sr=8-4&keywords=water+soluble+pen">Water soluble pen</a>: middle right in light blue<br /><br />There are lots of these by various companies out there. I have tried them all and they work more or less the same. Be sure not to iron your quilt while this blue marker is on there or it could become permanent.<br /><br />10a) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=clover+hera+marker">Clover Hera Marker</a>: bottom middle, in white<br /><br />You can use this to mark quilt lines in your quilt by pressing down and making a crease in the fabric. Cotton has a memory to it so for the most part, the lines will stay there until you wash the quilt. That said, you will want to test this out based on your climate, and your quilt fabric. I would not mark an entire quilt this way in advance without really testing that it will stay over several weeks first.<br /><br /><br />10b) <a href="http://www.pinwheels.com/roulette/">Marketing Roulette</a>: middle left, wood and metal</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead of a hera marker, if you're looking for really thin quilting lines that last a very long time, and fit well into extremely thin quilt line templates (read, Japanese ones), this tool will do an awesome job. You can also just place a ruler down on your quilt and run this along it to get a thin but lasting quilting line. I got mine from the lovely Maria, owner of Pinwheels (awesome quilt shop).<br /><br />Ok, so more soon, hopefully on the quilting stitch itself, fabrics to use and not use, and thoughts on basting, binding, and other fun aspects of the hand quilting process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you find some of this helpful! </span><br />
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Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-59787083557397384552015-05-05T22:20:00.001-07:002015-05-05T22:20:50.901-07:00Birthday Signature Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ_Y8zfNlmHIXQ0deHAQhoWE3Ibs4mDZ95ryZjcPsojTnIh1n7eGGZEXZgoxrKqEEKY1wlzmXeFsDWsakK7Z_2RRWpJeo1heWzRWHGVYJeq0INrgF6gE43iGfdGTr4ufjXAVwVD2eKgUR/s1600/2015-05-05+11.34.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ_Y8zfNlmHIXQ0deHAQhoWE3Ibs4mDZ95ryZjcPsojTnIh1n7eGGZEXZgoxrKqEEKY1wlzmXeFsDWsakK7Z_2RRWpJeo1heWzRWHGVYJeq0INrgF6gE43iGfdGTr4ufjXAVwVD2eKgUR/s400/2015-05-05+11.34.17.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we had our first baby, it seemed like a long term quilt project was in order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding the perfect pattern took some time, but I eventually came to the place where a birthday signature quilt was born.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On his first birthday, I found a cool font, printed out some numbers that were just under 5" tall and used hand applique to sew them onto background blocks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the birthday party all the friends and relatives signed their names to the quilt block wishing the new arrival a happy first birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every year a new block is sewn up and well wishes are shared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years, more babies came into the family and other quilts were started. In our family alone we have 4 of them going right now. Two for our boys and two for my nieces. One of my best friends (who is basically family) started one for her baby daughter so I think the count is up to at least 5 quilts that I'm aware of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some of the usual folks who sign every year put a lot of thought into their messages. Others draw small pictures. Still others are just learning to print their names and at times write their letters backwards. All of these are very treasured. Some who have signed are no longer here with us. Their messages touch our hearts in a unique way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A few tips and tricks:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Use a .05 or so sized <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sakura-30581-Micron-Blister-0-45-mm/dp/B000XAHF8W/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1430889369&sr=8-7&keywords=pigma+.05">Pigma pen</a>, they work great. Practice your writing on scrap fabric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Buy enough backing fabric to make all your blocks and some extra if you want to use it in the border at all</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Remember what color Pigma pen you are using! We mixed brown and black ink in the same quilt without realizing it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Use painter's tape or some other light tape to mask off the area outside of the 8" block. This will help people sign inside of the lines of where you will sew and assemble the block</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- I cut out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reynolds-Freezer-Paper-Plastic-Coated/dp/B00EME5KZ0/ref=sr_1_6?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1430889431&sr=1-6&keywords=freezer+paper">freezer paper</a> and iron it to the top of the right side of the fabric to use as a needle turn guide. Wax side goes onto the fabric...not the bottom of your iron (that wouldn't be good!)</span><br />
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Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-22166272516261087192015-01-07T23:10:00.000-08:002015-01-07T23:10:24.836-08:00Packing up the Christmas Goodies - Happy 2015 to you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZs2qOWt62L9xTMfzm44DPFpoI3Qat11azLQs7SzNxUkMXrjXdS3uxyON38PDjLNdLg9GY80XiFX4lp8ayZyJpP4G6dJQLO4NIRniz3XR-vJxFc1u4WJ41CugDSDAuMMu-Z69SUSpxZ1a/s1600/2014-12-06+15.21.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZs2qOWt62L9xTMfzm44DPFpoI3Qat11azLQs7SzNxUkMXrjXdS3uxyON38PDjLNdLg9GY80XiFX4lp8ayZyJpP4G6dJQLO4NIRniz3XR-vJxFc1u4WJ41CugDSDAuMMu-Z69SUSpxZ1a/s1600/2014-12-06+15.21.52.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Christmas came in like a lamb and went out like a Lion this year with not a lot of rest leading up to the end of the break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's somehow good to get back to the routine though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had lofty goals of visiting both </span><a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Super Buzzy</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The French General</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> while in LA over the holiday but ended up visiting neither due to general business and short holiday hours. Sure that I'll be back again someday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ended up at </span><a href="http://www.getty.edu/visit/center/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Getty Center</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> which was amazing and as beautiful as ever. My 6 yr old was looking at Van Gogh's Iris painting and asking me how soon we could go out and run around in the garden. Priorities...you know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above is a photo of the Christmas ornaments my friend Carol made this year. She makes them pretty much every year and they take some time to make. I know it's time to put the holiday décor away, but I wanted to sneak this photo under the wire so you wouldn't miss it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you are having a happy new year!</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-36369771065228272022014-12-01T21:17:00.000-08:002014-12-01T21:17:00.030-08:00The French General: EPP Hexagons, Rue Indienne, and Quilt Shopping in LA<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eWvVqGE6ntbP4ERky_FSUb4vhM1Xc1p8tFf3hJTVlg1JWH2EGhtuf1ZEtLewMn2M14OHIt2Gkwif0loR1WXNyDQEaBhlKpJ6Nt7uBZ2c5WDuCwoSIrbbOdlxpl_R4IQLZcBuuYw8tsqy/s1600/french+general+hex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eWvVqGE6ntbP4ERky_FSUb4vhM1Xc1p8tFf3hJTVlg1JWH2EGhtuf1ZEtLewMn2M14OHIt2Gkwif0loR1WXNyDQEaBhlKpJ6Nt7uBZ2c5WDuCwoSIrbbOdlxpl_R4IQLZcBuuYw8tsqy/s1600/french+general+hex.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you like to sew and you are in the general (pun intended) neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, please consider a stop in at <a href="https://www.frenchgeneral.com/">The French General</a> as part of your to-do list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After visiting there myself, I can hardly get the images of their delicious fabrics, colors, textures (think linen!) out of my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I picked up some vintage linen at the shop and also some of the fabrics that they carry as part of the line that Moda produced for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Colors are muted, dare I say taupe-ish. Or perhaps Taupalicious. I'm inventing words here that blogger spell check will not approve of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They have beads and trims as well as fabrics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I was at PIQF I picked up a pack of Rue Indienne small fabric squares and 1" hexagon pieces from <a href="http://www.paperpieces.com/contents/en-us/d16_03.html">Paper Pieces a</a>s well as some glue to glue base to the paper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know, I know...it's GLUE. But it's washable and this is a small quilted piece, not a Baltimore Album so I'm taking a leap and trying the<a href="http://www.sewline-product.com/Sewline_Fabric_Glue_Pen"> glue stick from Sewline</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not sure how fast I'll be at putting this together, but not in much of a rush either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">P.S. Have missed blogging but have been keeping busy with creative work...lots of catch up to do here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Happy December! That crept up a bit fast on me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-30021804610463747422014-10-22T20:34:00.000-07:002014-10-22T20:34:00.050-07:00Pacitif International Quilt Festival 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4agvYK2Z3EwXY7MJzvDhfLOn1xDRj8xnPiBqQ3UybOmsSEx0s9E4ujD6yYrjx1adSXsRVn17NUuMvjUv4d9HCPZEQ55DQIoGl60S1bUHgUZCy9bSIicE5XZLsRsKg_GFKXLYAU85ds9C/s1600/IMG_7001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4agvYK2Z3EwXY7MJzvDhfLOn1xDRj8xnPiBqQ3UybOmsSEx0s9E4ujD6yYrjx1adSXsRVn17NUuMvjUv4d9HCPZEQ55DQIoGl60S1bUHgUZCy9bSIicE5XZLsRsKg_GFKXLYAU85ds9C/s1600/IMG_7001.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=7">Pacific International Quilt Festival </a>is a quilt show that I like to attend every year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's a short drive from where I live, so dropping in for a few hours is low hanging fruit and a serious treat for the eyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This year was no exception.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I took lots of photos of quilts, ribbons won, and info sheets about the quilts and the people who made them. The quilt above is called Celestial Splendor and was made by Rachel Wetzler of Illinois. It was stunning in person, as were many other quilts but this was one of my favorites.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A highlight for me was meeting (In Person!!!) <a href="http://www.nancybrownquilts.com/">Nancy Brown</a>, amazing applique artist. It was like meeting a rock star for me. You can see some photos of me with her and the ladies who helped do the applique on the quilt that was in the show this year. It was another one of my favorites and I took a lot of detailed photos of it. There are San Francisco and animal themes in the block designs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's a link to all the photos I took at <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157648489448220/">Pacific International Quilt Festival 2014</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I didn't photograph all the quilts, only the ones that either won big awards or really inspired me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh right and if you missed the previous <b>nine years</b> of the show (unlike me!) and want to see another oh say...four or five THOUSAND quilt photos from PIQF...well - look no further!! Perhaps you should make yourself a cup (barrel?) of tea first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157636784201236/">PIQF 2013 </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157631772998961/">PIQF 2012</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157627903468228/">PIQF 2011</a> </span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157625051799367/">PIQF 2010 </a></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157622616237088/">PIQF 2009</a></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157608104467863/">PIQF 2008</a></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157608153838722/show/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PIQF</span> 2007</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157594333637918/show/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PIQF</span> 2006 </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quiltotaku/sets/72157608167657415/show/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PIQF</span> 2005</a></span> Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-50905915275379031112014-10-08T23:46:00.002-07:002014-10-08T23:46:31.938-07:00Indian Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bIZfgM0Q155mZXPXtIqJ_iFu3gr0zG98KWE9opPj06O42Wf5_ifqNqth7RWWx2jMdtydpa0XQplHEGzma4NMsV7hstbGVXJ8uWxCtHasj8W7Qt6nZmFDcxStD-zm00FkiJbEurFq0JIJ/s1600/2014-09-29+09.38.16+fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bIZfgM0Q155mZXPXtIqJ_iFu3gr0zG98KWE9opPj06O42Wf5_ifqNqth7RWWx2jMdtydpa0XQplHEGzma4NMsV7hstbGVXJ8uWxCtHasj8W7Qt6nZmFDcxStD-zm00FkiJbEurFq0JIJ/s1600/2014-09-29+09.38.16+fixed.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It still feels like summer here in Northern California.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We still need sunblock on the kids if we go out for a while during the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a busy time with lots of soccer games on the weekends and a little creative work for me on the sidelines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am knitting a sweater that I am frustrated with because when I was working on picking up some stitches the yarn broke and now I have to go back and fix it. Let it be known that weak yarn is annoying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knitting is an adventure. I'm still learning its secrets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quilting - well, you know where you stand with it for the most part. With any luck your fabric is good quality and will not tear when you don't want it to. You can usually trust your thread not to break unless you really mean to break it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the above photo you can see my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Line-Day-Five-Year-Memory/product-reviews/0811870197/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt/178-4964324-0621450?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">one line a day book</a> where I write something happy that happened during the day. Today I'll be writing that my son got his brand new copy of the just released today Rick Riordan book </span><a href="http://www.rickriordan.com/my-books/percy-jackson/heroes-of-olympus/The-Blood-of-Olympus.aspx"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Blood of Olympus</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I made the pom pom above from a tiny amount of handspun yarn. It has sparkles in it which really isn't 'me' but it came for free with a spinning tool I bought so I spun it up for fun and it's decorating my book for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope your week is well and maybe a bit less hot and sweaty than our week here.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-49506825282115366422014-10-06T20:26:00.000-07:002014-10-06T20:26:00.550-07:00Hexagon Quilt: English Paper Piecing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHzrfQ0pvWxslY8N5RBSeiGMUS7w9Fl8F64TIBqHLrTJVVAs72d18Vlset2MZMIKZ78AwG5ihFv0VLn5rNvmMa10rHJ3ugoVnb1-dw5m4mQ11lC7Sqa2kcuSbeoFy4oa4f3pp1wP2qDlh/s1600/2014-10-04+17.48.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHzrfQ0pvWxslY8N5RBSeiGMUS7w9Fl8F64TIBqHLrTJVVAs72d18Vlset2MZMIKZ78AwG5ihFv0VLn5rNvmMa10rHJ3ugoVnb1-dw5m4mQ11lC7Sqa2kcuSbeoFy4oa4f3pp1wP2qDlh/s1600/2014-10-04+17.48.08.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />These days I spend more time running around with the family and less time quilting so it's kinda big news when I finish a quilt top.<br /><br />I was not trying to make a huge quilt with this hexagon project, more of a small wall hanging. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now that I see it all together, I sort of wish I had made it bigger. It's rather cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have been dragging it around with me, working on in her and there so it's a bit wrinkled in the photo, but still...the top is DONE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That doesn't mean the quilt is done, of course. My favorite part is still to come...the quilting part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next I need to put some borders on it and baste it in prep for quilting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not sure if it's small enough for me to quilt it on the go, but I do have a portable quilting hoop and a huge trunk. Hm....let's see how that goes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now on to the borders. Decisions, decisions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll be using more <a href="http://www.oakshottfabrics.com/">Oakshott fabrics</a> (same as the hex shapes) to give it a consistent look.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-66248489676482057342014-09-23T20:17:00.000-07:002014-09-23T20:17:00.021-07:00Fall Is Here - Really, It Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2a-maE-McDbY4a2Agr8nBHZL3ldCJGk6aTurBBwDtPUkS4K0VRp7Otdt22n-bTFv8nMDla9stNRfB5Re4xE_eR-xbw_IkVXAOGtqkVgRLdsbhgD_zrAL_sSFTyqw-LRTKn66t69ejwUs/s1600/biker+sweater+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2a-maE-McDbY4a2Agr8nBHZL3ldCJGk6aTurBBwDtPUkS4K0VRp7Otdt22n-bTFv8nMDla9stNRfB5Re4xE_eR-xbw_IkVXAOGtqkVgRLdsbhgD_zrAL_sSFTyqw-LRTKn66t69ejwUs/s1600/biker+sweater+back.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />They say that it's finally autumn. I'm working on getting ready. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some time back my family got me a sweaters worth of purple yarn in colorway "Thistle" from <a href="http://brooklyntweed.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1">Brooklyn Tweed</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A some knitters love this yarn, and others hate it with a passion (the controversy!).<br /><br />I for one am on the fence. It looks amazing. It knits up well and felts like a champion for easy felted or "spit splice" joins from one yarn ball to the next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is a truck load of VM or "veg matter" in the yarn which is a little annoying when you knit with it. This stuff is basically little pieces of hay. I don't know if they just use lower quality wool, or wool where it was not skirted properly, but there is certainly something going on there that is irritating at best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The yarn also breaks very easily which is something people in general don't like. I have not broken the yarn yet (!!) when I wasn't trying to, so for me it's not an issue but I don't yank on it very hard either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That said, the sweater will probably be very sharp looking. The color is amazing and the knit fabric is beautiful I'm knitting a Cookie A pattern called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chicane-3">Chicane</a> which is sort of a motorcycle jacket / sweater. I'm a long ways away from finishing it, but there are lots of soccer games on the weekends so it's not out of the question to want to wear it sometime this season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In stitching news, I have brought back my hexagon quilt made out of<a href="http://www.oakshottfabrics.com/"> Oakshott fabrics</a> because it is portable. I didn't realize how close to being complete it is. I am excited and thinking putting a fork in it is also in order.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-88643890637715681962014-09-03T19:32:00.000-07:002014-09-03T19:32:00.219-07:00Playing around with Inkodye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggndN7AbQ5dhJASW0vLLOtnjnjhdy0u74c4k7Ql4_dOajN9jdXmBPccOIcvrQjHRIUNyyFXDSqWtM3Ai52X2r-lMYb2GatFJJbcd9IyhyE1JfT01jiv9opSWbqShL0TR9ak31SFfYk78_5/s1600/inkodye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggndN7AbQ5dhJASW0vLLOtnjnjhdy0u74c4k7Ql4_dOajN9jdXmBPccOIcvrQjHRIUNyyFXDSqWtM3Ai52X2r-lMYb2GatFJJbcd9IyhyE1JfT01jiv9opSWbqShL0TR9ak31SFfYk78_5/s1600/inkodye.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lumi.co/ideas">Inkodye</a> is a product that uses light sensitive ink to make an image on fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've seen some cool and creative uses of it lately and the colors of their dyes look very bright and cheery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got a starter kit to play around with the blue ink. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I'm armed with some t-shirts and some (expensive) transparency film that can be sent through my printer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure how archival this ink is but it looks like it would stay a long time. I want to try it on some shirts and wash them a bunch to see if they fade a lot before I try it on a quilt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It might be good to try on a small project like a bag or something too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll keep you posted on how it all turns out. It seems like a much easier alternative to screen printing. It comes in less colors and costs more for the inks but requires way less equipment and clean up so it might be an interesting trade off. Given you don't have to purchase all the screens, it is certainly cheaper to get started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now all I have to do is start. Stay tuned!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-7535201215377486412014-08-20T19:08:00.000-07:002014-08-20T19:08:00.342-07:00Don't Panic, It's Organic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KGBCUBmOEjs7wIIBu1bDjZ2mEsZ6szmZvk8OAzcFX3g0ITuEk9KksgLapzx6BhU8maw_WXRBDnSdRZKWL0ynA5WGW1y1hbIbq27YL4e8YsMON4-cNiW3WSKAjAG4BX-jykt9V2DlyFtx/s1600/summer+tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KGBCUBmOEjs7wIIBu1bDjZ2mEsZ6szmZvk8OAzcFX3g0ITuEk9KksgLapzx6BhU8maw_WXRBDnSdRZKWL0ynA5WGW1y1hbIbq27YL4e8YsMON4-cNiW3WSKAjAG4BX-jykt9V2DlyFtx/s1600/summer+tomatoes.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If I see quilting cotton or <a href="http://www.alabamachanin.com/100-organic-medium-weight-cotton-jersey">cotton jersey </a>that is organic, I like to use it. It makes me feel like having it next to my skin will be a softer and more healthy experience.<br /><br />When I see organic veggies in the market or when I used to eat them from a local <a href="http://www.twosmallfarms.com/">CSA box</a>, I feel like I'm avoiding chemicals but also getting food that just tastes better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tomatoes are probably my favorite food, but only if home grown. I'm not the only person on the planet who thinks tomatoes from the store taste more like card board than actual tomatoes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Above are some of the tomatoes that came out of my garden this year. When you slide them open, they have both yellow and red flesh inside. Low on the acid and delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I make salsa or cover them w/ a little oil and vinegar to put on toast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The kids are not sure about them, even though they helped grow them. I find that a little funny. I often think that if I get them invested in the process that will magically make them want to eat the results. Turns out that is not always the case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Either way, more tomatoes for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-62368330478237368852014-08-18T06:26:00.000-07:002014-08-18T06:26:08.738-07:00Birthday Quilt - girl version<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj345OBujU2YwciGrJ4SQbW1J5d0-JL_U0tpZ0n05B-4oJf0KdwA5UBjEVhCGU3tJR7O4wbQxw6F4l1cNhF1gpIAsW6-Q5XipcBAjtommOhIOPk9iq5fnMvZ_-GR4VaueslTEw39CVRPzFT/s1600/2014-08-17+12.12.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj345OBujU2YwciGrJ4SQbW1J5d0-JL_U0tpZ0n05B-4oJf0KdwA5UBjEVhCGU3tJR7O4wbQxw6F4l1cNhF1gpIAsW6-Q5XipcBAjtommOhIOPk9iq5fnMvZ_-GR4VaueslTEw39CVRPzFT/s1600/2014-08-17+12.12.43.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />I'm making a couple more signature blocks for some 6 year olds and a 9 year old who will celebrate their birthdays in September.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By the time you are nine, you don't really want a birthday party anymore. I find that rather sobering. This whole growing up thing is happening at lightening speed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The girl version is out of <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/tana-lawn-best-sellers">Liberty of London fabric</a> and it needs to go in the mail so I always try to do that one first. They don't take long really. With a bit of traffic and a sweet DH behind the wheel I can finish the stitching of one on the ride to San Francisco.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One down, two to go.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-20687646670201092172014-08-10T22:23:00.000-07:002014-08-10T22:23:28.148-07:00Viewmaster - the good old fashioned toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhzlsKAYH2ImOoEhNsu_Ao37fFm0Swr3s4kHpozne5NsIG-V7CKjR2_Dnsqi08w1p1NQ71VhNA6M5XTOxKBQpewgR9P21xAibpVB08RayFRhHftrBYtbe-_WPEKdO4gZjB4vFp4V10YNM/s1600/IMG_8902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhzlsKAYH2ImOoEhNsu_Ao37fFm0Swr3s4kHpozne5NsIG-V7CKjR2_Dnsqi08w1p1NQ71VhNA6M5XTOxKBQpewgR9P21xAibpVB08RayFRhHftrBYtbe-_WPEKdO4gZjB4vFp4V10YNM/s1600/IMG_8902.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />I realized how behind I am on mounting recent viewmaster film we have shot into paper mounts for the kids to use in their <a href="http://quiltotaku.blogspot.com/2012/01/grab-your-viewmaster-and-go.html">viewmasters</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">. </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Let this blog post serve as a piece of string around my finger reminding me to take care of that in my ample spare time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Above is a photo of my DH and my dad each playing with their 3D film cameras. Does 3D + 3D = 6D somehow? Perhaps not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I really love this silly photo for some reason.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In other news I broke out the sewing machine this weekend and that was productive and fun. I sewed up a simple table runner. More on that soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also am on to the 2nd sock of a pair I'm making for my mom who really appreciates what I make. I get a kick out of making things for people who really love them. Coincidence that she gets more stuff that other people? Not hardly.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-40574660917688023602014-07-31T20:28:00.000-07:002014-07-31T20:28:00.135-07:00When the going gets tough, the tough get ear warmers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CrQRDbNXG6f6keMOs3tXAQF0xGqsHJdyMT9Y5vdeCm_HI74KzCzoUq92MGtYTeic4bSay8lbsVjXI6QD4KVabt1a7h9Soqj-s5tocnRpOXgFF6VdOrqSKlGYusPDDRAygIyxY2olrUc6/s1600/ear+warmers+from+2012+IMG_8868+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CrQRDbNXG6f6keMOs3tXAQF0xGqsHJdyMT9Y5vdeCm_HI74KzCzoUq92MGtYTeic4bSay8lbsVjXI6QD4KVabt1a7h9Soqj-s5tocnRpOXgFF6VdOrqSKlGYusPDDRAygIyxY2olrUc6/s1600/ear+warmers+from+2012+IMG_8868+copy.jpg" height="400" width="332" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I ran into this photo I took back in 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It made me smile and I thought that it might do the same for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Apparently it seemed like a good use of my time to make leg warmers for my niece and matching ear warmers for this <a href="http://www.uglydolls.com/">Ugly Doll.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I get these creative urges sometimes and in hindsight I do at times wonder what possessed me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyhow, I'm sure these things were appreciated at the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It will be cooling down soon enough (right? please?) so quilting and knitting will seem like less of a sweat-inducing activity. For now, I plan to cower somewhere that has A/C. Sans ear warmers.<br /><br />Stay cool people!</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-49160183669146629082014-07-29T10:04:00.001-07:002014-07-29T10:04:38.942-07:00Hand Stitching - Alabama Chanin Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lxzqW3iLWOXdt2eojrrgu2g_LIq7YKHubPAQN0B3gIedM3DXIa4Jvxq1JmbuQ7Uf7jbBQxzXWGgiwAJ69g26BZO_DMeF-XBljpzqX0Q7z9h0Yfm6EWF8ocEe-kFYNI65eGmXaYLbhnd3/s1600/2014-07-27+17.07.44-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lxzqW3iLWOXdt2eojrrgu2g_LIq7YKHubPAQN0B3gIedM3DXIa4Jvxq1JmbuQ7Uf7jbBQxzXWGgiwAJ69g26BZO_DMeF-XBljpzqX0Q7z9h0Yfm6EWF8ocEe-kFYNI65eGmXaYLbhnd3/s1600/2014-07-27+17.07.44-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's been forever since I have had the itch to write a blog post. <br /><br />This blog has for many years been my baby and my happy place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This summer has been a complicated one for me with my immediate family (DH and kids) doing very well, but a couple other family members were working through health challenges that kept me from hanging out here as much as I would have liked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That aside, I have still been stitching away and I'm excited to share something that I actually finished with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alabama-Stitch-Book-Celebrating-Contemporary/dp/1584796383">Alabama Stitch Book</a> by Natalie Chanin there is a pattern for a corset. I cut out Nani Iro knit jersey some time back to make this but it was not easy for me to finish it. Other projects kept making it higher in the priority list. I finally sewed all the seams down and added an edge band (kinda like a binding) to the neck and arm openings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm happy with how it turned out but it is maybe a little loose in spots (neckline/armpits). I may try making another one in a slightly smaller size. I've found their patterns in general run a little small so I have been going up a size so I don't feel like a human sausage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The edge treatment I put on is also a bit too thick. Next time I'll make a thinner one.<br /><br />The Nani Iro jersey I used is not easy to find. <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/">SuperBuzzy</a> (very cool online shop) has it - along with a big collection of other awesome Japanese fabrics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They also have some cute <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/product/briar-rose-jersey-strawberry-orange/">jersey by Heather Ross</a> that might be fun to play with especially for a kid/niece project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyhow, just a quick post to let you know I haven't fallen off the deep end. Hope your summer is moving along smoothly. I have a London travel brain dump on my mind still, stay tuned for that soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-37707420322037243132014-06-13T14:12:00.001-07:002014-06-13T14:13:13.457-07:00Visiting the country below Neverland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuK1h6041h9BHdZ1_NRO46nt93u6zVXwNMsS2VAgBqaXesE2qc0EBr8QyE3rU6l-FxcGwJqlmYBoEwpWl6KET8vhELGZaRf_Xl3SIqqwj3te2aCaHzbzoZN3T8WS-PVkKjPCiX_R751Cu/s1600/London2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuK1h6041h9BHdZ1_NRO46nt93u6zVXwNMsS2VAgBqaXesE2qc0EBr8QyE3rU6l-FxcGwJqlmYBoEwpWl6KET8vhELGZaRf_Xl3SIqqwj3te2aCaHzbzoZN3T8WS-PVkKjPCiX_R751Cu/s1600/London2014.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We just got back from a week of running around London with the family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did we go there only to visit <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/">Liberty of London</a>? Of course not. Well, kinda, but there were a lot of other things to see and do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kids had ideas of what they wanted to do and so did the adults. We found a pretty good happy medium where many of our top places were visited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll be doing an upcoming post on visiting London if you're a person who likes to make stuff, and another version on what to do or maybe not do if you are traveling with little kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For now, let me just say it was perhaps the trip of a lifetime. Lots more to come. Still downloading photos from various places, phones, cameras, etc. </span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-16008952729119579542014-06-11T14:39:00.000-07:002014-06-11T14:39:16.733-07:00Japanese Silk Kimono Fabric<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSB9Tv_TIt7HtWWB0AAewfz1v3o9G0DJhI80IJdmWWQ8RVdQAveUWWsmKxXLUJCOF3vFr4rhk4vwT5P2j0Knj3RnMPholBYcnV0ab_KH1CvlRGu7St1EzyGCozUQW73zCIIn7IBdQ7q2c/s1600/japanese+silks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSB9Tv_TIt7HtWWB0AAewfz1v3o9G0DJhI80IJdmWWQ8RVdQAveUWWsmKxXLUJCOF3vFr4rhk4vwT5P2j0Knj3RnMPholBYcnV0ab_KH1CvlRGu7St1EzyGCozUQW73zCIIn7IBdQ7q2c/s1600/japanese+silks.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A dear friend of the family just returned from Nagano Japan and brought these silk fabrics home for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are 14" wide and were created for the sewing of kimono but I am very pleased to be their happy owner now! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a small collection of these types of silks. The collection is small because they are very expensive. I used to get them at Kasuri Dye Works back when it was in business in Berkeley California about an hour from where I live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm hesitant to cut them but I should take the leap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Either way they are perfect and I really really love them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been extremely busy for our family this week. Superfun! Will catch you up on it all very soon. </span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-57728922759854909822014-06-08T16:49:00.001-07:002014-06-08T16:50:53.766-07:00Somewhere Over the Rainbow Socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3oN08toz9kSm-4pkjhngeZKv4oBnNnWswAtpFEkCoZ1x8s7fsGe2Zf4Rfld6qQ94G5DrqrF_5rDFXjWMUh4QPqxiiignVUjkKj0UZI0qdzDwoHEuuYzieBxhHH5BXLHNw-VrndKR-WoS/s1600/rainbow+socks+both.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3oN08toz9kSm-4pkjhngeZKv4oBnNnWswAtpFEkCoZ1x8s7fsGe2Zf4Rfld6qQ94G5DrqrF_5rDFXjWMUh4QPqxiiignVUjkKj0UZI0qdzDwoHEuuYzieBxhHH5BXLHNw-VrndKR-WoS/s1600/rainbow+socks+both.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would say I'm over the moon with these socks but it's more like over the rainbow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has not been super warm yet for me so I am still getting a chance to wear these at night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The baseball season ended just in time for me to finish them. I can knit plain socks without looking at my hands so it gives me something to do but I still see all the plays. I often wish I could sew without looking too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm playing around with another appliqué skirt these days. When I have a quarter of it done I will grab some photos for you. It is extremely simple compared to the last one I made. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope your summer is off to a good start. There are many more topics I need to fill you in on soon. Happy fun exciting ones. Ones that will warm your creative hearts. Stay tuned. </span><br />
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<br />Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-2388406110768789252014-06-01T12:42:00.001-07:002014-06-01T14:24:44.787-07:00Crazy Hair Day<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3btwu6ssJiJU00U5NXGHvqCLJsLu0xKlf8gN8MB48tT0PQxa45rtT7WYMZprn3frdEiUb-ANCwfIoel0AtGObkCKiM2zLhQpZXhx1wT55F1mP17U-JnQ4mv65m3xDqBQcFZIsoDDBIH0W/s1600/beach+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3btwu6ssJiJU00U5NXGHvqCLJsLu0xKlf8gN8MB48tT0PQxa45rtT7WYMZprn3frdEiUb-ANCwfIoel0AtGObkCKiM2zLhQpZXhx1wT55F1mP17U-JnQ4mv65m3xDqBQcFZIsoDDBIH0W/s1600/beach+boys.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many mornings I ask the boys if today is crazy hair day. That is because they don't like to brush their hair or maybe because they just can't remember to do it on normal school days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The only day when actually want to brush their hair is when it is actual crazy hair day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Does that make any sense? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Actual crazy hair day is when you slap as much goop into your hair as you can and get it as high as you can manage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They looked brilliant this year, as they always do and my DH was behind their extremely cool looks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Things have been busy for us lately with small changes to stitch here and there. My lofty goals of finishing a quilt top in May have come and gone as have many distracting moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It will be good when more time comes along for creative work. Until then, and moment or two here and there will have to do. It's the ebb and flow of things I guess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope you are having a great weekend and that your creative juices are flowing more freely than mine are at this very moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The photo above is from our last beach vacation as a family. I was remembering how much fun it was and wanted to share it with you. </span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-24306802906582472082014-05-21T20:32:00.000-07:002014-05-21T20:32:00.219-07:00Quilt Block Borders - Japanese Taupe Fabric<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHDJ7IqH_xkRTnm3gYOphnIeDisoRYVXU4UKIu7c6LNyxkQkEBD-rxTIjI5wvmPq4WbJR2aeADvmqY6hqWbuCeRT1bYZKnuzWq-nY4aLvU8nkBsp8MGIRCc1_3K1MPO5W5oIRBFIL9kFk/s1600/black+taupe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHDJ7IqH_xkRTnm3gYOphnIeDisoRYVXU4UKIu7c6LNyxkQkEBD-rxTIjI5wvmPq4WbJR2aeADvmqY6hqWbuCeRT1bYZKnuzWq-nY4aLvU8nkBsp8MGIRCc1_3K1MPO5W5oIRBFIL9kFk/s1600/black+taupe.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Around a hundred years ago Henry Ford said you could have one of his Model T cars in "Any color so long as it's black."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I may take his advise when it comes to putting borders on my modern house quilt blocks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They each have a lot of colors on them and I'm looking for a frame effect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There will be an inventory process to look for black fabric pieces that are big enough to contribute to this project. I love to collect lots of small cuts of different fabrics since most of my quilts have a scrap look to them. I have too many interests in colors, shades, and patterns to make a quilt with only two fabrics. I'm not sure I have the discipline to either. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This strategy works well for applique, but is less than ideal when trying to find longer and or larger pieces for borders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'll keep you posted on how the hunt goes.I have a lot of black fabric somewhere. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Either way it will likely be a slow process forward as life has been on the busy side these days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-7191297493234935592014-05-19T20:24:00.000-07:002014-05-19T20:24:00.059-07:00Focus and lack there of<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoXrL2VKzumS4ku0G9Qq4bvM9lhhMZ4spfOtzzOBtCjtd26eCEj83Cu33Gf22E5qQbPuu5IpnGibjHuCwemAcYsl9gEIhWsYMGnl3Oa31qduUKL4wLdZHxW1HNrBszv7VnmbiJdr827nT/s1600/rainbow+sock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoXrL2VKzumS4ku0G9Qq4bvM9lhhMZ4spfOtzzOBtCjtd26eCEj83Cu33Gf22E5qQbPuu5IpnGibjHuCwemAcYsl9gEIhWsYMGnl3Oa31qduUKL4wLdZHxW1HNrBszv7VnmbiJdr827nT/s1600/rainbow+sock.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Creative work for me has its own ebb and flow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is always something going on, but things move between one focused project and several things getting worked on at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It seems the more crazy my non-creative life is, the less focus I devote to the creative side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Projects have been all over the map lately with none of them getting a lot of attention but lots of them getting a small amount. I started reading 3 books at the same time if that tells you something about my frame of mind. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Isabels-Bed-Elinor-Lipman/dp/0671015648">Isabel's Bed</a> (long story) and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyone-Hanging-Without-Other-Concerns/dp/0307886271">Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?</a> are the two that I like the most.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The only thing that got finished recently is the above rainbow sock and that is just because of the amount of baseball games we have had lately and a bit of weekend travel of my part.<br /><br />In case you're wondering, it's self-striping yarn from British dyer <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabFunkyFibres">Fab Funky Fibers</a> that moves through 15 different rainbow colors and has a decent amount of cashmere for a very soft feel. I don't usually knit socks for myself but I will confess I'm keeping these even if they are too crazy to wear out and about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope to have a quiet summer with some rare relaxation in store for me. I have lofty goals of finishing a big quilt before the <a href="http://www.quiltfest.com/activities_detail.asp?id=116">PIQF</a> entry form deadline. They haven't posted the entry form yet, but the deadline is usually in the August time frame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some people don't like to see their quilts hanging in the show and find it annoying to have an unknown person officially judge their quilt. I take the judge comments with a grain of salt and use them to improve future projects as best I can. The real reason I like to have my quilts in the show is to inspire other people and hope it leads them to their own new creative fork in the road for them.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-12869821026801560732014-05-13T20:31:00.000-07:002014-05-13T20:31:00.182-07:00It's hot - can we go to the beach please now?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAoWxiALt-gqdNAChqBTBXbgXPUuJEfBtFKKLcWZxK05tCYnij4KbxA_onaykuP2xvAVEaoYtrj96rX4Sch2b5NdpLPt6HAGyyit4GTwEDq-ovRNGTRQBY4VJ8Km8CgLIzS9UFurCLRCH/s1600/lets+hit+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAoWxiALt-gqdNAChqBTBXbgXPUuJEfBtFKKLcWZxK05tCYnij4KbxA_onaykuP2xvAVEaoYtrj96rX4Sch2b5NdpLPt6HAGyyit4GTwEDq-ovRNGTRQBY4VJ8Km8CgLIzS9UFurCLRCH/s1600/lets+hit+the+beach.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It isn't often you see beautiful beach photos in black and white. The resorts want to show you all the glorious colors of the sky and the water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">About 2 years ago I was in a state of mind where I only wanted to load my film camera up with black and white film. I thought it was too progressive to shoot in color. I've of course gotten over that since, but this shot I took in Maui in 2012 made me want to go there again - too cool off, if nothing else - but it I also kinda want to load up another roll of black and white film sometime soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Photography aside, the reality is that I am not heading to Hawaii again any time soon, but I am trying to stay cool and doing my best to entertain myself in parallel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've been knitting socks because the take zero prep work and are portable enough for baseball games. We have been really enjoying a lot of games this year with the boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have a strong urge to finish up some quilting projects still brewing, but the urge to get a little sleep has been winning out over the quilting these days. I hope when the school year wraps up that I find some cycles to play and maybe start hand quilting a big quilt top. That would involve me putting all the blocks together on one of my many projects. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I guess I'll challenge myself to get on the stick and finish <a href="http://quiltotaku.blogspot.com/search/label/modern%20house%20blocks">a quilt top</a> in May. That may be too lofty a goal, but it's good to have a stretch goal, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hope your creative work is going well. If you're heading off to some exotic beach this summer you won't bump into me, but feel free to send me a post card!</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-90644606198388419462014-05-07T22:44:00.001-07:002014-05-07T22:44:13.277-07:00Plus Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNZHN_FvuLv93y8VT0NON6YvZZW4NLBpt1uFdBQ5YcD-8WFyCZ0a_Ivlc4nWEIYr0PFEbW761sHbHF8Vek4-WMJbO_EBkTFMU-VvsvKNKwQjWOMpfcGlMK7gRdK7Lfby2EBeEyIAZKM-j/s1600/2014-05-07+10.16.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNZHN_FvuLv93y8VT0NON6YvZZW4NLBpt1uFdBQ5YcD-8WFyCZ0a_Ivlc4nWEIYr0PFEbW761sHbHF8Vek4-WMJbO_EBkTFMU-VvsvKNKwQjWOMpfcGlMK7gRdK7Lfby2EBeEyIAZKM-j/s1600/2014-05-07+10.16.41.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All the hipster mod quilt makers seem to have their own twist on a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=plus+quilt&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=3xZrU9anCpbboATDx4HACg&ved=0CCgQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=890">plus themed quilt</a> these days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It isn't hard to find images of them and they are all pretty and look like a piece of cake to put together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not sure I'm up for a serious challenge in my next sewing endeavor so maybe that is why I'm thinking of a tiny quilt for fun with this little theme. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For now, it's just graph paper, but if I get more than 5 min to rub together, I'm interesting in trying one of these little creations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you have a favorite one out there feel free to send me a link. I'm on the hunt for more inspiration.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-19771013429038130972014-05-04T23:04:00.001-07:002014-05-04T23:04:21.181-07:00Hello there summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9GaHoKxWs1m8dV7FYtn3lzjS_FUoEJfL5f0RFz4_aZmodAszqsPmxiDoJkEvgBw_K3vBZKGO0dXzBrTzGOwkfRPl3mtYPz4pYdeJDAbLLpyC9w28piVrgjKZGWA-nXa64Ich6pEWhdDI/s1600/2014-05-03+17.45.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9GaHoKxWs1m8dV7FYtn3lzjS_FUoEJfL5f0RFz4_aZmodAszqsPmxiDoJkEvgBw_K3vBZKGO0dXzBrTzGOwkfRPl3mtYPz4pYdeJDAbLLpyC9w28piVrgjKZGWA-nXa64Ich6pEWhdDI/s1600/2014-05-03+17.45.08.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />With warmer weather finally here and some end of the year school activities on the horizon, it seems that summer is either here or almost here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The family is keeping me busy as usual but in the bleachers of baseball games I'm still making little creations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best news is that my argyle sock was indeed found. It was in the laundry bin. Don't ask me how or why it got there (it's still clean!) but I'm thrilled to have it back. So thrilled that I got to work on knitting up the second one while we were at swimming and baseball this weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also sewing along on this sloth project by <a href="http://www.kirikipress.com/">Kiriki Press</a> that I got a while back. I'm no embroidery expert but thankfully you don't really have to be to have a little fun with this project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My monthly weekend quilt group came over briefly and they were all working on super inspirational projects. I almost absconded with my friend Carol's book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teeny-Tiny-Menagerie-Whimsical-Embroidery/dp/1607058995">Teeny Tiny Menagerie </a>which has tons of adorable embroidery patterns in it. I already ordered a copy of it. I will have to make some shelf space for it. It's worth it. <br /><br />Hope that you are enjoying some warmer and longer days with more sunshine and some extra time in the garden - like we are. </span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-11099382788187213882014-04-30T19:09:00.000-07:002014-04-30T19:09:00.128-07:00Shall the lost actually be found?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZX1PwOORDtCFwBitHmP-KYhyphenhyphenE8A2A5s9UbegLlnJo0EAb5AHyu1ivMwkySskKuuCgagJcRw_NNzwn9_wldi1mzzmXM275CgeLhBZo48b8aQq0rlhEc3b26vtcFjLKgG96cSdGKdXUzkL/s1600/argyle+sock+full+lost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZX1PwOORDtCFwBitHmP-KYhyphenhyphenE8A2A5s9UbegLlnJo0EAb5AHyu1ivMwkySskKuuCgagJcRw_NNzwn9_wldi1mzzmXM275CgeLhBZo48b8aQq0rlhEc3b26vtcFjLKgG96cSdGKdXUzkL/s1600/argyle+sock+full+lost.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Name: First Argyle Sock for my darling 8 yr old</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Born: April 5th, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Date Missing: April 25th, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Missing From: my messy office, but your guess is really as good as mine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not to rip off the formatting from the side of a milk carton missing person's report or anything here, but I think it's time to put the word out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've always wondered if those missing people actually run away because of some horrible situation they are in or if they just found love in some other place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perhaps either of those could apply to the missing sock (can socks fall in love?), but I am at a serious cross roads here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do I press forward and knit another one with hopes that the lost shall be found? Do I dare knit 3 of these things? (my DH has stated a prophecy that the first sock will literally fall from the sky and land on my head the moment I finish the 3rd one if I end up knitting it) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The best solution seems to be to taking a sewing break for the short term. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Maybe I should put 'If Lost Please Return To' tags on my projects ala <a href="https://movies.yahoo.com/video/paddington-teaser-trailer-193045751.html">Paddington Bear</a>. <br /><br />Either way, if you have seen my sock, feel free to give it back. Now!</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5896798961858705897.post-19137363514469815332014-04-28T19:06:00.001-07:002014-04-28T19:06:33.514-07:00Color Inspiration: Getting to know Emily Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdwpaOdW0lcQNke6kT77qzv-0FaoxyvPvU22D5V-URMPcWNSCxyv2yaRJH6H93PaMWjAksrRuKj_XRjZNfB-Qusr0ejHDVobn-J8BEqABOPME9UJl2NyTT3jmE2qxYic9x5UTr-7dF1tJ/s1600/emily+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdwpaOdW0lcQNke6kT77qzv-0FaoxyvPvU22D5V-URMPcWNSCxyv2yaRJH6H93PaMWjAksrRuKj_XRjZNfB-Qusr0ejHDVobn-J8BEqABOPME9UJl2NyTT3jmE2qxYic9x5UTr-7dF1tJ/s1600/emily+green.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKczPt_KmCTtIEyJ1hZoP4dQ91fwi0xebindhiav0ymrSxQGBQ4eaLjkYhVBqISyEKlFS_eNejyQ3HXmcCN0jijkyX_XCndXxV-EHoAK4-mh9Kg5oLSYHHzUS-48dOtbrH1eE69rIW89O/s1600/2014-04-28+12.28.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's not easy to wear a macaroni necklace out in public, but I have been known to do so if a particularly good one comes home from school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've wondered if a more adult version exists for some time and I think I finally found it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.emilygreen.net/about">Emily Green</a> is an artist that makes her own clay bead necklaces out of Australia. I treated myself to her 18 bead creation called <a href="http://www.emilygreen.net/product/beatrice-necklace">Beatrice</a>. It's hardly a small ornament, but I don't think she's going for subtlety and when I wear it neither am I. What caught my eye was the bright purple in the lower right side. That is one of my favorite colors right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If I wanted to put the most perfect combination of colors together with the right amount of each I'm not sure I could do as well as Emily has here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And if you cannot resist a somewhat 'ugly' green color (like me) you should see her version called <a href="http://www.emilygreen.net/product/lola-necklace">Lola</a>. This one is probably better for summer, but Beatrice matched my newly minted handmade skirt better so the decision was pretty easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm thrilled to own my very first Emily Green creation and I'm planning to save up for another one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you see me on the street wearing it, you may get a sore neck straining to get another look at it. It's really that pretty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hope that you're finding your own small thrills to help your week along.</span>Marisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14170109073868532077noreply@blogger.com0