tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32429519567665669562024-03-13T17:34:42.554-04:00The Hard-Rock QuilterModern quilting mixed with arts, costumes and really good music!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-44969203972302206782016-06-12T19:55:00.002-04:002016-06-12T19:55:35.148-04:002016 is a year of color!<div style="text-align: left;">
First and upfront, some exciting news!</div>
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My Unity Mandala has been accepted into the Maryland Federation of Art's <a href="http://mdfedart.com/mfaentry/sales/salesgallery.php?exhibit=67" target="_blank">Fiber Options</a> show this summer! The exhibition runs from July 14th to August 6th in Annapolis, MD. I am humbled and thrilled to be included in this exclusive show, not to mention beyond excited to (hopefully) meet one of my absolute favorite fiber artists, <a href="http://www.elainelongtemps.com/" target="_blank">Elaine Longtemps.</a> She does brilliant work with powerful messages. </div>
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A few other quilts this winter:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thread Art free motion mandala close up. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a FUN piece!! I made about a million 1" English Paper Piecing hexagons all in patriotic fabrics last year and FINALLY I got to quilt them! Appliqued to a solid background fabric and the quilting makes it a bit 3-dimensional. </td></tr>
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Shortly after the last blog post, I ripped my thumb tendons and partially dislocated the joint - taking quilting out of the picture for a few weeks. </div>
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Which ended up being a blessing in disguise!</div>
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Not being able to handle heavy layers and a machine opened up the creative juices for other art and it has been really fun! Gelli printing, mono printing, cutting stencils, watercolors and acrylics, art journal-ling, fiber arts, even book illustrations. It's been a fantastic year! </div>
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All are made with original, hand cut stencils. All the above are acrylic on 140lb paper. Several of the above were made to be backgrounds for other art pieces or art journals. Just layer by layer by layer...</div>
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(I might have a small obsession with feathers and birds and wings... call it a series!) </div>
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These are the same process but on a cotton/linen blend fabric. My next experiment will be quilting with them.</div>
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These were part of an artists grant proposal I put together this spring, Dissection of a Modern Quilt. More in the series and more to come.</div>
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I've also had the opportunity to do lots of research and work for some First Nation artists in Manitoba, British Columbia, North Dakota and New York. While I'm not able to share those pieces just yet (soon, very soon!!) I have been greatly inspired and have been trying my own art in the Pacific Northwest Tribal style. It is a beautiful, rich art style and I am deeply in love.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original ink, Ravens in Love</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak6Ezr5F9OU/V13w23WkBGI/AAAAAAAABOA/Y3JK33aqq-cOTl-0M0dqJyPFh0JuuRw-gCLcB/s1600/IMG_7782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak6Ezr5F9OU/V13w23WkBGI/AAAAAAAABOA/Y3JK33aqq-cOTl-0M0dqJyPFh0JuuRw-gCLcB/s320/IMG_7782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVELOVELOVE the texture of acrylic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6aF066sq78/V13w219FQiI/AAAAAAAABN8/UcG3lYrwVeQkwcZNjM3BWkQveq2llbRBQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N6aF066sq78/V13w219FQiI/AAAAAAAABN8/UcG3lYrwVeQkwcZNjM3BWkQveq2llbRBQCLcB/s320/IMG_7783.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acrylic mono-print of Tribal Mask by artist Eric Schweig</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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All this work has been so much fun that it doesn't even feel like work!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMHRrT1G5IQ/V13zwVTFzHI/AAAAAAAABPc/E8MKt7pBSm0marIEmco1sx4wO-NhsgSGgCKgB/s1600/IMG_7364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMHRrT1G5IQ/V13zwVTFzHI/AAAAAAAABPc/E8MKt7pBSm0marIEmco1sx4wO-NhsgSGgCKgB/s320/IMG_7364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I have conquered the Studio!"</td></tr>
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But it's messy and I often end up looking like: </div>
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And I usually crash like this with the Pooch:</div>
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<br /><u>Coming up soon:</u><br />
-Etsy Shoppe <br />
-Summer Folk Art Festival<br />
-Girls Camp Art Counselor<br />
-Art Journal Classes<br />
-Hopeful Grant Emissary acceptance (CROSS YO' FINGERS!!)<br />
-Book Publications (Say WHA??)<br />
<br />
Be well, love life, make art and be happy. Thanks for stoppin' by! <br />
<br />
Mood:
Spunky<br />
Music: "Sunset in July" by 311..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-28280962256185333422016-02-02T11:33:00.000-05:002016-02-02T11:34:08.955-05:00Sunlight in FebruaryFebruary 1st in Boston and it was warm, sunny and gorgeous! Perfect weather for celebrating the Hubs birthday!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIyabU8eFfU/VrDYdWO1yfI/AAAAAAAABHA/5hI1iFIDuDc/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIyabU8eFfU/VrDYdWO1yfI/AAAAAAAABHA/5hI1iFIDuDc/s320/IMG_7013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography challenge for "Frosted" - pineapple and coconut cake </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my all time faves of my all time faves</td></tr>
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Django and I have been having a blast outside. We had one small storm that brought us a picturesque snowfall and now it is just about gone!<br />
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Hubs has an amazing eye for photography and has been teaching me some about composition and shadows, which has been very helpful for my challenges this week! (Maybe soon I can get Hubs to share some of his great work...)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon - Space</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prompt was "Daily Favorite"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily Favorite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Connected"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgXwPC1bNxU/VrDYdM4vEnI/AAAAAAAABG8/kwxl-mEVmPc/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgXwPC1bNxU/VrDYdM4vEnI/AAAAAAAABG8/kwxl-mEVmPc/s320/IMG_7003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texture - "Quilted Landscape"</td></tr>
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I belong to a wonderful and active quit guild, the Proper Bostonian Quilters, who are always doing some sort of charitable sewing. This week was my turn to contribute - pillowcases using the "hot-dog" method!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its fun picking fabrics for teens!</td></tr>
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There have been so many babies born among our friends - so happy and bustling - and more being announced all the time. It's almost impossible to keep up with quilts for each one, so I've started making "Grow with me" charts. Essentially a long table runner that hangs on the wall with lines for kids to get measured against! And since many of our friends are in a transient part of their life, these charts can travel with them! It can also be used for all kids, not just one - or customized for a one and only. Super simple and so many ways to be creative!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Watch me sprout and grow!"</td></tr>
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I also made an orange peel quilt for Hubs' boss, who just had their first - and like a noob, I forgot to take completed pictures of the quilt. Just know it was terribly cute!<br />
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In a change of pace, I took time last week to do some hand work. I have a growing love for English Paper Piecing and taking a more hands-on approach. This little table runner was made with a charm pack for the top and 1 yard cut into 5" squares for the back. Tutorial...?<br />
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This week - print making and Project Quilting 7.3!<br />
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Cheers and happy stitching!<br />
<br />
Mood:
Amped<br />
Music: "Drop Dead Cynical" by AmarantheAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-38727973298457799552016-01-23T18:24:00.002-05:002016-01-23T18:29:06.933-05:00Season of Snow - Project Quilting 7.2It's been an exciting week, lots of creativity brewing, lots of productivity! And finally Boston has a bit of snow!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it's coming down in blankest as I type!</td></tr>
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I'm trying to grow a bit and joined a couple photography challenges. Can't say if I'm any good, but they are fun!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunlight Challenge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side light Challenge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back lit Challenge - I call this "Anatomy of a Quilt"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This week's #sewprompted2016 theme was Buttons :-)</td></tr>
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A little secret about my fantastic Hubs, he knows sewing machines! He knows their mechanics and how to make them sing. Me on the other hand, know how to abuse them and use them till they drop! So earlier this week, when I could sew a simple straight seam without a punching sound or having to physically pull my fabric through, I begged for his help and attention :-) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE FEED DOGS COULD NOT MOVE!! Yikes!!??!!</td></tr>
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Aside from a 1/8 cup of lint, thread and fuzz clogging everything, my needle tip had burred to the side and was completely flat. Lesson - be kind to your machine! <br />
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<a href="http://www.persimondreams.blogspot.com/2016/01/seasonschallenge-2-of-project-quilting.html" target="_blank">Project Quilting Episode TWO</a> theme was Seasons. My first inclination was to do something in the round - a modern Dresden plate or dahlia quilt. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do something completely different and take chances.<br />
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I have been reading much about minimalism - in art, in lifestyle, in quilting, in cooking. And the little designer imp in my head prompted me to do this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasons measures 30" by 30", machine pieced, machine quilted </td></tr>
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This was all about fabric and color selection for me. It was partial improv piecing, as I had a general idea of where some colors should go and made a map. But the final product is very different from the map.<br />
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Each quadrant is a different season. The top left, with the circular quilting, is Spring, and the other seasons follow in a counter-clock wise motion. I have a very visual way of thinking and see my calendar and seasons in my head counter-clock wise.<br />
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2016 has been a brutal year on my favorite celebs, the hardest to say good-bye to was Alan Rickman. I fell in love with him in Sense and Sensibility. And when Harry Potter rolled around, I was always pro-Snape. Wednesday night I was feeling a bit emotional and came home to make a little tribute to him. In Harry Potter, Professor Dumbledore learns of Snape's lasting love for Harry's mother, Lily, and asks "After all this time?" To which Snape replies, "Always."<br />
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Thank you, Mr. Rickman, and sleep well. You will be our always and never forgotten.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6" by 6" completed size</td></tr>
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Until next time, stay warm, be groovy and strut your stuff! <br />
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Mood: Burrrrrrr! <br />
Music: "Ghost Walking" by Lamb of GodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-59596123450283443322016-01-17T18:19:00.003-05:002016-01-17T18:26:38.410-05:00Hexi FeverIt's been a good week to stitch! So much done - tons of color! <br />
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The week started with a weekend road trip for me and Mr. Django to Niagara Falls, visiting family and catching up with framily. It was a short 48 hour visit but so dearly needed - came home refreshed and ready to work!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doggie version of mints on a pillow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a perfect pose until a car pulled up next to us with another dog in the window...!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skies on the drive back to Boston were stunning and full of vivid color - great inspiration for upcoming projects!</td></tr>
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Boston is enjoying a beautiful winter so far, too! Clear, sunny days make for good walks and great inspiration.<br />
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Also made it to Symphony Hall for the first time - stunning!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A night of Mozart and Stravinsky with great friends!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the Boston night time skyline!</td></tr>
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I loved Project Quilting's first challenge of confetti so much that I couldn't stop. It turned into hexi-mania in the studio and I even warmed up the free motion quilting. I used each piece as a learning exercise for different quilting stitches that I've never used and am pretty happy with the results!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved adding the quilting that made the hexi's pop, giving it an almost trapunto effect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a fun and quick project - great for pre-cut charm packs! It goes together very easily and love the freedom in placement!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now for something completely different - no hexi's but off to a sweet baby girl!</td></tr>
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Until next time, keep stitching!<br />
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Mood:
Cozy<br />
Music: "City of Achilles" by Alter BridgeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-64633363349903958662016-01-07T17:26:00.002-05:002016-01-07T17:28:59.918-05:00Confetti! PQ7 #1Happy New Year!<br />
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The rush of the holidays are past and life is settling back into a normal simmer. After taking a break from my studio, I am excited to get back in it and am bursting with ideas! I collected so much fabric and have little sketches all over the place - it's going to be a good year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little cheer from our dining room!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My local guild has a fun yankee swap/white elephant - this was my contribution - I loved the orange peel design and have plans to do more!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubs and I bought dollar store stockings our first year dating, that are now pretty ratty. This year I made new ones for us, our parents...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and Mr. Django :-)</td></tr>
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In the New Year's Resolution spirit of things, I started the year off by finishing a UFO and had lots of fun quilting it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple exercise with flying geese and straight line, free motion quilting. The fabrics are from Kona Winter Classics collection. </td></tr>
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It has been beautiful and mild in Boston this winter (and I have many hopes it stays thus!!) Walking with Django has been really lovely.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love sunsets - don't exactly love that they happen at 4pm... </td></tr>
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I've also joined <a href="http://www.persimondreams.blogspot.ca/2016/01/confettichallenge-1-of-project-quilting.html" target="_blank">Project QUILTING</a> for it's 7th season in an effort to spice up the creativity and use their motivation in the studio! Their first challenge this week was "Confetti" - exactly the challenge I've been looking for! This idea has been floating around in my head for a while and I'm pretty happy with the completed project!<br />
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Last summer I fell in love with English Paper Piecing and used my cutting machine to create customized EPP templates. This was a Christmas gift from the Hubs last year - seriously my favorite appliance :-)<br />
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My fabrics were a charm pack of batiks - Tonga Treats - very bright and happy, the look like confetti! From each 5" square, I first cut one 1.25" strip and two 1.75" strips and made squares from each strips. Using EPP, I made hexagons in both half inch and 3/4 inch sizes, pressed them, removed the template and tacked them to my background material with the tiniest dot of fabric glue. This kept them in place firmly enough through quilting. I added an extra strip to the binding, giving it an extra border and a 3D effect.<br />
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I love to start with something in order then break it down until it is very sparse, playing with space and motion. <br />
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I also had a bunch of fun with making hexi's and had a bunch left over - here's a peak at the next project! (My own, not related to Project QUILTING)<br />
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I am out for now! I'm taking a mini road trip with Django this weekend and I'll be back in the studio next week!<br />
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From us to you - wishing you the best for 2016, with love and cheers!<br />
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Mood: Trying<br />
Music: "House of the Rising Sun" by Five Finger Death PunchAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-8322188838164556572015-12-13T20:52:00.000-05:002015-12-13T20:52:39.406-05:00Christmas Card Ornaments TutorialFrohe Weihnachten! Happy Holidays! Seasons Greetings!!<br />
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2015 has been one busy year! Sadly, not much quilting but lots of research and fabric work. I am completely in love with the Slow Fabric movement - totally different conversation!<br />
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But tonight is all about crafting and making ball ornaments from our old Christmas cards! This is something that I've been doing for years and have no idea where I learned it from. It is a quick craft and a fun way to keep memories from friends year to year. I love Christmas cards and hate letting go of them. But I also don't want to become a hoarder and bury myself in paper. So these balls have become my happy medium!<br />
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This tutorial is a special request from good friends and I happily adopt the name of Human Pinterest! :-)<br />
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Supplies:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Circular Punch - I used 2.5" size. You can pick any size you'd like, but I wouldn't go much smaller than 1.5". You can also draw your own circle template, trace and cut out each circle, but I recommend the punch for each and speed.</li>
<li>Equilateral Triangle Template - For my 2.5" circle, my triangle is roughly 2 1/8" on each side. You can draw your own - each point must touch the outer circle. (THIS WILL MAKE SENSE BELOW!!)</li>
<li>Cards</li>
<li> Adhesive - I love using my hot glue gun or Modge Podge. Staplers, double sided tape and scrap book grips work but hot glue guns work best. Lasts longer and is hidden from view!</li>
<li>Ball Point Pen</li>
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To more easily demonstrate, I have used colorful card stock - light blue for the top, green for the bottom and alternating purple and pink for the middle.<br />
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Punch out 24 circles - 6 for the top, 6 for the bottom and 12 for the middle.<br />
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You can adjust the size of your ornament bigger or smaller - just make sure that the number of middle pieces is double the number of top pieces.<br />
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Trace the triangle onto the back of each circle.<br />
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Fold each line of the triangle so that the dish-shape has the pen lines on the bottom and outside and your card's picture will be inside the dish.<br />
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TOP AND BOTTOM:<br />
(Do the same thing for both Top and Bottom)<br />
(6 Pieces)<br />
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Take 2 dish shapes and glue the neighboring flaps together. For the demo, I used scrapbook tape tabs that show up exactly where you want to attach the flaps. Align the curved edges and the point of the triangle. The more accurately you can line it up here, the easier later steps will be!<br />
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Add a third dish by gluing it to one side of the couple. Set aside and repeat with the other 3 Top pieces.<br />
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Attach both 3-sets together along the straight edge to create a circular shape. Set aside. <br />
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MIDDLE:<br />
(12 pieces)<br />
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For this, the purple triangles will always point down and the pink will always point up.<br />
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Take one purple and one pink and glue together on the neighboring flap. <br />
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Attach a purple piece to the other side of the pink.<br />
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THIS IS WHERE IT STARTS TO DIFFER FROM THE TOP!! <br />
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Attach a pink piece to the newest purple piece, ensuring the pink triangle shape is point the up. <br />
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Continue adding pieces in this fashion to create a long line of triangles, alternating colors and points. <br />
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When all 12 pieces have been added, connect the last pink to the first purple to create a loop.<br />
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ATTACHING TOP TO MIDDLE:<br />
This is where your care for matching curves and points comes in super handy!! <br />
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The Top (blue) will attach to the purple of the Middle. The flaps will line up, curve for curve! It is okay to "man handle" and manipulate a bit to get a good fit. Glue each flap together.<br />
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At this point, if you flip it upside down you will have a bowl and can see your pen marks on the inside!<br />
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Repeat for the bottom, attaching the Middle pink to the Bottom (green.)<br />
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And there you have it!! Your Christmas Card Ball is done!!<br />
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For some variations, say you have a few extra circle punch-outs left over but not enough for a big ball? Great! You don't need to make a middle, just make the top and bottom and attach! These have a cute UFO-ish look to them :-)<br />
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Want to make a hanging ornament? Before you attach Top to Middle to Bottom, thread a ribbon through the center of each and tie it off under the bottom with a knot and pretty bead. Then glue the layers together. I'm lazy and don't do this :-) In stead I collect mine in hurricane glasses with a few fairy lights!<br />
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Reach out with questions! And post your pics in the comments or on my Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mrosequiltstudios/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">M. Rose Quilt Studios</a>!! I always love to see what others come up with!<br />
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Until next time, cheers and art on!<br />
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Mood:
Footbally<br />
Music: "Sound of Silence" cover by DisturbedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-51456161370612525032015-05-28T16:29:00.001-04:002015-05-28T16:29:11.008-04:00Birds, feathers and such!I'm back!!<br />
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I have taken a small break to rework how I use this blog! Last Fall I was a bit too eager to post works in progress and ended up losing out on business and design. It was a bitter pill but I've learned my lesson. Moving forward posts will be of completed quilts that have been watermarked, copyrighted, and/or verifiable that it is my original design. I love and appreciate my readers and friends and I encourage comments and communications. But I also need to be more responsible to my talent. <br />
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Alright. 'Nuff said!<br />
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Some very exciting things have been happening in the studio this year!<br />
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In March I was asked to participate in a celebration of the novel <u>The Giver</u> by speaking about the Psychology of Color and how its used in our media, politics and art. It was a fantastic experience and I love every minute! The main event was a book signing and lecture with Lois Lowry herself! Such an amazing evening getting to meet her and talk quilts with her. But my personal favorite was having two of my quilts selected as a back drop for her signing!! (SQUEEE!!)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDRJiVZzQnA/VWd5IGu1TEI/AAAAAAAAA1c/7aTJhV63NxQ/s1600/IMG_5414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDRJiVZzQnA/VWd5IGu1TEI/AAAAAAAAA1c/7aTJhV63NxQ/s320/IMG_5414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the GREAT Lois Lowry ~April 30, 2015</td></tr>
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As part of my preparation for this event and after reading <u>The Giver</u> about three times over, this little wall hanging came to fruition! I call it "Fly Away Geese!" I hope you can see the humor in it! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_Z0VkgmUYY/VWd5IH_KAjI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/G4JrtaIAYJc/s1600/WM%2BFly%2BAway%2BGeese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_Z0VkgmUYY/VWd5IH_KAjI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/G4JrtaIAYJc/s320/WM%2BFly%2BAway%2BGeese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What I am most excited to share with you is a piece I just finished yesterday! I've never worked harder on a piece - or thought more outside the box - than with this piece! <br />
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Meet "Mandala Bird" - a quilt collage with so many different techniques! I can't help my love of birds and peacocks, and also my love for mhendi and henna. This work includes hand piecing, machine piecing, English paper piecing, silk acrylic painting, thread painting, hand quilting, machine quilting, machine applique, hand applique. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRoieAJ7EyY/VWd49Ldt8rI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/d9ADCadQRtU/s1600/WM.MandalaBird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRoieAJ7EyY/VWd49Ldt8rI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/d9ADCadQRtU/s640/WM.MandalaBird.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Answers to questions I've already received:<br />
Yes, this project is finished!<br />
Yes, the blocks are attached to each other. There are 2 sleeves on the back - one at the top and one 10" below - to hang it and give it additional support.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt27bI0-61Q/VWd47AEZfQI/AAAAAAAAA0g/DRgV3dB_Vaw/s1600/WM%2BApplique%2BFeather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt27bI0-61Q/VWd47AEZfQI/AAAAAAAAA0g/DRgV3dB_Vaw/s320/WM%2BApplique%2BFeather.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This feather is appliqued with thread art.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibSbnp_4R3w/VWd47GZFujI/AAAAAAAAA0o/wy_J_wPiu5Q/s1600/WM%2BFeather%2Bmandala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ibSbnp_4R3w/VWd47GZFujI/AAAAAAAAA0o/wy_J_wPiu5Q/s320/WM%2BFeather%2Bmandala.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This block is all thread art.</td></tr>
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The hexagons are first curve pieced then English paper pieced together and then hand appliqued to a background. Finished, the measure 1" wide.<br />
The 2 round blocks are bound, not stitch'n'flip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdrOuATZOJU/VWd47GQ10JI/AAAAAAAAA0k/fMluQstWEK0/s1600/WM%2BMandala%2BBlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdrOuATZOJU/VWd47GQ10JI/AAAAAAAAA0k/fMluQstWEK0/s320/WM%2BMandala%2BBlock.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mandala is appliqued with henna style quilting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UDBll3bkpk/VWd47w972EI/AAAAAAAAA04/fVUXY3Njshk/s1600/WM%2BMandala%2BBody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UDBll3bkpk/VWd47w972EI/AAAAAAAAA04/fVUXY3Njshk/s320/WM%2BMandala%2BBody.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wings are pieced with appliqued hexagons on the belly and wings.</td></tr>
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The inspiration for the form came from reading Neil Gaimen's Sandman graphic novels. It's a standard format to have one large panel in the middle broken up by several smaller frames that picture the topics of conversation between characters. This is exactly what I did. My peacock is my panel, the smaller frames focus on features of the bird. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFdmR-Vlu34/VWd48EA2rpI/AAAAAAAAA08/8qUQ4ObpiV4/s1600/WM%2BMandala%2BHexi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFdmR-Vlu34/VWd48EA2rpI/AAAAAAAAA08/8qUQ4ObpiV4/s320/WM%2BMandala%2BHexi.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My proudest moment - curve pieced hexi's!! Love them! I made them to look like the tiny layered feathers of a bird's belly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---GoxYnmo4M/VWd48TGx7JI/AAAAAAAAA1A/HNiLYHy1xoI/s1600/WM%2BMandala%2BPainted%2BFeather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---GoxYnmo4M/VWd48TGx7JI/AAAAAAAAA1A/HNiLYHy1xoI/s320/WM%2BMandala%2BPainted%2BFeather.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite block of all - silk painted with thread art over!</td></tr>
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I really loved making this piece and hope you enjoy it, too! I understand it is very non-traditional. So beyond non-traditional it's kind'a in it's own corner! So I am open to any questions!<br />
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Until then, Cheers! <br />
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Mood: Sunny<br />
Music: "Wake Me Up" by Avicii<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-2869293904998744282015-04-05T01:31:00.000-04:002015-04-05T01:31:01.115-04:00SAAM 2015 Quilt - Warrior HeartWinter is over, warmer temps are here, and there is sunlight later and later into the evening. Which means my favorite season is blooming all around! Yay!!<br />
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Tonight's post is not my usual post. It is a bit more intimate and, frankly, uncomfortable than others I've published before. That being said my intent for posting is not for personal sympathy but for awareness at how commonly this happens and you never know who might be dealing with this.<br />
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), not that we should need a month to be aware of this topic as it should be common sense that "No means No!" Sadly, it is an active and vicious abuse world wide. This is a human to human issue, that puts all gender identities aside and attacks a person at their most precious and vulnerable core. The scars left behind are brutal, noticeable and life altering. <br />
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Labor Day Weekend 2010 I was attacked and assaulted by 3 strangers on the street on my way home from the gym. Broken bones, scrapes and bruises were the least of the casualties. For an instant I thought about hiding it from everyone. I lived in a different city from my parents, my then-boyfriend/now-husband and I were on a break, and I figured I could live it out in my tiny apartment and no one would notice. I was embarrassed, ashamed, hurting, so-deeply-beyond-sad, angry and so, so confused all at the same time. I remember I couldn't get comfortable hugging my pillow because my face and ribs hurt so badly.<br />
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Thankfully, my mother is a deeply in tune person. She knew something was up because she couldn't sleep the night before and called me first thing in the morning. She refused to let me try this ordeal on my own and loved me fiercely. I spent a month at home surrounded by support, daily/hourly hugs and they got me to the point where I could stand on my own two feet again - enough that I could return to my life in Boston. <br />
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There is no one right way to recover - every single person has different needs in their individual circumstances. Counseling didn't work for me. Having to talk about the events out loud somehow made it too real and I couldn't handle that. I admit that I battled (and to a certain extent now still do...) denial. And the even bigger D - depression. My body was forever changed, my personality was forever changed - and all of it was done against my will. And how that ANGERED me!! <br />
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I by no means mean to give the impression that it was one month and then suddenly I was fine. Far, far from it. There are many other long, drawn out details that are mine. Five years later I can say that it is primarily behind me and does not have a massive influence on my day-to-day. But I struggle with it. I'm blessed with persons in my life who support me whole-heartedly as I do.<br />
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I know I have mentioned an "accident" or an "incident" in previous posts, where I used quilting as my therapy. This is that incident. While I was home, I spent a beautiful day with my Aunt in a quilt shop and going to a local quilt show. I remember the show was hosted in a church and was one of the most beautiful exhibits I've seen. So much peace through creativity, being surrounded by it... Wow!<br />
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In my mind that is the beginning of my true love affair with quilting! Even though I've been quilting and sewing since I was 6, I relate to this period as the beginning of my era. <br />
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Which is why this post is so special to me. <br />
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In honor of SAAM 2015 and inspired by the so many other powerful people who have experiences with this evil act, I have made this quilt:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kMo06NGZfM/VSDDLVDx2qI/AAAAAAAAAy0/UOtPb30erXE/s1600/Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2kMo06NGZfM/VSDDLVDx2qI/AAAAAAAAAy0/UOtPb30erXE/s1600/Warrior.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Warrior Heart," April 2015, 35" by 45", applique with hand stitched details</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG70wRyorPw/VSDDLVpgokI/AAAAAAAAAyw/_ZnHULwTdH0/s1600/Warrior%2BHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG70wRyorPw/VSDDLVpgokI/AAAAAAAAAyw/_ZnHULwTdH0/s1600/Warrior%2BHeart.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of the heart</td></tr>
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I do not pretend to speak for anyone else or how they classify themselves. Victim, victor, casualty, survivor, warrior - it is entirely a personal experience and only you can say. This is me. This is my declaration to the world that I am not ashamed any longer of something so far out of my control happened to me. My (emotional) (psychological) scars still zing in sharp and unexpected ways. I think they always will. But I can hold my head high and say to those 3 cowards (still on the loose - and if you happen to be reading this, Shame on you!) "You Did Not Win!"<br />
<br />For anyone reading this that is hurt and needing help, please reach out! There are trained people ready and so willing to listen and help you! Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (<a href="https://www.rainn.org/" target="_blank">https://www.rainn.org/</a>) is a great place to start. <br />
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If you are looking for a cause to support, Red My Lips (<a href="http://redmylips.org/" target="_blank">http://redmylips.org/</a>) is one that I subscribe to. And for them I will be wearing bright red lipstick for the month of April!<br />
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Love to you all; and thank you for reading this! Please spread the word - there might be that one person suffering all alone and we can make the difference!<br />
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Mood: Determined<br />
Music: "Freedom" from the Django Unchained SoundtrackAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-20370362066440692672014-10-05T20:22:00.000-04:002014-10-05T20:22:06.065-04:00Watercolor Poppies(I know I always start out with some comment about the weather and I'm gonna do it again!) <br />
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Today was Autumn perfection! Sunny, crisp and cool - you couldn't have asked for anything better. It's days like this that really make me love nature and appreciate all the beauty around us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kaT1zscFiA/VDHe_ijvF6I/AAAAAAAAAr0/r-sx1XHWHjE/s1600/NH%2B10.5.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kaT1zscFiA/VDHe_ijvF6I/AAAAAAAAAr0/r-sx1XHWHjE/s1600/NH%2B10.5.14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was sent to me this morning from a friend, just north of Boston. Absolutely gorgeous!!</td></tr>
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So much so that I had to bring it in to the Studio tonight. <br />
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Carrying on after yesterday's experiments... Remember those random red and orange blobs done with the silk acrylics?<br />
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<br />Well they are now poppies! My inspiration for these comes from the new style of watercolor/impressionist tattoos that feature geometric, avant garde subject matter. There are bold splashes of color that don't necessarily "stay in the lines" when colored, if colored at all. I absolutely love this style - be prepared to see more like it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ_LMt_n_fE/VDHfqz-XSDI/AAAAAAAAAsI/JK47sXxDtaM/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ_LMt_n_fE/VDHfqz-XSDI/AAAAAAAAAsI/JK47sXxDtaM/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughly 15" tall</td></tr>
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Tonight, the first step was to heat set with a dry iron at a very high heat. I used a tefflon ironing sheet to prevent any extra paint from catching on my iron, but it didn't appear to have any bleeding. <br />
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Next an outline in black.<br />
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Then added detail in complimentary colors. <br />
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I had a lot of fun with this and am happy with the out come. This was only an experiment so I don't think I'll finish quilting the back ground - but then again, I may change my mind in a few days :-) <br />
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Coming up is a marathon week for my office but I will try my best to get the next experiment done and up! I'm too excited to let it sit for too long...!<br />
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Enjoy the Fall and we'll chat soon! Cheers <br />
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Mood: Pleased!<br />
Music: "Rasputin" by the Town PantsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-9961993036957959922014-10-04T18:34:00.000-04:002014-10-04T18:34:35.759-04:00Painting the Rain Away...The Hubs and I have been insanely busy with home updates. Boston is not exactly known for gentle winters and our poor little chalet needed some TLC to make it through a bit tighter and warmer than last year! And the more we do, the prouder I get of our abode.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to say "Good-bye" to our 6 trees in the back yard. Sadly they were starting to grow into our house and back porch foundation, while damaging our roof. On the plus side, it has opened up so much day light into the house!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new door and front steps!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zmdtw2ZrWpo/VDB0POSwjyI/AAAAAAAAArc/31AHh-68KuQ/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zmdtw2ZrWpo/VDB0POSwjyI/AAAAAAAAArc/31AHh-68KuQ/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a window that looks like a quilt block?? Oh yes, this will be done! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH-XyEyMXOY/VDByVEIx_4I/AAAAAAAAAqc/S0NMhYtUeq8/s1600/IMG_4056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH-XyEyMXOY/VDByVEIx_4I/AAAAAAAAAqc/S0NMhYtUeq8/s1600/IMG_4056.JPG" height="320" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every new door deserves a new decoration, right? A quickie project with wood letters, ribbon and paint!</td></tr>
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During the week I work a few days at a bio-imaging lab and watch all the lab techs, in their cool white coats run all sorts of experiments. In my over imaginative brain, I picture them doing something involving beakers and funky chemicals that create a lava-bubbling in bright purples and pinks. Or at the very least a beautiful smell. Reality is far from that, I'm sure. <br />
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But today I got to play "scientist" at home! I'm very excited by a new found product put out by <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JG9OM9G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Luminarte</a>. These little guys are silk acrylic paints and are a lot of fun. You can use them on wood, pottery, fabric, pretty much whatever you care to try. In this case - muslin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ky3zzIg50/VDBy79yBehI/AAAAAAAAArM/Vcwqiv1UJdI/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5ky3zzIg50/VDBy79yBehI/AAAAAAAAArM/Vcwqiv1UJdI/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The link in Luminate will take you to Amazon, where you can find so many different colors available!</td></tr>
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Today was experimenting how to get different effects on fabric. I tried water, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol; tested the effects of pigment first then eye drop liquid on top vs. wetting the muslin and adding pigment. I loved watching the dyes spread and change color the further out they went, really neat effects!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WydgzzL1IMw/VDBy7Mqqt4I/AAAAAAAAArA/D0w6FrqTJkk/s1600/IMG_4040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WydgzzL1IMw/VDBy7Mqqt4I/AAAAAAAAArA/D0w6FrqTJkk/s1600/IMG_4040.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In total, each large "splotch" took about 5 minutes to full spread out, and that was with a very wet canvas. My favorite effect so far is the alcohol on the brown pigment as it turns a blue green then yellow the further out it spreads.</td></tr>
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Blending was also fun and very easy! It essentially turned into water-coloring on fabric. These are just the beginnings. Once these dry and are heat set (in about 24 hours) we'll see what they turn into under the needle!! (Sounds so sinister, doesn't it?!) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More will definitely be coming!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be sure to have a drop cloth or some sort of backing that you're not afraid of damaging as these do bleed through.</td></tr>
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I hope you all have some fantastic Autumn projects under way! Come share them over on the M. Rose Quilt Studios Facebook page (link above!) Let's see what everyone is up to!<br />
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Cheers! <br />
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Mood:
Curious<br />
Music: "Learn to Fly" by the Foo FightersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-60559575783857370422014-09-22T21:49:00.004-04:002014-09-22T21:49:54.036-04:00Around the World!! Or at least the NorthEast ;-)Tonight it is my privlage to share several very talented people with y'all! I've been looking forward to this post for a while!<br />
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As I'm sure many of you know already, there is a game of Tag happening across the blog-o-sphere and we are all getting connected with great talent across the World. Last week I was tagged by Judy Tucker, a phenomenal quilter I get to meet with twice a month in my guild. She shares regularly on her blog, <a href="http://www.sleepingdogquilts.com/" target="_blank">Sleeping Dog Quilts</a>, and is pure inspiration to watch! <br />
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In turn I am tagging others that I look up to and love to follow! As mentioned in previous posts, I participated in a MugRug Swap with Marie who blogs at <a href="http://mariescreativespace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marie's Creative Space</a>. From the get go it was like meeting a kindred spirit as we had so much in common and not just in the quilting world. <br />
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My second tag is Marija, a friend and mentor I've known and loved for many years, she might as well be family! She is my go to person whenever I have a fabric question and is a brilliant quilter, seamstress and designer. You can follow her at <a href="http://marijasfabricreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fabric of My Life</a> blog. <br />
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Part of the being tagged is to answer some questions, so here we go!<br />
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1. What are you working on?<br />
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Today was an easy day working on some Halloween place mats. I had a kit given to me a few years ago and just didn't like the pattern. These mats are those fabrics done totally different! I've been testing out curved piecing and this was my experiment for a simple project!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBVyu-NrK4k/VCDPVUstrSI/AAAAAAAAApA/G0xFjZYmRKk/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBVyu-NrK4k/VCDPVUstrSI/AAAAAAAAApA/G0xFjZYmRKk/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just the first - the others will have other Halloween-y figures quilted in! More to come!</td></tr>
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In addition to this, I am gearing up to do some abstract work that will mix modern piecing, water colors painting and free-motion embroidery. I'm collaborating with a good painter friend and am so excited to get this up and running. This has been a long time coming and the closer I get to starting, the more passionate I get for it!! Get ready for some new, new ideas!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI4PmWAAWI/VCDQY-RQ3-I/AAAAAAAAApQ/Ba1rSfEcJzc/s1600/tintin71zjnr5b8l-aa1500-jpg-48ae75198972462a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI4PmWAAWI/VCDQY-RQ3-I/AAAAAAAAApQ/Ba1rSfEcJzc/s1600/tintin71zjnr5b8l-aa1500-jpg-48ae75198972462a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combine The Adventures of Tintin cartoons....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuFc2FOBVkA/VCDQY9q4e1I/AAAAAAAAApM/6erbK_ktypY/s1600/watercolor_spraypaint_abstract_painting___print__1_by_akuard-d6u92d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuFc2FOBVkA/VCDQY9q4e1I/AAAAAAAAApM/6erbK_ktypY/s1600/watercolor_spraypaint_abstract_painting___print__1_by_akuard-d6u92d5.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...with abstract watercolors and quilting... Who knows what will happen!</td></tr>
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2. How does my work differ from others?<br />
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This is something I try very hard to be - different from anything else seen before. I am a traditionally/classically trained seamstress and quilter. My family taught me all about quilting from a very young age and I added to that with 3 years of fashion design. Taking all the technique and theories, I like to take an idea, flip it inside out and push it out of its comfort zone but still call it a quilt! <br />
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I am also very applique heavy. Essentially, if I can sketch it, then it can be cut and appliqued. I love anything filigree or swirly, like my Pumpkin Patch quilt<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0CqbPiVDZCo/VCDRCMzNXeI/AAAAAAAAApk/__RP8mdxspY/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0CqbPiVDZCo/VCDRCMzNXeI/AAAAAAAAApk/__RP8mdxspY/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
or Blooming Peacocks, (which I forgot to mention were semi-finalists in Grand Rapids AQS Quilt Week this past August! I'm thrilled with their progress!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TUWpggexwY/VCDQy3PYVqI/AAAAAAAAApc/kDb4cC2CMJ0/s1600/5.9.14%2B014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TUWpggexwY/VCDQy3PYVqI/AAAAAAAAApc/kDb4cC2CMJ0/s1600/5.9.14%2B014.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.quiltweek.com/16013/" target="_blank">AQS' list of semifinalists!</a></td></tr>
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3. Why do I do what I do?<br />
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So much goes into a creation - heart, time, money, effort and then some. Being on the creating side has given me a whole new appreciation and respect for others works. And because I know how much goes into it, I am not about to steal their work. Plus I love the waves of inspiration that hit me and the sketching time to see what could happen. Some of my favorite pieces have started as post-it notes from a meeting in the office just because someone said something that struck a funny synapse in my head :-)<br />
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4. How does my creative process work?<br />
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A sketch book lives in my purse. It goes with me everywhere, even to church. <br />
Sometimes its the above mentioned post-it note process. Sometimes its boredom or pent up energy that just gets vented on my sewing machine! I definitely start with an idea and then get my supplies; it very rarely happens fabric first then creation after. Which is probably why my stash is relatively small (only half a bedroom ;-) )<br />
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I am very excited to chat with you soon! But until then, please check out Judy, Marie and Marija!!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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Mood: Fall-y<br />
Music: "Oo-La-La" by The FugeesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-13038791059551549312014-09-11T13:41:00.000-04:002014-09-11T13:41:20.667-04:00Faulty StarsIt has been an absolutely marathon few days since our last chat. So all the time I had set aside for quilting was mostly used for anything BUT quilting! And probably the busiest of all the days was yesterday (Wednesday) - the day quilts were due for the Modern Summer Challenge in our Guild!<br />
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The most unexpected part of my day was the tiniest visitor we've ever had - Lilly! Django, our 80 lb Catahoula Leopard, has always been a cuddle bug and a sweet puppy, but yesterday proved he is a kind soul through and through. When I went to bring him back in the house yesterday morning, I found him cuddling a little, black kitten on the front walk!! And I mean little!! I've never seen a kitten so young! With no sign of Mom or any other kittens, we brought her in and for 6 hours we were foster parents to the cutest week old baby. She chilled with me most of the day, though Django did spend a lot of time watching, too! We named her Lilly and, had the Hubs not been hyper allergic to cats, we would have kept her. But the wonderful and capable staff at the Boston Animal Rescue League took Lilly in and, from the sounds of it, there is a potential adopter already lined up! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwu_aygT13M/VBHYL-JjhNI/AAAAAAAAAnk/Z_NmHRlQBkY/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwu_aygT13M/VBHYL-JjhNI/AAAAAAAAAnk/Z_NmHRlQBkY/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't let her size fool you - this little girl has a good pair of lungs! She was quite vocal when she was awake! </td></tr>
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**UPDATE - She is spoken for officially!!** >>insert happy dance here!!<<<br />
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Last night was the <a href="http://properbostonianquilters.org/wordpress/" target="_blank">Proper Bostonian Quilters Guild</a>'s first meeting of the season and it was an exciting start to our year! There were so many beautiful and creative entries for the Modern Summer Challenge that it really ended up being a small show...<br />
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... which I almost missed!! Guild started at 7:30p and I was sewing right up until 7:28p! Luckily I live just up the street from where we meet. I am very pleased with the final product. My goal was to do something that would normally be found in a traditional work, push it off center and twist it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_v69AOnbM80/VBHYWKyi4wI/AAAAAAAAAn0/9F46YVDj5Cg/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_v69AOnbM80/VBHYWKyi4wI/AAAAAAAAAn0/9F46YVDj5Cg/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Fault in My Star," 48" by 70" at longest length, pieced, machine quilted</td></tr>
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This is called "The Fault in My Star," based off the book by John Green, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars?ac=1" target="_blank">"The Fault in Our Stars." </a>In it, young characters are faced with terminal cancer and yet still chose to make the most out of life. I found it a bright comfort while I read it during chemo procedures. We shine at our brightest during the worst trials in life and that light touches so many more, we may not even know. And when we lose someone, we still have their love and example but our lives are never as brilliant for their passing.<br />
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I dedicate this quilt to the memory of a friend, mentor and one greatly compassionate lady, <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/780413/Jennifer-Strassburg-Granite-School-District.html?pg=all" target="_blank">Jennifer A. Strassburg</a>, who passed this Summer after a very long a difficult battle with cancer. She was a gifted teacher and powerful friend who remembered the little things and knew exactly what needed to be said to brighten your day. Everyone who ever met her left a better person, but the World is not as bright without her in it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y_Ef763NZY/VBHbbJpDH2I/AAAAAAAAAoo/l0vrkYBgiHI/s1600/JenniferStrassburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y_Ef763NZY/VBHbbJpDH2I/AAAAAAAAAoo/l0vrkYBgiHI/s1600/JenniferStrassburg.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The link in her name above gives you just a glimpse of who she was to so many people. </td></tr>
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This quilt was a work of love from the start and also a lot of challenges!! Because I so typically rely on applique, I did not want to do any applique in this piece. The Lone Star parts were easy and went together easily. Getting all the falling pieces, which were all improve-pieced, to fit together at all odd angles - not as easy as I thought!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LiUS7KE8yZk/VBHYXtnyaOI/AAAAAAAAAn4/CBi7__459b4/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LiUS7KE8yZk/VBHYXtnyaOI/AAAAAAAAAn4/CBi7__459b4/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG" height="200" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the back material!</td></tr>
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I also knew that I didn't want this to be a strictly squared off quilt. The bottom part was the first part quilted by layering the batting, top face up, back face down; stitched in my shape; then flipped right side out. Working from the bottom up with my basting and quilting went a lot easier than expected, too! Having one spot solidly anchored made a HUGE difference!<br />
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Now that these pieces are done, I'm excited to focus back on things I started in June! My overall goal is to keep my UFO stash at a minimum (she says while laughing!)<br />
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Keep stitching and we'll be in touch soon!!<br />
Cheers<br />
<br />
Mood:
Exhausted-but-happy<br />
Music: "Rebel Yell" by Black Veil BridesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-34451529367071731062014-09-06T09:53:00.000-04:002014-09-06T17:34:31.624-04:00Finishing up Summer!August was FANTASTIC! So much quilting, so much sunshine, just so much happened it's hard to believe it's September all ready!<br />
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August was also a month for finishing projects! Around the house and yard we've been doing a lot of work landscaping and cleaning and we're starting to feel really proud of our little corner of earth! The best part was celebrating with friends over Labor Day - sitting back to enjoy how far we've come this year and sharing it with our favorites!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm7aNshYFvg/VAsO1X2GrmI/AAAAAAAAAl8/VuHQLuWGkGc/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm7aNshYFvg/VAsO1X2GrmI/AAAAAAAAAl8/VuHQLuWGkGc/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We added a pool!!! My favorite part of this Summer!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gY1rwvPm5hE/VAsO0ntOWkI/AAAAAAAAAls/_SZtQUpmTKc/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gY1rwvPm5hE/VAsO0ntOWkI/AAAAAAAAAls/_SZtQUpmTKc/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" height="320" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Django was our fantastic helper outside - always happy and just so darn cute!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Scbs-JoQxvY/VAsO1qe7EZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Bv2XSvQrtYY/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Scbs-JoQxvY/VAsO1qe7EZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Bv2XSvQrtYY/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching sailboats from my office!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labor Day was a fantastic celebration with the best of family and friends!!</td></tr>
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In the Studio it was all about finishing up Summer projects! First was for a Mug Rug Swap from <a href="http://quiltinggallery.com/" target="_blank">Quilting Gallery</a>! The theme was "Summer Memories" and my absolute favorite memories all have sailing or being near water around them. Lucky for me, my amazing swap partner, <a href="http://mariescreativespace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marie</a>, also happens to really love sailing. So designing was easy and a lot of fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zl9ADwEpeEg/VAsPDzeLHrI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Y8neV8m2EiU/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zl9ADwEpeEg/VAsPDzeLHrI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Y8neV8m2EiU/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" height="161" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was feeling romantic, Summer date nights at the Fair!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset sailing - from memories back home on Lake Ontario!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jC7il02JF0Q/VAsPHKV5bfI/AAAAAAAAAm8/_ss_9iPyHJE/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jC7il02JF0Q/VAsPHKV5bfI/AAAAAAAAAm8/_ss_9iPyHJE/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made for me by the wonderfully talented Marie!</td></tr>
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Last night I finished my Guild's Modern Wall Hanging Challenge and am really, really happy with the outcome. I stared at the top for 2 months and doodled on post-its a ton until I figured out a theme I was happy with. My secret design helper, the Hubs, also came to the rescue when I worked myself into a corner! It is an amazing help to have a second pair of eyes to keep everything balanced and, in my case, to get the non-quilter's point of view! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHMw0EhMmqw/VAsPFHvn6eI/AAAAAAAAAmk/lb6uwVgNNtY/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHMw0EhMmqw/VAsPFHvn6eI/AAAAAAAAAmk/lb6uwVgNNtY/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Odd Feather" wall hanging, 20" by 23"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xxhyt0HE-nE/VAsPFrUHOnI/AAAAAAAAAmw/0se-_85021c/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xxhyt0HE-nE/VAsPFrUHOnI/AAAAAAAAAmw/0se-_85021c/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feathers within feathers quilting. I took the feather motif of quilting, enlarged it as an applique then added more feather quilting in it. I have never been more proud of my quilting - so love the outcome!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALt2XKX4wOI/VAsPGKc9xcI/AAAAAAAAAms/wtiR_iKdgmY/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALt2XKX4wOI/VAsPGKc9xcI/AAAAAAAAAms/wtiR_iKdgmY/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pieced back from scraps of the front, shows off a lot more of the quilting!</td></tr>
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See you all here soon with updates for the Lap Quilt Summer Challenge as I finish that one up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaser!!</td></tr>
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Cheers and happy stitching!!<br />
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<br />
Mood:
Sunny<br />
Music: "Big Black Car" by Gregory Alan IsakovAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-5955895273360617072014-07-22T15:24:00.001-04:002014-07-22T15:24:45.488-04:00Sun-Sunny Days!!I love Summer! Mostly because it means I can go to one of Boston's many beaches! So when a good friend invited me to a beach outing, I was excited!!<div><br></div><div>But I couldn't find my beach bag anywhere...! </div><div><br></div><div>Well, it was time to update it anyways, right? Last Friday evening I whipped up this guy: </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AMs5CS48lpQ/U866XTfWg1I/AAAAAAAAAkY/Y8GJLjdRxQI/s640/blogger-image-1072966797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AMs5CS48lpQ/U866XTfWg1I/AAAAAAAAAkY/Y8GJLjdRxQI/s640/blogger-image-1072966797.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It was super simple to make: cut various width of fabric strips, alternate colors, sew strips into one big panel, fold in half and sew up the bottom and side! Add handles and you're done! I did not want to put a huge amount of effort into a lining or pockets (by all means you can!!) and if I were making it for any other purpose than the beach, I would have put more details into it. I did add top stitching and French seams on the side/bottom to keep things from unraveling but that's as fancy as this one gets! Start to finish, this project took a total of 35 minutes!</div><div><br></div><div>Same night, still feeling the glow of a new bag and couldn't shut my brain off. Plus I had The Princess Bride playing in the background (ooo that Dread Pirate Roberts...!) and ended up with this little tote. Lately I've been thinking through what our family coat of arms might look like, if I were to create one. Of course it would have to be piratey on some level. Combine the two trains of thought and you get:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UgxsgsOoSww/U866ej93jWI/AAAAAAAAAk4/GNf0hNCjn3I/s640/blogger-image--2093429155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UgxsgsOoSww/U866ej93jWI/AAAAAAAAAk4/GNf0hNCjn3I/s640/blogger-image--2093429155.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Not bad for a project started after midnight!!</div><div><br></div><div>The next day was GREAT!! We went to Revere Beach, just outside Boston. Our original plan was just to see the annual Sand Sculpture contest. It also happened to be Disney's Kid Triatholon, a country music fest, and the Food Truck fest - all at once on the beach!! What a day!! It was a bit breezey and cloudy but, with the overwhelming crowds, I didn't mind one bit! Not to mention just having a great time with friends, new and old! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c6bpK9gLkFA/U866VgqDe2I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vL_ZJp24J_w/s640/blogger-image--441802263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c6bpK9gLkFA/U866VgqDe2I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/vL_ZJp24J_w/s640/blogger-image--441802263.jpg"></a></div>I can't rember the exact title but it had something to do with her transforming into waves of the Ocean. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EzAVJsWWnC4/U866On5zPZI/AAAAAAAAAkA/zv_uVYJcHd0/s640/blogger-image--1045175665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EzAVJsWWnC4/U866On5zPZI/AAAAAAAAAkA/zv_uVYJcHd0/s640/blogger-image--1045175665.jpg"></a></div>This one is called "Fear"</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PyMBiQDKXpI/U866ZAB0vYI/AAAAAAAAAkg/PNqkuYSw8Jw/s640/blogger-image--1010836552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PyMBiQDKXpI/U866ZAB0vYI/AAAAAAAAAkg/PNqkuYSw8Jw/s640/blogger-image--1010836552.jpg"></a></div>This is "Double Vision" - study it a bit you'll see why! And this beauty won first place!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QQZbNlSo0BA/U866TO18R0I/AAAAAAAAAkI/MS9fnDOQ3jE/s640/blogger-image--1447439786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QQZbNlSo0BA/U866TO18R0I/AAAAAAAAAkI/MS9fnDOQ3jE/s640/blogger-image--1447439786.jpg"></a></div>I LOVED this one, called "Eternal Love"</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PcccB72qVOA/U866a44IOfI/AAAAAAAAAko/xKTquW8XQgg/s640/blogger-image-1299861180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PcccB72qVOA/U866a44IOfI/AAAAAAAAAko/xKTquW8XQgg/s640/blogger-image-1299861180.jpg"></a></div>Dedicated to our Troops of all branches of service!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IUOccBZVY5c/U866dJcWbmI/AAAAAAAAAkw/PHF8S1Yx5ko/s640/blogger-image--1495392827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IUOccBZVY5c/U866dJcWbmI/AAAAAAAAAkw/PHF8S1Yx5ko/s640/blogger-image--1495392827.jpg"></a></div>And finally, the sand castle!!</div><div><br></div><div>Keep enjoying the Summer Sun and we'll chat soon! Keep stitchin'!!</div><div><br></div><div>Cheers!</div><div>Maer</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-38698055245169760212014-07-09T18:12:00.001-04:002014-07-09T18:12:55.799-04:00Feathers All Around!!My poor husband has been so sick the past week or so, making me the loving nurse! He is finally feeling better (thankfully!!) but his nurse caught all his germs. There is nothing worse than being sick in hot weather, agreed??<div><br></div><div>Which is why I hid in my sewing studio the past couple days - it has beautiful air conditioning!! :-)</div><div><br></div><div>My studio recently got an upgrade, which my fellow tall quilters might appreciate! I've always complained about cutting because it meant bending over to awkward heights. When you are 5'10", the standard table height is not comfy at all. The Hubs suggested bed raisers. Sold in 4 packs from Amazon or Ikea for roughly $15, these are back savers!!! Best $15 I've ever spent!</div><div><br></div><div>Today's post is a combo of 2 different day's work, both of which are part of my Guild's summer challenge. We were given the panetone of Radient Orchid and told to create a wall hanging using at least one fat 16th of that color. Luckily it happens to be one of my favorite colors!!</div><div><br></div><div>The top I made 2 weeks ago and really enjoyed making it! It is fusible applique with random pieced sides, no boarders. It measures 24" by 21".</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGeOsDO_xkU/U72-YJchnwI/AAAAAAAAAjo/TtA31CtDIfY/s640/blogger-image--713658315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGeOsDO_xkU/U72-YJchnwI/AAAAAAAAAjo/TtA31CtDIfY/s640/blogger-image--713658315.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I held on to all the scraps in order to make the back - today's project! despite feeling like Death warmed over, I had a lot of fun with this. And I find myself loving the back a smidge more than the front... </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PjFiN0XCHbg/U72-ZnG5IwI/AAAAAAAAAjw/wrBRiZqN6as/s640/blogger-image--1844635860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PjFiN0XCHbg/U72-ZnG5IwI/AAAAAAAAAjw/wrBRiZqN6as/s640/blogger-image--1844635860.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Did this just become a pair of wall hangings? Or perhaps a double sided piece to blow in the breeze?</div><div><br></div><div>Next step - quilting!! Which will be my weekend project!</div><div><br></div><div>Enjoy the sunshine!!</div><div><br></div><div>Cheers!</div><div>~M</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-89180573113582326842014-07-02T22:11:00.001-04:002014-07-02T22:11:40.891-04:00LaptoppedTalk about a scorcher, woo!! I love Summer but I love Summer because of air conditioning. We just built a sewing studio in the only room in our house without air conditioning... So I worked in shifts today rotating to other, cooler rooms of the house!<div><br></div><div>I have needed a new laptop bag for ages and today I finally had the chance to make it! This was my first complex style bag, taking it a step beyond just a simple tote. Lined, with stiffening batting and a few quickie pockets, I did pieced bottom, sides and a curvy front flap. I haven't decided on a fastener just yet but that can come later. And to make it my style, I had to add an applique feather or two!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FNWytC4SFF0/U7S71KtQ7GI/AAAAAAAAAjI/Uu1D0U5YBTQ/s640/blogger-image-269594908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FNWytC4SFF0/U7S71KtQ7GI/AAAAAAAAAjI/Uu1D0U5YBTQ/s640/blogger-image-269594908.jpg"></a></div>The front!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZ2jKUZmjbQ/U7S7xbF9iuI/AAAAAAAAAi4/rKjjHV1GcXE/s640/blogger-image--86893527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZ2jKUZmjbQ/U7S7xbF9iuI/AAAAAAAAAi4/rKjjHV1GcXE/s640/blogger-image--86893527.jpg"></a></div>The back with the flap open.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZB9MzRmjfQI/U7S7zWPjGOI/AAAAAAAAAjA/aWhTvB2YgCA/s640/blogger-image-416807316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZB9MzRmjfQI/U7S7zWPjGOI/AAAAAAAAAjA/aWhTvB2YgCA/s640/blogger-image-416807316.jpg"></a></div>The inside. The whole project was done with leftovers of previous quilts so the feathers don't exactly match pinks but I love all the fabrics, so yay for mismatched!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RoOECy5pqzY/U7S729uwT4I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/eGIYH3vAVxQ/s640/blogger-image-2100739386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RoOECy5pqzY/U7S729uwT4I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/eGIYH3vAVxQ/s640/blogger-image-2100739386.jpg"></a></div>All packed for the office tomorrow!</div><div><br></div><div>Stay cool my friends!!</div><div><br></div><div>~Maer<br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-92061744857544418212014-06-28T21:12:00.001-04:002014-06-28T21:12:44.540-04:00Starry chevronsToday was a red, white & blue kind of day, I'm always excited for July 4th!! We recently repainted our dining room to a bright blue & white, picked because I've always wanted a Colonial style dining room. Secretly, I think I picked these colors because they are so fun to decorate with during the Summer!!<div><br></div><div>So today my job was to make placemats for our new dining room!! I've always wanted to do something with chevrons - today was my chance!! The fabrics were part of a collection I picked up at our Guild's UFO auction last year and are actually Christmas fabrics - tho I think they work great as Americana, too!!</div><div><br></div><div> I think later, they might become our picnic mats, after I add the binding that is... :-)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ADesKaaA9ts/U69ljFGpMDI/AAAAAAAAAhg/Lx-TeUnjObE/s640/blogger-image-115236242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ADesKaaA9ts/U69ljFGpMDI/AAAAAAAAAhg/Lx-TeUnjObE/s640/blogger-image-115236242.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zSlWZh4GM-A/U69oBCJKYKI/AAAAAAAAAhs/UPpm_1WOAQA/s640/blogger-image-417461253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zSlWZh4GM-A/U69oBCJKYKI/AAAAAAAAAhs/UPpm_1WOAQA/s640/blogger-image-417461253.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>But I couldn't stop with the mats. I had a few leftovers that were just begging to be used! Pink the edges, add some twine, and a cute banner is made to match!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t1AdhAe6H8Y/U69lhvitSuI/AAAAAAAAAhY/bVX5FHj2LYw/s640/blogger-image--1485521647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t1AdhAe6H8Y/U69lhvitSuI/AAAAAAAAAhY/bVX5FHj2LYw/s640/blogger-image--1485521647.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And our dining room is ready for the 4th!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zxqu74SJccs/U69oClGWvZI/AAAAAAAAAh0/pirgILgKiZw/s640/blogger-image--306142999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zxqu74SJccs/U69oClGWvZI/AAAAAAAAAh0/pirgILgKiZw/s640/blogger-image--306142999.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Happy 4th!!!</div><div>Cheers, </div><div>M</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-28583954370754572902014-06-23T12:20:00.000-04:002014-09-06T17:31:46.281-04:00Catching up, as always!!2014, so far, has been a year of action. And good action, at that. Since last we chatted, I've taken up part time work for an amazing bio-tech firm here in Boston as a legal writer. I'm sure there will be a time when I go further into what I do and where it is I work, just let me say that, by far, this phenomenal company has been one of the best experiences in my career!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSbjJpCZVy0/U6hOqfwhirI/AAAAAAAAAec/MjBMM5DC65c/s1600/Wedding+05-30-2014+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSbjJpCZVy0/U6hOqfwhirI/AAAAAAAAAec/MjBMM5DC65c/s1600/Wedding+05-30-2014+(6).JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Another massive(ly awesome) change is that I'm married!! For many, many reasons, J and I felt like we needed to move up our date and got married May 3rd in Pekin, NY (just outside Niagara Falls...). We had an intimate, outdoor ceremony with our family and nearest-dearest friends and a small dinner after. A rainy, cold day turned out to be a sunny afternoon just in the nick of time and we had a beautiful, memorable day.<br />
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Among the many, many wonderful people who shared in our day was our lovely photographer, Elizabeth Snyder of Elizabeth Snyder Photography. Most of the above photos are hers and we are so thrilled to have these keepsakes. She has even more lovely photos (not just of our day...) on her <a href="http://www.elizabethsnyderphotography.com/blog/2014/5/james-and-maer-wedding-photography-in-wny" target="_blank">blog</a> - check it out!!<br />
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Quilting in 2014 has been a great experience so far this year! You may remember the Bright Day of Thanks Turkey from this past Thanksgiving - he's been busy traveling and has had great success. We're very proud of him!<br />
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In March I was invited to enter the Amherst, NY Guild show and decided to do a piece new for that show. "Bloomin' Spring Peacocks" was lucky enough to win President's Choice in New York and will be traveling out to Grand Rapids, MI this August for the American Quilter's Society Quilt Week Show. I'm beyond excited to attend the show and will be sure to post LOTS of pictures of the show!<br />
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This past weekend, I had the great luck to participate in a get-together in Rindge, NH at Franklin Pierce University with some of the greatest quilting friends a gal could imagine! We were surrounded by gorgeous nature, situated on a lake, and got to sew to our hearts' content!! I left not knowing entirely what I'd be doing and worried because I've had a bit of a dry spell as far as creativity. For future reference to anyone who feels this way, the instant fix is to surround yourself with fellow creators and artists and you can't help but feel the inspiration flow! I came back with so many ideas, I'm nervous I won't get them down on paper in time before I forget them! Love my Proper Bostonian Ladies!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binding in the sunshine and breeze!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my view from my machine - amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone hard at work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Project experiment #1 - I'll be continuing this one as a paper pieced quilt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another experimental project using Kona solid charm squares. I will play around with the background spacing and flow of colors.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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If you are at all interested in checking out the quilting scene in Boston you can find more info here for the <a href="http://www.properbostonianquilters.org/" target="_blank">Proper Bostonian Quilters Guild</a> or, of course, you can always ask me! <br />
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Thanks for checking in! Stay tuned this summer - I have a feeling it's going to be a very colorful season!!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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Mood: Chipper<br />
Music: "Come with me Now!" by KONGOSAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-45915357871095716992014-01-28T20:47:00.000-05:002014-01-31T18:22:13.919-05:00Hot Stitchin'!Polar Vortex, what...? Meh! Go ahead, let it drop to negative "Let's freeze the World on it's axis" temps. It's been toasty warm and creative in our house! I'm sure I'll feel differently when I see the oil bill... but for now I'm loving the creative oasis in our dining room/sewing studio!<br />
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A lot of sketching has been happening. I love Henna/Mehndi floral patterns and am always doodling them in some form or other. But lately I've been plotting how to get more Henna into my quilting. So why not just whole cloth quilt it - essentially drawing on fabric with my machine! EASIER SAID THAN DONE!!<br />
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I had a simple flower and leaf patten on paper, drew the basic outline onto my fabric and set to it! 20 minutes later I had a jumbled mess of thread and lost my overall pattern. Time to back up to something simpler. Feathers! <br />
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I've done feathers in my quilting before, but I've never taken the time to practice or study them. I just winged it. When done correctly, they are beautiful! Flowing, fun, some are formal or they can be more playful. Whatever you need them to be, you can stylize them to meet your project.<br />
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After many, many pages of sketch practice, I came up with these first fabric attempts. And I'm proud to say that every time it got a bit easier and (at least I think) a bit more artistic. They really are fun. And once you have your stem built, the plumage just flows naturally. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Attempt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Attempt! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, so not perfect but getting better, right? :-)</td></tr>
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This afternoon, I tried adding the Henna back in:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was also fun playing with thread colors, highlighting here and there...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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In addition to feathering about, I've been working on a couple Valentines Day projects! So far this what I've got. I cannot take any credit for the overall design as I've seen it done a million times over - postage stamps, tee-shirts, wallets, etc... This is just my version :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16" by 16" wall hanging. Thinking maybe Prairie Points to finish it off...?</td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by! Hope you are all staying warm and keeping creative!! Feel free to share your projects either here in the comments or on my Facebook Page for M. Rose Quilt Studios! <br />
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And here's the link up to Leah Day and <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2014/01/fmq-project-link-up_31.html" target="_blank">The Free Motion Quilting Blog.</a> I frequent both her blog and her books for quilting ideas - love her! <br />
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Cheers and stitch on!! <br />
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Mood:
Chipper<br />
Music: "The Clincher" by ChevelleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-52921029266464682222014-01-14T02:26:00.000-05:002014-01-14T02:26:02.122-05:00I'm Back!!!Hi Y'all and Happy 2014! <br />
And what a great year it's been so far! <br />
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I'm sorry I haven't posted recently - the Holidays were wonderful but so incredibly busy! Wow!! From Thanksgiving till now was one giant whirlwind of friends and food and so many things to get done in a hurry that I didn't have a minute to sit and gather my thoughts! So much so that we didn't even have the time to get a proper tree - so I made one :-)<br />
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Our dining room/quilting studio turned into a snowflake ornament factory.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advent Stars are made by fusing 2 fabrics together, cutting into strips and weaving then tacking with hot glue</td></tr>
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Several years ago, my Aunt M made an Advent Star ornament for me which now stays over my drafting table. I used her pattern and made a bunch as gifts this year and were a hit at a couple ornament exchange parties! <br />
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Along with the Advent Star, we made a few 3D snowflakes. I saw one made out of paper hanging in the window of a paper store a few years ago and played around with it until I figured out how it was made. After making a few dozen in paper for Christmas parties, I decided to try them with fabric! Even Django liked the results!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also made with fused fabrics!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-iJH2tWvG8/UtTgeppFH5I/AAAAAAAAAW4/78e3JjI26VA/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-iJH2tWvG8/UtTgeppFH5I/AAAAAAAAAW4/78e3JjI26VA/s200/IMG_2628.JPG" width="149" /></a><br />
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(Both ornaments are super easy and quick to make!)<br />
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I'm also just now (hanging head in shame...) just finishing my Christmas gifts for my Mom. She loves cardinals, especially anything quilty with cardinals. As any proper quilter would, my mom has a giant stash of fabric, filling many a bin all over the house. And like any self respecting quilter, she knows every piece of fabric and in which bin it rested! I, being the young quilter with a healthy addiction to fabric and design, often perused said bins and would try to barter with her for pieces I wanted. Separate and hidden from the general stash was her collection of winter cardinal fabrics. I once found them on accident (she has some GORGEOUS fabrics there) but my life was threatened. Ever touch those fabrics again and fingers would get smacked. Hard!<br />
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DISCLAIMER!!! My mother is the SWEETEST, most loving mother in the entire world! Never has she ever been anything but wonderful in every way! I don't want anyone to have the wrong impression of her in the slightest! Just know that this cardinal collection of fabrics was on the same level to her as her children and protects it just as dearly!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is so sweet that she looks more the part of Mrs. Santa Clause than the Mrs. Clause at the hospital that day!! :-)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKlZw2s4BGY/UtTgk5LiDoI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/KzzikiJ19ZI/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKlZw2s4BGY/UtTgk5LiDoI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/KzzikiJ19ZI/s320/IMG_2712.JPG" width="320" /></a>This year I made a table runner and wall hanging of cardinals for her. The two are not a matching set but they feel similar as they came from the same fabrics. Interesting story here - this table runner is another "No Planner" project, just like the Bright Day of Thanks turkey. A few minutes after I finished quilting it, I relaxed by browsing pinterest and what pops up? A table runner of branches with cardinals. The one I found was lovely, done with branches of evergreens and in wool but I was slightly disheartened. I'm in awe of how creative our quilting world is but I was going for originality and something unique for my mom. **deep sigh** I'm still proud of my little project.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall hanging in progress!</td></tr>
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2014 has started with a new baby quilt pattern! This pattern started as a post-it note and got dropped into a sketch book for months until I was asked recently if I had any puppy patterns! I was very excited to say, "Why, yes I do!" Let me introduce "Puppy Paws" newest from M. Rose Quilt Studios! (Obviously the customized name can change or be omitted completely - this was a custom job...)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paws on the top of the quilt were done by appliqueing the outline in white over a block of print. I had all these cute left over cut outs and thought they'd be a cute surprise on the back!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Also up and coming with 2014 will be some blogs on costuming! I've recently signed on with a Revolutionary War era group and will be visiting with a Civil War group shortly. I love quilting so much, but there is nothing like throwing on "funny clothes" and running around for a few days! With each of these groups, I'll be recreating pieces to wear and I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to share!<br />
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So thanks for checking back in! I hope you're enjoying 2014 as much as I am! We'll chat again soon! Be well!<br />
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Mood:
All New and Excited<br />
Music: "Come a Little Closer" by Cage the ElephantAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-30550568475462057612013-11-20T20:28:00.000-05:002013-11-20T20:28:00.682-05:00Decorated and ready to Eat!!!I am happy to say that I have actually finished my Thanksgiving decorations IN TIME for Thanksgiving!! I think this is a first for me for any holiday! And I am so excited!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All decorated and it all works together!</td></tr>
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Continuing on from the past 2 posts, the Bright Day of Thanks Turkey ended up in the dining room/sewing room, right next to me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a panel hanging around and quickly put that together. I'm also very excited for Christmas and got our Christmas card ornaments made this year! I will post about those later!</td></tr>
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My Free Falling Leaves did not become a wall-hanging. In fact they looked sooooo terrible as a wall-hanging! I got them up, looked at them for a day and I absolutely hated how they looked (others looked at them for a day and were kind enough not to laugh too much). In stead, they look fantastic as place mats around the house. One has been adopted in our front entrance as the key and mail mat. Django even got to have 2 on his crate! (Can't leave the fur child out!)<br />
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The 3rd installment for my Thanksgiving decorations took a decidedly (and surprisingly) traditional turn! While I was home a few weeks ago, my wonderful Aunt M gave me a giant bin full of fabrics to play with. Included in this bin are the fabrics for the new piece, "Give Thanks!" It's not my normal color pallet but I am kind'a in love with this one!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Give Thanks!" 24" x 26", pieced and applique with free-motion quilting. Original design by M. Rose Quilt Studios.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YHTa54oe0M/Uo1fbTrtJ0I/AAAAAAAAAUo/EMA9wGsPc1o/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9YHTa54oe0M/Uo1fbTrtJ0I/AAAAAAAAAUo/EMA9wGsPc1o/s320/IMG_2570.JPG" width="320" /></a>I had a lot of fun quilting this one. I just went crazy free-motion quilting the background to the applique. But I made one BIG mistake by not pin basting enough! I thought, oh yeah, this is a small piece, I don't need to pin this while I quilt. Lesson learned - ALWAYS, always, always pin and/or baste your project!! Not to point out the problems, but you will notice that the boarders are not square. Ooops! I will ALWAYS pin my projects from now on! :-)<br />
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In response to emails I have received, Yes, these 3 Thanksgiving projects will all be printed patterns available soon. As soon as they are published, I will post links on here for you. <br />
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Have a wonderful, happy and blessed Thanksgiving!! I will check back in with you Lovelies in early December! Cheers!!<br />
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Mood: Decorated!!<br />
Music: "Heaven's Calling" by Black Veil BridesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-12801301176157569652013-11-15T17:14:00.002-05:002013-11-15T17:14:38.176-05:00Paws in the LeavesWe are having a small heat wave today - temps almost hit 60 degrees today!! Which meant that Django, my gigantic puppy, and I went on a nice long walk and played for a while in the back yard! It's probably our last chance to get outside without having to bundle up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Django!</td></tr>
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I love being outside but add my pooch and it's just a laugh riot the whole time. With all the leaves falling and blowing every direction, he was having the time of his life!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was attempt #2,478 at a sitting still pose. Just when I thought we had it, another leaf blew past... </td></tr>
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It's from the leaves that I drew inspiration for this next little project. This is part 2 of possibly 3 or 4 bright, asymmetrical Thanksgiving projects, so stay tuned! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnlYps2MKBk/UoaZe5APdnI/AAAAAAAAASE/RnfToXLdVWw/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnlYps2MKBk/UoaZe5APdnI/AAAAAAAAASE/RnfToXLdVWw/s640/IMG_2545.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Free Falling" abstract wall-hanging leaves, each approx. 12" x 17"</td></tr>
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The smaller leaves are tracings from actual leaves Django stole into the house. From that tracing, I drew an exaggerated, larger leaf around it to get the bigger size. I then took super focused pictures of the leaf veins. <i>(For anyone into slightly abstract or organic art, I highly suggest doing the intensely up close photos of leaves! They end up looking like kaleidoscopes and the closer you get, the more you see!) </i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oelU5yIPm0/UoaZfBIxhhI/AAAAAAAAASI/TeK4cAEHeDQ/s1600/IMG_2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oelU5yIPm0/UoaZfBIxhhI/AAAAAAAAASI/TeK4cAEHeDQ/s200/IMG_2546.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
I fused and appliqued the leaves on the background and did the thread art for their veins before adding the backing and batting. Never having done any quilting quite this detailed, I wanted to make sure the details in the leaves came out exact and didn't want any interference from the other layers. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibucekTSwpM/UoaZg92VaLI/AAAAAAAAASg/w6d1-OR4uQU/s1600/IMG_2548.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/-ibucekTSwpM/UoaZg92VaLI/AAAAAAAAASg/w6d1-OR4uQU/s200/IMG_2548.JPG" width="149" /></a> For the quilting I had fun with echo/ripple style quilting. It is very easy to get dizzy! I really like the effect at the end!<br />
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I made four of these leaf combos and am not totally sure what to do with them just yet. In the back of my head there is a wall hanging brewing... We shall see!<br />
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Keep on Quilting, my dears! And be sure to check out and support our fellow free-motion Quilters at Leah Day's <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2013/11/fmq-friday_15.html" target="_blank">The Free Motion Quilting Project</a> - I am always so inspired by the limitless talents in out there!<br />
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Cheers!!<br />
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Mood:
Bright<br />
Music: "Groovy Gravy" by Quincy Jones and Bill CosbyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-2112884959976749692013-11-13T23:14:00.002-05:002013-11-13T23:14:47.947-05:00Bright Days and Warm HeartsI am back in Boston after attending the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to! And this one is a bit more special to me:<br />
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I grew up in a small town just outside of Niagara Falls, NY and, by a series of fortunate twists in fate, I ended up in Boston after college. This is where I met my wonderful fiance', Fiance' J, a native Boston boy. It just so happened that J's best friend, G, is also a native Boston boy and his girlfriend, M, was from Niagara Falls, NY as well! What are the odds!! This wedding was for G and M back home in Niagara and was just so sweet the whole weekend. These two are so in love and were surrounded by incredibly warm and supportive family. I enjoyed every minute of it!<br />
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Even funnier is the fact that Fiance' J and I are doing the same thing for our wedding next summer! In a way it felt like a practice run for us (I was taking notes!!) and got me even more excited for it to finally happen :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYtcDuSqajE/UoRKr-2fNKI/AAAAAAAAARI/dwI07GSa1s8/s1600/101+copy+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYtcDuSqajE/UoRKr-2fNKI/AAAAAAAAARI/dwI07GSa1s8/s400/101+copy+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by the incredible Alyssa Masucci</td></tr>
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The past week, since the wedding, as been busy and fruitful! I again thank all my wonderful friends and readers. My inbox has been exploding with such sweet emails and news and questions and ORDERS!! I'm so excited and most grateful to you all! <br />
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Tonight was my quilt guild, the Proper Bostonian Quilters, monthly meeting. Every single meeting sends me home brimming with inspiration and overwhelmed with chocolate and hugs! Our speaker tonight was Marianne L. Hatton. She shared much of her personal history and her gorgeous quilts. If you are not familiar, I highly suggest looking her up. She has at least one book published, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Dynamic-Sampler-Quilts-Hatton/dp/1574326708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384401041&sr=8-1&keywords=marianne+hatton" target="_blank">Simply Dynamic Sampler Quilts (Amazon.com),</a> with another on its way, as well as being an imaginative teacher. I'm excited for June 2014 as she will be coming back to my guild to teach a workshop! <br />
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In between all the quilt orders I have been trying to pull together a few Holiday wall hangings. Saturday night I had the house to myself and tried another "create as you go" project. I knew I wanted a turkey and that he needed to be colorful. I also knew that I didn't want him to look anything like the hand-print turkeys I used to make in grade school. And this is what happened:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-cfswtEc68/UoRK-WWXt8I/AAAAAAAAARQ/w4zZqAKntp4/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-cfswtEc68/UoRK-WWXt8I/AAAAAAAAARQ/w4zZqAKntp4/s640/IMG_2505.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bright Day of Thanks" by M. Rose Quilt Studios, 24" x 24"</td></tr>
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I finished the quilting yesterday (Tuesday), also with no real pattern. <br />
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Today is also huge anniversary in my personal life. One year ago was my
last dose of chemotherapy after undergoing 7 months of brutal IVs and medications. I am completely in remission and have never
felt healthier, happier or more alive, nor have I ever felt more gratitude to God, family and the wonders of medical science. So it feels particularly important that I take every opportunity to celebrate the Holidays this year! I am excited for Thanksgiving and look forward to being able to help cook more this year - and decorate more this year!! More Holiday wall hangings to come! How I love my "job!"<br />
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Be warm and quilt on!! Cheers!<br />
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Mood:
Toasty<br />
Music: "Rusted from the Rain" by Billy TalentAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-80713162124818768442013-10-25T11:02:00.001-04:002013-10-25T11:02:23.941-04:00Elegant SwooningI can't say it enough - I love Fall in New England! I can't remember a more beautiful Fall, but then again I've always been chained to a desk and stuck indoors. Django and I have been enjoying daily walks through the neighborhood and have found some really beautiful nature trails. Chasing falling leaves are his favorite thing and amuse his little puppy heart for hours!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8GI6tGjLtI/UmqGqAxXvuI/AAAAAAAAAQU/RHLVzzO80zU/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8GI6tGjLtI/UmqGqAxXvuI/AAAAAAAAAQU/RHLVzzO80zU/s640/IMG_2406.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have I mentioned that I love New England Fall??</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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At home in the quilt studio, things have been buzzing and wonderful! It's a hard thing to write out a pattern. For "Baby Birds" I've had to go back and forth between my original notes and actually making pieces in order to get the directions correct in my head and then on paper. I've learned the value of writing down steps in better detail as I go.<br />
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This week also brought out a new quilt, as you might have noticed above! My love of the Swoon block continues, so I introduce "Elegant Swooning," an original design by me at M. Rose Quilt Studios. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7t1cuErFRU/UmqGqhsyPLI/AAAAAAAAAQk/LJAZz2W5PmE/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7t1cuErFRU/UmqGqhsyPLI/AAAAAAAAAQk/LJAZz2W5PmE/s400/IMG_2380.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Elegant Swooning" by Maer Hatz at M. Rose Quilt Studios, Oct. 2013. 56" by 56", pieced and applique.</td></tr>
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This has four blocks, each 24" square, with appliqued sashings. (Yes, the feather applique is my favorite Positive/Negative applique.) I toyed with the idea of a large, fancy boarder but it didn't work. Just a simple 2" black edge was all it needed. This would be a great weekend-warrior project for someone on a quilt retreat or for someone with a limited amount of time to sew! <br />
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Enjoy the sunshine and the Fall colors! I'm off for a while. Dear friends are getting married and Fiance' J and I will be traveling to help them celebrate! Quilt on and we'll chat soon!<br />
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Mood: Excited!<br />
Music: "Railroad Track" by Willie MoonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3242951956766566956.post-5982480316168401592013-10-18T03:09:00.002-04:002013-10-18T14:04:47.265-04:00A Day Spent RelaxingToday I decided to take a break from the norm and did a project just because I felt like it! I had a bunch of scraps and a faint idea of where I wanted to go with it and just set to it.<br />
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(Disclaimer: Last Fall I miscalculated the amount of fabric I'd need for a particular project and ended up with three times the amount for each fabric. I am still trying to work my way through that huge amount so you may well be seeing lots of burgundy, teal and white :-) Luckily, I happen to really like these colors in combination with each other but there will be many projects with these fabrics - including this one!!)<br />
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When I started out, I knew I wanted a quilted version of my logo - a swoon block with an appliqued outline of a bird laid over top.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Rd0xy_KQ6c/UmDdNsFhJyI/AAAAAAAAAP4/iOMORt0Bb3U/s1600/Logo-without-name-business-card.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Rd0xy_KQ6c/UmDdNsFhJyI/AAAAAAAAAP4/iOMORt0Bb3U/s200/Logo-without-name-business-card.gif" width="199" /></a></div>
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(Insert my ever favorite method of Positive/Negative Applique!) In contrast I wanted the silhouette of the black bird in a rotation of the swoon block. Next came the feather applique (P/N again...) and the rest just fell into place. And this is what happened:<br />
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The top was done and I had even more fabric scraps than before I started, including the other halves to my appliqued birds and left overs to the swoon blocks. It all came together because I simply didn't care how it went. I just started sewing this piece to this and trimming up that until I have a piece slightly larger than the top and beautifully abstract! I almost like the back more than the top - funny how that happened, and all without a plan!<br />
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I had the best time quilting, too. I am a huge fan of Leah Day <a href="http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2013/10/fmq-friday_18.html" target="_blank">(freemotionquilting.blogspot.com)</a> and her Free-Motion Quilting Project and used 4 of her free motion patterns through out this little project. I think I used more thread quilting this 23" x 25" wall hanging than I did on my most recent baby quilt, it is that densely quilted. And I'm particularly fond of how the quilting makes the back even more abstract. This was my first time going completely improv with my quilting so it is rough but considering the project, I thought it quite suiting.<br />
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It was just a fun little project and a great way to break up routine. Tomorrow, I am back my regularly scheduled stitchery and looking forward to it!<br />
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Cheers and quilt on, Lovlies!!<br />
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Mood:
Music:Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04701711052298181722noreply@blogger.com2