tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19679239475762168282024-03-14T00:52:43.378-03:00Stitch LinesRamblings on life as a mother, quilter, stitcher, gardener, and lover of cats and fine chocolate....Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.comBlogger1213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-37034365379345789672019-06-02T12:16:00.001-03:002019-06-02T12:16:38.257-03:00Fredericton Ladies Choir Spring Concert coming right up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_1331573539"></span>Our Fredericton Ladies Choir Spring Concert is just a few days away now. It proves to be an entertaining one, to say the least. Our first set is a medley of Mamma Mia tunes, be prepared to journey back to the 70's!! ♫♫<br />
We have a lovely variety of pieces to sing for you - from show tunes to folk songs, sacred and inspirational pieces. Our guests, "Upbeat" from George Street Middle School are <i>fantastic</i> and we look forward to their group performance, solos and duets and their joining us on several pieces. You will NOT be disappointed. If you haven't heard us lately, or under our new director, Sally Dibblee, you are in for a treat!<br />
A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but picking them up at Westminster Books tomorrow will assure you have seats! Concert begins at 7:30, doors open at 6:45. I sure would like to see your smiling face in the audience! ♫ ♫<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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Next to love, music is the best solution to any problem. Music feeds the heart with what it needs in the moment.Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-20360349117585739432019-04-14T18:53:00.000-03:002019-04-15T11:30:41.190-03:00A New Runner for Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you ever buy a mini charm pack, bring it home and add it to your stash <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and perhaps forget about it for awhile) </span>then when you <i>find</i> it again, think "<i>What </i>am I going to do with this?!" Such was the case with this Prints Charming pack by Moda that I picked up (two of them, actually) a few years ago. It's not really "my colours" but I guess a little variation is not a bad thing. "Step out of your box" and all that....<br />
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I decided I would use it in a small runner. Mixed in with the prints were co-ordinating solids. Solids have never been my choice to work with (I know, never say "Never".. I actually <i>have</i> a solids project on my "Want to Make" list right now!!) but I do know I don't care for them mixed in with prints, co-ordinates or not! So I plucked those out and saved them for piecing the back.<br />
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As you can see, this is a very simple and quick runner to make up (great for a quick gift!) The pattern is from Connie Kresin Campbell's blog, Free Motion by the River which <a href="https://conniekresin.com/">you can find here.</a> She calls it the 6 Square Runner. Thanks Connie, for the great pattern!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was just a bit short on fabric for the back, so by piecing<br />
strips with the solid mini charms, I made it work. </td></tr>
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Because I pulled the solid squares, mine is a bit shorter than hers; Connie used all 42 mini charms on the front, I used just 36, so I have 6 "rows" whereas hers has 7. Both work! My runner's finished size is 14" x 31".<span style="color: red;"> </span><br />
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I quilted it with an overall clamshell design with my walking foot in a matching soft beige Aurifil thread, and although I had purchased yardage of one of the dark greens to use for the binding, I really liked the background fabric better so ended up using it.<br />
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As you can see, I have a "supervisor" making sure I get that binding sewn on <i>just so</i>.<br />
Scamp loves to see what I'm working on... you know the saying about curiosity and the cat!<br />
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Of course you could use a regular charm pack of 5" squares for this too, just slice each one into four 2.5" squares. I can see myself making another of these, probably with Christmas prints. I have part of a Christmas charm pack left from another project. I'll have to count the remaining squares to see if there would be enough. If not I'll just mix in a few other reds and greens... you wouldn't tell, would you?<br />
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I am linking to <a href="https://wendysquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/2019/04/my-first-finish-of-2019-and-peacock.html">Wendy's Peacock Party here</a>. Stop by to see what everyone has been working on this week.<br />
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Easter is coming...is everybunny at your house ready?<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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Fabriholic: n: One who can't control the urge to buy fabric they don't have a project for. Again.<br />
<br />Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-71859208774232377642019-04-07T16:26:00.001-03:002019-04-14T19:12:36.703-03:00A Quick and Easy Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you ready for another baby quilt? No, we're not expecting another baby, this is just one I "have on hand." It's been done for a while, I just haven't shared it with you yet. This is actually the second one like this I have made, the first one went to a friend of Mark's for their first baby, Thomas, over a year ago. Wow, time passes quickly...<br />
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You can't get much easier (or quicker) than a four patch with alternate plain blocks, and when it's done "from stash," all the better. I decided it was a good way to use up some odds and ends, bits and pieces of blues; gotta whittle down the blue stash, it's taking over!! I found the polka dot at my LQS, and couldn't resist. I do love anything "dotty."<br />
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I quilted both this and the first one with unevenly spaced straight lines, to resemble plaid. The first one was done with three shades of blue thread (for even more resemblance to plaid, or so I thought), but there wasn't enough differentiation in the three so they all looked pretty much the same. Lesson learned! This one was done with just one blue. I found a cute tone on tone blue print for the backing, with toy trains, planes, helicopters, scooters, diggers etc. Perfect for a little boy, I thought! The blocks are 5" square and the overall measurement is 35" x 45."<br />
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Here is baby Thomas snuggling under his quilt, "watching" football with his Daddy.<br />
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Not long ago my guild had a workday to make small quilts for our hospital's neo-natal unit. I was unable to attend, so made one up at home to use more blues and the rest of the polka dot and backing. Same design idea, but more "plain" blocks with just a few four patches. Blocks are 3.5" and overall size is about 24" square.<br />
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I pieced the backing to use up the rest of the blue tone on tone and polka dot. I was just a little short, so added in another blue which has "family" words all over it- mommy, daddy, baby, sister, brother etc.<br />
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This one is quilted with a 1.25" cross hatch with white Aurifil thread. Love the Aurifil 50 wt. when I just want the quilting to sink into the quilt. I hope it will bring a smile to the faces of anxious new parents with a NICU baby.<br />
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For baby quilts, often "simple" is best. Simple sure makes it quick and easy.<br />
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Up next, a runner finish. Have you finished any small projects lately?<br />
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Piece!<br />
Linda<br />
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Planes, trains, trucks and toys,<br />
There's nothing quite like little boys.Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-21773834252556674292019-03-28T22:35:00.000-03:002019-04-05T12:28:49.779-03:00In the Bag... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Continuing on with the gift bag for baby Layelah...<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="https://linda-hubbard.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-baby-quilt.html">Her quilt</a> </span>was finished <i>just in time</i>.. but her Raggedy Anne doll was finished early as I worked on it through the summer. When I was <i>much</i> younger, and all my friends were having babies, I made many Raggedy Annes and Andys, always in the traditional red; the last two I made were for my own two children (so we know <i>that's</i> a few years ago!) But I knew <span style="color: red;">red</span> just wouldn't work for Miss Layelah- not with a <span style="color: #674ea7;">purple</span> room!! So I set about making her a funky <span style="color: #674ea7;">purple</span> Raggedy Anne. What fun I had searching for the right fabrics for the dress, striped socks and look at the perfect gingham rickrack!!<br />
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Her face and I Love You heart are hand embroidered. She is 14" tall. I calculated that my pattern is about 40 years old.. so no wonder the embroidery transfers for the facial features were all dried up... I just traced them onto the fabric with pencil. All in all I was pleased with how she turned out.<br />
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Making the doll itself, the hair in particular, takes more time than the clothing. Every loop of the hair (and there are <i>many</i>) is secured with another stitch so little fingers can not pull the loops out. The hair probably takes longer than anything else. She is well dressed with pantaloons, dress and pinafore. Somewhat "dated" perhaps, in today's world, but still a classic in my mind.<br />
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In the gift bag as well were a lilac soft flannel receiving blanket and a copy of Sheree Fitch's <i>Mabel Murple </i>along with these two darling bunnies, knit by my friend <a href="https://quilt-knit-run-sew.blogspot.com/">Gail M. </a>I <strike>begged,</strike> <strike>pleaded</strike>, <strike>coerced</strike> convinced Gail to make them for me, a boy bunny for big brother Noah and a girl bunny for baby Layelah. Aren't they just sweet? Gail does such a wonderful job on these, I would love to have a whole <strike>collection</strike>... errr.. litter? just for myself! Soooo cute! I "named" them Benny Bunny and Bitsy Bunny...<br />
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I guess you can see I had such great fun getting ready for this little girl's arrival... <span style="color: purple;">♥</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I am linking up with Wendy's Peacock Party. Pop over to see what others have been working on <a href="https://wendysquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-new-quilt-and-peacock-party.html">here.</a></span><br />
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Love and Peace,<br />
Grammie Linda<br />
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A granddaughter is a treasure whose worth you cannot measure except by the love in your heart.Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-1706684386881595672019-03-26T12:01:00.002-03:002019-04-14T19:13:25.283-03:00The Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Miss Layelah is almost 6 month old and I haven't yet shown you the quilt I made for her, or her special doll. Shame on me! The nursery walls are painted a soft grey and most things are neutral- white crib, white chest of drawers, black curtains... but the accent colour is purple, so purple was going to be the main quilt colour.<br />
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I eventually found a nice soft lilac batik for the background, and set about going through all my batiks for fabrics that would work. I used 28 different fabrics, with a couple of donations from friends (thanks Lucy and Sandi!) Just pinks and purples seemed dull to me so I added a few corals as well as a couple of peachy-yellows. I cannot tell you the pattern name or source, I just found a picture on Pinterest I liked and made up my own version. I cut the "bricks" 2.5" x 5" so their finished size is 2" x 4.5" with 21 bricks in each vertical row (total of 84 bricks.) The inner sashing rows finish at 2" wide with the outer two on the sides wider at 4." The overall size is 40" x 42." (With no real pattern to follow, I just determined the sizes by what looked right/in proportion to my eye.) It was pieced with Aurifil 50 wt. thread, and was quick and easy to put together.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLLtndsgLYU/XJo1uTsQXkI/AAAAAAAAS4Y/fFz0_-UygC8NdXhp47WLZdz5UT1MkmHegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0203w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLLtndsgLYU/XJo1uTsQXkI/AAAAAAAAS4Y/fFz0_-UygC8NdXhp47WLZdz5UT1MkmHegCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0203w.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">(Edit:</span> My friend Carole tells me this is a Missouri Star Quilt Co. pattern. She thought it was called a Zipper quilt, but I haven't been able to find it when I searched their site. If anyone can shed light on this, please let me know.)<br />
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I quilted it with rows of serpentine stitch with a soft pink and purple 40 wt. variegated King Tut thread (#940 "Cotton Candy") by Superior Threads. (Ginger was such a great help with the pinning of the quilt sandwich! Thank you Ginger!! ^..^ )<br />
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I was "down to the wire" getting this done, in fact I think it was finished just two days before she was born. She was overdue, so we joked that she was waiting for Grammy to finish her quilt!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAfTXX4g6Lk/XJo2XKNY0vI/AAAAAAAAS4o/DWfsLFB_CrIwqhjBKUU4WXVa1I6kNdS8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0248w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAfTXX4g6Lk/XJo2XKNY0vI/AAAAAAAAS4o/DWfsLFB_CrIwqhjBKUU4WXVa1I6kNdS8gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0248w.jpg" width="271" /></a><br />
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Laura also made a quilt for Layelah during the summer. For her first effort, we chose something quick and simple - four patches and plain blocks, in whites, purples and greys. I helped with the cutting but she did all the sewing and quilting by herself, and I finished it off with the binding. Well done, my dear! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I may make a quilter of her yet!)</span><br />
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Up next, you'll see what else was in that purple gift bag...<br />
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Piece,<br />
Linda<br />
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Today's "quote" is a poem.. I have no idea who penned it, but I've always loved it...<br />
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This quilt is made of cloth and thread <br />
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To place upon your little bed.<br />
It's not an heirloom just to keep,<br />
But to lay upon, as you count sheep.<br />
Or perhaps the floor's the perfect place<br />
For a doll or teddy picnic space.<br />
This quilt can be anything you dream,<br />
From Superman's cape to the robe of a queen.<br />
Pretend it's a raft adrift at sea<br />
Or just cuddle up and watch TV.<br />
So use it up and wear it out<br />
I promise I won't yell or pout.<br />
Just tell me when its days are through,<br />
And I'll make another, just for you!Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-30315088055720676132019-03-13T14:08:00.000-03:002019-03-20T16:35:52.641-03:00A Grand UpdateAs they say.. time flies! Claire is in school, Noah is almost 3 (!!) and Layelah is already 5 months! I must be getting old! Indeed, I will become a senior citizen in another week. How can that be?! I'm trying to look on the bright side.. I am still vertical.. and healthy (no meds at all- yay!) and now I'll be getting a regular cheque each month! AND I'll qualify for seniors discount!! Gotta love it! And the BEST part of getting older....?? Grandchildren!!<br />
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So, it's high time for a little update on "the grands."<br />
Claire, age 5, is now in kindergarten, or "Primary" as they call it in Nova Scotia. She is in French Immersion and doing well with picking up a second language. Here she is on the first morning of school.. so excited!<br />
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I love this photo of her, taken last fall obviously. She is tall for her age, takes after Daddy I guess!<br />
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She takes swimming lessons each week through the winter, and plays soccer in the summer. Of course, winter also means lots of time to play in the snow...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a little monkey, playing on the bed...<br />
Photo Credit: James West Photography</td></tr>
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Noah has passed 2 1/2 and is heading towards 3. He's growing like a bad weed! He is developing quite a personality, and keeps us laughing with his antics.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: James West Photography</td></tr>
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He is such a good big brother to his little sister. Right from the start, he has been gentle with her, and shows her his love. I'm sure they will be good buddies as they grow up.<br />
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Now that she is showing interest in things, he likes to show her a book or bring her a toy, or make her laugh. Sooo precious! Such wonderful times!<br />
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He just melts my heart, every time I get to spend time with him. This grandparent gig is THE BEST!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mummy Laura</td></tr>
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And speaking of little Miss Layelah... look how SHE has grown! She has just passed the five month marker...<br />
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She is such a happy little girl! Wakes up smiling, goes to bed smiling, and smiles most of the time in between!<br />
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Look at that sparkle in her eye!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Mummy Laura</td></tr>
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Yep, another little bundle of joy to love!<br />
I am smitten once again....<br />
<span style="color: red;"> ♥♥♥♥♥</span><br />
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Feeling Very Blessed,<br />
Grammie Linda<br />
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Your children are your rainbows. Your grandchildren are your pot of gold.<br />
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Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-22582740832618430812019-03-11T15:04:00.001-03:002019-03-25T20:22:01.573-03:00Quilting with the Walking Foot classFor those readers who are local or reasonably close by, I recently offered an "open" Walking Foot class, i.e. open to any quilter who has basic machine quilting knowledge. It is scheduled for May 25. It filled within a couple of days and there is a growing waiting list. So although that one is full, I am still taking names of interested quilters, and I will schedule another open class for the fall. So if you would like to add your name, please get in touch. Once I have enough for a class (15) I will set a date and get in touch with you. Don't wait too long, we are already halfway there. Having your name on the list is not a commitment, just an indication of interest.<br />
<span style="color: red;">EDIT Mar. 19:</span> The fall date has been set, Saturday October 5 and the class is now almost full. If you are interested, get in touch ASAP. I will continue to add names to a waiting list if need be, and if I collect enough names, I'll schedule <i>another</i> class.<br />
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Here are a few stitched samples of some of the things you will learn...<br />
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Straight line designs, twin needle work, radiating designs, matchstick quilting....<br />
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.. and curved line designs.. some freehand, some marked, some using pattern stitches on your machine, circles and spirals.... and of course, you'll learn lots about needles, threads, etc.<br />
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Quilt On!<br />
Linda<br />
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She who hesitates is lost...<br />
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"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." ~ Henry FordLinda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-32667757793447545442019-03-03T19:48:00.000-04:002019-03-29T14:54:10.828-03:00A Few Small Projects. Done.I always have a long list of PTD's - that's <b>P</b>rojects <b>T</b>o <b>D</b>o... usually it includes some UFO's (<b>U</b>n<b>F</b>inished <b>O</b>bjects) as well as new projects that have been percolating a while. I'm sure I'm not the only quilter with such a list, whether it's actually written down, or just in the head. Knocking a few items off that list always feels good.<br />
I've crossed off four items in the last few weeks. Since Laura, Noah and Layelah were coming the weekend before Valentines for a visit, I decided it was time to get a pillowcase made for Noah with a jungle animal print I've had since last summer, and a pink taggie blanket for Layelah. <span style="color: red;">❤️❤️</span> I also got a totebag made for one of my "choir sisters" and a runner finished.<br />
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The pillowcase was quick and easy. If you've never made a "magic pillowcase" (aka "sausage" or "burrito" pillowcase or "roll up" pillowcase) you're in for a treat. I followed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drd051Q0rYs">this Youtube video</a> with Alanda Craft but there are others out there too which are likely just as good. It is fast and pretty much foolproof, and all seams are enclosed ( French seams) for a professional finish. To make this you need 27" of your "focus" fabric, 9" for the cuff and 3" of a contrasting fabric for trim. This is easy to remember with 3x9=27.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlWXl1JcoQM/XHxmrJeZJhI/AAAAAAAASyI/Vq7zt28X-h83bM_v27v6YjCk2uKv58duACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2074w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="286" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tlWXl1JcoQM/XHxmrJeZJhI/AAAAAAAASyI/Vq7zt28X-h83bM_v27v6YjCk2uKv58duACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2074w.jpg" width="204" /></a><br />
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I enjoy making these and can see I'll be keeping an eye out for fun fabrics to make more for the kids as you can easily have one done in an hour or less. Of course they are wonderful for an adult as well- a pair would make a nice little gift. There's no need for me to explain the process here, watch the video for a step by step illustrated guide. Noah decided he should be a puppydog "model" for you... gotta love a two year old's humour... :)<br />
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It was time for Layelah to have her own taggie blanket. She was enjoying Noah's and we just <i>can't</i> have our little <i>girl</i> using a <i>blue</i> taggie blanket, now can we? You can <a href="https://linda-hubbard.blogspot.com/2017/02/taggie-blankets.html">read a previous post here </a> for directions.<br />
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Her little fingers and toes are of the utmost interest these days; much of the time they are in her mouth, but when they're not, they are exploring, and babies love to feel different textures. (Update on Miss Layelah coming soon...) Don't you just love those little pink toes!?<br />
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A fellow alto in choir asked me if I would make her a totebag, with a keyboard around the bottom of the bag. She provided the fabric and I used a pattern I have used before with great success - <a href="https://linda-hubbard.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-new-totebag.html">the Fiji tote</a> by Pink Sand Beach designs. The dimensions of the bag are slightly different (a bit narrower and taller) as I was limited by the length of fabric she provided, but otherwise I followed the pattern as given. The keyboard was fun to do, even though it took considerably longer than I expected. I doubled the white fabric so the black print would not show through, with a seam along the top and bottom of the strip so there would be no raw edges for wear and tear. This was fused on to the bag front and back, then blind hem-stitched with monofilament ("invisible") thread. I was concerned about the keys being in the right proportion, so I measured the keys on my piano - the white keys are 6" long and the black keys are almost 4" long. I knew 6" would just look too big on the bag, so I went with a 5" wide white strip and made the black keys in proportion.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I86hioSOGRM/XHxi9ik4GnI/AAAAAAAASxw/_rMqhaTXnOcCaf7DRWVwi9BzgOJxW9-uwCEwYBhgL/s1600/002w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I86hioSOGRM/XHxi9ik4GnI/AAAAAAAASxw/_rMqhaTXnOcCaf7DRWVwi9BzgOJxW9-uwCEwYBhgL/s320/002w.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The white keys were stitched with 12 wt. black thread with all thread ends pulled to the inside and knotted so there was no backstitching to show. The black keys were fused on and stitched around with black thread. I am pleased with how it turned out. In hindsight, if I was doing this again, I think I would piece the keyboard.. hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it...?<br />
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I'll save the runner for a future post.<br />
What have you been working on lately?<br />
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Piece!<br />
Linda<br />
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Sewing is not a hobby. It's an obsession, an occupation, a fascination, an addiction, self-expression and a way of life.Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-41948878839199741102019-02-28T23:44:00.000-04:002019-04-14T19:13:52.691-03:00Log Cabin Miniature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have another small project finish to share with you today. The blocks for this miniature quilt have been made for .. <span style="font-size: x-small;">ahem..</span> "a while" now. They are foundation pieced, on paper. The finished block size is 2 1/4” and each log is 1/4" wide. Finished quilt size is 10 1/4” x 12 1/2”. Have I told you before that Log Cabin is my all time favourite quilt pattern? Sure I have, but I think it bears repeating. I used Aurifil thread for the piecing of the blocks. Because it is a 2 ply thread, it takes up less space in the seams, a good thing when you're working tiny like this! I work on a number of blocks at a time, and switch back and forth between a light coloured thread with the light logs and a darker thread (usually grey) with the dark logs. I find this works well when foundation piecing, as thread sometimes shows here and there after the paper is removed and a stitch or two has "pulled." I don't want light thread showing between dark logs, or vice versa!<br />
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This miniature top is done totally from scraps and leftovers, and the backing is a Buttermilk Print fabric by RJR that I've had for likely twenty years. It was purchased at a wonderful little shop (that no longer exists) in St. Agatha, west of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. I remember well my visit there (and considerable “stash enhancement”.)<br />
I added a very narrow flat piping between the two borders.<br />
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The quilting is simple, as best suits a miniature, with straight lines done with my walking foot. I had several spools of lovely Aurifil fall colours, any of which I thought would work well, but it turns out I liked the soft yellow (#2130) best for the light areas and I didn’t like any of these colours on the darks so I ended up using a soft medium brown. Black Aurifil thread was used on the black border for several concentric rows. I’m not 100% sure this is totally finished. I’m thinking of adding a bit of appliqué in two corners of the outer border.... what do you think? Still pondering...<br />
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If you read the previous post on my <a href="https://linda-hubbard.blogspot.com/2019/01/winter-blossom.html">Winter Blossom miniature here</a>, you might like to see the “final touch” I've added. Since it was somewhat of a joint project with my friend <a href="https://sewkaren-lycreated.blogspot.com/">Karen Neary</a>, and since she is an apiarist (beekeeper) I knew I just had to add a little bee. Thanks to my friend Sandi for finding me the perfect little honeybee, and thanks to Sheila for bringing her home from Florida.<br />
Up next, several more small project finishes.<br />
I am linking to Wendy's Peacock Party link up. <a href="https://wendysquiltsandmore.blogspot.com/2019/02/peacock-party.html">Check it out here.</a><br />
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Piece!<br />
Linda<br />
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Quilters are not greedy, they are just “materialistic.”Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-24846196016244232522019-02-10T19:12:00.000-04:002019-02-10T19:12:14.529-04:00On My Bookshelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I guess there's one good thing this bitterly cold weather is good for... reading! We're into February now, so that's progress. However winter could hurry along and I wouldn't be one bit sad. I'm trying to ignore the cold weather and snowstorms and just immerse myself in good books, quilting projects, comfort foods and Netflix! That's my solution to a long cold winter... :)<br />
So what have you been reading lately? I am waaaay behind on book reviews, don't know if I'll ever catch up! Today I'll share with you four recent reads by the same author- Gilly Macmillan. After several "bookworm friends" told me I <i>had </i>to read <i>What She Knew, </i>I took their advice and wasn't disappointed. I read her next three as soon as I could get my hands on them: <i>The Perfect Girl</i>, <i>Odd </i><i>Child Out</i>, and <i>I Know You Know, </i>and I'm sure I'll be reading <i>The Nanny</i> when it comes out this year.<br />
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<i>What She Knew,</i> set in Bristol England, tells the story of an eight year old boy's disappearance and the ensuing search for him. His mother Rachel tries desperately to not fall apart as hours and days pass with no signs of her son Ben. Everyone surrounding Ben becomes suspect, from Rachel's newly married ex and his wife, to Rachel's "perfect" sister, to eventually Rachel herself. Macmillan does a fine job of convincing you the reader that you know "who did it," as each character comes under the harsh glare of suspicion. The story is told by Rachel and by lead detective Jim Clemo. I felt like I was in the middle of the police investigation, complete with the use of social media posts concerning the case. The characters are solid, and one cannot help but feel sympathy for what Ben's family are going through, understanding their angst. What parent could not relate? I know this is an over used line but I truly found it hard to put this book down. The chapters are short, which made it so easy to keep telling myself "just one more chapter..." An impressive debut novel. Of the four, I enjoyed it the most.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--buIRjeJvUo/XGCsu6tmXSI/AAAAAAAASu8/K2Cg9LiPM3g0UKKj8XsnJ9f0EmkfpWRegCLcBGAs/s1600/perfect%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--buIRjeJvUo/XGCsu6tmXSI/AAAAAAAASu8/K2Cg9LiPM3g0UKKj8XsnJ9f0EmkfpWRegCLcBGAs/s320/perfect%2Bgirl.jpg" width="211" /></a><i> </i>From the book jacket of<i> The Perfect Girl: "</i>Zoe Maisey is a seventeen-year-old musical prodigy with a genius IQ. Three years ago, she was involved in a tragic incident that left three classmates dead. She served her time, and now her mother Maria, is resolved to keep that devastating fact tucked far away from their new beginning, hiding the past from even her new husband, and demanding Zoe do the same.Tonight Zoe is giving a recital that Maria has been planning for months. It needs to be the performance of her life. But instead, by the end of the evening, Maria is dead.<br />
In the aftermath, everyone - police, family, Zoe's former solicitor, and Zoe herself - tries to piece together what happened. But as Zoe knows all too well, the truth is rarely straightforward, and the closer we are to someone, the less we may see." A good read as well but it just didn't seem to hold my attention like the first one did.<br />
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<i> Odd Child Out, </i>Macmillan's third novel is the second to feature Detective Jim Clemo, back from a compulsory leave after the Ben Finch case. From the book jacket: "Best friends Noah Sadler and Abdi Mahad have always been inseparable. But when Noah is found floating unconscious in Bristol's Feeder Canal, Abdi can't- or won't- tell anyone what happened.<br />
Just back from mandatory leave following his last case, Detective Jim Clemo is now assigned to look into this unfortunate accident. But tragedy strikes, and what looked like a simple case of a prank gone wrong soon ignites into a public battle. Noah is British. Abdi is a Somali refugee. And social tensions have been rising rapidly in Bristol. Against this background of fear and fury, two families fight for their sons and the truth. Neither of them know how far they will have to go, what demons they will have to face, what pain they will have to suffer. Because the truth hurts."<br />
I found this novel more engaging, more suspenseful. Macmillan has again developed her characters well and family dynamics and secrets play a role in the tension between the two families. Racial tensions and prejudice stirred up by a reporter, and Abdi's subsequent disappearance make the case more difficult. Just what did happen that night at the canal? Another novel very difficult to put down...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNZdBJUb9pg/XGCq-1bHZFI/AAAAAAAASuw/mHpAFMolbKUzS2ynSRZDGD1focwAZ5uewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0615w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNZdBJUb9pg/XGCq-1bHZFI/AAAAAAAASuw/mHpAFMolbKUzS2ynSRZDGD1focwAZ5uewCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0615w.jpg" width="240" /></a><i>I Know You Know</i>, the story of two Bristol murder cases twenty years apart, is truly a "whodunnit" with lots of twists and unexpected turns to keep you guessing until the end. Cody Swift returns to Bristol to launch his own investigation into the murder of his two childhood best friends, eleven- year-olds Charlie Paige and Scott Ashby whose bodies were dumped near a dog racing rack. Although someone had been convicted of the crime, Swift was not convinced the case was truly solved. Lingering questions and doubts compel him to take matters into his own hands, hoping to find answers and uncover missed evidence. When another body is found in the same location, old files must be opened to see if the two cases are connected. The clock is ticking...<br />
Another suspenseful story, it held my attention to the very end. If you haven't read any of Gilly Macmillan's novels, do give them a try, but if you read at night in bed as I do, and you have to get up early, maybe you should wait until the weekend, as I'm sure you'll find it hard to put the book(s) down and turn off the light.. don't say I didn't warn you...<br />
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What have you read recently that you found hard to put down?<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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My favourite game is called "How many chapters can I read in one night?"Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-26353724682235405172019-01-23T00:30:00.001-04:002019-04-14T19:14:28.042-03:00Winter Blossom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The winter solstice is long past, and we've survived Blue Monday. Spring is <i>only</i> 56 days away!! Okay, we know it'll be longer than that until spring <i>really</i> appears, but after a much-too-early start to winter, I'm hoping spring will arrive earlier than usual too... a girl can hope, right?!<br />
As my perennial beds slumber away under their warm thick quilt of snow, I am dreaming of the blossoms to come. Until then, I'll make my own blossoms in my studio. It's the next best thing!<br />
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I'm so happy today to be a "detour" on the Island Batik Getaway Blog Hop. If you're visiting here for the first time, as part of the hop, welcome! (I hope you'll linger a bit and have a look around.) If you have no idea what I'm talking about, read on. Island Batik is a manufacturer, importer and distributor of cotton and rayon batik fabrics and hand-printed cottons from Indonesia. (You can read more about the company <a href="https://www.islandbatik.com/about/">here.</a>) A number of very talented quilters act as ambassadors for Island Batik - several times a year they receive the new collections of IB fabrics to work with, and each month they show the projects they have created, on their blogs. Twice a year (January and August), there is a blog hop to showcase all these beautiful fabrics and the creations that have been made by the ambassadors. The Island Batik Getaway Blog Hop runs from January 7- February 2. You can read more about it <a href="https://www.islandbatik.com/news/index.php/island-batik-getaway-blog-hop/">here</a> and see the list of all the participating ambassadors. Be sure to visit each one (yes you can still go back and see all those who have already posted in the first two weeks, it's now into week 3.) Best of all, there are some giveaways so be sure to leave comments to enter!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Blossom collection. </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></tr>
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To be very clear, I am NOT an Island Batik ambassador, but my friend Karen at <a href="http://sewkaren-lycreated.blogspot.com/">Sew Karen-ly Created </a>IS! Last fall, I asked her what she did with all her leftover batik scraps... "You DON'T <i>throw them OUT</i>, do you?!" I said, with a degree of horror in my voice... (I cannot understand how <i>anyone</i> could throw out their scraps of such beautiful fabrics, although I know many quilters do... <span style="font-size: x-small;">ahem..I <i>may</i> have been known to <i>rescue</i> said beautiful scraps from waste baskets after workshops.) <span style="font-size: small;">My question no doubt led to Karen asking me several months later if I'd be interested in receiving her scraps from the collection Blossom, which was her assigned fabric collection for this Hop. You see, Karen knows my passion is making miniatures. She told me her plan was to use up as much of the collection as she could, but I was welcome to whatever leftover scraps there were if I wanted to make a miniature from them, and show it on her day of the hop, so that's how this came about. You <i>know</i> I said YES! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figuring out my design... one at a time...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wheels were beginning to turn... Karen told me she was going to do something with the hexagon shape and that the collection was called Blossom. I quickly decided I too would do hexies, not with EPP, but the "modern hexagon" approach. (If that sounds like Greek to you, you can visit a <a href="https://linda-hubbard.blogspot.com/2019/01/hexie-love.html">previous post here</a> for an explanation of modern hexagons and how they're done.) Karen is always on the ball, and had a good deal of her piecing done before Christmas so she sent me some scraps in early December. She did send me a few partial shots of her design/partly-put-together quilt which helped with those slowly turning wheels, but I didn't reveal to her what I was planning. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masking tape and a ruler's edge keep it all straight.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then Christmas consumed all my "free time" (Ha! <i>What</i> woman has free time in December?!) and I didn't get going on this until early January. Still with no concrete plan on paper, I set about making little 1/2" hexies. I made about 175, and then started playing with a design. At this point, Karen still had no idea what I was planning, other than using up her scraps. Once I had it pretty well laid out, I asked for more purples and the yellow for centres. Canada Post came through and I had her envelope in a few days (last week.) We do not live in the same province; we're only about 3 hours apart, but neither of us had time to simply "pop by." Finally she sent me a few quick shots of parts of her quilt and I revealed to her my rough design, laid out on my cutting board (photo above.) But she has not seen the end result- she will see the finished quilted miniature this morning for the first time. I can't wait for her response!</span></span><br />
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So... here it is. I'm calling it "Winter Blossom." It is 12.5" square.<br />
Without a good straight-on shot of her quilt, I tried to do a representation of hers- not identical, as I did not receive scraps of all the fabrics, and had very limited amounts of most. I thought, when I saw her photos, that she had several blossoms "falling off the edge" so I did the same. Turns out I was wrong about hers, but although it caused me a little grief in the finishing, I'm glad I did it this way... adds a bit more interest I think.<br />
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Here are the details. The 166 hexies are 1/2" (measured on a straight side) and are 1" in diameter. The overall quilt size is 12.5" square. The hexie fabrics are from Island Batik's Blossom collection, the background fabric which I also used for the backing and the facing, is called Almond, from the Neutrals collection. It is quilted with 50 wt. Aurifil #3840 French Lilac, a beautiful variegated of soft lilac to purple shades.. Love my Aurifil thread! <span style="color: #674ea7;">♥</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoops! I had already removed some of the tissue paper before taking this photo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My spiral lines, quilted with the walking foot are 3/8" apart. I googled spiral images and found a clockwise Archimedean spiral which printed out to 1/2" spacing. I wanted 3/8" (the distance from the edge of my walking foot to my centred needle) so I printed it at 75% and it came out just perfect. Whew! </span></span>I traced the first few rounds of the spiral on white tissue paper, pinned it onto the quilt and stitched through the tissue paper, then just continued keeping the edge of the walking foot along the previous stitching.<br />
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Spirals are not hard, but the beginning must be done slowly and carefully to keep the curve smooth. You may be able to see I used a shorter stitch length at the beginning of the spiral.<br />
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I chose to face rather than bind the piece. This was my first time doing a quilt facing! Of course the two "irregular sides" made me stop and think "how do I do this?" I made a prototype first to be sure what seemed so straightforward in my mind would actually work. (It did! :)) Nothing like giving yourself a little extra challenge when you're down to the wire! All stitching was done on my home machine, a Bernina 1260 Quilters Edition.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you haven't already visited Karen's blog - you <i>will</i> want to see her full size quilt - you can <a href="http://sewkaren-lycreated.blogspot.com/">find her here.</a> A big THANK YOU to Karen for persuading me to join in the fun with this blog hop. Bouquets of blossoms to you, my dear! Of course I must say a thank you to Island Batik as well for their wonderful fabrics <span style="color: magenta;">♥</span> and to Aurifil for producing such fabulous thread. <span style="color: #674ea7;">♥</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks so much for stopping by today, I hope you have enjoyed reading about my <strike>little</strike> miniature adventure with Karen. I'd love for you to leave me a comment below and tell me where you're visiting from. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">EDIT: </span>Check out <a href="https://linda-hubbard.blogspot.com/2019/02/log-cabin-miniature.html">this post</a> to see the final addition to this Winter Blossom quilt.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now you must continue hopping along to the next blog in line and that's <a href="https://www.devotedquilter.com/">Leanne at Devoted Quilter. </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">She also used the Blossom collection. </span></span>If you wish to "hop backwards" to visit other ambassadors' Blog Hop posts, you can find the <a href="https://www.islandbatik.com/news/">complete list with links here</a>. Have fun!<br />
I am also linking to <a href="https://conniekresin.com/2019/01/linky-tuesday-january-29th-2019.html">Linky Tuesday</a> at <a href="https://conniekresin.com/">Freemotion by the River.</a><br />
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Piece,<br />
Linda<br />
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"The color of springtime is in the flowers; the color of winter is in the imagination."<br />
~ Terri Guillemets<br />
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<br />Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-40270257387783538672019-01-21T15:26:00.002-04:002019-01-21T16:09:27.863-04:00Blue Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is Blue Monday, supposedly the "lowest point" in the year for many people. Not sure if that's because of that recently-arrived Visa bill from Christmas spending, the short cold days of winter and lack of sunshine, low motivation and the desire to just hibernate, or maybe all of the above! I know I certainly get "down" a bit in the winter; I've never been a "winter sports person".. I just don't enjoy being cold. Period. Winter can't end soon enough for me. So today, following a significant amount of snow and ice pellets from yesterday's big snowstorm, I'm choosing to dream of spring and my garden, and the beautiful blues I will find there. I thought I'd share some <span style="font-size: x-small;">(blue)</span> garden shots with you; you've seen them before if you've been following me for a while. Obviously they weren't taken today - my gardens are under several feet of snow...<br />
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I get through the winter by dreaming of spring and summer in my garden. I know you're not supposed to wish your life away... but it helps me through the cold winter months. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!<br />
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I read an article this morning on Blue Monday and it offered a few tips on beating the winter blues - they all made good sense to me. 1. Pamper yourself. (I like this one!!) Treat yourself to a spa date or have a pedi, buy a nice bottle of wine or some special chocolate and a good book, pick up tickets to a show you've been wanting to see... just treat yourself to <i>something</i> out of the ordinary. You're worth it!<br />
2. Go to bed earlier. The benefits of sleep cannot be disputed and a little extra time in zzz-land will give you extra energy for tomorrow. (Of course, I have to learn to close the book and turn out the light....)<br />
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3. Watch a funny movie. Or take in a comedy show. We all could use a little more laughter in our lives. Lighten the mood!<br />
4. Book a holiday. We may not all be able to afford a trip to the sunny south to escape the cold, but plan a trip <i>somewhere. </i>Why? To give yourself something to look forward to. This works for me. Of course it works even better if it IS a sunny southern location I'm planning to visit, but just planning a get-away to somewhere will put me in a better mood. Try it and see!<br />
5. Perform a random act of kindness for someone. It doesn't matter what it is, large or small, helping out someone else makes YOU feel good too. :)<br />
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What helps you get through the winter, or beat the winter blues? Do you have any tips to share?<br />
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Happy Blue Monday! Be sure to return on Wednesday, I'll have blossoms of another sort to share with you...<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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If you have the power to make someone smile, do it. The world needs more of that.Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-4901244021464741502019-01-19T13:00:00.001-04:002019-04-14T19:14:52.132-03:00Hexie Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello again! Wow, two posts in two days! (See? I'm trying hard!) This last few weeks I've been working hard on a little hexagon project, which you will see next week, I promise! As I was basting these hexies, I remembered that I haven't shown you the last hexie project I completed, a while back. It's just a small piece, 10.5" x 12.5", with no intended purpose.. it's "just because." After all, not everything needs to serve a purpose, right? Sometimes you just want to have fun working on something. In this case, I just wanted to <i>play</i> with this colour combination- turquoise, yellow green and purpley blue. It's quilted with Aurifil 50 wt. thread, in a light lime green, colour #1231 which ties the colours together nicely. Straight lines passing through all the hexagon points secures them well. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoF7743pQgQ/XENQnysyr2I/AAAAAAAASpg/n3vqAr1vEuY23GkbDENTkwHAJRMQRWA_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/007w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="298" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoF7743pQgQ/XENQnysyr2I/AAAAAAAASpg/n3vqAr1vEuY23GkbDENTkwHAJRMQRWA_QCEwYBhgL/s200/007w.jpg" width="132" /></a>As you can see, these hexies are not sewn together in the usual way - what's known as EPP - English Paper Piecing. This technique is referred to as "modern hexagons." They are carefully applied to the background with tiny dots of glue on the back at each point, leaving a narrow space between each hexagon as they are positioned, then the quilting passes through each one to secure them in place. I love using Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive for this job. It's a permanent washable nontoxic adhesive that dries clear and is flexible. It works well as the "nozzle" has a very fine tip, perfect for <i>tiny</i> dots of glue. Trust me, you don't want gobs of glue oozing out from behind your hexagons.<br />
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The hexies are "sized" by the measurement of one straight side - these are 3/4." The diameter, from point to point is double the side's measurement, so in this case, 1.5." You can purchase the papers, or as I do, punch your own. I have three punch sizes - 1/2", 3/4" and 1." I like to use a paper that is not too heavy, but stiff enough to give me good sharp edges and points when the hexie is pressed. I've been using file cards (recipe cards.) With careful placement, I can get eight 3/4" hexies from one 4x6 card.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJKuFNQy3II/XENQlcH9UvI/AAAAAAAASpc/ypLi6oaQUq85jOuR6Hno3eWcUSQlL7gUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/006w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="336" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YJKuFNQy3II/XENQlcH9UvI/AAAAAAAASpc/ypLi6oaQUq85jOuR6Hno3eWcUSQlL7gUwCEwYBhgL/s200/006w.jpg" width="166" /></a><br />
The fabric is cut larger than the paper so you have "seam allowance" to turn to the back and thread baste. Nicole at <a href="https://www.modernhandcraft.com/blog/">Modern Handcraft</a> has an excellent tutorial on basting the hexagons <a href="https://www.modernhandcraft.com/videos/">here</a>, just scroll down to the last video. (This one to the left shows how simply the basting is done, no knots, no double stitches needed for security. This basting is very quick and easy to pull out once the hexie is pressed and the paper removed.)<br />
Once my hexies are all made, I give them a good pressing using Best Press, for good sharp edges and points, then the papers are removed (you can re-use them if you're careful). There is no magic foolproof method for placing them, just care, patience, and a good eye to keep the spacing fairly even. I do use a ruler edge, or a length of masking tape to keep the first row straight.<br />
As I said, I'm finishing up another little hexie project <span style="font-size: x-small;">(with smaller hexies!) <span style="font-size: small;">and I hope to soon get to a much larger hexie project - the fabrics are all gathered and waiting... I <i>need</i> more hours in my day!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you done a hexagon project yet? Warning.. they <i>are</i> addictive... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Piece!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Linda </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">"My 2019 new years resolution is to finish all my craft projects from 2018 that I should have done in 2017, after I started them in 2016 after buying the supplies for them in 2015 with the patterns I found in 2014." ~ Willowlane Designs.</span></span>Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-1520630027879831422019-01-17T19:02:00.000-04:002019-01-19T12:26:13.537-04:00Winter ReadingHello... it's me. Yes I'm still here. Yes I'm still sewing, quilting, stitching, teaching, reading, gardening... just haven't been doing much blogging. I'm hoping to change that this year. 2018 was a very busy year with some unexpected demands on my time. That combined with lack of inspiration, motivation and energy for blogging.. well, you know what happened if you're a regular reader/follower. I wasn't "here" much. The year flew by and even though my intentions were good, my "output" was pitiful. (Why don't you help out with the motivation aspect by leaving me a comment occasionally?) <br />
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Anyway... on to a new year. And here it is already mid January! Ackkk! Since January is always a month when I try to take some extra time for reading, that's where I'm starting. I have so many projects to show you, book reviews and more, but let's start with a book chat.<br />
I LOVE getting books for Christmas. To me there is no better gift. This year I lucked out - look at this wonderful stack of books I found under the tree.. I can't WAIT to dive into this pile. (Actually I've already read <i>Forgiveness</i> and have started <i>Eleanor Oliphant</i>.. more about them soon.) And I received two copies of <i>Educated</i> and already had <i>The Tattooist of Auschwitz</i>, so two more from my "I Want to Read..." list will be added to this pile from those exchanges. Yippee! I'm all set for the winter - my dark chocolate stash has been nicely replenished, and I've got lots of reading material. I'll do my best to ignore the nasty cold winter weather by snuggling up to my pile of new books. <br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qh-WMX8ybpA/XEDlMEDzT4I/AAAAAAAASog/si0BlxN4v547Nn68rAPmtY0GirrtaNe5QCLcBGAs/s1600/wonky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qh-WMX8ybpA/XEDlMEDzT4I/AAAAAAAASog/si0BlxN4v547Nn68rAPmtY0GirrtaNe5QCLcBGAs/s320/wonky.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yes I do <i>love</i> getting books for Christmas. I also love <i>giving</i> books as gifts. My children always knew there would be new books under the tree. They both continue to love reading as adults which makes me very happy. Mark actually set a goal for last year to read 50 books, and he surpassed it by 10! Since he has a fairly lengthy commute each day to work by subway, he passes the time by reading. Good for him!<br />
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course I will keep my grands well supplied with books too! One which
was a big hit this year was The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith. It was much in
demand this fall after a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/humoursocietyy/videos/2205676476319701/">Youtube video</a> of a Sottish Grandma reading it to her grandson was widely shared on Facebook... If you have a little one you MUST add it to your library... and be sure to click on the link above to listen to Grandma reading. Get ready for some good chuckles.<br />
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So, what's on <i>your</i> "I Want To Read" list? What have you read lately that you'd recommend? Did you have a "favourite read" from 2018? DO tell....<br />
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Up next, a small project finish. <br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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"The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you the knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is moral illumination."<br />
~ Elizabeth Hardwick<br />
<br />Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-22127352174857520862018-12-31T20:28:00.002-04:002018-12-31T20:28:56.036-04:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2018 is almost done.. just a few hours remaining. Christmas flew by, as did the entire year! I haven't done much blogging, or photography either for that matter, in 2018. I hope 2019 will be a more "productive" year.<br />
I hope you enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing Christmas, however you chose to celebrate the season. I have lots to catch you up on, do visit again soon.<br />
Wishing you a happy and healthy new year full of fun times and wonderful memories.<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.<br />
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."<br />
~ Oprah WinfreyLinda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-13722401110666953862018-11-30T01:05:00.000-04:002018-11-30T08:51:13.486-04:00A Musical Treat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Our
Ladies Choir Christmas Concert is coming right up... Sunday afternoon,
Dec. 9. I have a few tickets left, but will have them only until Tuesday
Dec.4. After that, they are available from Westminster Books on King
St. or at the door on concert day. We have been working very hard, some of our music this term is quite challenging. Sally, our director, is singing one piece with us - hearing this piece alone will be worth the price of admission. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! I'd love to see you there...<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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"The best way to spread Christmas <i>cheer</i>, is singing loud for all to hear!"<br />
~Buddy the ElfLinda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-18616907372906626232018-10-07T23:43:00.001-03:002019-02-03T16:03:00.598-04:00Introducing......<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGdBWVH1-jQ/W7q76uI-4zI/AAAAAAAASeo/KvqGN8aKEboX0mXn95vMogPzxHbyO91UQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGdBWVH1-jQ/W7q76uI-4zI/AAAAAAAASeo/KvqGN8aKEboX0mXn95vMogPzxHbyO91UQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 hours old...</td></tr>
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...Our new granddaughter finally made her appearance in the wee hours of Monday morning, October 1. She was only a few days "late" for her due date of Sept. 27, but Mummy's OB was <i>so sure</i> she was going to arrive a few weeks early, the last few weeks of waiting seemed to go on <i>forever... </i>But, here she is. She was SO worth the wait!<br />
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Can you believe they didn't have any <span style="color: magenta;">PINK</span> hats left at the hospital??!!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aYtA8gzj8U/W7rAgqOX1eI/AAAAAAAASew/wLn3n7MwtuoCJWPPoCA3XCTQhamoKotXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aYtA8gzj8U/W7rAgqOX1eI/AAAAAAAASew/wLn3n7MwtuoCJWPPoCA3XCTQhamoKotXQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Layelah Rose arrived at 2:40 a.m., very shortly after Mummy arrived at the hospital, and weighed in at a dainty 7 lbs. 1 oz. Her birth was quick and easy, so Mummy is doing well, recovery-wise. She looks exactly like her brother Noah did at birth- except for her darker hair, they could be twins. And speaking of hair, yes, she has lots! I think she'll need a hair appointment soon! lol<br />
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Big brother Noah is getting used to the idea of having a little sister. He wasn't terribly interested in her at first - was more interested in her swing! Typical boy! But after a few days, he's doing much better. Mummy and Daddy are doing a great job at involving him and making him feel important by giving him little jobs to do to help out. Today he was very proud to fasten her car seat buckles, and sit beside her in the van. :)<br />
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Yes, she's a little cutiepie! I think she's a keeper! <span style="color: magenta;">♥</span><br />
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3.5 days old here and already smiling at Mummy!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! You know what WE are giving Thanks for today...<br />
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Peace and Love,<br />
Grammy Linda<br />
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Such a BIG MIRACLE in such a little girl... Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-12051444595908499652018-09-23T14:04:00.000-03:002018-10-21T14:42:11.443-03:00Needle Organizer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMuhVqIkSEc/W6fAPtbOTOI/AAAAAAAASdc/izjrwEbN9EECZQlhuux5bCXVJTtOL3jXQCLcBGAs/s1600/437w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="438" height="306" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMuhVqIkSEc/W6fAPtbOTOI/AAAAAAAASdc/izjrwEbN9EECZQlhuux5bCXVJTtOL3jXQCLcBGAs/s400/437w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Today I'm sharing a recent small project with you - an organizer for your sewing machine needles. When I teach machine quilting classes, I always take a variety of needle types to show, and until recently I also took my bulk box of quilting needles, as many quilters don't know you can save a considerable amount by buying needles in bulk (100 in a box). After one particular class, my supplies were all loaded on a cart to transport them up from the church basement classroom and out of the building. The cart tipped a little when I pushed it over some uneven ground at the building entrance and I didn't realize all my little needle packages, held together with an elastic, slid out of my totebag and fell off. It wasn't until the next Friday when I was packing up again to head out of town to teach another class, that I realized ALL my needles were missing. Luckily I remembered the cart tipping and thought they must have fallen off; I made a frantic call back to the church office and they were located. I said a silent thank-you to the kind person who found them and turned them in! (Bet she was a quilter!)<br />
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Anywaaaay... after that I decided I needed something larger to accommodate my needles so if they tried to <i>escape</i> again I would notice... <span style="font-size: xx-small;">wink.</span> When I found the directions for this case on <a href="http://quiltsocial.com/">QUILTsocial.com</a> I knew it would be the answer. You can find the first set of directions by <a href="https://quiltsocial.com/more-fun-with-twin-needle-quilting-creating-a-needle-organizer/">clicking here.</a> It is a five part article, with the link to the next day's directions at the end of each post.<br />
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Mine measures 8.25" x 10.25" when closed and 10.25" x 16.5" when opened. Here it is opened up to reveal the vinyl pockets, top edges bound with (purchased) double fold bias binding. The stitching which divides the pockets is done with a 2.5mm. twin needle; of course it <i>could</i> be done with single needle as well, but this <i>was</i> a project designed to get you more familiar with twin needle stitching.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Gz8YRAfPvc/W6fCcB6YYFI/AAAAAAAASd0/5S0lvERvZxEg4cW3pIXbh7k6PRXqPvDLACLcBGAs/s1600/438w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="313" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Gz8YRAfPvc/W6fCcB6YYFI/AAAAAAAASd0/5S0lvERvZxEg4cW3pIXbh7k6PRXqPvDLACLcBGAs/s400/438w.jpg" width="278" /></a><br />
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Here's a closer look....<br />
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I made a few small changes - I made mine smaller (fewer pockets) and used just one size of twin needle rather than the three sizes suggested. I also rounded the corners of the case and used a continuous binding which I thought looked neater; of course the binding had to be cut on the bias to go smoothly around those curved corners but worth the effort I think.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0w6E3yqmvQ/W6fCuf85O2I/AAAAAAAASd8/EELNmaGMdwQ91WbXwcLaDzfGRbXTX8IXQCLcBGAs/s1600/441w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="290" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0w6E3yqmvQ/W6fCuf85O2I/AAAAAAAASd8/EELNmaGMdwQ91WbXwcLaDzfGRbXTX8IXQCLcBGAs/s400/441w.jpg" width="258" /></a><br />
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I used two buttons for the closure instead of just one. I decided to use two fancy buttons I had purchased years ago for crazy quilting.. I have SO many lovely buttons that have gone unused, so why not use two particularly pretty ones for this case .. what am I saving them for??!!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRYTZJHkFf8/W6fF0a-DP-I/AAAAAAAASeI/9Z9YQhNo6R46IqAhzFxrVVDdWdGvH6D_wCLcBGAs/s1600/434w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRYTZJHkFf8/W6fF0a-DP-I/AAAAAAAASeI/9Z9YQhNo6R46IqAhzFxrVVDdWdGvH6D_wCLcBGAs/s400/434w.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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The organizer is made in two sections- the outside is layered with fusible fleece and quilted; I followed the suggestions of a twin needle crosshatch in the lower section but did single needle organic lines in the upper section. I LOVE the look of twin needle crosshatching, I do it often. This one is quite narrow- the lines are 1/2" apart and done with a Sulky rayon thread. The inside layer is fabric backed with nonwoven interfacing and then the vinyl strips are added to create the pockets. Then of course the two sections are placed wrong sides together and the edges are bound.<br />
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The one suggestion I would make if you decide to make one of these is to do with stitching on the vinyl. If you have never stitched on vinyl before I'd suggest you buy a very small amount (or borrow a little piece from a sewing friend) and see how your machine handles it. The article suggests that you should have a non-stick/teflon foot. Good advice, but likely not a foot many quilters have, and they can be pricey and perhaps hard to find. So try it without and see how your machine will handle the vinyl. I had no trouble, hopefully you will be just as lucky. <span style="color: blue;">EDIT: Read the comments below from Holly and Karen for suggestions on stitching on vinyl.</span><br />
It's a fun little project. If you make one, send me a photo! <b>:)</b><br />
I like <a href="http://quiltsocial.com/">QUILTsocial.com</a> and visit often - there are many interesting projects presented and lots of good info and advice, tips and techniques. You may also have noticed I use Schmetz needles almost exclusively - top quality German made, they are THE BEST hands down. For a topstitch needle I prefer Superior Threads titanium coated topstitch needles, also top quality! The needle is one of the most important parts of your machine- buy top quality and change them often!<br />
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Piece!<br />
Linda<br />
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Sewing machine - the ultimate power tool!Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-36042684495006329912018-09-16T22:25:00.002-03:002018-09-17T23:53:31.416-03:00Catching Up and Mr. Noah<br />
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Well it's high time for a catch-up! (Okay, it's <i>long past time!</i>) The days and weeks have flown by... I don't know where the summer went. How can it already be mid-September. Sigh.<br />
I'm so far behind I don't know where to start. Let's just say it was an extremely busy summer. Wish I could tell you I have travelled to exotic destinations, but that would be a lie. It was just super busy with lots of hot dry weather so I spent a lot of time watering and trying to keep my vegetable gardens and all flowerbeds alive. Our water bill reflects it... :( There were some day trips, lots of visits with Mr. Noah both here and at his home, a summer wedding, a 5 day trip to Maine, a reunion of university friends, company for several weeks... well you get the picture. Busy times! There was also a kidney stone and a bout with the flu, but otherwise a great summer. Most of my pickling is done... 2 batches of Lady Ashburnhams, a big batch of 11 day crock pickles, peach jam, salsa, and ratatouille are all done. Many litres of stewed tomatoes from the garden are in the freezer. My apple jelly is underway, apples cooked and the juice in the freezer to be boiled and bottled another day. Pickled beets are the only thing remaining; my beets are not very big, guess it'll be pickled<i> baby beets</i> this year!<br />
There hasn't been a lot of sewing or quilting done this summer. I did do a few small projects I cannot reveal yet, plus helped a friend make a totebag and helped Laura make a small quilt.<br />
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So how about an update on Mr. Noah, which I promised a while back... Noah is now two!! (Time is passing much too quickly!!) He is a bundle of energy, picking up new words and skills daily. He is a delightful little guy, and brings much joy into our lives. So without further chat, here are a few of my favourite photos of him, taken over the last 10 months, since you haven't seen any photos since his <i>first </i>birthday! (Indulge me, okay?!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s90VdAm_1vY/W574KvI0HNI/AAAAAAAASbg/Uo92KV9b6PY7rnS4-yA9n1hkLXIye5ATACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s90VdAm_1vY/W574KvI0HNI/AAAAAAAASbg/Uo92KV9b6PY7rnS4-yA9n1hkLXIye5ATACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0340.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Jennifer McKelvay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Jennifer McKelvay </td></tr>
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Christmas visit with cousins Ada and Josephine</div>
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I think this one is an all time fav... Yes he's <i>definitely all boy</i>, right down to the ball cap on backwards!</div>
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Noah has some big news to share with you... he's going to be a big brother!! Soon!! And this <span style="color: magenta;">PINK</span> icecream photo revealed to all that <span style="color: magenta;">it's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!! <span style="color: black;">I couldn't be any more excited.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Of course Noah <i>and I</i> had to celebrate with some icecream too, at the Wharf Village, Magnetic Hill.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> And then there was Noah's second birthday to celebrate..with chocolate cake, of course!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Who could resist this sweet face?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Yes indeed, this sweet boy has stolen my heart. I'm sure you can see why....</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Peace,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Linda</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">"Surely, two of the most satisfying experiences in life must be those of being a grandchild or a grandparent." </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">~ Donald A. Norber</span></span></div>
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Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-5006143636171132472018-09-03T17:03:00.000-03:002018-09-25T23:10:03.177-03:00NSFAF Classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How can it already be September??!!! The summer flew by, and before we know it fall will be here. Once again this October I am teaching at the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival in Amherst NS. Classes are filling up; if you wish to register get in touch with me soon so you won't be disappointed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper pieced bed quilt</td></tr>
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On <b>Friday October 12</b> I am teaching <b>Foundation Piecing for Quilters.</b> This class will cover both paper piecing and string piecing. If you have tried paper piecing and think you don't like it or can't do it, or if you find it frustrating or stressful, you need to take this class - I will change your mind. If you can sew on a straight line and count to 10, then you <i>CAN</i> do it! This technique guarantees a perfect block every time and it is the answer for blocks with many seams like Log Cabin or Pineapple, for tiny blocks for miniatures, and for complex blocks with sharp points like Mariner's Compass or New York Beauty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniature quilt, 8.75" sq. 447 pieces. Easy with Foundation Piecing!</td></tr>
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We'll spend the morning learning HOW to paper-piece by making three small blocks, progressing from easy to more challenging. Then in the afternoon you'll learn how to put blocks together perfectly, how to deal with angled pieces and directional fabrics, how to draw your own paper piecing patterns and number the sections correctly, how to approach more complex paper piecing designs, and more. You will also learn how to string piece, a more "free form" type of foundation piecing. It will be a fun-filled day and you'll pick up many tips and tricks. This is a technique that EVERY quilter should know - come and add it to your skill set. I'll bring a number of foundation pieced quilts to class, from miniature to bed-sized, as well as a number of resources - books, magazines, commercial patterns, etc. By the end of day, you should feel confident to tackle ANY foundation piecing pattern or design.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>This class is now full, but I'll take names on a Waiting List in case of cancellations. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some of the straight line designs you'll learn to do</td></tr>
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On <b>Saturday Oct. 13</b> I'll be teaching <b>Quilting with the Walking Foot</b>. This is currently my most popular class. Most quilters don't use their walking foot to even close to its potential... if you've only used yours for "stitch in the ditch" or attaching a binding, if you find free motion is "just <i>not </i>your thing", or if you find free motion work stressful, then this is the class for you! Join
me to learn the many ways you can quilt with your walking foot, whether on
modern or traditional projects. Geared to the quilter who already has basic
knowledge of machine quilting, this class will further explore the many
applications of the walking foot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will bring many quilts for illustration
purposes, and a number of walking foot quilting books for reference. Join me
for a relaxing fun-filled day “walking your way” to new quilting
techniques!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and these are some curved line designs you'll learn</td></tr>
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After a quick review of the walking foot and
how it works, machine setup, marking and preparing the quilt, we will move on
to explore straight line and linear designs, organic lines, many ways to do grids
(cross-hatching), matchstick quilting, twin needle work, radiating designs,
quilting curves, circles, spirals and clamshells, and echo quilting, as well as
the use of decorative stitches for machine quilting and more. You will learn to
use your quilting guide, and several other methods of evenly spacing quilting
lines without marking. (Who likes marking anyway?) Students will receive
detailed notes, many tips and stitching time in class to create samples.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">**Prerequisite – a
basic machine quilting class. </b>I will assume you have basic knowledge of
threads, needles, battings, how to layer and baste your quilt sandwich. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">**Pfaff
owners</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> –
your machine probably has a “dual feed” also called “IDT.” Although called a
different name, this IS your “built-in” walking foot. It functions exactly the
same way. So you have nothing extra to purchase - how great is that?!</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;">There are still several spaces available in this class.</span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4u3khOBFyc/W42SzN9DLKI/AAAAAAAASa8/S9CLmwlugi86wdNQNshO2ySx-lJemhejQCLcBGAs/s1600/nsfaflogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4u3khOBFyc/W42SzN9DLKI/AAAAAAAASa8/S9CLmwlugi86wdNQNshO2ySx-lJemhejQCLcBGAs/s1600/nsfaflogo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Contact me at <b>lindakhubbard(at)gmail(dot)com </b>for more info on either class and to register. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Piece! (and Quilt too!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Linda</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"It's the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~ Michael Morpurgo</span></span><br />
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Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-34998600796639260152018-07-01T12:02:00.000-03:002019-03-29T16:11:19.116-03:00Happy Canada Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V73VtIgPw30/WzjsLT2EveI/AAAAAAAASUs/YwVpwtNLcRgii9KCPm1sSzNs47-J4FRKgCLcBGAs/s1600/181w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="448" height="291" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V73VtIgPw30/WzjsLT2EveI/AAAAAAAASUs/YwVpwtNLcRgii9KCPm1sSzNs47-J4FRKgCLcBGAs/s400/181w.jpg" width="400" /></a>Happy Canada Day! July 1 has rolled around again and I am more proud than ever to be Canadian. I profess my love for Canada each year, but this year, I am feeling even more thankful to live where I do. With what's going on south of our border and the unrest in other areas of the world, I am so happy and proud to be here in my beautiful little corner of paradise in this great country. Canada may not be perfect, but I sure wouldn't want to live <i>anywhere</i> else. Every Canadian should be celebrating today with great pride our country and for what it stands.<br />
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I am happy to share with you today a small "finish". This little "Canadian Pride" quilt measures about 16" x 21". The pattern is called "Proud to be..." and is by Black Eyed Susan Designs. It is made of 12 Log Cabin blocks (still my favourite block!) and machine quilted, the centre portion with 1/2" cross hatch with 50 wt. Aurifil and the red blocks with a diagonal straight line in each log with a 50 wt. red thread. The maple leaf is machine appliquéd (after the crosshatching was done) and finished with buttonhole stitch with a 12 wt. thread.<br />
The blocks are 5.25" finished, with 3/4" logs. How do you make Log Cabin blocks? Do you have trouble keeping them from being wonky? There are a number of methods, some perhaps more successful than others. One thing that does help is cutting the strips on the lengthwise grain - this helps them be more stable and less stretchy. When I have a small number of LC blocks to do, as in this project, I foundation piece them, that way they are perfectly straight and square.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDDtosSVyE/Wzjshh8riPI/AAAAAAAASU4/wM9Koq8_rWERlUuFllWMVNSFZS0XCmzqgCLcBGAs/s1600/180w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="448" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDDtosSVyE/Wzjshh8riPI/AAAAAAAASU4/wM9Koq8_rWERlUuFllWMVNSFZS0XCmzqgCLcBGAs/s400/180w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The backing fabric is one of the Discover Canada fabrics by Robert Kaufman, featuring names of many Canadian cities, the perfect choice I thought!<br />
The above two photos are a bit dark, the reds are actually bright rich vivid reds...<br />
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Peace and Love,<br />
Linda, proud Canadian!<br />
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"Canada is not a melting-pot. Canada is an association of peoples who have, and cherish, great differences but who work together because they can respect themselves and each other."<br />
~ Vincent MasseyLinda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-53428527575212117852018-05-22T15:14:00.001-03:002018-05-23T09:51:18.629-03:00Gemini in Purple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time to share a finished quilt project with you. I wouldn't want you to think I've been lazy, in my absence! (Just the contrary, I've been busy and have lots of projects and book reviews lined up for you!)<br />
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This quilt was a Christmas gift for Mark and Maggie.<br />
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Their living room colour scheme is neutral - greys and black, and Maggie's favourite colour is purple. So when I found this Hoffman Bali Pop called Urbana (BP #612) I knew it was perfect! I added about 10 more fabrics to get the required number of strips. The purples ranged from true rich royal purples to burgundy and pinky-purples to more subdued blue-purples. The greys were lovely and there were a few very dark teal greens as well. I added a few more greys and some blacks.<br />
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The pattern by <a href="https://www.blueundergroundstudios.com/">Blue Underground Studios, Inc.</a> is called Gemini. Not sure that the pattern is still available (I don't see it on their site) but they have many more that are equally as nice! I have made it before and knew it would be quick and easy. I thought its modern look would suit their 30th floor Toronto condo. I was very pleased with how it turned out, in fact I like it<i> much better</i> than the one I made myself from the same pattern. Go figure...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo58VunQ7dI/WwRTA1qh7xI/AAAAAAAASR0/JVF0FLur8AQKTf4SiXWzeeRk8AZSasrswCLcBGAs/s1600/367w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo58VunQ7dI/WwRTA1qh7xI/AAAAAAAASR0/JVF0FLur8AQKTf4SiXWzeeRk8AZSasrswCLcBGAs/s320/367w.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3TxDdmqcPk/WwRTIzatqxI/AAAAAAAASSA/xoePaF4VPFMa-jyPXmrAjh_FtZ3UFfu_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/368w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3TxDdmqcPk/WwRTIzatqxI/AAAAAAAASSA/xoePaF4VPFMa-jyPXmrAjh_FtZ3UFfu_QCEwYBhgL/s400/368w.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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It was quilted by Gwenda Quilts with a grey thread, in a pattern called Wildmouse. I love the circular quilting design, it suited perfectly! Thanks Gwenda! I think you can see the quilting a bit in these closeups...<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Sometimes when I buy a precut such as a Bali Pop, there are some fabrics in the collection that I don't care for. When I first started quilting, I had to like </span><i style="text-align: center;">every</i><span style="text-align: center;"> fabric, but I've learned over the years, that when they're all together in a project, the ones you dislike don't stand out. The value is more important than the colour or the print. There </span><i style="text-align: center;">were</i><span style="text-align: center;"> a few in this collection that I would not have chosen, but I did leave them in. I thought most of them were gorgeous! Of course, what's not to like about Bali batiks!! They're kind of like chocolates- not many I don't like! :)</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I found a perfect grey print for the backing, and pieced a strip of leftover bits to add some interest...</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">It measures 54" x 72". </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Oh yes.. they loved the quilt! </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I am linking to <a href="https://conniekresin.com/2018/05/linky-tuesday-may-22nd.html">Linky Tuesday.</a> Stop by there and see many more quilting projects.</span><br />
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Up next... Mr. Noah!<br />
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Piece!<br />
Linda<br />
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"All the other colors are just colors. But purple seems to have a soul - when you look at it, it's looking back at you." ~ Uniek SwainLinda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-65863127132045508552018-05-20T23:33:00.003-03:002018-05-20T23:44:32.155-03:00Wet morning in the garden...<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdWDLDt5VrA/WwItUw3OB5I/AAAAAAAASQo/B1hxJv5WfS0xiw7jLgIEA1K7SJXRskikgCLcBGAs/s1600/035w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="298" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdWDLDt5VrA/WwItUw3OB5I/AAAAAAAASQo/B1hxJv5WfS0xiw7jLgIEA1K7SJXRskikgCLcBGAs/s640/035w.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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We need rain! Hard to believe after the recent flooding, but most of the province is tinder dry. We did get a little rain last night and this morning, but not near enough.. A quick walk around the garden revealed many wet tulips, some still upright, and some weighed down with droplets.<br />
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Now that spring is finally here (it was a loooong time coming!) it seems to be moving ahead at full speed. The crocus, scilla, chionodoxa and daffodils are finished blooming, tulips are now at their peak, and I noticed today it won't be long before my beloved apple trees are in bloom as they are already budding. When visiting a friend's garden this evening, I noticed her large flowering crab is just a day or two from being in full bloom. I could already smell the blossom's sweet scent.<br />
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Ahhh, glorious spring! There will be many more photos from the garden to come...<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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"The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again." <br />
~ Sara Ban BreathnachLinda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-66279662768549607742018-05-17T20:49:00.001-03:002018-05-17T20:49:19.065-03:00Spring Concert coming up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our Ladies Choir Spring Concert is coming up! "Show time" is 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday, May 22. This is the culmination of our tenth year, and will be our twentieth concert! If you are a local reader, tickets are available at Westminster Books on King Street and there will be tickets at the door as well. We have been working very hard to prepare a varied program. It will have a special focus this time, with some selections from the WWII era and a nod to our veterans. A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to our local Veterans Health Unit to purchase a large flat screen tv so they can have a regular movie night.<br />
Singing is good for the soul, not to mention your health! It has been proven to lower blood pressure and stress levels, it strengthens the immune system, is a natural anti-depressant, improves mental alertness and helps with sleep. All good things in my book! Over and above all that are the wonderful friends I have made through this group. I am a low alto, and we call our row the A team- Anit<b>a</b>, Lind<b>a</b>, Brend<b>a</b>, Lind<b>a</b> and Sandr<b>a</b>. How cool is that! I've been with this choir from its inception and it is my pleasure and an honour to sing with all these fabulous ladies. So, if you're local and you're not doing anything next Tuesday evening, why not come out and give us a listen? I promise you won't be disappointed...<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
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"The first breath a choir, orchestra or band takes together, a breath filled with focus, intention and emotion, a breath unified for no other reason than to make something beautiful together... that is the reason we do what we do." ~ Eric WhitacreLinda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1967923947576216828.post-41610250366917801682018-05-16T13:51:00.000-03:002018-05-16T21:20:45.309-03:00I'm Back...<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zy8NJ5abYo/Wvxc5c9TT3I/AAAAAAAASP4/GPmxb03m-sY4xFJjb9JNLEorgRQUhmWEwCLcBGAs/s1600/May16%2BCollagewt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2zy8NJ5abYo/Wvxc5c9TT3I/AAAAAAAASP4/GPmxb03m-sY4xFJjb9JNLEorgRQUhmWEwCLcBGAs/s400/May16%2BCollagewt.jpg" width="400" /></a>I'm back! My <i>rather lengthy</i> absence was not planned and it has lasted too long. If you are a blogger <br />
who has ever taken a break, you know that the longer you are "away" the harder it is to get back. But I am determined to get back to regular posting. I certainly have lots to share with you and now that spring seems to finally be here, I'll be getting out with my camera much more than I have through the winter.<br />
As I said my break was unplanned. Sometimes life just gets busy, and throws a little more at you than you would like. Several close friends have been facing very serious health challenges, and too many friends have lost siblings and parents in the last six months. My sister-in-law lost both her parents in the last little while; they lived directly behind us and have been our neighbours for 27 years. It seems odd to look out at night and see their place in darkness.<br />
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I find that sometimes life's challenges take their toll and sap my energy so something has to "give" and it was my blog. But as I said, I'm determined to be back here much more regularly. Blogging does take a lot of time, not just in the writing, but also the photography, editing photos, etc. My fav site for photo editing (Picmonkey) is no longer free so I must find another to use. I would welcome any suggestions.<br />
Winter as always seemed much too long, and spring was slow to arrive. My city has just experienced devastating flooding. We are safe, high and dry on a hill, but others have not been so lucky. So many have flooded basements, or flooded permanent homes or summer homes. Some summer cottages have literally floated away! It's been terrible; the cleanup will be a very long process. Life can certainly be challenging at times, can't it? My life continues to be very busy but I do hope/plan to keep up with more regular blogging... Give me some encouragement with a comment now and then, will you?<br />
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Peace,<br />
Linda<br />
<br />
Life is like a camera... <i>Focus</i> on what's important, <i>Capture</i> the good times, <i>Develop</i> from the negatives, And if things don't work out, <i>Take another shot.</i>Linda Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09781161123677863867noreply@blogger.com15