tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62252240093237295812024-03-12T22:39:58.302-04:00Sarcastic QuilterThis blog is primarily about quilting & sewing but also incorporates a bit about my journey to a healthy lifestyle and my family. All of it will include a healthy bit of sarcasm, mostly at myself, but really, none one is safe!Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-42394448955310890302015-08-16T09:41:00.001-04:002015-08-16T09:41:23.965-04:00Broadway Mini Quilt SwapI participated in another mini quilt swap (I'm doing it a lot lately) and the theme was Broadway. Our partners (still a blind swap so we don,t know who is making for us) used our sign up forms and our IG feed for inspiration on what Broadway shows we liked and our personal tastes.<br />
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My partner liked the King and I so I set to planning... I used one of the Playbills of the dancing couple for inspiration.<br />
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First I thought to do a foundation pieced mini but I wasn't happy with my fabric options even though I thought my partner would like the unique look.<br />
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Then I found an ombre' FQ and I knew it would be perfect for an appliqued piece.<br />
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Since I wanted it to look similar to the playbill, the design needed to have the "set" to look like a stage so I used fabric painting and stenciled on a design.<br />
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I set about creating patterns, cutting fabric and getting ready to applique the couple. I had a scrap of fabric perfect for the King and a yellow perfect for the dress.<br />
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Finally, I thought it best to give a little dimension to the couple so they stood out a little more and maybe had a little more movement-like quality. I added the ruffle to the dress. Then I sewed the dress and suit detail with a piece of batting on the back. This raises the couple off the background fabric some, especially since I added another layer of batting to quilt the remainder of the mini.<br />
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I'm really pleased with how it came together except that now it's been posted, it seems some are thinking it's from the Beauty and the Beast. I didn't notice that but I can see it now. My partner is happy with it, though so that's all I care about. :-)<br />
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I also sent along a few Art Gallery FQs, a couple silly items and a foundation pieced mug rug (referencing another playbill for the King and I) with an elephant on it. <br />
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And she liked it, yay!<br />
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Now, want to see what I got from my partner, Ahlia (@ahliajade on Instagram)? Look!<br />
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I love Mary Poppins & blues & pretty quilting so this is just a winner all the way around. My biggest concern is finding a proper place on my wall for it. :)<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<br />Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-26311861341400990092015-07-15T20:08:00.005-04:002015-07-15T20:23:32.670-04:00Minion Mini Swap 2015 (Instagram Swap)<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Bello!</b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are glad you have taken an interest in this swap. Bear
with us, we are going to start with the negative so we can end with the posi<span style="font-family: inherit;">tive. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First and foremost, this is an Instagram only, blind (you won't know who's making for you) <b><i>mini
quilt swap</i></b> <b><i>for US (APO/FPO) participants only</i></b>. If you are interested in a broader swap or an
international swap, rest easy, @ninjadesigns (IG handle) is hosting an
international minion craft swap with sign-ups on 7/31.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please read the following carefully. We realize these may sound harsh and to an
extent, that’s our intent. It’s no fun for anyone when recipients don’t receive
packages or when the volunteer swap mamas have to track down senders, etc. At the end of the day, it’s about simple
courtesy and respect. While we assume everyone participating has it and extends
is, unfortunately, sometimes, people lose sight of it. We promise to respect you and what’s
happening with you so long as you promise to respect us and help us make this a
stress-free and fun swap. Really, it’s about minions so how can we <i>not </i>keep it stress free? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">RULES</span></u></b><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
must have an active and public IG account through the duration of the swap and
have an active email your swap mama may contact you with (email will not be
disclosed to any other participants.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
may only sign up for yourself. You may
NOT sign up for anyone or anything.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Take
note, there are <b>MANDATORY </b>reply/update requirements.</span></span></span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
must respond to your swap mama, when requested, within 48 hours</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
must post pictures or a mosaic by July 31</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
must post with a plan of attack/idea and/or fabric pulls by Aug. 31</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
must post an update on your progress by Sept. 30</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
must provide notification of when you shipped your mini and all packages must
have tracking (sending Priority mail is usually the cheapest way to get
tracking) -<b><i> Shipping may begin on 11/7 and the <u>last</u> ship date is 11/14</i></b></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">You
must provide notification of when your mini is received by posting a received
photo on IG and tagging your partner and swap mama</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Swappers
will be assigned partners with comparable skill levels.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Mini
quilt cannot be smaller than 16”x16” or larger than 24”x24”</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Extras
are fun and seem to be a regular part of swaps these days but first and
foremost, they are <u>not </u>required nor should they be expected. If you send
extras that is your choice but please understand you might not receive any.
Everyone’s budgets are different. To that end, should you desire to send
extras, please respect the maximum $20 threshold. We want this to be about your
creative, not buying, genius.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Smokers
MUST pre-wash their mini quilt prior to sending to their recipient</span></u><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">All photos must be tagged using the hashtag <span style="background-color: yellow; color: blue;">#minionminiquiltswap</span></span></b></span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sign-ups
are open until 11:59pm ET, Sat. 7/18 or until 100 people sign up, whichever comes
first. We reserve the right to re-open or extend sign ups at our discretion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Are
you ready to sign up? Please click <a href="http://goo.gl/forms/c8RNdTX6wW" target="_blank">HERE</a> to complete the form. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you need minion meme ideas take a look at Karie’s IG feed, she’s been posting
one a day for the last six months. She claims she has not repeated any of them
but if you find a repeat between 6 months ago and today, 7/15, I will make you
an extra goodie! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kan
pai!<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Becky
(@sarcasticquilter) and Karie (@karie_twokwikquilters)</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer: We will be reviewing the “naughty swappers” list and using our discretion regarding participation. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this swap. Lack of communication with the swap mamas or not sending minis at all may find your name added to the “naughty swappers” list. Truthfully though, we are reasonable people. If you work with us and communicate about what’s up, we will work with you. If not, we reserve the right to note publically on IG or privately on the list when/if we can’t reach you, you flake for no reason, or you sign up anyone or anything besides yourself.</span></i></div>
</div>
Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-56387813510285310182015-02-24T12:00:00.000-05:002015-02-24T16:18:10.073-05:00Yes, more minis!But this will be it for a while. The following were swaps signed up for last year and finished this year. The Schnitzel and Boo IG Mini Swap, the Disney Quilt Swap and the Bitches Get Stitches Swap. I will post in order here because if you don't like profanity or sexual innuendos you will have the opportunity to leave the post and ignore my little creations and pics of what I received. Yes, it was meant to be swap a little on the raunchy side and it was a whole lot of fun. <br />
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<b>First up, the Schnitzel and Boo IG Mini Swap.</b><br />
I ended up making for a person who lived a town or two away from me and happened to just join the Fredericksburg Modern Guild so I had a chance to get to know her a little before making the mini. She said she liked things that looked a little different than others and that she liked BariJ, Art Gallery fabrics. I pondered and pondered but ended up deciding that a disappearing pinwheel using the fabrics would be neat approach so I went for it. And I liked it. Thankfully, so did Beth. :)<br />
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The person who made for me Becky (IG: @keepmeinstitches), well, from the moment I saw this posted on InstaGram I was hoping and hoping it was mine. There isn't one thing about her package that didn't sing to me. The deer heads, camoflauged in the Joel Dewberry fabrics, a wristlet made with Joel Dewberry Notting Hill, and a JD jelly roll. Sing, sing, sing... loved the colors, too! <br />
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<b>Second up, Disney Mini Quilt Swap.</b><br />
I struggled a lot with this one for my first partner because I was intimidated by some of her skills but as fate was watching out for me, she needed to back out of the swap due and I was reassigned an angel. Since I hadn't started anything yet for my original partner, I was able to create something special to the angel and I love what I came up with. I went with a minimalist approach to Genie, her favorite, then sent her along a Cheshire cat mug rug and Disney mug with a couple other of her "favorites" on it. <br />
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The person who made for me (IG: @evil_moogle) went over the top. She found some Seven Dwarfs fabric and highlighted my favorite dwarf Grumpy. It's so spot on I can't help but grin every time I see it. Then she did this awesome cross-stitch hanging and added a few Grumpy decals that I could use for good measure. So cool!<br />
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This was such a fun swap to make and receive and most certainly to watch others create.<br />
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Last up, the <b>Bitches Get Stitches Mini Swap</b> (warning, profanity below). Stop reading the remainder of this post if you prefer not to see it.<br />
This swap had clean to really naughty levels. I think my curse and "dirty" factor landed somewhere in the middle despite my favorite curse word being "fuck". However, the lady I was making for, Miranda, let me tell you, she was a saint. I sent this swap SO LATE because we moved unexpectedly and Miranda patiently waited for me to send along her package. She should be receiving it any day now but I think she will like it. She made a comment, the dirtier the better so I went with it. Thinking innuendos, I found a few phrases on the internet and printed them on fabric. <br />
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The first: "Remember, it's not polite to spit." I put this onto a cup cozy and sent along the cup, with the cozy on it and some bachelorette straws. Not just any straws, penis straws! I feel pretty freaky even writing that. <br />
The second said, "INVITATION: We are hosting a charity concert for people who struggle to reach orgasm. If you can't come, please let me know." I put this on a zippy pouch. (hehehe)<br />
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The third said, "My fortune cookie told me to masturbate. 'Why not treat yourself to a good time instead of waiting for someone else to do it?' " This went on the same zippy pouch as the other but on the opposite side. (evil grin)<br />
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Lastly, I went with a straight and simple, "What. The. Fuck." This went onto a simple mug rug.<br />
I also bought a bright pink baseball cap to send along that said, "Classy Bitch." It seemed appropriate.<br />
Also, though, since she waited SO long, I wanted to send along a thank you for her patience so I made her a mini she could actually hang in public, if she wanted. She loves skulls and crossbones and Anchorman quotes so I put them together and voila! <br />
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Update: she received it and likes the package! Yay... (this is her photo)<br />
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From another person (IG: @mnnofziger), I received 2 wonderful handmade gifts! A tote where she painted on the fabric some graffiti style "fucks" and I love them!<br />
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The other side has a neat hexi and is clean and prim.<br />
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That means I can take this bag out in public and I did just that the other day. The F side is not really in your face noticeable unless you are staring at it. Also, she stalked well because during this swap I came across a neat coffee mug. I posted it and mentioned I needed to find one somewhere. She commented and we had a little silly back and forth about how everyone needs one. I saw her making one later, saying it was for her partner but it never crossed my mind that I was that partner so when it came in the mail, suffice it to say I was very, very happy and I use that mug pretty frequently during these cold weather days. Heck, I think I need to go get some tea right now that I'm thinking about it. :)<br />
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There you go, you are all caught up on my swaps from last year. Do you participate in mini swaps? Do you love them as much as I do?<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-60202772282545469552015-01-17T08:27:00.002-05:002015-01-17T08:29:00.605-05:00Michael Miller MQG Fabric Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year I made several minis and used those opportunities to stretch my creative wings. It was not easy and often I found myself coming up with an idea which then proved quite difficult to execute. I have a half finished mini sitting in my sewing room for that very reason. I will finish it one day but suffice it to say, it reminded me to consider my skill in these bright ideas, too.<br />
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One mini I DID finish however was the one for the <a href="http://www.themodernquiltguild.com/" target="_blank">Modern Quilt Guild</a> Fabric Challenge (<a href="https://themodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/michael-miller-fabric-challenge-the-winners-are/" target="_blank">see winners here</a>). Using the Petal Pinwheels line of fabric from <a href="http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Michael Miller</a> and some solids from my stash,<br />
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I drafted a mini quilt design which I felt had a modern feel and highlighted the fabric. After printing it, I modified the design just a little further.<br />
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Then I got to sewing. I love foundation piecing and that is the technique I used.<br />
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I pieced the binding and the back with leftover bits of fabric.<br />
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I kept the quilting simple because I felt there was no need for anything more, the mini was busy enough and the fabrics were what needed to show.<br />
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I love how this came out. I am hoping that this year, I can try this pattern with some other fabrics and if it works again, who knows? Maybe I'll share the pattern with you all (of course, that might require more organization than I actually have.)<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-54367425968085136302015-01-15T22:42:00.000-05:002015-01-15T22:42:27.092-05:00Minis and FriendsI am really missing my blog so I am will be making as good effort to come back here and be a regular poster and reader again. I love Instagram, where I spend most of my time with quick photos, etc. (you can find me at @sarcasticquilter there also) but I like posting about my finishes and seeing what is up with all of you, too. <div>
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So here I am, looking back a little to 2014 to share a couple more things I worked on. Since 2014 seemed to be the year of mini quilt swaps and meetings/sew dates with friends, I couldn't let a post go by without showing you two ladies who played a big part in my sewing adventures last year.</div>
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Here we have Amy who occasionally blogs over at <a href="http://www.amylouwhosews.com/" target="_blank">amylouwho</a>. I met her first at Sewing Summit a few years ago and told her then she was my first "celebrity" meeting. This is because she was blogging regularly, had a good following and was a person I was hoping to meet. Of course, she has no recollection of the meeting at all. ;-)</div>
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We kept in touch and got to know each other on line fairly well. When I attended the first Stash Bash event, she was in NC and half-heartedly asked if I could swing by and pick her up on my way down. I said "sure" and a real life friendship was born. 6 hours in a car together will cement a friendship or teach each person it's not meant to be. Amy, ya'll, is a gem. On our way home we were discussing fabric likes and dislikes. I am not a fan of big florals and Amy is. It lead to her handing me a fabric scrap and challenging me to make something with it.</div>
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I sat on this thing for about a year and a half. In that time, Amy moved nearer to where I live and we started getting together to sew whenever schedules permitted. She convinced me to join a local quilt guild and we co-chair newsletter duties. </div>
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And still, I sat on this fabric. I really wanted to make something to give back to Amy but just couldn't figure out a design which highlighted the floral until one day the light went on. I made this for her. </div>
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She loved it. :)</div>
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This next lady, I met on Instagram sometime within the last year. She is hysterically funny and we just "get" each other. As it turned out, she was coming up to VA from NC and was planning to stay with Amy. I caught this on IG and told her I was closer to where she was going and she should stay with me. She agreed without having ever met me before. All this was done in the space of an hour or so with Amy returning to Instagram to see I stole her house guest. (All is good, she's forgiven me.) </div>
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Karie is a pattern designer (<a href="http://www.twokwikquilters.net/" target="_blank">TwoKwikQuilters</a>) and she sells her patterns, has trunk shows and teaches. While she was here for one visit, she gave me one of her newer patterns, Kwik Trio of Stars and true to its name, I whipped it up over the weekend. It probably would have gone faster except I had kids soccer games to attend and such.</div>
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I am donating this puppy to charity, since I have no home for it. I think it is bright and happy that a child somewhere will like it, don't you?<br />
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The other one I whipped up of Karie's is PERFECT for a winter throw. I backed it with flannel, added batting and quilted it up loosely. So cozy and perfect. Super quick and her patterns read so well, if you've been considering one, take the plunge and get it. (No, she didn't pay me to tell you that but I might ask her for some chocolate now that I have!) Here I have Kwik Geese.</div>
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I'm blessed to have these two ladies in my life and know, without a doubt, they will not only keep it real for me but laugh with me (or at me, and that's okay), too. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i></div>
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Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-32299306038193807912015-01-11T21:23:00.000-05:002015-01-11T21:29:02.084-05:00Meal PlanningOn December 29, I started the new Beach Body program Insanity Max 30 with a challenge group and I've really enjoyed it despite it being as flipping hard as the original Insanity, maybe even more so! I am two weeks in now and working out consistently, only missing one day. <br />
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This makes me super proud of myself because after all that hard work last year, I slacked off. I felt good, watched what I ate and stayed moving periodically. Then I did it less and less and found that weight I had lost again. Oops, that wasn't what I wanted.<br />
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So, I started and stopped a few other programs and eventually, this one by Shaun T came out and caught my interest. Even better, I <i>know I can </i>do this program physically so to maximize my results, in week 2 of the program I committed to creating and following meals that fit with the program's recommended meal plan. It took me a long time to do that. It's hard to get the right amount of protein and veggies and carbs when you aren't familiar with it but I was determined and it eventually came together. That's what this post is really about. What meals I planned out, my prep for the week and whether I followed it.<br />
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First off, the plan in the program is relatively easy to follow. I just like a lot of variety in my eating so wanted to give myself that through the week. Below are the meals I set up for myself. I eat 4-5 times a day so I can keep my metabolism moving (and because, let's face it, I get hungry!)<br />
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I have to say, I did deviate from these just a little bit but I managed to stick with it for the whole week. (Some recipes and photos below.) Meal prepping for the week helped. What did I do as the weekly prep?<br />
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1) I made egg muffins instead of cooking eggs each morning. </div>
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2) I pre-baked the chicken meatballs and roasted the spaghetti squash (I also removed the squash from it's skin. </div>
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3) I cut all the veggies I could precut for salad and cooking (carrots, cucumbers, onions, mushrooms) and labeled the bags so I knew how much to use for each meal and what meal. (FYI, a paper towel helps keep moisture at bay and keeps the veggies longer in your refrigerator.)</div>
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4) I made my almond milk (I use that in the shakeology or smoothies)<br />
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I could have prebaked the pork and precooked some of my vegetables but I don't like eating leftovers more than a few times and the egg muffins were enough for me. I wanted to cook during the week. As it is, what I did do took a couple hours but will go faster each time I do it. Mostly, I was trying to figure out what worked best for me. That time was well spent b/c actual meal prep/cooking time during the week was next to nothing. I enjoyed yummy meals! </div>
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Seriously, yummy.</div>
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Now, did I stick to this? Mostly. I find it REALLY hard for me personally to have pre-planned meals. I think for me, I need to have a more generalized plan and then fill it in with my day to day needs (sometimes I want protein over veggies and sometimes I want all veggies). :) I will be better about tracking my macros and following a little more closely to a plan during the week. Like a category of foods rather than actual meals. For me, I can still prep veggies, etc. for meals but I don't have to eat the meals at exactly the same time I originally suggest to myself. Does that make sense?</div>
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I am going on and on about this, I know but it is an important part to our health. We eat so many prepared and processed foods that we don't realize how poorly we do eat simply by not knowing what ingredients are in the food. I don't want that for me anymore. I love the taste of fresh food with 5 simple ingredients. These chicken meatballs? Just look at the recipe below to know how simple and yummy they are. I will stick to my plan, 6 more weeks and I will proudly come back here and post my successes once again. I'm so excited. </div>
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I hope, if you are thinking you need to make a change, you take a little time and think about why you haven't started and then start. Or, if you are making a change toward healthy and fit, you continue on your journey. You are all so worthy of being healthy, fit and happy! </div>
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If you are interested, here are the meals/portions I planned. Part of this helped me prep and portion out the meals.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Per
Serving Meals<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Eggs w/veggies</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">:
2 lg eggs (or 4 egg whites & 1 lg egg) plus 1 cup worth of veggies (tomato,
onion, asparagus, mushroom) - Need 4 servings</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Avocado & Tomato on Rye Bread:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 2 slices tomato , ¼ c. mashed avocado spread over rye
bread – Need 4 servings</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Mixed Veggie Salad w/Turkey:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 1 c. veggies (mixed greens) plus tomato, cukes, 1
Tbsp sunflower seeds, 1 Tbsp Dijon Vinagrette, 3oz turkey, ¼ cup avocado
(only for 1 serving) – Need 4 servings (only 3 have turkey)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Berry Banana Shakeology:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> strawberry shakeology, 1 banana, 1 c. almond milk –
need 4 servings</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Bananas Yo Shakeology:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> chocolate shakeology, 1 c. almond milk, 1 tsp. peanut
butter, 1 banana - Need 2 servings</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Chicken & Veggie Meatballs:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> chicken
meatballs (see recipe p. 2), 1 ½ c. spaghetti squash, ¼ c. tomato sauce – need
1 serving</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Beef & Veggie Stir Fry w/rice:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> ¾ c. brown rice, 1/2 c. steak cubes, 1 c. veggies
(use broccoli, peas, carrots, onion, water chestnuts), 1 egg, olive oil &
sesame oil – need 1 serving<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Avocado & Shrimp bowl:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> ¼ c. avocado, ¾ c. shrimp, 1 c. brussel sprouts (or 5
md. sprouts) w/shrooms & onions – need 1 serving</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Roasted Pork Loin w/carrots & Couscous:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 1 c. carrots, ¾ c. pork, ½ c. couscous – need 1
serving</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Chicken Breast w/Veggies:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> 1 c. veggies of choice (leftovers?), 1 chicken
breast, ½ c. couscous –need 1 serving</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Grilled Steak w/brussel sprouts (cream corn for M)
& mashed taters:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> ¾ c. steak, 1 c.
sprouts (or 5 md.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">sprouts)
sauteed w/shrooms & onion, ½ c. mashed taters – need 1 serving<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Green
Smoothies: see recipes below – need 2 servings</span></strong></div>
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A couple recipes I used.</div>
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<strong><u><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Veggie Turkey
Meatball</span></u></strong><strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;"> (on
yourtea.com)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">This lean, clean and
green delicious meatball is shared by YingYing Kuang (IG: @<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">yingying258) is super easy to make.<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">INGREDIENTS:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">- 1-1 ½ pounds 99% lean
ground turkey (substitute ground chicken)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">- ¼ cup chopped onions -
¼ cup chopped celery <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">- ¼ cup chopped kale
or spinach - ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">- 2-3 garlic cloves,
crushed - ¼ teaspoon sea salt (I prefer
Trader Joe’s Garlic Salt)</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">- ¼ teaspoon of pepper - 1 large egg
white</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">- 1 teaspoon of almond flour (secret ingredient)(substituted 1Tbsp quick cook oats) - Coconut oil/cooking spray<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">*Note: you can also
use any of your favorite veggies as substitutes to the above<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Preheat oven to 325C - Coat broiler pan with coconut
oil or cooking spray. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well,
shape into size you prefer. - Bake at 325C for 15-18 minutes (depend on the
size of the meatball) or until done.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">GREEN SMOOTHIES </span></u></b><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(from simplegreensmoothies.com)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apple Pie CITRUS CRUSH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">serves two serves
two</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 cups fresh spinach 2
cups fresh spinach<br />
1 1/2 cups almond milk, unsweetened 1
½ cups water<br />
3 apples 1
cup pineapple<br />
4 mejdool dates 1
orange, peeled<br />
1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup
grapes, any variety<br />
pinch of nutmeg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the egg muffins, I just used whatever veggies I wanted and precooked them a bit before adding the egg to muffin tins and baking.</span></div>
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All said and done, this one week experiment was a success for me and I will take a good bit of it into these next several weeks so I can retrain myself to make better choices and to enjoy the benefits of it, too!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Here's to a healthy and Happy New Year!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Becky</span></i></div>
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Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-74602593431108159252014-12-14T22:07:00.000-05:002014-12-14T22:07:47.994-05:00More mini quilts I have made a few more mini quilts for 2 different reasons. The first reason is for another IG swap, actually called IGMini Swap. :)<br />
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My partner said she liked rainbow things and improv but wanted something a little more sophisticated. Trying to touch on all three items, I came up with this, It's quilted in rainbow variegated thread.<br />
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I sent a little mug rug, too, for the heck of it.<br />
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I made the quilting show on the back because I figured if she didn't like the front it would give her an alternative way to hang it. She seems to like it, though, and the quilting so maybe she will hang it both ways, depending on her move.<br />
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This is what I received from someone else in the swap. I love it!<br />
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The other minis I created as giveaway prizes to my IG followers. I have been active there while not so much here and chose 5 random followers and made a mini of their choosing from the website fandominstitches.com. It's great if you know how to foundation piece and like themes!<br />
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The extra "O" is for a friend.<br />
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I had some fun making all of these.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-47439316335139923042014-11-16T16:01:00.002-05:002014-11-16T16:41:24.297-05:00Being a Swap MamaI'm in my third round of the Schnitzel & Boo Mini Swap (it just started) & my second round as a swap mama for it. However, before I get into the meat of this post, I wanted to provide a little background. <br />
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This swap, originated and run by Kristi over at <a href="http://www.schnitzelandboo.com/" target="_blank">Schnitzel & Boo</a>, is partly responsible for all my swap sign ups to date and is directly responsible for my volunteering as swap mama.Twice. I enjoyed the large group of people to follow, seeing their creations and listening to their buzz about the ups and downs of trying to make for partners they've never met. I shared in every one of those experiences in one way or another and I made new InstaGram friends and widened the number people I stalk (I mean, follow and praise!) greatly. :)</div>
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All that said when I went into round 2 of the the S&B swap, I put on my answers that I would help as a swap mama and lo and behold, a swap mama I became. WHAT A RIDE! </div>
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(One more note before I forget, Karri over at <a href="http://www.karriofberries.com/2014/11/10-ways-to-be-good-swapper-and-not.html" target="_blank">Karri of Berries</a> has a great post on being a swap participant. Give it a read. I've been guilty of one or two things on that list that I shouldn't do (like "I like everything") but mostly, it's a helpful guideline to get you thinking about answers for the next swap you sign up for.)</div>
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You might think being a mama is just checking in with your group of participants here and there and kind of keeping track of their progress and you are right. It also means being organized (honestly, I don't remember yesterday so remembering who was on my list and who they were making for was always a blur). For me, organization meant knowing how to read my excel spreadsheet that contained the makers and all their information as well as the receivers and all the answers to the swap questions! It meant knowing where everyone was in the process. Were they on track to finish on time, did they send their mini, did they receive their mini? It meant answering questions along the way by participants and helping them get more info from the recipient if the maker was having difficulty finding much (some folks are less active on social media). It also meant keeping track of people who had to drop out or those who did not receive a mini and being sure a Swap Angel was assigned and then that mini was made and received. There were more, little things in this whole process but that's the gist.</div>
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I hated it. Okay truth, only a teeny, tiny, itty, bitty part of me hated it. The part of me that felt unorganized and out of her depth at the beginning. But then, the part of me that gets a high off of organizing something, making a process and seeing it work, LOVED it. I liked it so much so that I offered to be a mama again. I'm taking what I learned the first time around, applying it to this round and trusting that it will work so I have little fear of being stressed over this. </div>
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So, if you are ever thinking about being a swap mama, here are some things that work as best practices for me. Modify them, make them your own. We aren't robots and what works for me is not always going to work for everyone else but I'm posting this just to consider, more of an FYI.</div>
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What works for me?</div>
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<li><u><b>Get ORGANIZED</b></u> - Take the excel list sent with the detailed information & make a new sheet that contains the only info I really need in my quick searches. Add a couple columns for action items such as, confirmed partner received, mailed date, received date, etc. </li>
<li><b><u>RECORD my interactions with my group on the spreadsheet</u></b>. For example, if Sally tells me she's travelling for work and will be mailing on the 20th instead of the 16th b/c she didn't have a chance to finish binding before she left, I can record it in a comment column and let her partner Jane know that it's mailing a couple days late (also recording by Jane's name). Between work and home life, I won't remember if I told Jane so noting that helps me.</li>
<li><b><u>USE the resources available to you</u></b>. I often screen shot my IG notification feed so I don't miss something I'm tagged on if I can't respond to it right away. I also use the folders in my email. When I've responded to something, I will file the emails into the folder. That way, only the emails that I still need to act on are in my inbox.</li>
<li><b><u>COMMUNICATE proactively with my group</u></b>. If mail dates are arriving, I will ask my group to check in on how they are doing. I'm a last minute worker so I tend to think a reminder of an upcoming deadline is a good thing.</li>
<li><b><u>Be POSITIVE and PATIENT</u></b>. I can usually manage the first one but the second is a little more difficult some days. I always try to remind myself that while I may be fielding 1600 questions at once, the person asking me one question does not know that and if it takes me 3 days to respond, she's likely feeling her ask has been overlooked or ignored and is reaching out to others. What to do? Figure out your reasonable response time. for me, I like to try to answer IG requests within a couple of hours. That is reasonable for my schedule but email takes longer. If I know I wont be able to answer quickly, I at least try to respond quickly and give the person asking a time frame in which I will provide an answer. You have no idea how quickly stress can be reduced for me and the person needing an answer, by taking a moment to do that. </li>
<li><u><b>TALK with the other mamas.</b></u> If you aren't sure something is going right or have questions about how you are handling things, ask the other mamas. Because we are all different, they have invaluable input. Sometimes, you just need to let a little vent out so you can go back to being #4. Other times, the mamas will also help you stay on track with communications to your groups. </li>
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That's it. Pretty simple, right? Really, the spreadsheet work was the turning point for me last round. Trying to keep it all in email or IG made me go a little mad. As soon as I got smart about keeping it all in the source that came to me, it was simpler. I hope this gives you ideas about what might work for you if you ever decide to become a swap mama and if you do, enjoy the ride. It's actually pretty fun to interact with so many people as they stretch their creative talents.</div>
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Thanks, Kristi, for being responsible for bringing me so much joy in making minis, swapping them and, yes, in letting me do it all while also getting my "organize on". </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i></div>
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Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-15509487539931947372014-09-25T20:04:00.003-04:002014-12-03T19:39:41.710-05:00Deer Quilt - a Luke Haynes pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I came across a QAL posted on <a href="http://weallsew.com/2013/09/23/deer-quilt-sew-along-with-luke-haynes-week-one/" target="_blank">Bernina's We All Sew website</a> and knew I'd make it one day soon to hang on the wall at the barn on our hunting/retreat property.<br />
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One day soon turned out to be a couple months later but I made it. For the instructions and details, please click on the link above but for mine, let me detail it in pictures and a summary at the end.<br />
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Auditioning backgrounds.<br />
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Auditioning binding.<br />
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I and most of Instagram liked orange but hubs said no. I put it on for a couple days only and then put on the dark blue instead.<br />
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Here he finally is!<br />
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I found this to be a well explained and easily followed set of instructions and I love the final product but for me personally, it's a fussy process so it lost some appeal part way through. I tend to be as lazy as I can in the process and cut corners. For this one, that means I only spot glued the applique down and then didn't quilt it for a couple weeks. That meant I had to deal with shifting pieces. MY OWN FAULT. If I had taken more care in the basting/positioning, I'm sure I would have been fine. Still, I can shrug it off because the overall raw edge look on this quilt gives a nice 3-D impression for the deer head.<br />
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Overall, I love it and hubs likes it, which is good since I made it for him. (ETA that hubs changed his mind and actually liked the orange better so the blue binding came off and the orange went back on. Then I put it in my local guild quilt show and won a 3rd place ribbon in its category. Sa-weet!)<br />
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Thank you <a href="http://lukehaynes.com/" target="_blank">Luke Haynes</a>, for sharing your process and providing a pattern to let us achieve a little bit of what you can do! <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-5789869398274105122014-09-12T22:42:00.003-04:002014-09-12T22:42:32.933-04:00Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap -via InstagramI may not have been blogging much lately but I have been getting things done. Of course there is work and home. We had one kiddo graduate high school this past June - Yay K!<br />
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Then there were a couple customer quilts to quilt (one is pictured below). They were both very pretty and enjoyable to work on. I hope I've done a well enough job to make them repeat customers!<br />
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Aside from the other two quilts I last blogged about, I have been working on quilt blocks for two bees I'm in, the Stitch That Stash Bee and a LA Traveling Quilt Bee. To keep me from wondering what I have and haven't blogged about with regards to those, I will save all the block photos and post them at once for each.<br />
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But lastly, and the focus of today's post, are three mini quilts I have completed. I participated in the <a href="http://www.schnitzelandboo.com/" target="_blank">Schnitzel and Boo</a> Instagram Mini Swap and boy was it fun. I ended up making 3 minis instead of one but all were enjoyable and I got to stretch my creative wings. This was a blind swap so the recipients never know what they are getting until they get it.<br />
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First, the angel mini for a person who still hasn't received one (it may be in transit from AU or it may be lost, who knows?). She said <a href="http://www.camilleroskelley.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Camille Roskelly</a> was an inspiration and she seemed to favorite a lot of rainbow quilts. So, being quite smitten with the <a href="http://thimbleblossoms.bigcartel.com/product/swoon-pattern-142-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">swoon block</a> myself, I made her a Rainbow Swoon. It took a minute to figure out the cutting and color placement but once I did, sewing it up was nice and easy. I liked it so much I had a hard time mailing it but her happiness in receiving it makes me happy in the end.<br />
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Second up, a mini for a gal that did not have a lot of quilty inspiration on her IG feed to help me figure something out. I stalked her Flickr and Pinterest accounts and ran across an entire Pin Board devoted to Alice in Wonderland. Not the Disney version either, but the more vintage looking Alice. That gave me some ideas about rabbit holes and quotes. So I used the template pattern from my <a href="http://sarcasticquilter.blogspot.com/2014/05/poltergeist-rabbit-4-years-in-making.html" target="_blank">Rabbit quilt</a> and made a black and white "hole". I hoped the color placement would give the visual effect of falling and gave a couple simple swirl quilting lines to aid in that effect.<br />
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Then I added 4 quotes but jumbled them all up so it's like a phrase search for the rest of the quote. They read, "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop." "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get." "How long is forever? Sometimes, just one second." "You have to be half mad to dream me up." I called it "Alice's Jumbled Thoughts."<br />
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This was a fun one to make and very nerve-wracking. I mean, what if that board was there for ideas for a friend's wedding shower or something? Turns out, however, it was her board and she liked the mini and uniqueness of it all the more. Yes!<br />
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Last but not least was a mini that had me truly nervous about sending. Again this person didn't have a lot of quilty inspiration on her IG feed but had some family posts and posts about her horses. She gave me a good idea of her likes on her sign up sheet and I sat to thinking about how to get her something more personal for her, I browsed her IG feed more closely. I happened upon a nice shadow photo which she labeled "me and my shadow." A light bulb, I can make that. But how? How to make it look nice? Ahh, wonky strips of her favorite colors with the shadow overlaying it. Yep. So I did it. Then sent it. Then stressed she wouldn't hate it or be disappointed.<br />
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Her response just served to remind me that when we listen to our hearts, we create quilts which truly touch people. This is what she wrote when she posted her receipt, "possibly the most amazing thing anyone has ever made for me... another pic after I pull myself together." "I was hoping it was mine but hubs was skeptical saying the pose was so common it could be anyone (in response to a sneak peek I posted) with a horse so I talked myself out of it. I retired Gracie last year and it has been a very emotional thing for me, so this mini is particularly special." I felt like I did something good and I love that feeling when I make a quilt. Yay!<br />
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The person who made for me was Eileen (IG: Luckycharm933635) and she hit it on the head! I love her paper-pieced creation with fussy cut fabrics and color choices. How can this not make me happy, just look at it! <br />
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If you've never participated in a swap, consider it. If you are open to receiving whatever, you will probably enjoy it quite a bit.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-31569898226729737512014-08-08T11:20:00.001-04:002014-08-08T11:20:17.293-04:00Notting Hill Mistress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When <a href="http://www.joeldewberry.com/pages/design-collection-notting-hill" target="_blank">Joel Dewberry's Notting Hill line</a> came out a couple years ago, I fell in love. It was the first, and so far since, fabric line where I loved each colorway and each print. All of it.<br />
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I had to have it.<br />
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I had to make a quilt out of it.<br />
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For me.<br />
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So, I bought FQs and a few half yards and then I pondered what to make. And pondered, and pondered. I wanted to show off the fabric and everything I thought of was not appealing to me. I just couldn't bring myself to cut the fabric. A year of pondering later, I finally decided I didn't need to cut it. That patchwork would be perfect! Someone will need to explain to me why this light bulb took so long to turn on one day.<br />
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I cut 10" squares, placed them and<br />
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sewed.<br />
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Keeping to the concept of showcasing the fabrics, I quilted diagonal lines in each square. They are about 1.5" apart.<br />
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I bound the quilt in an orange polka dot and then set about looking for a place to photograph it. I love this quilt It had to be a perfect spot. Of course, I couldn't find one for a while until I remembered that I had 40 acres of beautiful, raw land and it should work. (fyi, I used Aurifil 50wt white thread on the top and Bottom Line cream on the back. I'm going to brag a bit on myself here, too. This quilting is done free motion and without a stitch regulator! Whoa, I feel good now that I look closely at it.)<br />
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I first took it out at my neighbor's place where one of the horses promptly rubbed his head all over it. I am a sucker, I just let him (of course, it was the back of the quilt so I wasn't too concerned about it getting dirty before the photos).<br />
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After I washed it and it got all crinkly, I hung it again on the frame for our fire pit. <br />
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I just love this quilt and it's mine, all mine!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-7359143486119629462014-05-21T20:25:00.000-04:002014-05-22T07:38:38.395-04:00Poltergeist Rabbit - 4 years in the making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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They say every quilt has a story and this quilt definitely has a story. This story resulted in this quilt's name. Wait, do they say that and who's "they"? Regardless, let me share a tale with you and since this took 4, almost 5 years, to complete, go grab a cuppa something, sit down and get comfortable.<br />
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It all started with my sister who wanted to hire me to make a quilt for my SIL. I told them it was good practice (I'd only been quilting a couple years) so covering cost of fabric would be all that I'd ask for. <br />
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V (SIL) chose the<a href="http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccallsquilting/articles/shimmering_sea" target="_blank"> Jinny Beyer Shimmering Sea pattern</a> and asked for it to fit a king quilt. I thought, no problem, I love foundation piecing! I did not pay attention to my inexperience or the level of skill they cautioned as needed.<br />
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I took V to the store, she chose most of the fabrics and then I go started cutting. I cut, a lot. To put it in perspective, there are 45 pieces in each block and I decided to make a 6x6 quilt. That's 36 blocks which means 1,620 pieces, borders not included in this quilt. Add borders, binding and backing and I have 1,640 pieces of fabric in this quilt (I'm counting the back and binding as one each).<br />
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That's the most I've ever done for one quilt!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I cut and then I copied and traced 36 foundation patterns
but not before dealing with the first mishap. A pup who, it seems, did
not appreciate Ms. Beyer's pattern in the same way I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I bought more
tape that night.</span></div>
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Eventually I started sewing and on the third block, realized I had a
problem. I sewed it backwards (the design was rotating in the wrong direction).
Once I realized how this happened, I figured I could avoid it but no, I managed
to do it 3 more times. 4 blocks I now
have as scrap blocks. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I kept sewing. Each
block took me between 1 hr and 15 minutes to 1 hr and 30 min. to complete. I
wondered what was wrong with me. Then I would put it away for a while, months at a time. We
moved houses, I lost the fabric pieces and blocks for a bit but I knew they
would turn up sooner or later.</div>
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Eventually they did but then my sisters’ dog was ill and had
a hard time controlling her bladder. I couldn’t justify rushing to finish a
quilt that would have to sit in a closet. I took my time with it but was feeling
ambivalent. So I put up blocks on a
design wall and shared it with my sister. It did what I wanted it to do, set my
sisters on my tail to find out when it was going to be complete. </div>
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I had a plan. I was going to finish it and take it down to
them when I visited at the end of February. I was making good time. I loaded
the quilt on the frame and started quilting it.</div>
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Then, I started having machine problems. The knob to raise
the presser foot broke, the tension screw was stripped and the lever to
raise/lower the presser foot was out of alignment. </div>
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That may not sound bad but I didn’t know those were the
issues when they presented themselves. Thankfully, Nolting (Hinterberg) was
VERY RESPONSIVE and super helpful with their responses. I couldn’t, however,
finish the quilt in the time frame I wanted and I did have to talk with the
tech/sales people at the same quilt show I was heading down my sister’s way
for. I threatened Ms. Midge (my machine)
that it might be time for me to purchase a new one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I only had this much left to quilt when she decided to act up.</div>
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When I returned from the show, I was 80% decided I would
hold off on purchasing a new machine. I set Ms. Midge up with new parts and
started sewing but she STILL gave me problems. Clearly, she felt she should
still be on strike but I had other plans.
I adjusted a few things and told her she better shape up or, my 80% would
change from keeping her to trading her in.
She started purring sweetly and sewing straight. AMAZING how management can threaten labor
with being fired to get them to perform again. –wink-</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was able to finish it up and add the binding. Then I
realized there was no way I could take pictures which would do it justice. This
thing was big and beautiful. Now what?
Ah yes! I’m giving it to a photographer after all.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I sent it to her and then on Easter weekend, we went to the
docks and took some photos. Of course
the day had to be windy and we were hanging on to it for our lives. We had
visions of it slipping away and landing in the water. Talk about the most nerve
wracking photo shoot ever! But it was worth it. Look at what she came up with.
It makes this quilt look great and I’m a bit amazed I made it. Despite the long term process and despite the
hiccups I have come to love this quilt after seeing these pictures but I’m am
glad I don’t own it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That reminds me, of its name. Poltergeist is the descriptor because,
frankly, all the little things that happened during its making and all the time
it took to complete it. Rabbit because it’s a substitute for the swear word I
uttered often completing this quilt. The “f” word substitute came from my SIL
when the kids were young and listening to what we said.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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So here you have it, the<b> Poltergeist Rabbit </b>shown in pictures that are fantastic from Ren Photography in Hampton Roads, VA area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i></div>
Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-65633265397276673012014-04-08T08:14:00.000-04:002014-08-08T11:20:42.281-04:00Quilting for AnotherSo I have an announcement. I've been thinking about offering my quilting services for others but I wasn't sure if I'd really enjoy it. I love quilting for me but would the stress of quilting for someone else in a certain timeline make me a little crazy? (Crazier than I already am.)<br />
<br />
I decided to offer it up as a giveaway prize for the #sweatnsew entrants (the Instagram healthy & fitness peeps that support each other during their efforts to get healthier - open to all, if you are on Instagram, by the way).<br />
<br />
As it so happens, a friend I had already met in real life, <a href="http://safieh.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Safieh</a>, won and sent along this beautiful top with the request for baptist fans. I did have a few moments of heart palpitations when I unfolded the top and saw how pretty it was. Honestly, what did I get myself into? After a few minutes, I realized I was up for the challenge. I would not ruin it, I told myself.<br />
<br />
I asked about thread, thinking that with the prints and grey, a pink would be pretty. Safieh gave me the go ahead so I loaded her up on the frame and got going. <br />
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I would post little sneak peeks on Instagram along the way but I did not want to post the entire quilt until I had approval from the quilt owner and frankly, I wasn't going to ask that until after she saw it.<br />
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I used Auriful 40wt thread on top and Superior's Bottom Line in the bobbin.<br />
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Once I finished it up and pulled it off the frame, I got a good look at it and really liked the overall quilt pattern the top design. Thankfully, Safieh also loved how it looked. Talk about a big "phew". <br />
<br />
So, here's my before presentation to quilt owner shot.<br />
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Here's a photo borrowed from Safieh's Instagram post (in other words, her photo and credit goes to her - @safieh) showing the quilting a little bit better than the photos I could get. In this photo, it's fully bound and I believe washed.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yVYae1wESo/U0PmVQ3THqI/AAAAAAAAEyc/nn-7kyFlSjs/s1600/Safieh+photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yVYae1wESo/U0PmVQ3THqI/AAAAAAAAEyc/nn-7kyFlSjs/s1600/Safieh+photo.png" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
This experience clinched it for me. I am going to offer quilting services. While a little stressful, I really, really enjoyed it. It won't be long now before I post a page with some pricing information.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Safieh, for trusting me.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cheers All!</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beck</b></span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-23428959709833575782014-04-05T08:17:00.006-04:002014-04-05T09:15:21.397-04:00Little FinishesJoining in on <a href="http://gogokim.blogspot.com/2014/04/sewjo-saturday-4-and-happy-birthday-to.html" target="_blank">SewJo Saturday</a>, today.<br />
<br />
The last couple weeks have been about little finishes. <br />
<br />
I finished quilting a quilt for a friend (which I can't post about just yet) and I finished piecing and binding the Quilt of Valor donation quilt made by the Fredericksburg Modern Quilt Guild. Another member will be binding it so it's off to her next week. <br />
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Our parameters were blocks that were red white and blue and 12" finished. Any style. Look at the variations of style and yet they play so nicely together. I can't wait to see what it looks like with the binding on it.<br />
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Also, I was asked (after volunteering my services for whatever might be needed) if I could make 5 small giveaway gifts for The Stash Bash in GA at the end of this month. I went to this last year and had a great time sitting and sewing with old and new friends. I can't wait to see Chris Warnick (Frecklemama) again and everyone else. Seriously. It's a weekend where food is prepped for you and a room is always open for sewing. Top it off by being on a beautiful piece of property and it's a wonderfully relaxing. I've got 4 out of 5 prizes finished, so far. I'm not sure what to make for the 5th. Maybe a cellphone wallet. I don't know... still thinking.<br />
<br />
Prize 1 - zippered pouch<br />
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Prize 2 - 12" mini<br />
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Prize 3 - Thread catcher and tool holder<br />
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Prize 4- Thread catcher and tool holder<br />
<br />
Last little finish, a bunch of headbands. I keep buying headbands in hopes I can find ones that don't slip off during exercise with no success. So, I tried making one.<br />
<br />
It worked, didn't slip once while exercising. I've made several more and will send them to my sisters and a friend to test and see if they work for them as well. Regardless of their review, they work for me and a couple of these extra ones will be in my drawer. :-)<br />
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If you want to make your own, you need 1 piece of fabric 4"x18" and 1 piece of 1"x4" elastic.<br />
- fold in half lengthwise and sew long side together<br />
- turn right side out and tuck the short, raw edges inside the tube about 1/4"<br />
- press the whole thing<br />
- position the elastic about 1/4" inside a short end and then sew the short end closed going over it about 3 times.<br />
- repeat on the other side and it is complete<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cheers!</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beck</b></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-32456064390720023202014-03-15T22:50:00.000-04:002014-03-15T22:50:10.552-04:00Fabric BoxesThis past week I had a sew day at the house, in part, because I had a quilty friend stop by and stay with me while she was in town. I wanted to give a little gift to those who were able to stop by (it was selfish, really, I participated in a Kokka 10" square swap a couple years ago but I had no idea what to do with the fabric and I wanted to use it up).<br />
<br />
I had made a fabric box a while back using <a href="http://seaside-stitches.blogspot.com/2013/03/fabric-box-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this tutorial from Seaside Stitches</a>. I had chosen the 10" square fabric size and the box is a great size for me to hold sewn leaders & enders as I complete them and I realized that this would be a great use of the fabrics and a cute gift. It would be a great thread catcher.<br />
<br />
With the aid of Karie (my guest) of <a href="http://www.twokwikquilters.net/" target="_blank">Two Kwik Quilters</a> (IG: @karitkq), I sewed up several boxes with a slight variation. I made them taller, which allows them to act as a tool holder. The tutorial calls for a diagonal to be sewn using a 2" measurement for a square box but if you use a 2.5" measurement, you will get the taller box.<br />
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I also want to share a quick weekend quilt top finish. Karie gifted me with her pattern Kwik Trio of Stars and we had fun pulling fabric for the project her last night here. After she left, it only took me a few hours to stitch this up. I left off one additional white border (personal preference for the finished look, and no other reason). I plan to donate this to a quilt drive held in the Spring (more on that another day). Isn't this darling?<br />
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I'm in love with these little boxes and the quilt top so I am sharing them with the very new "<a href="http://gogokim.blogspot.com/2014/03/welcome-to-sewjo-saturday.html" target="_blank">SewJo Saturday</a>" linky party being held by Kim on over at <a href="http://gogokim.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Go-Go Life</a>. Take a look at all the great and fun projects linked up over there! <br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-53025788376379571922014-03-02T21:55:00.000-05:002014-03-04T07:26:08.066-05:00Stitch that Stash Bee blockFor my bee block, I am turning to <a href="http://www.13spools.com/2013/05/improv-herringbone-tutorial.html" target="_blank">13 Spools Improv Herringbone Tutorial</a>. I love the look of this block and would like a colorful quilt that is sort of tonal but not necessarily all solids.<br />
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In progress...<br />
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To my bee-olleagues, I used Kona White as the strip fabric. As for color, please choose whichever you would like. The nature of the block has light and dark contrast so as long as the block is in the same color family and doesn't have a noticeable of contrasting color in the individual fabrics, I will love it.<br />
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Did that make sense? I guess I'm saying it doesn't need to be tone-on-tone, but if you are doing a green block and your green fabric has bright red stars, I would prefer that not be used. However, if your green has something like tiny yellow stars, it might be okay. In short, the fabric should clearly "read" the color, I think. -sigh- I don't know if that makes any more sense but there you have it.<br />
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Okay, so this block takes a little time because of all the pieces. Once done, it is 11.5" unfinished. If you can do two blocks, that would be great but if one is all you have in you, I am completely good with that. I leave it up to you and whatever you choose/have time for. :)<br />
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I can't wait to see what you ladies come up with! <br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></b></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-37667167333519975882014-02-11T11:35:00.000-05:002014-02-11T11:35:09.490-05:00The "Learning to Love Batiks" Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkL8n-Mslww/UvpHXMrX7hI/AAAAAAAAEs4/Ece6bhLwF_4/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkL8n-Mslww/UvpHXMrX7hI/AAAAAAAAEs4/Ece6bhLwF_4/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I attended <a href="http://stashbash.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Stash Bash</a> in 2013, I thought about purchasing a jelly roll of batiks. I think, at the time, I was trying to challenge myself to come up with a quilt that focused on the batiks (instead of using them as blenders) even though I was less than enthusiastic about them. Of course, when you are at a retreat with wonderfully supportive quilters, who also happen to be wonderfully sarcastic and eager to encourage someone to be crazy, that thought developed into an actual purchase.</div>
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So, I came home and auditions fabrics to go with the bright, rainbow batiks and I auditioned patterns until I finally came up with what I thought would work. I ended up using this Bold and Beautiful print by Michele D'Amore for <a href="http://www.benartex.com/" target="_blank">Benartex</a> I had in my stash, which was perfect, and the <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2013/07/sparkler-quilt-pattern-now-availableand.html" target="_blank">"Sparkler" quilt pattern by Freshly Pieced</a>. </div>
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I really like how the top turned out. I think the use of a print instead of a solid with the batiks makes it interesting and attractive.</div>
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I decided the quilting needed to mirror the fabric designs so I created meandering and twining leaves with a loose flower in certain blocks. I felt like it kept the design a little whimsical and feeling like Spring somehow.</div>
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In keeping with the "spring" feel, I used one layer of Warm and Natural 80/20 batting and a solid pink fabric as the backing of the quilt and hand sewed a multi-color dot fabric on for the binding. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bpLuv4OyzU/UvpHYBCdCMI/AAAAAAAAEtU/kqbRfz70BFI/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bpLuv4OyzU/UvpHYBCdCMI/AAAAAAAAEtU/kqbRfz70BFI/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since it measures approximately 56.5" square, it is a nice, light weight quilt that is perfect for draping over your legs when sitting on the porch on a spring or summer evening. I have already washed it (I wanted to be sure there wasn't any color bleed from the batiks) for these pictures and I'm kinda glad I did. The crinkly look suits it.</div>
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So, do I now love batiks? No. Do I hate them? No. I think they are like any other fabric. There are good and bad prints that can be used for beautiful or questionable creations. It's all a matter of personal taste. It is unlikely I will purchase more again anytime soon, though. That's just me.</div>
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Oh, and I think I'm renaming this quilt "Spring" and I have decided to sell it. Now to figure out how to do that. :)</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i></div>
Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-40497454558499500382014-02-07T15:24:00.000-05:002014-02-07T16:59:12.694-05:00Heart Block Tutorial<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Okay, this may be more like a loose guideline rather than a tutorial. I originally created this block when I was at
the Stash Bash last April. Sharon (A
Prairie Sunrise) was unable to come to the retreat due to being late in her
pregnancy and so a baby quilt was planned and block contributions made using
the Ruby fabric line. Since there were
only scraps to work with but plenty of white, I wanted to figure out a unique
block with big impact. I opted for the
slightly off center heart and I love the way it looks. It’s super sweet to see it in the full quilt
sent off to Sharon and her beautiful girl, Ruby Verna. The ladies who contributed the rest of the
blocks knocked it out of the park, too, don’t you think? See the quilt details
<a href="http://stashbash.wordpress.com/2014/01/16/a-stash-bash-collaborative-baby-quilt/" target="_blank">here</a> from Chris (Freckle Mama).</div>
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So, here we go. Finished block
(without borders) comes out to 12.5” (your choice)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Choose your background fabric and the fabric for your heart (2 colors). Roughly you can an FQ for your background
will be more than enough and you can use 2 jelly roll strips for the colors. </div>
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From your background cut:<o:p></o:p></div>
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1, 2” x 13” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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1, 3 ½” x 13” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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2, 6 ½” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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1, 5 ½” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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1, 5” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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4, 4 ½” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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1, 4” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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2, 3” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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4, 2 ½” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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4, 2” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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4, 3 ½” x 1 ½” strip<o:p></o:p></div>
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14, 1 7/8” squares<o:p></o:p></div>
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From EACH color cut:<o:p></o:p></div>
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7, 1 7/8” squares<o:p></o:p></div>
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2, 1 ½” squares<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take 1 white 1 7/8” square and put it right sides together with 1 color
1 7/8”. On the back of the color square,
draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.
Take to the sewing machine and sew 1/4” away from the line on both sides
of the line. Cut on the diagonal line. Press open and trim wings. Repeat for
all the white and color squares creating 28 half square triangle (HST) blocks. (see all steps here)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djBl1aU4xdE/UvU2HMOh5yI/AAAAAAAAErY/qouYnwWS8Nk/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djBl1aU4xdE/UvU2HMOh5yI/AAAAAAAAErY/qouYnwWS8Nk/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Lay out your block in accordance with the diagram below.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-832mDxale9I/UvU_qa-nlrI/AAAAAAAAEsY/rJxr3KlXoNI/s1600/heart+edit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-832mDxale9I/UvU_qa-nlrI/AAAAAAAAEsY/rJxr3KlXoNI/s1600/heart+edit.png" height="628" width="640" /></a></div>
You can play with the HST layouts if you want. The picture above is what I went with but the ones below are alternative ideas. You can see, in the last photo, an alternating option I used for the original block.</div>
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Sew the blocks together, pressing seams open to avoid bulk then sew the
rows together.</div>
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Trim to 12 ½” or 12 ¼” and voila! Your block is done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided to make this into a pillow cover so I added 2 borders. At this point, I basted the block to batting
using a basting spray and quilted it. Then, I used <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2011/02/how-to-make-a-basic-pillow-how-to-finish-a-pillow-with-binding/" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew’s Tutorial </a>to
create a cover for an 18” pillow form.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAxYgey4ToY/UvU2JZdUwqI/AAAAAAAAEsE/5uqz4Bz8nG4/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAxYgey4ToY/UvU2JZdUwqI/AAAAAAAAEsE/5uqz4Bz8nG4/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Check out the quilting! Did this on my domestic and it's pretty even for a first time. I've never been able to and always had to put these on the frame but now I feel good about small projects getting done on the domestic, too. Yay for small accomplishments.<br />
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(she really wants to lay on the pillow)<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i><br />
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Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-28913839702117517732014-02-04T08:34:00.001-05:002014-02-04T08:34:16.053-05:00Another Pinwheel Quilt and more Mug Rugs?Yes, yes I did. I love the pinwheel block. The many variations, all of it and <a href="http://shop.psiquilt.com/product/pinwheel-sampler-quilt-105" target="_blank">Rachel Griffith's Pinwheel Sampler</a> pattern just sings to me.<br />
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I decided to take a class from Rachel at the Fredricksburg Sewing Expo this past October where she taught how to make this sampler. Yes, I've made it 3 or 4 times before, but I was using this class as a good cause. I REALLY wanted to make a Christmas quilt with all my holiday fabric and I always put it off. I figured this pattern would be a great way to get that done. Of course, as I pulled the fabrics, I realized that I had plenty of Christmas prints but of two distinct styles. Half were fun and funky and of non-traditional colors. The other half were the traditional prints and colors. After checking, they do not blend well. Well shit.<br />
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I thought and thought and then realized that I had plenty of pinks and Oct. was breast cancer awareness month so why not make a pink quilt and donate it?<br />
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This one came together pretty quickly because when you love a block like this like I do, you want to see it together ASAP.<br />
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I did quilt this baby but do not have photos (I forgot, I'm sorry). I asked my Instagram friends where I could donate it and received a message from someone who had a close relative going through the fight and asked if I would be willing to pass it to her to give. I immediately agreed, the best use of a quilt is to comfort someone who needs it and let them know they are thought of and loved. The requester offered to bind the quilt and I'm sure it is now providing a good hug for the person who needs it. Whether you know who is receiving your quilts or not, the feeling of peace for doing something kind lives within you for a long time after the gift has been given.<br />
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Speaking of Christmas and gifts, I will leave you with some Christmas mug rug creations.<br />
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This first is a very simple but effective little something to add color to the dessert counter.<br />
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Next, double sided Mug rugs for niece and nephew who have been all about hot cocoa this year. Mike and I also got them custom mugs and the kids bought them a variety pack of hot cocoas to try. <br />
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Another gift to a friend just to send a little Christmas hello. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-28770177708099463222014-01-26T09:18:00.003-05:002014-01-26T09:18:37.547-05:00Women of Courage QuiltI saw this quilt hanging in one of my LQS (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crazy-Cousin/442487505803358" target="_blank">Crazy Cousin</a>) and the it struck me. I loved it. I think, ultimately, it was the border that pulled me in. (<i>Warning, this post is going to have a lot of pictures!</i>)<br />
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This was a block of the month and the fabrics are <a href="http://www.windhamfabrics.com/cgi-bin/fabricshop/gallery.cgi?Category=564" target="_blank">Wyndham Fabrics</a>. Please click the link to find more detailed information but in short, there were several notable women who have displayed extraordinary courage in their life and each month provided a summary detail of who these women were and what they did as well as block instructions and fabric. <br />
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It's a little bit of a drive for me to this LQS for the monthly meetings so I purchased the kit all at once and started building the quilt on my own schedule. I posted each block on Instagram as I went along to satisfy my need to shout, "another one complete!" <br />
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I had two hiccups in the process, I miscut one fabric and had to find something out of my stash to substitute because it was no longer available in the store (& not worth ordering for the small amount I needed) and I miscut the border strips, even tough I read those instructions 80 bazillion times (yes, bazillion). However, I adjusted in both cases and pressed forward, I think, successfully. In all honesty, unless you are comparing my top to the pattern picture or you've made one with the provided fabrics, you won't know. lol<br />
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Finally, the top was complete and part of me wanted to stop there. The other part had been craving to get to quilting this baby. I wanted to do custom quilting in sections, although I had no idea how yet.<br />
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I loaded her up, asked a lot of opinions on Instagram and then, got to it.<br />
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Of course there are errors but that makes it real and she came out lovely. I had to find my own courage in trying something different on this Women of Courage quilt and given what these women had done in their lifetimes, what was my piddly little insecurity? Exactly, it was nothing compared to true adversity. <br />
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The moral, I love this lady. She's big, fits over a queen bed with drape and has rich colors. The deep aqua sets off the browns and reds and truly, that border is just stunning in real life.<br />
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I made the kids go with me to come up with photos. It was a beautiful day and I took them out to help me with this lady and one other quilt (you can see the story here, <a href="http://sarcasticquilter.blogspot.com/2013/10/bloggers-quilt-festival-fractured.html" target="_blank">Fractured Sunlight</a>, if you haven't seen it & are interested). Below are some sample shots of the kids at work. These were their ideas and styling. I take no credit except forcing them out of the house, which, I feel I need to do for all the quilt photos now. :)<br />
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The helpers. Thanks kids, I love you.<br />
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I hope you are having a lovely day and the next time you are a little reticent or fearful of something, think of those who have come before who haven't let that stop them and then ask yourself, can you do it? Will you?<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-62063236719510958892014-01-21T17:33:00.004-05:002014-01-22T07:33:44.070-05:00A Quilt made with Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Want to join us?”
That was the question in late November last year </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(this day takes place early in Dec.)</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> which
started my involvement in a project that warmed my heart. Amy (</span><a href="http://www.amylouwhosews.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Amylouwhosews</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) and Rachel (</span><a href="http://www.psiquilt.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">PS I Quilt</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) brainstormed
the idea of making a quilt for Kim (</span><a href="http://gogokim.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">My Go-Go Life</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) because her son had just
deployed and because she needed one and because she was making him one of the
same pattern (only in blues and white) and because we all understood deployments
and because, well, we love her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You see, Kim and I haven’t known each other long in terms of
time but I feel like our souls have known each other through space. We get together and it’s like yesterday was
the last time we spoke. Both of us have been guilty of speaking to the other as
if we had already shared details of our lives over the past few days and then
realizing maybe we didn’t and had to back track. Anyway, I digress (which coincidentally also
happens a lot when Kim and I chat.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Her son deployed. Rachel and Amy brainstormed the quilt and
invited me for the ride. We are all (including Kim) military spouses who have
had loved ones deploy, we understand deployment but can’t quite fathom it from
the mom’s perspective. We figured the knee jerk instinct to protect and keep
one’s child out of harm’s way must be conflicting with the rational
understanding that her boy was an adult and well trained. Using the Look to the
Stars pattern out of Rachel’s newly released book “<a href="http://www.shopmartingale.com/quilts-made-with-love.html" target="_blank">Quilts Made with Love</a>” (which
is, of course a fabulous pattern and book!), we all pieced the quilt using
scraps from our stash. Once we got it together, I quilted it with a whimsical
star and loop pattern. It was pieced and quilted using Auriful.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The batting was Pellon's Nature's Touch 50/50 Bamboo/Cotton blend. First time using it and I loved it. Like quilting with butter. From <a href="http://pellonprojects.wordpress.com/faqs/" target="_blank">Pellon's blog</a>, "</span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bamboo Blend Batting</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"> has a soft, silky hand and some naturally anti-microbial properties. It is durable, breathable, and comfortable. This regenerated cellulosic fiber has microscopic pores that allow for excellent wicking which draws moisture away from the body. It is an excellent warm weather option. Bamboo’s inherent properties also make it a natural selection for those who suffer from allergies."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we built this quilt, Rachel and her hubby Shane, who are
in OH, planned a trip to VA for the day we intended to give this to Kim. You see, we used the guise of a sewing day at
my house and Kim was set to come but then her kids had half days at school and
that killed that plan. Meanwhile, Rachel was scheduled to arrive and we had no
contingency plan. Amy was talking regularly to Kim but Rachel and I were
staying mum so as not to draw suspicion. Amy kept trying to figure out a way we
could see Kim on that Friday and eventually, when trying to get Kim to make
arrangements, had to just stop trying to make arrangements to avoid further suspicion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thursday night Rachel arrived and we sat down to finish
binding the quilt while Amy worked on the label. My pups, seeing a quilt so close at hand
tried like crazy to lay on it. One made it as far as her nose on Rachel’s
leg. I think this had more to do with
Rachel’s appreciation for having the pup nearby it than the pup’s perseverance, however.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The next morning, plans commenced. We piled into the car, in
the pouring rain and swung over to pick up Amy. At this point, we thought all
we would be able to do is see Kim for about an hour, if we were lucky, at a
local Starbuck’s or something. It was clear she didn’t want folks just “showing
up” at her house. It was one of those
weeks for her and we were </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">trying </i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to
be considerate. That failed. I called
her and told her Amy and I were nearby, could she break and meet us. (Remember,
Rachel’s presence was still an unknown to her.) She checked her calendar and
just had to decline to clear up some work items.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With our silent apologies to her and her employer (ahem,
</span><a href="http://www.alexveronelli.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Alex Veronelli</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.aurifil.com/SiteAurifil/HOME.html" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Auriful</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> – we thank you for your understanding), we just drove
to her house and let Rachel go knock on the door. And we wait. And wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Are we too late? Did she leave to go get her kids
already? It’s pouring rain. Rachel calls,
while at the door. Phew! A moment later, out comes Kim. LOVED the look of happy surprise on her face! </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She greeted everyone and then off to the back of the van to
see our other surprise (Rachel was the first one). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of course, the whole thing was rushed, she had to get her
kids but once she realized Rachel was here (we didn’t tell her about the third
surprise later, we didn’t want her to feel guilty if she decided to stay home) and
that Amy planned to grab her kids from school and come hang at my place with
Rachel, Shane and I, Kim decided to do the same and joined us later that
afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We laughed, gabbed, & had to give Kim the details of our
escapade. Kim grumbled good naturedly about us being in trouble. Ultimately,
though, Rachel and I were completely off the hook for the surprise. Amy is supposed to be the one who has trouble
keeping a secret. She got the brunt of it. LOL We were all complicit but like
any good middle child can attest, it’s always best to let someone else take the
heat if it’s so conveniently directed.
(-wink- Thanks Amy! You know I love you.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shortly after Kim arrived, I had another arrival. You see,
there’s this quilter out there, maybe you’ve heard of him, John Q. Adams (</span><a href="http://www.quiltdad.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Quilt Dad</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)? The
stars aligned & he had some free time that night so he drove up from NC to
say hey! I may have been a little awe
struck by the quilting talent in my home because after welcoming John in, I do
believe my next words were, “You are really tall!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Uh, duh. –sigh- Suave, I am not so let’s pretend it makes me
cute and move on, shall we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We all settled back in, gabbed more, ate, gabbed, played a
little in my sewing room. Kim has a thing about trying every kind of sewing
machine she can and really, who can resist playing on a mid-arm once it is in
front of them and the owner has it set up for play time? Not anyone, that’s who! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Finally,
the night came to an end, people departed and bed time called. It was such a good day, planned and prepped
for or not, I love having people visit, but ultimately, the day was made great
by the love we were able to share with one special person. I hope that this fine
lady, who would never hesitate to assist another living soul, one I’m blessed
to call a friend, now knows how much she means to those around her.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out <a href="http://gogokim.blogspot.com/2013/12/thank-goodness-i-put-on-my-bra-this.html" target="_blank">Kim's</a> and <a href="http://www.psiquilt.com/2013/12/a-real-life-quilt-made-with-love.html" target="_blank">Rachel's</a> take on this wonderful experience. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">I love these girls.</span>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-69664067833307674822014-01-20T18:21:00.001-05:002014-01-20T18:21:58.119-05:00Happy New YearI have so many things I want to share with you all but I've been such a blogging slacker that every time I thought of blogging, I felt overwhelmed with trying to "catch up".<br />
<br />
I sat down yesterday and organized the things I wanted to share. Would you believe, it's not that much? Why is it that list in your head is always so much larger than the one in reality?<br />
<br />
Anyway, it made me realize I could<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Catch you up on what I was doing quilt/sewing wise last year </li>
<li>Tell you if I met my quilt-y goals for last year and my goals for this year</li>
<li>Share with you a little on my continued journey to health and fitness</li>
</ol>
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Probably all within a few posts, too. With luck, January will be about catching up and Feb. will be about sharing current events and completions. </div>
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My first catch up share from last year? Well, it was swaps! I participated in several swaps (mini quilt, mug rug, sweet pouch and blocks). I also donated a couple blocks to people who requested them. If you have not participated in any online swaps, I would highly recommend it. You meet new people, it's fun to try to build something special for your partner and the anticipation of receiving something just for you is exciting. Plus, these swap groups always have pictures and discussions and the creativity you see is just inspiring! Oh, and they are quick projects. The best! </div>
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So, these are the swaps I've sent and received this year which have not already been shared on the blog. </div>
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Blocks donated to the DC MQG for kitchen sink charity quilts:</div>
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Blocks donated to a couple friends to help them make quilts for someone in need:</div>
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I participated in a Sweet Pouch Swap. I made a pouch using Patchwork Place's Hoo-Ha Pouch tutorial and sent it off to my partner in Latvia. I filled it with sweet goodies and a couple silly little stocking stuffer type things. </div>
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This is the cute little pouch and the goodies that I received from her. :)</div>
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Lastly, I participated in the Schnitzel and Boo Mini Swap. This was the <i>hardest</i> swap for me all year. It was a blind partner swap, which is usually fun but this one was so challenging. I checked out my assigned partner's work and it was great. I felt like I needed to come up with something truly unique that incorporated several of her "likes" for styles. Oh my, oh my, oh my, it was all in my own head but I still pondered and pondered. Finally, inspiration hit. I adapted a block/quilt pattern for a mini and made what I hoped would be a true modern quilt with linear inspiration and a teeny tiny bit of whimsy. I think I did it and am so proud of what I made up. She liked it, and really, that's ALL that matters. :-)</div>
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The mini I received came from a quilter who, and I love it, took my comment that I liked primary colors to heart. This mini hangs proudly in my line of sight in my sewing room. Hooray!</div>
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I hope last year treated you all well and I hope this new year is full of promise and success!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></i></div>
Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-62731156790233104932013-12-09T21:56:00.000-05:002013-12-14T08:12:17.396-05:00Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day - Pillow Covers<span style="color: #cc0000;">****GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**** Thank you to all who stopped by.****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">The winner, by random.org number generator is Melissa! She's the 34th entry out of 41. Congratulations, Melissa!</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">"</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05297612838637414379" rel="nofollow" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;">Melissa Palmer</a><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;">said...</span><br />
<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-5900121574768497202" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0.5em 25px 0.5em 0px;">My family would go to the Christmas Eve service every year. So one year, back in the day, my youngest brother (12 at the time... yes, 12), got ALL. THE. WAY. TO. CHURCH... and then realized he wasn't wearing shoes as he was getting out of the car. Hilarious, and oh so typical of him :) We make fun of him every year for it!<br /><br />Thanks for the chance! Those pillows are GORGEOUS!<br /><br />Melissa"</dd><span style="color: #cc0000;">*********************************************************************************</span><br />
I may be missing a lot of blogging opportunity lately but I'm not going to miss posting a giveaway for all y'all!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/12/giveaway-day-handmade-items/" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew </a>has organized a wonderful day again and I'm excited to join in and use this to jump start my blogging again. I've missed you so much, but that's not important right now, what's important is to get to the fun stuff.<br />
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I'm giving away these matching pillow covers. They will fit a 16" square pillow form.<br />
(Note: I am not including the pillow forms but they are standard forms from any craft store or Walmart.)<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>To enter, please leave a comment telling me a good funny family holiday story (any holiday if you don't celebrate Christmas). <span style="color: #cc0000;">NOTE: if you are a no-reply blogger or leaving an anonymous comment & do not include an email I can reach you if you win, your entry will be disregarded. The moral, please be sure to leave an email if you are one of those. Thanks! </span></b><br />
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<b>Giveaway is open until Friday, Dec. 13 at 8pm ET and </b><b>I will ship internationally and will choose the winner randomly from the comments.</b><br />
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My funniest holiday story would have to be the one where my mother tried to kill the entire family one Thanksgiving. We got to her condo and just outside the door, the smell was awful. When we got in, even worse! She told us she just made dad take out the garbage b/c it had to be the cat litter and while we thought this was stretching it, we figured, "okay". No, about 10 more minutes and we couldn't take the stench any more. 5 grown adults and 3 adolescents started sniffing around the 900 sq ft condo looking for the smell. We all converged on the stove at the same time.<br />
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Hubs opened the oven door and the gagging commenced. He closed the door. Mom profusely stated she just bought this, thawed it properly, it couldn't be the bird. We opened the door again. She shut up.<br />
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I don't know who took the bird out to the back deck to torture the neighbors (frankly, I don't know how they all didn't come beating on her door b/c her smell had to be ruining their turkey day smell) but I know it wasn't me. <br />
<br />
Mom started calling stores to see if she could find an unfrozen bird or breast. I opened the wine. Dad and hubs went to get the new bird. The girls drank and then, like any family who needs to waste time, after we had a few under our belts, we started drunk Skyp-ing and I decided calling Ms Shay of <a href="http://fairybreadmusings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Quilting in My Pyjamas fame</a>, to introduce her to my kin was a good idea. <br />
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Seriously after that, Shay only answered one Skype call after that. I think she felt sorry for me but has ultimately realized that if she's not talking to me, the police will have no reason to haul her out of bed at midnight one night when one member of my family has finally succeeded in offing the rest and the police need witnesses to determine what happened when and how. Wise choice, Shay, I'd probably have done the same. -wink- It's a wonder I'm still on her blog roll list. The woman must not be as administratively judicious on her blog as she is on screening Skype.<br />
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So, while to this day mom laments her best plan had not worked, the rest of us are not so silently thankful our noses weren't all stuffed up that fateful day. (And yes, we've had Thanksgiving's since without incident.)<br />
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So, you want to win these pillow covers or what? Share your tale!<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Beck </span></b></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-39405132133602301512013-11-24T15:31:00.003-05:002013-11-24T15:31:47.769-05:00Tree Heart Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago my SIL showed me a quilt on Pinterest. she wanted my assistance in making it. Not a problem, it looked to be pretty straight forward.<br />
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Then last week, she realized she probably wouldn't get around to it as soon as she wanted to so asked if I would make it for her. I said yes. <br />
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There's not much to say on completion of this quilt. Once I was provided size preference and color preference, I started it and hand embroidered the initials in the heart and machine-appliqued the heart onto the brown. I used one FQ to make the hear, folded it in half & drew half a hear on the fold, then cut out the half. Once unfolded, I had a complete heart, even on both sides. I pinned it like crazy to the background then appliqued it on using a blanket stitch. I backed it with a brown minkee and bound it with double-fold, wide bias tape.<br />
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On this windy and cold day, I think the photo stream speaks for itself in trying to get a good finish shot.<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers!</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Beck</span></b></i>Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225224009323729581.post-57199904679177617182013-10-25T09:49:00.002-04:002013-10-25T10:01:04.868-04:00Blogger's Quilt Festival - Fractured Sunlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QJJMkj6f8I/UmpxFQ0keMI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/G5jSdtFH12Y/s1600/P9220025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QJJMkj6f8I/UmpxFQ0keMI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/G5jSdtFH12Y/s640/P9220025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been waiting for the <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=1762287901&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=2271268&link=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRwcm94eS5nb29nbGUuY29tL35yL2FteXNjcmVhdGl2ZXNpZGUvfjMvNm5TOV95OC1EdXMv&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">Blogger's Quilt Festival, hosted by Amy's Creative Side</a>, to unveil this quilt on my blog. First, though, if
you are here from the festival, welcome! If you have not heard of it, click the
link to check it out. It is an awesome, online quilt show that will open up for
voting at the end of the week. I absolutely love this festival. I try to
visit each and every blog to see the creations and I become so inspired.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9i5SC4O1xI/UmpzwWwmYBI/AAAAAAAAEYE/fwoG-xEd7m0/s1600/Fall-BQF-Button-e1380294012428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9i5SC4O1xI/UmpzwWwmYBI/AAAAAAAAEYE/fwoG-xEd7m0/s1600/Fall-BQF-Button-e1380294012428.jpg" /></a></div>
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On to my entry, which I'm putting into the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2013/10/25/bloggers-quilt-festival-two-color-quilts-2/" target="_blank">Two Color Quilt category</a>, I love this quilt
for a few different reasons.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-
<!--[endif]-->It
makes a bold statement in its simplicity (honestly, it looks much more
complicate than it is.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-
<!--[endif]-->The
design is 100% my own, but I did enjoy using the InstaGram community for opinions
along the way. (I love IG these days,
feel free to find me at Sarcastic Quilter.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-
<!--[endif]-->The
kids and hubs (who doesn’t usually like modern quilts) all love it and enjoy
seeing it on the wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-
<!--[endif]-->The
kids participated in the photo shoot of the quilt! You have to read on for
details on this one. I’ll just say now it was one of my finer parenting moments
and I am bragging because it’s so hard to have these moments when they are all
teens! LOL<o:p></o:p></div>
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This quilt uses the "Sunrise" block from EQ6 and is
foundation pieced. I did a QAL a couple years ago with this block to teach
foundation piecing but have been wanting to explore different looks I might get
with only two colors. I chose the fabrics.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I made four blocks and tested designs.</div>
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I sewed the remainder of the blocks, then
pieced borders and sewed them on. Next, I quilted the heck out of this baby, echoing the shapes in each block and border and even mimicking some of the print on the fabrics in places. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
Regarding that parenting moment, it was shortly before school
started. The kids nor I had any activities all weekend and the sun was
shining. I told them to get their shoes
on, grabbed this and another quilt which needed photographing and we hopped in
the car. When the kids asked what we
were doing, I said going on a photo shoot. They all had to come up with places
to photograph the quilts at, keeping in mind the style of the quilts and
figuring out complimentary backgrounds etc. Reluctant at first, after the 1<sup>st</sup> location (a park down
the road), they were in the spirit.
Taking my camera and taking photographs themselves or giving me instructions on angles as they were hanging and
arranging the quilts.<br />
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For example, the shot below actually has my kid pulling on a branch to open up the draped quilt. He passed the little seedling and thought it would be great to drape the quilt on with the background and filtered sun. Kind of cool for a 13 year old, don't you think? I'm convinced these kids have more than we do half the time & we just need to find ways to let them express it.</div>
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My kids got creative, we spent a few hours outdoors together and
we had fun laughing and sharing. Many of these photos came about because of the quilt's name, "Fractured Sunlight", can you tell? <span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><br />
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There were quite a few people around so it became a big race to get photographs without folks moseying along the paths in the background.<br />
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So, I love this quilt. Not just for the personal experiment it was
for me in designing, creating and quilting it but for the wonderful
excuse it provided for an afternoon of fun and comraderie with my kids.</div>
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If you like it, please consider nominating it and giving it a vote.
That would just be some nice icing on the cake to share with the
kids. I know their involvement in the
story will make them proud.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I am off to view all the other beautiful entries now, I hope you
enjoy the rest of the festival and a big thanks to Amy for hosting and ALL the sponsors this year!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cheers!</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Beck</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Sarcastic Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08260818745110503205noreply@blogger.com15