tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80172883457119875552024-03-18T23:07:01.339-04:00Quilty HabitJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.comBlogger983125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-20574929746467514872019-02-01T18:50:00.001-05:002019-02-01T18:50:56.827-05:00Route 78 - A Finished Quilt<br />
I've lived on the northwestern border of New Jersey for the past 20 years (since elementary school). It has its positives and negatives, but one giant negative is that generally, it takes an hour or more to get almost anywhere I need to go, in every direction. I'm sure it could be worse, but for someone who doesn't enjoy driving or
cars or anything related, it can be quite the burden - especially when<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_78_in_New_Jersey"> Interstate Route 78</a>
here is a treacherous and busy road with many accidents (I watch a
Facebook group specifically dedicated to NJ/PA 78 updates nearly every day; the sheer number of commuters and trucks is unbelievable).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU2ALtcYbZCRumKGtW0WattUA1BfK0-D26u-QKrYbBzxl0US2sjg3ADKUZ4jbRhHcg5Kz13Xp1WMFZZRLktB9Q1S9tYoX_I4ulxFatj4F3SEhpAtr0vv5e3Wvx4Gm9ibrf_BtZICoPwDK/s1600/Route+78+Overall+J+Skultety.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1453" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU2ALtcYbZCRumKGtW0WattUA1BfK0-D26u-QKrYbBzxl0US2sjg3ADKUZ4jbRhHcg5Kz13Xp1WMFZZRLktB9Q1S9tYoX_I4ulxFatj4F3SEhpAtr0vv5e3Wvx4Gm9ibrf_BtZICoPwDK/s640/Route+78+Overall+J+Skultety.JPG" width="580" /></a> </div>
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However, I <b>have</b> found something positive about my constant commutes over the years. Driving home on Route 78 West towards my town takes me over a (somewhat scary) mountain, but the views are astounding. And if I hit that spot right around sunset, it's always worthwhile. Several mountains are surrounded by the most astonishing color spectacle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn84u42-4vilvnz7QJ-FbpcydAehJRgiI6whQJnHSUyYeugolkmwfqYbxaA2Td-FW0Wq4gPMvzp58qxtZxCfzsxhLp9UTGvNWkj3frBm0LueEvU3Cp23UymGPmNQx8KbueDH0H98VGQkG1/s1600/20181211_171105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1000" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn84u42-4vilvnz7QJ-FbpcydAehJRgiI6whQJnHSUyYeugolkmwfqYbxaA2Td-FW0Wq4gPMvzp58qxtZxCfzsxhLp9UTGvNWkj3frBm0LueEvU3Cp23UymGPmNQx8KbueDH0H98VGQkG1/s640/20181211_171105.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I'm always the one driving when this happens and thus have never been able to take a photo, but I did catch the infamous sunset over mountains when I pulled up to Shoprite one night. It's a bit more drastic and mountain-y from the highway, but hopefully you get the idea! I see sunsets like this all year round. Who would have thought - New Jersey, amiright? (Please note: I am a Jersey girl. I love NJ). :)<br />
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This quilt (72" x 78") was made over several months of 2018, using lots of special scraps and brick by brick improvisation, which I used to teach. It was all about creating a seamless transition between each color. When you look at the sky, do you ever wonder how those color change? I do, constantly! <br />
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So, each block has pieces of the colors surrounding it, which makes it have a pixelated look. What I LOVE about planned improvisation is that there's always a plan, but I never know exactly what the quilt will look like when it's done. I also quilted each color differently (and into the next color) to further emphasize the transition. It was fun coming up with the various motifs and pairing up Aurifil threads: 1320, 4020, 1133, 2600, 1243, 1135, and 2605. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0Q5M-xKSvE_8lY7iNgX-lm7TeRKIzCO9tETec4c-anjsdCwV8RF-kkR03BwpHzzkPlbmsoz_zrrgrE3j0oQZ9A9Mz0HKif3vqv5PZ6SbBMDIiPGxclED9jp0mL_2eHPGbGvzvqMGLeVn/s1600/DSC02536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0Q5M-xKSvE_8lY7iNgX-lm7TeRKIzCO9tETec4c-anjsdCwV8RF-kkR03BwpHzzkPlbmsoz_zrrgrE3j0oQZ9A9Mz0HKif3vqv5PZ6SbBMDIiPGxclED9jp0mL_2eHPGbGvzvqMGLeVn/s640/DSC02536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The gray mountains were appliqued on after I pieced the sky. I wanted them to switch from light to dark gray, as if the sun was still lighting up part of the mountaintops. That's not really what I typically see from the highway, but this creates more interest. :) The binding also transitions between colors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIR-43p7JyGt7oJ0XJBHgM5F4Wej7ZHQfTVHNK5YoxQMUDsmzPLu0fdk4XZ_poXeNkCkA_iurmeEFDpvwwc3pdTjVS2siwfhlIv2WC163BgzvaEJg3szXQNbGHiQuSNFCl-Kig1gdaIhMr/s1600/DSC02534.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIR-43p7JyGt7oJ0XJBHgM5F4Wej7ZHQfTVHNK5YoxQMUDsmzPLu0fdk4XZ_poXeNkCkA_iurmeEFDpvwwc3pdTjVS2siwfhlIv2WC163BgzvaEJg3szXQNbGHiQuSNFCl-Kig1gdaIhMr/s640/DSC02534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This quilt is really special. Whenever I brought it to lectures last year and mentioned the name, people in this surrounding area seemed to know exactly what I was talking about. Fun fact: there's only one diagonal seam in the whole quilt (besides the mountains), and it's in the above picture!<br />
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I'm trying to decide on another landscape quilt to start this year - to use up my scraps and make something once again that completely enthralls me in the process. Isn't that what it's all about? <b>What natural scene would you/have you recreate(d) in fabric?</b><br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://frombolttobeauty.blogspot.com/2019/02/mice-to-go-with-those-cats-beauties.html">From Bolt To Beauty</a></div>
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and <a href="https://www.devotedquilter.com/2019/01/constellation-tgiff.html">TGIFF</a>. </div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-73323202446761461072019-01-21T21:16:00.003-05:002019-01-21T21:16:50.639-05:00"For the Child" - A Finished QuiltA couple months ago, right before the crazy holiday tide started washing over everything, I received notification that I'd been chosen to participate in the 2nd annual <a href="https://www.windowsofunderstanding.org/">Windows of Understanding</a>, a public art project organized by Rutgers University in New Brunswick and Highland Park, NJ. I've become increasingly interested in creating more meaningful quilts that go beyond my little sewing room, so I'd jumped at the chance to apply to a program whose slogan reads, "We See Through Hate." Each artist would be paired up with a local nonprofit to convey, through art, their needs. Definitely my cup of tea.<br />
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I arrived for the introductions and public art training at Mason Gross School of the Arts, not knowing what to expect. It was an inspiring yet strange night, being surrounded by passionate artists who were mostly Rutgers graduate students and a few other adult artists (I just kept thinking, I feel old, being back in a place like this :) ).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqUqDX2FsHqFgstGyBGRdXMX6yFeLwD_bNRIJbaIfamHODN_vEXvf_kAALN3ms8ZbEv1ojgi6JxbRvScoCgnz9oQhUj789xEqCwqJRlfGzWmOYeNelQCsu9XCIjSP8H-wxrBaHNDO3nes/s1600/20190116_095545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqUqDX2FsHqFgstGyBGRdXMX6yFeLwD_bNRIJbaIfamHODN_vEXvf_kAALN3ms8ZbEv1ojgi6JxbRvScoCgnz9oQhUj789xEqCwqJRlfGzWmOYeNelQCsu9XCIjSP8H-wxrBaHNDO3nes/s640/20190116_095545.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Since I'm a teacher, I was assigned to work with CASA of Middlesex County (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children who are abused or neglected - by the way, this organization <a href="http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.5573/National_CASA_Association.htm">exists nationally</a>). That's a worthy cause that truly left me wondering if I could do it justice. If anything, the public art training gave me a lot to chew on; it was a whole new world. Diving into the <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/08/on-painting-piano-based-on-my-quilt.html">public piano project </a>last summer without any training (literally just me and a bunch of paint cans) made me reflect on that experience even more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8YUJwXXhDg2I12HqENZxzvE70muFwNp26n5IokrwDOHQK3gN06JSzFy4C7P2zsCu9tCrifFsw_J9LXYxG_lMWoIwgZP6p8sPa60wluRqFUO1ez521tZ7X-bNFnz1FrwKl9gwqDTs4stq/s1600/20190116_100550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1000" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8YUJwXXhDg2I12HqENZxzvE70muFwNp26n5IokrwDOHQK3gN06JSzFy4C7P2zsCu9tCrifFsw_J9LXYxG_lMWoIwgZP6p8sPa60wluRqFUO1ez521tZ7X-bNFnz1FrwKl9gwqDTs4stq/s640/20190116_100550.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i> It's double-sided! More volunteers with children.</i></div>
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Then, I had the opportunity to meet with the Program Director of <a href="http://www.casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/">CASA of Middlesex</a>, Stephanie. We talked about the main goals of the organization and the one that stood out most was volunteer recruitment. It's clear that CASA could not do what it does without caring adults who go through an intensive training and come out ready to support foster children who need them (85,000+ volunteers nationally).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKja1pHpQFwqlNpsSkf6TWj1Rn3Zc3JiMHSSkFYPLK_8RDmvoGEUiokUsZEifjRTABCcUeUld7E7LkR06BynYsMmV2lye3a5_K9SeMJx5TWpc9aJ5LpyMm_vKVYOj1Y9456nXkgeW2KM6/s1600/20190116_100655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKja1pHpQFwqlNpsSkf6TWj1Rn3Zc3JiMHSSkFYPLK_8RDmvoGEUiokUsZEifjRTABCcUeUld7E7LkR06BynYsMmV2lye3a5_K9SeMJx5TWpc9aJ5LpyMm_vKVYOj1Y9456nXkgeW2KM6/s640/20190116_100655.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Here are the results (read my artist statement below)! Luckily, I had time over winter break to delve into this project and give it the time it needed. As of today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the art tour is officially open and runs for the next month. I'm extremely honored and proud to be a part of this effort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9Y6GkjgV4J_fuewsUTtqX292Wx8MaFyOzfqTHtFDIDKKztdEp3dAq3q2JXvLLBNGfotdgEkkRuODO1tFIHZnY5Ym7CnQ2Ipnq1RPZ_xdiZCLkcJASX8QT7WpIihbTXBw7BUXLOwIqavC/s1600/20190118_160623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="877" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9Y6GkjgV4J_fuewsUTtqX292Wx8MaFyOzfqTHtFDIDKKztdEp3dAq3q2JXvLLBNGfotdgEkkRuODO1tFIHZnY5Ym7CnQ2Ipnq1RPZ_xdiZCLkcJASX8QT7WpIihbTXBw7BUXLOwIqavC/s640/20190118_160623.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<i>"Adult volunteers make drastic, positive differences in the lives of New Jersey's foster children through CASA. This quilt was stitched together by hand and machine to illustrate hope. Fragmented, but bright colors in the background come together to join volunteer and child. The quilting on top showcases the ripple effect of this trusting bond. Just one volunteer can make all the difference by giving time and attention. What could be more important than people coming together to help children?"</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxMasQjEFLbkORopv9ELbvtYf_IMzwuFqLoYAfofohbREeHSwd7pxyhCOdkMdYkUOEelGDxObRDZxB4NnF1GRvuNgkKINsTjVN2Bs9pJb8ee3AdqOiJPeQsxRbW20JE2CfsoJi26NUyXe/s1600/20190118_160649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxMasQjEFLbkORopv9ELbvtYf_IMzwuFqLoYAfofohbREeHSwd7pxyhCOdkMdYkUOEelGDxObRDZxB4NnF1GRvuNgkKINsTjVN2Bs9pJb8ee3AdqOiJPeQsxRbW20JE2CfsoJi26NUyXe/s640/20190118_160649.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/windowsofunderstanding/top/">The hashtag</a> so far showcases some of the artworks exhibited, and they are absolutely incredible! If you're local, make sure to pick a day that it's not -20 wind chill
(no joke) and take a walk around New Brunswick (special art tour map <a href="http://If you're local, make sure to pick a day that it's not -20 wind chill and take a walk around New Brunswick! My quilt is hanging in the window at Destination Dogs, which is a great spot! Plus, there are tons of events surrounding the art exhibition, though for now, some have been postponed due to the frigid temperatures.">right here</a>)! My quilt is hanging in the window
at Destination Dogs, which is a great spot (and um,<a href="http://www.destinationdogs.com/menu/"> if you like hot </a><a href="http://www.destinationdogs.com/menu/">dogs</a>, I can very much recommend going inside, plus you can see the other side of my quilt)! Maybe you'll learn about a new nonprofit that didn't cross your attention before. Plus, there are <a href="https://www.windowsofunderstanding.org/events-1">tons of events</a> surrounding the art exhibition, though for now, some have been
postponed due to the frigid temperatures. But don't miss this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TXeOotM20sROxTV8rCDLsPCDXPaIgO18Lfobsw7fwYcPxIM98SZp9yJp4lye8A5K2Az8yjNfpMNZUBDNo_UbBaofz9e04fWOdbXQl7-PEcSIfmPsoWqAObdHsaRfWKNzCgair4kSU8WC/s1600/20190118_160758_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TXeOotM20sROxTV8rCDLsPCDXPaIgO18Lfobsw7fwYcPxIM98SZp9yJp4lye8A5K2Az8yjNfpMNZUBDNo_UbBaofz9e04fWOdbXQl7-PEcSIfmPsoWqAObdHsaRfWKNzCgair4kSU8WC/s640/20190118_160758_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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(Thank goodness, the quilt was bright enough to conquer the mean glare on that window - at least from a distance. Phew! Double batting for the win).<br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-38268342619724053792018-12-31T13:57:00.002-05:002018-12-31T14:05:28.016-05:00Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019!2018 was the best year for my family since 2012, and I'm grateful for it. My husband and I were just recently reflecting on this fact. It was a big year namely because I got a new job that I love. This brought big changes to my quilting pursuits: I stopped writing <i>The Wonky Press</i> email newsletter after 3 years and as of this month have paused all lectures and workshops indefinitely (more about this <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/10/ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.html">here</a>). I think it's safe to say I am no longer trying to be a part of the quilting industry.<br />
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The relief these changes have brought is indescribable. I've been pulled in many directions for a long time, and it's time to just focus on one thing for a while. In the past, with deadlines for teaching, patterns, lectures, and blog hops I felt compelled to quilt in nearly all my free time and more if I could swing it. And truth be told - I loved it. While I'm <b>very grateful</b> for those opportunities and all the people I have met and worked with, now that I'm taking a break, I'm enjoying quilting more as a hobby (and have more time for other hobbies). This makes me really happy - happier than I thought I could be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGr4wrjnXq5dwg3wh35xgf8TVi49Z2n3EfLVTzx070BWohyphenhyphenmiwptS2OiPwByPfrjqpsfQl96o0HBo2H5ZqMClLqcOOnfMdEqsFvxlh05dtlf7H6RXXGqekxxiihSXcGKjSkg1Qs6767qAx/s1600/Quilt+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGr4wrjnXq5dwg3wh35xgf8TVi49Z2n3EfLVTzx070BWohyphenhyphenmiwptS2OiPwByPfrjqpsfQl96o0HBo2H5ZqMClLqcOOnfMdEqsFvxlh05dtlf7H6RXXGqekxxiihSXcGKjSkg1Qs6767qAx/s640/Quilt+2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year I finished 16 quilts (5 haven't been shared online yet). Several of these just had finishing touches added on this year. A few baby quilts, one community quilt, a few explorations of minimalism (see the <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/09/all-squared-in-quilting-modern-quilts.html">Quilting Modern Quilts Blog Series</a>), 3 other gift quilts, and one for myself (<a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/05/kintsugi-pantone-challenge-quilt.html">Kintsugi</a>, which embodies a lot of what I mentioned at the beginning of this post and my feelings about craft). You can read full blog posts for all those pictured above <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/p/blog-page.html">right here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5WnXaPwH3qasiAJxWF5xvw2k4XODfsPV9jAsyBwavmuMxwK-k9urLNtrN8xTw07kgkT1XB5gs2-BmAwbSgnwP9m-Xphwu4a-Ef8DhN2MycTYIu3mFuOfTBZrrWMXhGoWIQucYYy8zc6v/s1600/Small+makes+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5WnXaPwH3qasiAJxWF5xvw2k4XODfsPV9jAsyBwavmuMxwK-k9urLNtrN8xTw07kgkT1XB5gs2-BmAwbSgnwP9m-Xphwu4a-Ef8DhN2MycTYIu3mFuOfTBZrrWMXhGoWIQucYYy8zc6v/s640/Small+makes+2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are some of my favorite "small" makes of 2018. :) Most were towards the end of the year. </div>
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This year I also tried some new crafts. I got really interested in painting murals, and <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/08/on-painting-piano-based-on-my-quilt.html">completed my first, on a piano</a> (!), no less (check the latest issue of <a href="https://www.uppercasemagazine.com/">UPPERCASE magazine </a>- you might see a familiar face!!). This project would have been difficult to complete at other times in my life, but it was the right place and the right time. Thank you to SOPAC for that amazing opportunity to contribute to the community of South Orange, NJ.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpQnMwnsfTFdjuLYg_0x-SbZo7zxsZ1Nogskb3mLwQQyBXhVH8XJNtUzuVUbWWalS8zd05Imn6i3ekUPGAjBCjCZkTWu25ZLTztEGBg-20VQiXsNXOAVofvbN2OOgHP67kE7GuDkQxqy3/s1600/IMG_20180825_121105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpQnMwnsfTFdjuLYg_0x-SbZo7zxsZ1Nogskb3mLwQQyBXhVH8XJNtUzuVUbWWalS8zd05Imn6i3ekUPGAjBCjCZkTWu25ZLTztEGBg-20VQiXsNXOAVofvbN2OOgHP67kE7GuDkQxqy3/s640/IMG_20180825_121105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i> Read the full post about the piano project<a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/08/on-painting-piano-based-on-my-quilt.html"> here</a>. The design is based on one of my quilts!</i></div>
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My main focus right now: I'm currently working in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.windowsofunderstanding.org/">Windows of Understanding</a> public art project through Rutgers University and the <a href="https://fullercraft.org/">Fuller Craft Museum</a> in Brockton, MA on 2 quilts for exhibition. I am excited. :)<br />
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3rd block for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnyHIgxhEnO/">Raspberry Applique BOM</a>, in progress through 2019</div>
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I decided NOT to set goals for 2019 - more like plans. I'd love to attempt another Kintsugi quilt. Maybe I'll start garment sewing again, maybe not (apparently I really have to be in the mood for that; I just love quilts!). Maybe I'll knit more; I'd like to finish my Hufflepuff scarf before I see <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</i> in March! Maybe I'll be able to complete a wall mural. There are definitely more felt crafts and hand sewing in my future. I'll likely be finishing some WIPs and working on my Hawaiian applique (which deserves its own post - see photo above!). I'd love to have another chance at a community quilt this year.<br />
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I'll be posting about the 5 other quilts I still need to share publicly, plus the upcoming exhibitions. But who knows, really? I'm leaving it open otherwise.<br />
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<b>Do you have creative goals for the new year? Happy New Year and Happy Making 2019!</b><br />
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Linking up<b>:</b><br />
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<a href="https://quiltingjetgirl.com/2018/12/15/2019planningparty/"><b><img alt="" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" data-attachment-id="28885" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="#2019PlanningParty – feature" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/quiltingjetgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2019PlanningParty-feature.png?fit=700%2C367&ssl=1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/quiltingjetgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2019PlanningParty-feature.png?fit=300%2C157&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/quiltingjetgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2019PlanningParty-feature.png?fit=800%2C419&ssl=1" data-orig-size="800,419" data-permalink="https://quiltingjetgirl.com/2018/12/01/2019-planning-party-coming-soon/2019planningparty-feature/" height="167" src="https://i0.wp.com/quiltingjetgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2019PlanningParty-feature.png?fit=800%2C419&ssl=1" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-49453806462099386332018-12-30T19:30:00.000-05:002018-12-30T19:30:07.150-05:00Handmade Holidays 2018Handmade holidays (and birthdays) have become a large part of my making for the year. As long as I can swing the time, I'd much rather make something for someone (if I know they'll appreciate it) than wander aimlessly around a store or click "buy" online. This is just my preference, and one way of gifting isn't better than the other, of course! This post contains the bulk of all the things I've made the last 3 months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWi82ZIIW1tXmqpzYECcS03aMR4P-G8cHrg_B0IgaUUZ76vib3XYdy5QwGExBlkJE2i4Nn6LGD5IApju_fxzWeJmHSN-SrR9KGoQsiZEzw7PYJUIVxVWR8LoAU7HuoWk9ULcLqxa86Faq/s1600/20181202_134536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWi82ZIIW1tXmqpzYECcS03aMR4P-G8cHrg_B0IgaUUZ76vib3XYdy5QwGExBlkJE2i4Nn6LGD5IApju_fxzWeJmHSN-SrR9KGoQsiZEzw7PYJUIVxVWR8LoAU7HuoWk9ULcLqxa86Faq/s640/20181202_134536.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Winter tablerunner - long put away out of disinterest and finally finished this year (for me! Yay!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BnM12c0ocOQ7fmdVvF7L8jpEIbgpmGOnnDELeae5OuAz7Vs3Ek8OTArYqHUbm0RjRnFzrNeORQksNAmTNKNkjgjbOe__YH1Loqq9zC_iV1sIhmBxIaDU-Ee1rLXhk_9Y0C0i4E8kDBAF/s1600/20181202_134626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BnM12c0ocOQ7fmdVvF7L8jpEIbgpmGOnnDELeae5OuAz7Vs3Ek8OTArYqHUbm0RjRnFzrNeORQksNAmTNKNkjgjbOe__YH1Loqq9zC_iV1sIhmBxIaDU-Ee1rLXhk_9Y0C0i4E8kDBAF/s640/20181202_134626.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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It's a wonderful feeling to be told by people (namely my mom, sister, and two oldest nieces) that they'd prefer I make them something. Handmade holidays has its downsides, too. It means time management and proper fabric buying/preparation. It's probably more pricey when you factor in the time it takes to make something. For the winter holidays, it means starting in September or October. Over the last few years, I've relied on my quilt guild's early November retreat to get as much done as possible in a weekend, and it's great!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVllJAuhXlNIRdnzqnxXx_LXxSlblVDNXG28U9uhD8dkcvopWvb-pGKW4CNLqwde9LQMQGonvS7u9SsGc32q8cCoYXFlxknPDItzZntbtku0IHvKzpqB5KwmQBxNtq3DY1TuD53FvLQMM/s1600/20181111_123024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVllJAuhXlNIRdnzqnxXx_LXxSlblVDNXG28U9uhD8dkcvopWvb-pGKW4CNLqwde9LQMQGonvS7u9SsGc32q8cCoYXFlxknPDItzZntbtku0IHvKzpqB5KwmQBxNtq3DY1TuD53FvLQMM/s640/20181111_123024.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pillow for my mom - the sashiko ginkgo leaves (pattern from <a href="https://www.easypiecing.com/">Easy Piecing</a>) on the right were done early in the year. Always knew I'd make it into a pillow for her; I've made several sashiko pillows at this point and<a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2017/06/sashiko-flower-pillow-by-hand-and.html"> one</a> other just for her! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy35pwMtnOUVof92XCmt3f4E3R14Nvmpa6XG6YMFRaFizmbGz7-ZYru3ixI3i2CzPjBGE3J5R63O1GQvQb9p2LvynGsZHqO3YqPZamusx6lNSyEvpp_C664GncS27J7YGcmXi-HGEzXJe/s1600/20181111_123051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEy35pwMtnOUVof92XCmt3f4E3R14Nvmpa6XG6YMFRaFizmbGz7-ZYru3ixI3i2CzPjBGE3J5R63O1GQvQb9p2LvynGsZHqO3YqPZamusx6lNSyEvpp_C664GncS27J7YGcmXi-HGEzXJe/s640/20181111_123051.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimN8Vk7eoCt48cM4uk368A3jG7dlzMH_vUQs3OfnEFh_gVW_7_6JWNOYdaHIBTzQWYvkBPi-tJp6O4JQcrL9uDSxgc78CzrQsZuPBY-ZGc6XWKlCoEqgLVQiUiQoI2UURvYmKKNbHM8Kgz/s1600/20181111_123110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="923" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimN8Vk7eoCt48cM4uk368A3jG7dlzMH_vUQs3OfnEFh_gVW_7_6JWNOYdaHIBTzQWYvkBPi-tJp6O4JQcrL9uDSxgc78CzrQsZuPBY-ZGc6XWKlCoEqgLVQiUiQoI2UURvYmKKNbHM8Kgz/s640/20181111_123110.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0ErgCC9gmrP34Tz9VLEQV95YE-ceZtx8M8z4hFnQl_pKT-Sg1VUitAsJrnPqleet4kISmD0KB7R1uhMZgmwkggUbK44BYeYVA2pfmKVUXcLOdN5dGERadk8bbZPB093R5Rmp_EZfT1Oo/s1600/20181111_123202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0ErgCC9gmrP34Tz9VLEQV95YE-ceZtx8M8z4hFnQl_pKT-Sg1VUitAsJrnPqleet4kISmD0KB7R1uhMZgmwkggUbK44BYeYVA2pfmKVUXcLOdN5dGERadk8bbZPB093R5Rmp_EZfT1Oo/s640/20181111_123202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Next up: pouches! First, a <i>Hamilton</i> the musical-inspired pouch for my sister's boyfriend, who now LOVES Broadway (and <i>Hamilton</i>). I quilted the lyrics to his favorite song "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" on the back the pouch, and included NYC fabric on the inside (he loves NYC, too!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq-vRbt-nxEsbUCUXpBsfIrjcWRfNtwuPJyiygiBxU8OOIjx1c_qYdO6Uy0zhLDfd4RMZX7lUaDcFVr4o1XxfQoL_7tA1GYfKTkr0U6Tf-IvtaNFyyzxg8HbHYZR6KPe07oW78ZXAV5o7/s1600/20181111_130448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqq-vRbt-nxEsbUCUXpBsfIrjcWRfNtwuPJyiygiBxU8OOIjx1c_qYdO6Uy0zhLDfd4RMZX7lUaDcFVr4o1XxfQoL_7tA1GYfKTkr0U6Tf-IvtaNFyyzxg8HbHYZR6KPe07oW78ZXAV5o7/s640/20181111_130448.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiJ8pIQMoBBwk3LZUlvsWmHAj7_2jTTcx7hBXui7jfFq3D4J1F8_U6RwQ1nVnUO-fKcGVP5yHvIPRQAUXHnCckKmfH4HsDdLDXnOwjEMH1_tjbyozP2qWJt8yQmRQZhNrrUfqQa7ZX4KA/s1600/20181111_130523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiJ8pIQMoBBwk3LZUlvsWmHAj7_2jTTcx7hBXui7jfFq3D4J1F8_U6RwQ1nVnUO-fKcGVP5yHvIPRQAUXHnCckKmfH4HsDdLDXnOwjEMH1_tjbyozP2qWJt8yQmRQZhNrrUfqQa7ZX4KA/s640/20181111_130523.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also made 5 emoji-inspired pouches for my older nieces, depending on personality (for example, one of the oldest got the stars because she loves performing). In the holiday crazy I forgot to snap a picture of these finished, but I was super pleased with them! Each niece also got cute holiday socks inside their pouches. These were made up as I went using HeatnBond Lite for the faces and fusible fleece to give them structure. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-G4nnT69dv-qf2JFHIq2nDQ5ag_3CDNHJYisBgxfosKttSTJn317pWhyfnXxB-qmNJHHaOPhRjPsZCmvDsnBg_N8J8i61crlhPsJpL9pWqXamfOKScTdVJeegPBkFfSqY6rfULnomMlu/s1600/IMG_20181102_213045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1000" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-G4nnT69dv-qf2JFHIq2nDQ5ag_3CDNHJYisBgxfosKttSTJn317pWhyfnXxB-qmNJHHaOPhRjPsZCmvDsnBg_N8J8i61crlhPsJpL9pWqXamfOKScTdVJeegPBkFfSqY6rfULnomMlu/s640/IMG_20181102_213045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you make for <i>really </i>little kids? I've tried several tactics and now I know you can't go wrong with hats. I used a pattern from Fleece Fun and just altered it to use knit scraps and felt. I was a bit nervous as I'd never made a hat before, but my tiny niece and nephew put them right on and didn't take them off for hours! Example A:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaIx-rKKNN4_qxk_as3Zfe-asg1R7WDVVD_lnMF_z0AheanY0fHBtKPX8LIy50ZvKLCXm_T0BT_L2BhvFElE25cbMFp-NYEtYBNWMTXrA3zrrnuko30NOWSbohcdMDrUKRGNfsEVnIAnA/s1600/20181225_162800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaIx-rKKNN4_qxk_as3Zfe-asg1R7WDVVD_lnMF_z0AheanY0fHBtKPX8LIy50ZvKLCXm_T0BT_L2BhvFElE25cbMFp-NYEtYBNWMTXrA3zrrnuko30NOWSbohcdMDrUKRGNfsEVnIAnA/s640/20181225_162800.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_d8ywGjZOhvf2kHGf7IS50lJPuuBAyrTYpRt6sKkA23Er-k4YrbUEnQs2Zo6T8EgSPO9Jc0uuVAFLRmPCfwR4BMcSyT5cBx99CdERRdnE6NBOntymVxSdh_0bBSvvkJi5pqAUdSZBzXv/s1600/20181201_134903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1000" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_d8ywGjZOhvf2kHGf7IS50lJPuuBAyrTYpRt6sKkA23Er-k4YrbUEnQs2Zo6T8EgSPO9Jc0uuVAFLRmPCfwR4BMcSyT5cBx99CdERRdnE6NBOntymVxSdh_0bBSvvkJi5pqAUdSZBzXv/s640/20181201_134903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made these little embroidery wall hangings for my husband and his best friend, who love Pokemon and especially the infamous <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/surprised-pikachu">Surprised Pikachu meme</a>. </div>
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And finally, onto the felt flowers - my newest craft obsession. I've been posting a lot about felt and felt flowers <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quiltyhabit/">on Instagram</a>, and this will definitely continue! I love it - I think I was a florist in a past life. Working with felt is<b> so</b> different from fabric but I'm enjoying the challenge of trying new flowers and making surprise wreaths for friends. Here's an example of the several winter-themed wreaths I made recently. The best part is being able to use one embroidery hoop for two wreaths!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LfNgBAjZ7JCzotRS0zzhUTwlsdD0lyQ95i3yYSA4xxWl-IBCT_ZWkxha1JJ2j3-DF4n7T6q2P6UGGwdQYySAdEXhpUfdt9C1OIjzrIqjOlD7vlVJr6U6fi0UCIBNO_P0nZk5qa7iQ4as/s1600/20181223_134645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="950" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LfNgBAjZ7JCzotRS0zzhUTwlsdD0lyQ95i3yYSA4xxWl-IBCT_ZWkxha1JJ2j3-DF4n7T6q2P6UGGwdQYySAdEXhpUfdt9C1OIjzrIqjOlD7vlVJr6U6fi0UCIBNO_P0nZk5qa7iQ4as/s640/20181223_134645.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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I also made my mother-in-law her own terrarium. She'll never have to worry about watering these succulents (<a href="https://benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/115305860-felt-succulent-diy">tutorial from Benzie Design</a>, where I get my felt!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19kpye4JRUYvipVuqThyDsMuuACBa_SmORXx0O2u7QOaqiq-r6RkpMEKnS4rAfVV4wI3Pe3aKpZJ9AJJE9XlYYXuOS-hUOXbZeAATwcZv931gR6pq_0-CobRVGhTpAZPbIZXU__Qv0fVJ/s1600/20181225_134724_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19kpye4JRUYvipVuqThyDsMuuACBa_SmORXx0O2u7QOaqiq-r6RkpMEKnS4rAfVV4wI3Pe3aKpZJ9AJJE9XlYYXuOS-hUOXbZeAATwcZv931gR6pq_0-CobRVGhTpAZPbIZXU__Qv0fVJ/s640/20181225_134724_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLFMc1qJs0FaGfUjru9hm8hyphenhyphenxzgDFGwLUC11QHipdIyPylz0p6FApigl9WSQhB5BlGSrMMR8f7RXtTp7SHaEJ9ASEMnAjZqv0KXSR4s7PN9WyGPSHh93Ke4lJ4-C7cTpuMhVTaFgF2JY1/s1600/20181225_134748_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLFMc1qJs0FaGfUjru9hm8hyphenhyphenxzgDFGwLUC11QHipdIyPylz0p6FApigl9WSQhB5BlGSrMMR8f7RXtTp7SHaEJ9ASEMnAjZqv0KXSR4s7PN9WyGPSHh93Ke4lJ4-C7cTpuMhVTaFgF2JY1/s640/20181225_134748_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Usually I have no idea what I'll make year to year, but next year's
niece and nephew presents are already cemented in my mind. That's a big relief
though, because I don't have to worry about it. I can just start making -
once I've taken a proper break from this year's holiday, that is. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbHfcJL3JORweT_IsDulcti_H-5DMtSnkUpLoeKphG46hIq13bYnTOit8rAwMCtcH8n9jk4bx0WTdKUiQIbitmydd50dbeFbLFyjkdxMpbrcDg7IySEK67g9_Xn9GaVbYzroHtRsGpAra/s1600/20181202_134711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbHfcJL3JORweT_IsDulcti_H-5DMtSnkUpLoeKphG46hIq13bYnTOit8rAwMCtcH8n9jk4bx0WTdKUiQIbitmydd50dbeFbLFyjkdxMpbrcDg7IySEK67g9_Xn9GaVbYzroHtRsGpAra/s640/20181202_134711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-44507040061718401442018-12-28T15:56:00.001-05:002018-12-28T15:56:09.721-05:00Moana: A Disney Mini QuiltThis is the fifth year I've made my sister a custom Disney-themed mini quilt upon her request. It's an exciting challenge for me every year, and I wouldn't make them for anyone else but her!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95TebApeEoTLLW4ff9AEPGPrUhv_CLsgx4SVf5hja2H6Hr7rJWZtwCcR7fOk4PVTN7LZFM1dJ4fsxnaJD0Obr4pNjlxLxFh88QdLNMBoG5_U5a866AODREjS7y0YLdYZLpFz040QhSm8i/s1600/20181111_134759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="730" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95TebApeEoTLLW4ff9AEPGPrUhv_CLsgx4SVf5hja2H6Hr7rJWZtwCcR7fOk4PVTN7LZFM1dJ4fsxnaJD0Obr4pNjlxLxFh88QdLNMBoG5_U5a866AODREjS7y0YLdYZLpFz040QhSm8i/s640/20181111_134759.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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"See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me..." from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPAbx5kgCJo">the song "How Far I'll Go"</a> from <i>Moana</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJo587Lmbg-WX56bBW-U9bX5QNs26A_eXAyVjiNAbGd4CQFwfZ2kQmSs3ORhOJi37NW7rjqa72k7x5Wcm2n7CzSNvnjvQqhyphenhyphenMZLVottdx35f-mZ4ZZMSTcywKvEFr5xLBupgZ2Q9BCAe6/s1600/IMG_20180909_131128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1000" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJo587Lmbg-WX56bBW-U9bX5QNs26A_eXAyVjiNAbGd4CQFwfZ2kQmSs3ORhOJi37NW7rjqa72k7x5Wcm2n7CzSNvnjvQqhyphenhyphenMZLVottdx35f-mZ4ZZMSTcywKvEFr5xLBupgZ2Q9BCAe6/s640/IMG_20180909_131128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She's been hinting about how much she loves<i> Moana</i> for over a year now (okay, we both talk about it fairly often), so I knew she would enjoy a <i>Moana</i> quilt. I knew immediately what scene I'd recreate: <a href="https://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/moana-singing-boats-shore.jpg">Moana standing on the edge of a boat, dreaming of the day she'd leave her island</a> (which obviously she does - most of the movie takes place on the sea!).<br />
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I really wanted the colorful, lush island to be part of the landscape, so that was the best choice. Plus, how can you go wrong with a scene from the movie's best song, "How
Far I'll Go?" To be honest, whenever I sing the song, I mess up this
lyric pretty badly. :) It's a gorgeous song, though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYkGoOHoYHSvLo2FUIynqTp_FOUHAVaOQElil0CNsOurI0KQupObB2Sva8jSXg2sRsLKViK2FJk-VRO-iWmq2zj2OYqYepYV4ptetC9VaUhdu0HISdtXUX-Rf9poI2zZqCxutuIRo1eFd/s1600/20181024_203639_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYkGoOHoYHSvLo2FUIynqTp_FOUHAVaOQElil0CNsOurI0KQupObB2Sva8jSXg2sRsLKViK2FJk-VRO-iWmq2zj2OYqYepYV4ptetC9VaUhdu0HISdtXUX-Rf9poI2zZqCxutuIRo1eFd/s640/20181024_203639_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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The quilt didn't come without its challenges. First, I made the
background, which consisted of the sky, improvised waves, and beach.
After that, it was all applique and free motion quilted details. It was very important to me that I
choose the right skin tone for Moana; the fabric I originally chose
didn't contrast enough with the background. So, I stitched on some
lighter "sand" on top first. Much better and not noticeable unless I tell you (which I just have).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKIo3e74w1R-Ux3DM_JqaMCaEwOf-4jqsPQIvhyTuQ8M5hQpUcdGnbj2NV8iCeaDIcJYg82by0lCaWagmyrN3l8acx3b6Tsv5XO67rq2wd_MBxZsZ7f2chicV8uV4ig9PNMWATnUHy401/s1600/20181111_130815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKIo3e74w1R-Ux3DM_JqaMCaEwOf-4jqsPQIvhyTuQ8M5hQpUcdGnbj2NV8iCeaDIcJYg82by0lCaWagmyrN3l8acx3b6Tsv5XO67rq2wd_MBxZsZ7f2chicV8uV4ig9PNMWATnUHy401/s640/20181111_130815.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://i.gzn.jp/img/2016/11/29/moana-trailer/cap00010.png"> Moana with her friend, the ocean wave</a>. My husband had the idea to quilt sea foam. It's the perfect touch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeSAFUSzT4QQSRdUc4ssbTXYTwKz17waoSRoN5-zy_cHII-Ag6_zBh3RfG8G5WVUrLKLIZQ12J74hbfIXV6-yvgu6D4NNYwD_-JmDj7wF1HLgeZ_MH5vfA6Q8H9-WkkYFlkBpRH4fLgU5/s1600/20181111_131649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1000" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeSAFUSzT4QQSRdUc4ssbTXYTwKz17waoSRoN5-zy_cHII-Ag6_zBh3RfG8G5WVUrLKLIZQ12J74hbfIXV6-yvgu6D4NNYwD_-JmDj7wF1HLgeZ_MH5vfA6Q8H9-WkkYFlkBpRH4fLgU5/s640/20181111_131649.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Quilting those little palm trees was a challenge; they're about the size of one segment of my finger. Small, intricate quilting has always been difficult for me. But I persevered and took breaks (some of those beach pebbles are really small, too). Worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxKavPlNiJ9slQN1hm6gf8duid9fMapkYVTr0te3F8ZR2d1pULW8kZv8qx4e1uIupPd5wQlXD05Gdi28FC169YoaYINIPAIDg8b_0Lp0E9at7f3stbGD0yPIXvvBBjDgJg8u65Z6kTDCc/s1600/20181111_130801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxKavPlNiJ9slQN1hm6gf8duid9fMapkYVTr0te3F8ZR2d1pULW8kZv8qx4e1uIupPd5wQlXD05Gdi28FC169YoaYINIPAIDg8b_0Lp0E9at7f3stbGD0yPIXvvBBjDgJg8u65Z6kTDCc/s640/20181111_130801.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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The sidekicks, of course - <a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/a/aa/Pua_and_Heihei.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20161119070122">Pua the pig and Heihei the chicken</a>. They were the last touches on the quilt before it was done (I added them after I had finished quilting everything else). I even added Pua's little tail and the oar he was holding during the song.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEThF7aF1Him84ymchVAmfEb85iBCh3aEyYvD4WqwahQ7yzHlBb7dCNRAyYtRq1fJ56Clyjc1dgUtn6us6EOWg8nQpN9QE_xJuE5za5rWLih-g0mkTImpLxonLPS45ol6gdudfqEycS5MJ/s1600/20181111_134602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEThF7aF1Him84ymchVAmfEb85iBCh3aEyYvD4WqwahQ7yzHlBb7dCNRAyYtRq1fJ56Clyjc1dgUtn6us6EOWg8nQpN9QE_xJuE5za5rWLih-g0mkTImpLxonLPS45ol6gdudfqEycS5MJ/s640/20181111_134602.jpg" width="564" /></a> </div>
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The backing print by Denyse Schmidt. Reminiscent of all the flowers from the movie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGfbz0mtuzaVyT9LVEK23JUVYNKgTwYQVIlm6QBLVA27DMtQaek-sipPPezrq0eTJh6vWH130W0OFEYd7HzMd0s_27ZkL1whVq6rn04Uwqx0bN7G3QNceBM8mETiiLbzzH6-bfVEKcb4A/s1600/20181122_125639_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGfbz0mtuzaVyT9LVEK23JUVYNKgTwYQVIlm6QBLVA27DMtQaek-sipPPezrq0eTJh6vWH130W0OFEYd7HzMd0s_27ZkL1whVq6rn04Uwqx0bN7G3QNceBM8mETiiLbzzH6-bfVEKcb4A/s640/20181122_125639_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And a happy recipient! :)<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAzkQbVgj3-dquFLLPadFMwuKdo5euTbA84SRXOKXMYru_rVbthUPHrhyphenhyphenWOt0gL19qKgGq9XA_ZhJ8VTYUkaYj-kJXDw0g2lARfxyKgPYDlSo1oD2bw043BwqJZe-jIDqGgOPydnbEZZb/s1600/3quilts.png" /><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="771" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aqQhrUxPi_3KnRKYsvncKgl6OiNPcIZcg-5-NsrualOfmu41ZfuZumFASG91W8HOqJK6cymMxzRQ2epEa6S0q5eK3X1nb9-jGvUdddA8BiA-cEDF5avZZZ6zNmHVYRF2mRVvV8ODlWnn/s320/IMG_20171121_155413.jpg" width="246" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95TebApeEoTLLW4ff9AEPGPrUhv_CLsgx4SVf5hja2H6Hr7rJWZtwCcR7fOk4PVTN7LZFM1dJ4fsxnaJD0Obr4pNjlxLxFh88QdLNMBoG5_U5a866AODREjS7y0YLdYZLpFz040QhSm8i/s1600/20181111_134759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95TebApeEoTLLW4ff9AEPGPrUhv_CLsgx4SVf5hja2H6Hr7rJWZtwCcR7fOk4PVTN7LZFM1dJ4fsxnaJD0Obr4pNjlxLxFh88QdLNMBoG5_U5a866AODREjS7y0YLdYZLpFz040QhSm8i/s320/20181111_134759.jpg" width="233" /></a> <br />
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Past Disney mini quilts all together!: <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2015/12/let-it-go-frozen-mini-quilt.html">Frozen</a>, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2016/10/part-of-your-world-little-mermaid-mini.html"><u>The Little Mermaid</u></a>, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2014/11/tomorrow-night-mini-quilt-from-tangled.html">Tangled</a>, and <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2017/11/belle-disney-mini-quilt.html">Beauty and the Beast</a> - blog posts linked. Each one depicts each character's dreams and the lyrics that tie in. Looking forward to whatever gets made next November!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /> </div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-39591193604412999732018-11-25T12:09:00.001-05:002018-11-25T12:09:58.871-05:00The Empowerment of SewingI just finished a really fun surprise project in time for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving (a surprise for all except my husband, who came up with the wordage - which by the way is only sometimes true :D). It was our first time hosting a Thanksgiving dinner - quite an undertaking. The week before, instead of doing whatever "deep cleaning" is and making multiple shopping trips, I tried to focus my down time on finishing these two aprons. Because sewing calms me, and I was super excited about this project!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jJ-KLAkmrWB_J_A81VvLnYnMwVc9HD8y6TtcWx-Ojl693r4Y0fVBCkFQubkBgA-OjuI0Nw3Mf5ogLSO36lzeC6lsouqOW_0gNyWBixdtxED5eM_5OQBzKP2Ery5FS2lU5rsEhZfAw-_D/s1600/20181122_111335_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jJ-KLAkmrWB_J_A81VvLnYnMwVc9HD8y6TtcWx-Ojl693r4Y0fVBCkFQubkBgA-OjuI0Nw3Mf5ogLSO36lzeC6lsouqOW_0gNyWBixdtxED5eM_5OQBzKP2Ery5FS2lU5rsEhZfAw-_D/s640/20181122_111335_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Aprons aren't really *hard* to sew if you know your way around a sewing machine. I've made a couple of kid's aprons in the past, and they turned out alright. These are definitely my best attempts so far, and it's definitely because I have several more years of sewing under my belt. Though not to say you can't make a well-made apron with just a little experience, because you can! I make more quilts than anything, so sewing outside of that realm always takes some extra planning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt-CKx5YUQ0OCrrOJpCVa3ktluUL94uBwc41LOG68l46lSi6vwe6133IRoeUiBwZr97m2JJS88DVbknGE9RbNAWo1IoyQu3EtMC0vm3sgElHJ4_H-ENQHnF1BfLr_Fupvz9GqP5-GCEBL/s1600/IMG_20181114_202121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="991" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt-CKx5YUQ0OCrrOJpCVa3ktluUL94uBwc41LOG68l46lSi6vwe6133IRoeUiBwZr97m2JJS88DVbknGE9RbNAWo1IoyQu3EtMC0vm3sgElHJ4_H-ENQHnF1BfLr_Fupvz9GqP5-GCEBL/s320/IMG_20181114_202121.jpg" width="317" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWwZlXKrkLErqkCGrfAp0CGdJfqeQu8K3i5cYCMLbdwCEwmyTAS3OMV9dqJICyYY5rYSselJTbhyphenhyphenLkvJ2jn6NTqP-y1Qge3K1mgOd3MDAiAhoBCrjWWlHIbW2vTrevpJUEF7gj95X1Szb/s1600/20181114_194259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWwZlXKrkLErqkCGrfAp0CGdJfqeQu8K3i5cYCMLbdwCEwmyTAS3OMV9dqJICyYY5rYSselJTbhyphenhyphenLkvJ2jn6NTqP-y1Qge3K1mgOd3MDAiAhoBCrjWWlHIbW2vTrevpJUEF7gj95X1Szb/s320/20181114_194259.jpg" width="240" /></a> <br />
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In my job, we talk a lot about empowerment. While making these aprons, especially during the autopilot moments, I realized (lightbulb moment) that the empowering nature of sewing is what really has kept me going through tough times the last few years. And it will continue to empower me, even when I reach life chapters where I'm doing less sewing. I'm constantly attracted to the idea of solving puzzles, creating unique things, and making custom items for family and friends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziQ5nNgyvYK6jryZ3zXIm_SHe0REWYoCm_UpsQeiCfFTV3GYrNsQaH7VJpw54-mFXMfrZLhyVZm5Q1ld4AtzeOZI8zY_1YBmKhIPqUPmwb0ZdIIpjEfoxSPr7CFJDv4Ul6T2UJufDQT2i/s1600/IMG_20181111_221844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1000" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziQ5nNgyvYK6jryZ3zXIm_SHe0REWYoCm_UpsQeiCfFTV3GYrNsQaH7VJpw54-mFXMfrZLhyVZm5Q1ld4AtzeOZI8zY_1YBmKhIPqUPmwb0ZdIIpjEfoxSPr7CFJDv4Ul6T2UJufDQT2i/s640/IMG_20181111_221844.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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So, with that, I'd like to reflect on and celebrate the many empowering moments in this project.<br />
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I can make something with my own two hands.<br />
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I can create an adult apron pattern without any help from the internet (though to be fair, this came more from being lazy than anything, and wanting to save paper and ink. I just cut the fabric, measured roughly, and went for it!).<br />
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I can create shapes out of fabric and stitch them down to look like almost anything I want.<br />
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I can figure out exactly how to flip an apron like a pillowcase. This ensures that all the edges are enclosed and that I don't have to deal with binding or bias tape of any kind. The excitement over achieving a neat look never gets old!<br />
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I can top stitch to make the whole thing look flatter and neater. Because I've learned that from other projects.<br />
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I can make something that looks better (and is better than) something I would find in a store.<br />
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I can make something unique that no one else in the world has or will ever have.<br />
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I can surprise my family and make them laugh. <br />
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I can sew. And it's awesome.<br />
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So, share with us, if you would - what do you find empowering about sewing? Let's celebrate this skill that we have and teach it to others. Because it really is like nothing else!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-13851948337410278352018-10-24T21:16:00.002-04:002018-10-24T21:16:32.716-04:00Color Story Community QuiltLet me tell you the story of a small town nestled in the valley next to the Delaware River and Pennsylvania called Lopatcong (part of Phillipsburg, NJ). I moved here in 3rd grade and still live here. My husband grew up here, too. I went through a period of time (college to a couple years ago) where all I wanted to do was move elsewhere. But it's home (for now at least) and there are lots of things I love about it. Country views, less traffic than pretty much anywhere else in NJ (thank you, Warren County), a good school system, amazing local tacos and pizza, and closeness to Pennsylvania (so much to do and see there), family, and old friends. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E57siL3BuJt9rNBVXL2Qh-RZEex0J6k4hEniUBxj6nLvtJxMNK5XlAfstkGi8jcUjT-Re8IZ1kGjGtTk6AzpqLgmQaaQfO4R_Jl5GYzxZPfwDehkovh8X2HUFU1ClsIIygTb24iQ-JDA/s1600/DSC02196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="887" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0E57siL3BuJt9rNBVXL2Qh-RZEex0J6k4hEniUBxj6nLvtJxMNK5XlAfstkGi8jcUjT-Re8IZ1kGjGtTk6AzpqLgmQaaQfO4R_Jl5GYzxZPfwDehkovh8X2HUFU1ClsIIygTb24iQ-JDA/s640/DSC02196.JPG" width="566" /></a> </div>
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For several years, I've had the honor of organizing and jump-starting community quilt projects here, thanks to the Lopatcong PTA and Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission. I set up camp for one day at the annual Day of the Arts celebration in March, armed with fabric, a sewing machine, and a plan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1litO-Aj3AL7rk6Osu6_IH8v8O0IVSd6JPoSP08oJt8t02OLNz9FbS1_g-a3GZ2C1rPl3aNVfr-BCR-VwZtCiTv8c52jwSPfWbpZNANPr6AHUEYEvyFnK8QhGk0EHTKs6ZpB5mw_sAAk/s1600/DSC02199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1000" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1litO-Aj3AL7rk6Osu6_IH8v8O0IVSd6JPoSP08oJt8t02OLNz9FbS1_g-a3GZ2C1rPl3aNVfr-BCR-VwZtCiTv8c52jwSPfWbpZNANPr6AHUEYEvyFnK8QhGk0EHTKs6ZpB5mw_sAAk/s640/DSC02199.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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This year, I wanted to create a quilt project that relied on the color preferences of all who walked in (kids preschool age to middle school, plus parents and teachers). Think bright, bold, beautiful rainbows. I hoped that the quilt would contain many signatures and serve as a special piece in time for the town. Now that it's done and being exhibited around town, I'm thrilled to share it online as well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LbT9yzSr3K-O1h5XA61995EAJcP7gM6xmZ8Q54jUaAFU5kWpXc6sv7pe300EuxlUZKv21orOkVUO9ez0QLIlkRqwPufUNXVk9COw-dKteakg22KFKyDpJYDl0apROAeZZfZTfDyL2xn4/s1600/28783561_10211460294446512_874201957412123808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="532" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LbT9yzSr3K-O1h5XA61995EAJcP7gM6xmZ8Q54jUaAFU5kWpXc6sv7pe300EuxlUZKv21orOkVUO9ez0QLIlkRqwPufUNXVk9COw-dKteakg22KFKyDpJYDl0apROAeZZfZTfDyL2xn4/s640/28783561_10211460294446512_874201957412123808_n.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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Community quilts are extremely special, time-consuming projects. They take a lot of planning and effort, but the ultimate final product is worth it all. First, I bought a rainbow of fabric in person at Pennington Quilt Works (my LQS - had to get juuuuuust the right tones!) and cut a million or so squares by hand (which was actually pretty therapeutic - I usually have no need for something like a die-cutter, so I don't have one anymore).<br />
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On the day of, we were open for business for about five hours. Anytime someone entered the room, they were instructed to pick 3 solid squares and 1 print, and arrange them in a four patch on a piece of batting. Then, they carried their creation over to one of the sewing machines. My teenage sewing student and I teamed up for the day to sew the blocks (90 total!!). I definitely could NOT have made this quilt without her. Sometimes the room was packed with people waiting to get their squares sewn, and it went twice as fast with her!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6jAHf7fmnvMcAV-4FtoBvPL9ScQaBoAocCBvJf98IacvKS2zhxYHcM-wfOGkIChNtWGXdC1w010TV2Od3zwZ50L4-7JXrkcJDdEjkff-Dy6uWqXiXoHzG74YUrXk9LsoklS7k_dz81qm/s1600/28576508_10211460294126504_3134328958432307530_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="802" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6jAHf7fmnvMcAV-4FtoBvPL9ScQaBoAocCBvJf98IacvKS2zhxYHcM-wfOGkIChNtWGXdC1w010TV2Od3zwZ50L4-7JXrkcJDdEjkff-Dy6uWqXiXoHzG74YUrXk9LsoklS7k_dz81qm/s640/28576508_10211460294126504_3134328958432307530_n.jpg" width="534" /></a> </div>
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As we sewed the seams, we showed each person how our sewing machines work. Kids are always so interested in watching the pedal and needle move. I had several really interesting and exciting conversations with parents about sewing and teaching their kids!<br />
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<i>Yes, I surrounded my name with orange peels on purpose. What did you expect? :) That's the fun of being the quilter!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhpITfSbrqnE_WR6Fnw832eDClAZpBzr2ubeoUUs1M-qfaVQbrDh2eRX3DopLTbQniB7uke4Woe4_0QYyimhpll8xQAf1vy9dOaQVCSe6EFXni_MPNYFawqNMHYjSgujJZvnOA1cArOft/s1600/DSC02206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhpITfSbrqnE_WR6Fnw832eDClAZpBzr2ubeoUUs1M-qfaVQbrDh2eRX3DopLTbQniB7uke4Woe4_0QYyimhpll8xQAf1vy9dOaQVCSe6EFXni_MPNYFawqNMHYjSgujJZvnOA1cArOft/s640/DSC02206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After we finger pressed, participants signed their name with fabric markers and placed them on one of the design walls. After the event, I sewed all the squares together randomly (making sure names were right side up as much as possible). It's fun to see where patterns emerge (like down the left side - pink and blue kept repeating).<br />
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This quilt was asking for randomized quilting around the names. I used Aurifil<span style="color: #0000ee;"> 2605 (gray) so that the quilting would blend with the rainbow of color.<u><br /></u></span><br />
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Now, the quilt is currently hanging at the newest branch of the Warren County Public Library (in Stewartsville, right around the corner from Lopatcong). It's supposed to travel to a few other locations afterwards. What a thrill to see the quilt out there! If you're local, make sure to visit it soon before it moves! I'm already planning a tentative 2019 project with the hope of making for local veterans. <br />
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<i>This quilt was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Lopatcong PTA and Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Thank you!</i><br />
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<i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /> </i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-77259128911347300532018-10-08T19:56:00.003-04:002018-10-08T19:56:20.292-04:00Ch-ch-ch-ch-changesChange is in the air with fall in the USA and the quilting world (did you see <a href="https://craftindustryalliance.org/amy-butler-to-leave-the-quilting-industry-this-month-a-chance-to-pay-tribute-to-her-legacy/">Amy Butler is leaving the quilt industry</a>, for example?). But change is good. If you read<i> The Wonky Press</i>, my bimonthly email newsletter for the past 3 years and 73 issues, you might have seen that the last issue just went out on 10/2.<br />
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Writing and editing the newsletter was a huge, important, thrilling part of my life, but with a drastic change in my free time (new job and about 10 hours commuting each week), I feel unable to keep up the quality of such a publication right now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSqJ_qhhShiJlEZ91mx6xjcnY7H84emok8IvmACeK7DDJFrOCfA_FEkCBmZFucWTiWxzi_YVTqxnN2l5OveUlc1mtFfJznOn88VXyEGCaIWb13D4Jg43SneYD-a6FL8iKB0diYKY8kgVI/s1600/IMG_20171006_162836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1000" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSqJ_qhhShiJlEZ91mx6xjcnY7H84emok8IvmACeK7DDJFrOCfA_FEkCBmZFucWTiWxzi_YVTqxnN2l5OveUlc1mtFfJznOn88VXyEGCaIWb13D4Jg43SneYD-a6FL8iKB0diYKY8kgVI/s640/IMG_20171006_162836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The good part about this is that I'll be taking better care of myself with less time on the computer writing and seeking out links (often, links to cool quilty stuff just pop up, but I'm finding myself much less on Facebook and Instagram in general, so there's a need to hunt around).<br />
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The other good part for you (if you're reading this) is that I still plan to blog and post on Instagram. Blogging will probably be 1 or 2 times a week, maximum, and I'm not holding myself to a schedule. But I promise to keep documenting my quilty journey here and interacting/participating in the online quilting community. If you'd like to read more about why I closed the newsletter, <a href="https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=dd646458fb9aadaadc90fb5e1&id=10a34ed165">click here</a> to read the last issue (<b>yes, even though my newsletter account is
deleted, you can still access issues</b>! <a href="https://us11.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=dd646458fb9aadaadc90fb5e1&id=db737a5cc4">Here's a link to many</a> of the
recent ones). <br />
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<i>I'm genuinely thrilled to have gotten to know so many of you through the newsletter.</i>
I realize this announcement might come as a surprise to many of you. I
think I've responded to all emails and comments about this so far -
thank you so much for all your understanding and support!<br />
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Additionally, <b>I'm taking a break from lecturing and teaching quilting in 2019 and until further notice</b>.
I need some time to recalibrate from so much traveling and planning.
This year was meant to be a bit less busy than 2017, and it turned out
to be more so! Thank you SO much to all the guilds who have emailed me
and would like to book me. I will certainly let you know in the future
if/when I am booking engagements again. I have updated my <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/p/classes.html">Classes and Lectures page</a> to reflect this change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMJjkBOjfxF62QErbF9f2xwhirvIs2hKaQCozyFZpLCq2FK6BCJLaY3JpTe2EQsuByxMeOzFDwcIMt34YWGBR6o2GDAqJlrx2yxTl_fVQIpNQ71f2U2-mekLqY-zMGCynuUTVkNblzjh9/s1600/Pumpkin+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMJjkBOjfxF62QErbF9f2xwhirvIs2hKaQCozyFZpLCq2FK6BCJLaY3JpTe2EQsuByxMeOzFDwcIMt34YWGBR6o2GDAqJlrx2yxTl_fVQIpNQ71f2U2-mekLqY-zMGCynuUTVkNblzjh9/s640/Pumpkin+Pie.jpg" width="588" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2017/11/pumpkin-pie-modern-maple-quilt.html"> Pumpkin Pie quilt</a>, made for my mom last year, which is bringing up a lot of memories right now (click the link to read the quilt story).</i></div>
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Other new things! On Instagram (I'm <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quiltyhabit/">@quiltyhabit</a>), I'm starting to document gratitudes. It might be daily, but just like above, I'm not putting any pressure on myself. If you're a newsletter reader who really enjoyed hearing about what TV shows I'm watching/what books I'm reading/what music I'm listening to, I'll include them on IG here and there. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BosOCqhjSV5/">Here's the first post</a>. And yes, I want to hear what you're grateful for, too. :)<br />
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Stay tuned for some real blog posts! I'll be participating in two huge projects this fall (one in Massachusetts and one here in NJ), plus I'll have information on an exciting quilt exhibit my friends and I got juried into. Plus - 4 quilts to share, and 2 are for the Quilting Modern Quilts blog series!<br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-48259976814268339482018-09-26T22:32:00.000-04:002018-09-26T22:32:50.565-04:00All Squared In: Quilting Modern Quilts Blog Series<i>This is the 4th of 6 quilts that I'm sharing as part of a series this
summer/fall, which explores ways to quilt modern, more minimalistic quilts
(than what I usually make). To read a detailed introduction to the blog
series, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/intro-quilting-modern-quilts-blog-series.html">click here.</a> Quilts featured so far: <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/electrify-quilting-modern-quilts-blog.html">Electrify</a>, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/07/intersection-quilting-modern-quilts.html">Intersection</a>, and <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/07/building-blocks-quilting-modern-quilts.html">Building Blocks</a>.</i><br />
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Happy fall! While the last two quilts of the series are a bit more autumnal/wintery, I still have to share this summery project here. This unconventionally-colored baby quilt was an exciting one for me in my exploration of sewing solely with solids (say THAT four times fast). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQfEZWvI1srzuaETGFfKpQIOunyTOqRbFD0_4NZ80FWA7S0S_xu7tGy1VGbnB7O-M2CfZ0TEkB8MuLjkUAPgxPzy6AHR5YauGRNsxcdd-9usg-k24861IO4EBhTtiBKA3ofuLzsTngEyI/s1600/DSC02249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1000" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQfEZWvI1srzuaETGFfKpQIOunyTOqRbFD0_4NZ80FWA7S0S_xu7tGy1VGbnB7O-M2CfZ0TEkB8MuLjkUAPgxPzy6AHR5YauGRNsxcdd-9usg-k24861IO4EBhTtiBKA3ofuLzsTngEyI/s640/DSC02249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started making it based on the simple idea of two squares changing size and four very bright, bold colors. Northcott had the exact shades I was looking for in their Colorworks Premium Solids<b>. </b>My favorite is that lovely royal blue, which I also used for the binding and backing (see pictures further down this post).<br />
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<i>Original quilt mockup</i></div>
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My
affinity for solid fabrics and their infinite combinations has proven
to be a catalyst for pre-thinking (a lot) about the actual quilting. I decided to quilt the blues in curves (swirls, braids, pebbles, and the like) and the oranges/yellows in angles (tessellated triangles, zigzags, and lines). I think it gives some order to the quilt, whether the observer realizes it or not! Plus, it was just pleasing to quilt in this way. </div>
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I used Aurifil Threads, in slightly lighter
shades, to quilt up these soft fabrics. I want all of my hard quilting work to show up, not hide in the fabrics! :) Though, the great thing about quilting with solids is that no matter what thread shade, you'll always get LOTS of texture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApyl4M8pu-5OHqnND4_oLY6sjg2bVz6dpo_INchsbS6ZOYOAV3G86-fi9FpEN0y_mrlKcHSQBlaeBPWqkGnJf_kShbUTUspGrr9OphBBcFr53g8qaBe_PYbpdhHZXaTF5iR97tIW92ozD/s1600/DSC02253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApyl4M8pu-5OHqnND4_oLY6sjg2bVz6dpo_INchsbS6ZOYOAV3G86-fi9FpEN0y_mrlKcHSQBlaeBPWqkGnJf_kShbUTUspGrr9OphBBcFr53g8qaBe_PYbpdhHZXaTF5iR97tIW92ozD/s640/DSC02253.JPG" width="426" /></a> </div>
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So, just remember - quilting modern quilts doesn't have to be confusing or difficult. Find a way to organize it for yourself and go from there!</div>
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At
lectures, I've presented this quilt as a basic example of a minimalist log cabin
quilt (at least, how a log cabin can be put together). It's a pattern that requires just a beginner level of quilting
expertise; I'm certainly not the first to make a quilt with just squares and borders. The best part about this: you can really bring it to life with quilting if you so
choose ("quilt it to life" not "quilt it to death!"). As a baby quilt, it definitely has a lot of potential and
fluff. Believe it or not, the quilting doesn't make it too stiff.</div>
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And since the backing is all in solid, just LOOK at how the quilting shows up! I love!! </div>
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And with that, I hope this quilt ends up with a baby who perhaps has a bit of a modern take on life (we're not talking pastel blues and pinks here, people. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but hey, there are lots of options! :) Like bright purple. Just saying). </div>
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<i>Thank you so much to <a href="http://www.northcott.net/">Northcott Fabrics </a>for sponsoring the fabric, <a href="https://warmcompany.com/">The Warm Company</a> for Warm and Natural batting, and <a href="http://aurifil.com/">Aurifil Thread</a> for the 50 weight threads. All opinions about materials are my own, honest ones.</i></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-35564605017582412572018-09-11T21:19:00.000-04:002018-09-14T21:53:20.431-04:00"Dresses of Arendelle" - A Frozen-Inspired QuiltI'm so happy to share the second of three super meaningful quilts I made over the summer! It gave me SO much joy to find out that one of my oldest, closest friends was expecting her first baby (plus, this is the first of my friends to have a baby, so cue the excitement). Throughout my teens, this was that one friend that I talked with excitedly about growing up together, bringing our babies in carriers as we potentially meet up for coffee in 15 years' time.<br />
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Once we had squealed about the pregnancy for quite a while, Julie revealed her plans for a Frozen-themed nursery. She was thinking about asking me to <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2015/12/let-it-go-frozen-mini-quilt.html">make a quilt based on a picture that I have actually already made a quilt from</a> (she didn't know!!). I told her it would be difficult to do on a larger scale, so she gave me free reign to come up with a Frozen-inspired design. I was secretly happy because I don't typically make quilts twice, and free reign is invigorating.<br />
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And then it hit me, pretty quickly. Like one of Elsa's icy blasts. Why not make a quilt based on three of the gorgeous, ornate, brightly-colored dresses from the movie? Here are some good pictures of the three actual dresses:<a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/3/3e/Anna_Traveling.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150203220700"> here</a>, <a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/64FOs.jpg">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.princessrants.com/princessrants/2014/8/4/frozen-costume-review-part-3-annas-green-coronation-gown">here</a>. The pinks in the top and bottom quilt panels serve as the capes that accompany those two particular ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJeOAAcXddX3KinKS60iIio_uaBXUshfrG7bQqOg0h3QlF0efCmaiKKVkCOcLEk2A2tMNQjEmrEw62puJ7_n_73UC0qgvcBZWcBhe2cRYwHOs9dzgMd-2I7R7kSJdKW0uk46M9kFQolOD/s1600/DSC02213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJeOAAcXddX3KinKS60iIio_uaBXUshfrG7bQqOg0h3QlF0efCmaiKKVkCOcLEk2A2tMNQjEmrEw62puJ7_n_73UC0qgvcBZWcBhe2cRYwHOs9dzgMd-2I7R7kSJdKW0uk46M9kFQolOD/s640/DSC02213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hopped on Pinterest right away,<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/quiltyhabit/rosemaling/"> pinning all kinds of ideas for "rosemaling,"</a> which is traditional Norwegian design - usually very flowery, repetitive, and literally on nearly ever surface in the movie (don't forget to come back here and read the rest of this post [there are baby pics at the end!] after you've jumped down that spellbinding Pinterest black hole). Back when the movie first came out on DVD, I sat and doodled motifs spotted on doors, across fireplaces, and on windows. So I used those doodles as a reference, too. Great job, Disney.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb3t4QFFDc86y-4CIhKdpErJjb2m44Z8ffIaVXQqqztu-rtQFT2O6oiDZj-meVZVA7Oi7_sUUfsEcc0NnRvjnGZOUnpsTpCnb-H8wTIq1HSw5oGhivlOGuTIOHm1EkfkEc5y5pt9lqEx8/s1600/IMG_20180413_214240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb3t4QFFDc86y-4CIhKdpErJjb2m44Z8ffIaVXQqqztu-rtQFT2O6oiDZj-meVZVA7Oi7_sUUfsEcc0NnRvjnGZOUnpsTpCnb-H8wTIq1HSw5oGhivlOGuTIOHm1EkfkEc5y5pt9lqEx8/s640/IMG_20180413_214240.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Recreating the dresses took quite a bit of sleuthing. It was
really difficult to find detailed pictures of the designs from the movie itself, believe it or not. In screenshots, there are so many closeups and moving dresses! So I estimated and made it my own. After hand drawing and
cutting out all the pieces, I adhered them to Heat-n-Bond Lite, which I
then adhered to three pre-pieced panels.<br />
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The best part about this quilt was that it was entirely stash-made; I didn't have to buy any particular colors. I just stretched out what I had and substituted where necessary, and it worked out splendidly. It's in those moments that I'm glad I have a fabric and scrap stash.<br />
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After about 4 hours of closely zig-zag stitching all the pieces down (thank goodness for quilt retreats - that made me get it done!), I excitedly moved onto the basting and quilting phase. This was a great opportunity to quilt in some of the beautiful Scandinavian motifs I had been ogling at for months. Thanks to my friend Jess for encouraging me to really quilt up those backgrounds. For a while I thought about simple quilting (me?!? Simple quilting?) just to let the appliqued designs show off. I definitely would have regretted that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2urAjheBLf20b1zKMtZLixMgbAl4Xt38nohQ0Nl__BDrekgvA_IDaiUVejdp9m4RpvYSCYycTjhLYYyZU1ekNvjX3ZUbpHoIxOFIOZGtoKQpUQwMAx3_0W3qTsl2La6Fj4RM0wfXlFrv/s1600/DSC02219.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2urAjheBLf20b1zKMtZLixMgbAl4Xt38nohQ0Nl__BDrekgvA_IDaiUVejdp9m4RpvYSCYycTjhLYYyZU1ekNvjX3ZUbpHoIxOFIOZGtoKQpUQwMAx3_0W3qTsl2La6Fj4RM0wfXlFrv/s640/DSC02219.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-zT76cPoI9Acehq_W24azd0ZJR6BmMpk8XLL4hI2dwrsf5qZDcJby_a9lrCxi8y9sItFu85eRpDY9aUCVwz-OCBG_2Mehp7IQYD0cVrP742v5Y7SBOMPPZSL9flmR_FC_2RQthevUlLG/s1600/DSC02221.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-zT76cPoI9Acehq_W24azd0ZJR6BmMpk8XLL4hI2dwrsf5qZDcJby_a9lrCxi8y9sItFu85eRpDY9aUCVwz-OCBG_2Mehp7IQYD0cVrP742v5Y7SBOMPPZSL9flmR_FC_2RQthevUlLG/s640/DSC02221.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<i>Cape details - just like <a href="http://www.showandtellmeg.com/2014/07/mission-possible-princess-anna-costume.html">Anna's cape</a></i></div>
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For the back, I sewed together some pretty Anna Maria Horner fabrics that harmonized well together. Some of these prints felt Scandinavian to me, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu0KSUP2Ca2i_CCgiC_u6LFDYaSi3SRkMoAsSjl2bxMtt9ldIxpTX7LKN59TbKGhhphczvMKPod8yeuc4cG7lbzr7P2g38UQp6mHaxOVmeA5vVnYuHK2PjUliCPv6nsSbmfBrMpuq_nTA/s1600/DSC02225-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu0KSUP2Ca2i_CCgiC_u6LFDYaSi3SRkMoAsSjl2bxMtt9ldIxpTX7LKN59TbKGhhphczvMKPod8yeuc4cG7lbzr7P2g38UQp6mHaxOVmeA5vVnYuHK2PjUliCPv6nsSbmfBrMpuq_nTA/s640/DSC02225-001.JPG" width="552" /></a> </div>
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It was so exciting to present the quilt to July at her baby shower, and now, baby A is here to enjoy it, too!<br />
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<i>Pictures by Julie T., used with permission</i></div>
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Just check out these pictures of baby all decked out in <i>Frozen</i>. Can you even handle it? I can't!! I got to meet her last weekend and it was wonderful. :) <br />
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I'm so happy to finally share this quilt with the world! I'm sure I'll never make anything quite like this again. It was a really special experience.<br />
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<b>Linking up</b> to the <a href="http://frombolttobeauty.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-brag-about-your-beauties-pageant.html">Brag About Your Beauties Pageant </a>(a new linky party over at From Bolt to Beauty!) <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /> </div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-30875833440816120322018-08-26T15:25:00.000-04:002018-08-26T15:25:12.006-04:00On Painting a Piano (based on my quilt!)This summer has been a bit of a whirlwind for me. All in all, I didn't actually do much quilting past the middle of June. But I did have the artist opportunity of a lifetime.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z5N5eb94NnB45P79docNoGtqZ_hfUmegmY_7XEvJ_O-jPFXzJloQBWIGATN-VGL_Uf1i9wsBrDfvyJhyphenhyphendVwASK3HIk-HJ-0BJVCYCh7Ay6s7kKog46LI_7DH5GGVzT5Zn6mEiRNQnIcD/s1600/IMG_20180825_130458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z5N5eb94NnB45P79docNoGtqZ_hfUmegmY_7XEvJ_O-jPFXzJloQBWIGATN-VGL_Uf1i9wsBrDfvyJhyphenhyphendVwASK3HIk-HJ-0BJVCYCh7Ay6s7kKog46LI_7DH5GGVzT5Zn6mEiRNQnIcD/s640/IMG_20180825_130458.jpg" width="610" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I apply for art opportunities and exhibits, and I happened to see one that was somewhat close to my area. The South Orange (NJ) Performing Arts Center, or SOPAC, was hosting their <a href="https://www.sopacnow.org/community/sopianos/">6th annual piano project</a> and asking for artist applications. After chosen artists paint pianos, they are set out for the public to play for several weeks and then auctioned off to benefit SOPAC's educational efforts.<br />
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I thought, why not? I love murals. I've never painted one (and this is obviously very different from painting a wall, which I'd still love to do one of these days) but it was worth a submission. Never did I think I'd have the chance to paint a piano. I have fun memories of playing pianos with my sister in Atlanta, and I taught myself how to play a bit when I was a kid. So the project was even more meaningful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUxADhz8JKXkSrrPLjLprv7K7f5KH4OQOAbQIT-5YXFLCyz_dMBQO7gXgIvHQ-4S9A27V4jYFxYfhjIAtoBytQImDDmatVWYCcFE-nHgVlzuORHLULgSPDUiKhn92tyUgXglY_iR7DP_7/s1600/IMG_20180715_185649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1358" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUxADhz8JKXkSrrPLjLprv7K7f5KH4OQOAbQIT-5YXFLCyz_dMBQO7gXgIvHQ-4S9A27V4jYFxYfhjIAtoBytQImDDmatVWYCcFE-nHgVlzuORHLULgSPDUiKhn92tyUgXglY_iR7DP_7/s640/IMG_20180715_185649.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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<i>Design sketch</i></div>
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Instead of creating something totally new, I decided to based the design off of my quilt, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2015/04/soar-finished-orange-peel-quilt.html">Soar</a>. This quilt has a special place in my heart because it was built on my apartment floor (before I had a design wall! Those were the days!), contains orange peels/petals (one of my favorite things!), and signaled a lot of growth in my sewing. Everyone loves rainbow, too, right? I know if I walked by a rainbow piano, I wouldn't be able to resist playing it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri5-eOqHKAUfTWMFAz62I1uqucPjWkwSjta5WzbdQayBls75fFvmA6t1TkQhcvKLiHogDwyEi34zdo7vptxLwSsV3XQULfQWSmqFdXhkxBfTuLDqz9o0wfkg5w5Q7VW7P0SZRvI4T9Tft/s1600/piano.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri5-eOqHKAUfTWMFAz62I1uqucPjWkwSjta5WzbdQayBls75fFvmA6t1TkQhcvKLiHogDwyEi34zdo7vptxLwSsV3XQULfQWSmqFdXhkxBfTuLDqz9o0wfkg5w5Q7VW7P0SZRvI4T9Tft/s640/piano.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<i>Side-by-side comparison: original quilt made in 2015 and piano painted in 2018. </i></div>
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After waiting a couple weeks, I was contacted as one of the selected artists. The turnaround was REALLY fast (about 2.5 weeks), which magically worked out for me. A last project for the end of summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf9ZusjYRF4QK0OGhsbwJ5J2MwfHio9fXos5qCKBIWf5yCBZzL1C2tPmd0EpJxw4PqKR6dmcacw5oCQChfm7Jct0GMatchaYQrDxkU5GU_nMNxPD4q4lSqXZun25H_VA2QH5YmpyCR9Tn/s1600/IMG_20180807_123207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf9ZusjYRF4QK0OGhsbwJ5J2MwfHio9fXos5qCKBIWf5yCBZzL1C2tPmd0EpJxw4PqKR6dmcacw5oCQChfm7Jct0GMatchaYQrDxkU5GU_nMNxPD4q4lSqXZun25H_VA2QH5YmpyCR9Tn/s640/IMG_20180807_123207.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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First, I had to get<b> totally</b> out of my
comfort zone, go to Home Depot, and shop for painting supplies. Send me to a quilt shop with a beginner quilter and I could help you out, no problem. Painting, though? Sure,
I've painted some interior walls with my mom and some canvases, but
nothing like this. The staff at Home Depot of Phillipsburg were
extremely friendly and helped me at every turn. They were also encouraging/excited about the prospect of a painted wooden piano!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnbJKAjy2Y6maLT-E4XLWapIFZO4EJaBm1RDYOGKFp20S3OMtq4HTaHOKgMRKcUBP_KePgGD93407teEStiT3dFjBFTeEGWkbmxDDjYA7rI4oPpQuQjcGd9Ux1-RfWFmMaUSgHKrFptPh/s1600/IMG_20180809_165317_810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnbJKAjy2Y6maLT-E4XLWapIFZO4EJaBm1RDYOGKFp20S3OMtq4HTaHOKgMRKcUBP_KePgGD93407teEStiT3dFjBFTeEGWkbmxDDjYA7rI4oPpQuQjcGd9Ux1-RfWFmMaUSgHKrFptPh/s640/IMG_20180809_165317_810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After visiting the piano and getting a tour, it took me four days of 6-7 hour days to paint it by myself - about 25 hours total. I reached out to people to ask for help, but everyone seems to be working (understandably) or on vacation mid-August. With no one else there to give direction to, though, it ended up being a really contemplative time for me. I got completely lost in working on this, so much so that I barely took breaks (and I'm a big break believer!). I left every day feeling a bit out of my element (where's the sewing machine, anyway?) but also quite useful for putting in a hard day's work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVWdRyjEEp0FxeCt5QrhceA0QHrtasr1b2-PKQ6hhKz1CyQacPgjqfh_m34nbLq0Uv3q7wVnI4OqkBMXMqnSxx-sqCDsIxwvvDrVUjsYQZsNQjmmR6P-34vm1EgaiLXmAOxbTC0X-IZWP/s1600/IMG_20180813_174713_059-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1600" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVWdRyjEEp0FxeCt5QrhceA0QHrtasr1b2-PKQ6hhKz1CyQacPgjqfh_m34nbLq0Uv3q7wVnI4OqkBMXMqnSxx-sqCDsIxwvvDrVUjsYQZsNQjmmR6P-34vm1EgaiLXmAOxbTC0X-IZWP/s640/IMG_20180813_174713_059-001.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I listened to more than half of my epic 11 hour Broadway playlist one day, which was absolutely amazing. Since I was covered head to toe in paint (I mean this literally), I couldn't switch songs on my phone, so I really got to enjoy every song. No more skipping the 13 minute <i>Phantom of the Opera</i> finale.<br />
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On the last day, I finished up the piano with a little time to spare, and even got to (carefully) play for a minute (sealant was drying)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa4X42MxG5Al2xTXLl1U4Qkw3UjjttA4jIdPTqBFI7pjmt4sxy6bKmBIQlyTksiOt0F0zZ04J-reAVgY4VXwMFEX2WJnGeQtdqLcA0BnetQwvoNsILgeJFek9d7uxiZ8xcbIgDeKA0Gdv/s1600/IMG_20180815_185334_072.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa4X42MxG5Al2xTXLl1U4Qkw3UjjttA4jIdPTqBFI7pjmt4sxy6bKmBIQlyTksiOt0F0zZ04J-reAVgY4VXwMFEX2WJnGeQtdqLcA0BnetQwvoNsILgeJFek9d7uxiZ8xcbIgDeKA0Gdv/s640/IMG_20180815_185334_072.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<u>4 things I learned about painting a wooden piano:</u><br />
1. <b>Get more paint than you think you'll need</b>, if you can swing it. I ended up needing a coat of white primer and then AT LEAST 2 coats of every color. This little baby grand was quite large, too.<br />
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2. <b>Make a plan and stick with it. </b>This piano presented two areas that needed to dry fully before attempting other painting: the cover that folds over the keys and the very top, which folds over to play. Since I had limited time to work on this project, I had to be really intentional and calculating about when I was going to paint certain parts (with at least three coats for each section, organization was key). It worked out - before you open the piano, it invites you to "play something" and then, while it's open, you can "create something!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQE1VbCyMbj3PSf9HB2gkayPdX3beSJYQn0ogNzlsQx6DheGinxwB5x7P0la0haN1-BiQd_utiMuda0x95JTWCwC4oDY8izzA9JIKVEce67CcS2pL9df6irluUFfBgfQrbiQ9fJXV6pan/s1600/IMG_20180815_153345-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1408" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQE1VbCyMbj3PSf9HB2gkayPdX3beSJYQn0ogNzlsQx6DheGinxwB5x7P0la0haN1-BiQd_utiMuda0x95JTWCwC4oDY8izzA9JIKVEce67CcS2pL9df6irluUFfBgfQrbiQ9fJXV6pan/s640/IMG_20180815_153345-001.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
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3. <b>Painter's tape, paper towels, and gloves are your friends</b>. Much like a seam ripper and thread scissors, I made sure these were with me at every turn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu9g3wO1REjjjmEEmaJRhroqoy3a7xQxhkmfLtxNMVuHtTZNofWCMJQhIzmzkXXMTREFa-jqCZ-kSk1rQAnPveOuHp6MvaWOtK6n-i6QKJ4kklIGXOSMBVrM-71or5dU6ykv38l-IRfSw/s1600/IMG_20180815_162655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu9g3wO1REjjjmEEmaJRhroqoy3a7xQxhkmfLtxNMVuHtTZNofWCMJQhIzmzkXXMTREFa-jqCZ-kSk1rQAnPveOuHp6MvaWOtK6n-i6QKJ4kklIGXOSMBVrM-71or5dU6ykv38l-IRfSw/s640/IMG_20180815_162655.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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4.<b> Details are important, but they can also wait until the very end</b>. I didn't know what to do about the space above the keys; it bothered me for days. And then it hit me - sponge painting in all the colors! Then, I added that below the orange peels/petals all around the piano, too. It took nearly no time at all and was exactly the right whimsical finishing touch. Finally, I had to touch up white between the keys, too - THAT took a very small brush and lots of attention!<br />
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A week and a half later on Saturday, Aug. 25, SOPAC held a grand revealof all the pianos. I got so excited when we walked out from the parking lot and could see the piano from several blocks away! It looked exactly how I hoped it would in the natural light. <br />
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<i>There she is!</i></div>
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The <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/orangepeelpiano/">#orangepeelpiano</a> is out on the main road through the middle of downtown South Orange (South Orange Avenue) near the Village Service Center until mid-October. Hear a beautiful performance by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theo.music__/">@theo.music_</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elora_nicole/">@elora_nicole</a> by clicking <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm6MwUbB0SX/">here</a>, and you can hear me playing some piano <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm6jKLHjatf/">here</a>. :) So many people walked by and smiled, kids were dancing, and cars were slowing down to listen and look! It was a beautiful, music-filled morning. I only wish I lived in town so I could walk by/play every day. <br />
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Thanks to Carol E., one of my quilt guild friends, and Home Depot for their generous monetary donations to this project! Thanks to friends who openly gave advice about painting (especially Ruth and Teddi). And thank you to SOPAC for hosting this event and for all of your help and encouragement. See the above picture/sign for information on bidding. And check out the hashtag <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sopianos2018/">#sopianos2018</a> to see all five painted pianos from this year (location map <a href="https://www.sopacnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PASO-Map-2018.pdf">right here</a>)!<br />
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Well, there's a check off the crafty bucket list. Not sure if I'll ever have that opportunity again, so it was totally worth it.<br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-46126968082030756512018-08-22T21:49:00.002-04:002018-08-24T00:42:54.930-04:00Pier #1: A Finished QuiltI made three especially meaningful quilts this summer. Since they were meant for certain people and purposes, I could only reveal small bits and pieces of the actual process - or else the surprise would be ruined. So, just for the record, they did not just get finished super quickly! They were done in small spurts of time over a period of weeks or months. I'm really passionate about sharing about the process, but for these, I just couldn't reveal much. Fortunately, the payoff of surprise was worth it. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUYdQJo4Re50ru2TyeZQa1Pnr5s0tlvGc1Sxbu-rnWHOjxatajZheuCJ4BtVtjvmqg8hIytpo40r5SW8i7lmFVKANCEhPjfNdtF1zEuIJXlG21loJKutW_roO_7e2C69iH6DJAEcB0YvQ/s1600/IMG_20180622_192602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="785" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUYdQJo4Re50ru2TyeZQa1Pnr5s0tlvGc1Sxbu-rnWHOjxatajZheuCJ4BtVtjvmqg8hIytpo40r5SW8i7lmFVKANCEhPjfNdtF1zEuIJXlG21loJKutW_roO_7e2C69iH6DJAEcB0YvQ/s640/IMG_20180622_192602.jpg" width="502" /></a> </div>
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The first of three quilts that I got to gift was in planning mode since January. As I've mentioned before, my parents recently moved from our home state of NJ to South Carolina and bought a brand new house down there. I was fortunate to be able to visit them for a week at the end of June, right after school let out. It was the perfect time to get this quilt finished and gift it to them - a long, summery, beachy wall-hanging meant for their new living room.<br />
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My mom is a big fan of handmade and owns many of my pillows and quilts (remember this<a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2017/11/pumpkin-pie-modern-maple-quilt.html"> quilt story</a> from November?). I mean, who better to give quilts to than your mom, right? She also LOVES taking pictures of the SC scenery. In their first months, Mom sent me many (many) pictures of this beautiful pier on Pawleys Island.<br />
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I was immediately inspired by the way the wood intersects and changes (perfect for some slice-and-insert, no?) - and couldn't wait to take more pictures of my own from a variety of angles. Pawleys Island, which is just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy Myrtle Beach area, truly feels like the end of the world. I could have stayed there all day (though, that wind was something). <br />
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<i>Peekaboo</i>. <i>It was very windy. I accidentally got this video of my mom, and I kind of love it.</i></div>
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I set out to capture the particular way the pier, from this angle, progresses from just a few intersecting beams to many. This quilt is Pier #1 because I hope to make a few more inspired by the pier. I took a LOT of pictures, which would mean an even longer blog post, so for now, I'm going to save them for the next quilt! </div>
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Mom wanted blues and purples for her living room, so I used several shades of <a href="http://www.northcott.net/product-detail.aspx?fbid=38&colid=789&colorid=1231">ColorWorks Premium Solids</a> (plus white and gray neutrals). Northcott Fabrics had just sent me a variety solids to play with, and I had just enough (and the right colors somehow!) to create a long wall-hanging; it seemed meant to be. I always love the bold colors and silky feel Northcott offers. Thank you, Northcott!</div>
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The piecing required lots of slicing and piecing of neutrals, and I tried not to be too exact about it - more fun that way. :) The background is made up of lots of colors to mirror an ever-changing sky and ocean.<br />
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I quilted with a variety of techniques using both Aurifil on my machine and perle cotton by hand. In order to enhance the design of the quilt, I quilted long, extending lines alongside and in between the diagonal wood, all the way into the "sky" and "ocean " (the latter was pieced with improvised curves). Then, just because I love hand quilting now, too, I added in several lines. This detail really made the quilt for me, and it was a perfect, portable project to finish up as I traveled from NJ to Myrtle Beach. <b>Yay, texture.</b><br />
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I realized after quilting that I had basted the back upside down - whoops. That's okay, though. I used an extra block from the front (it was going to be way too big) and pieced large scraps around it. Then, I sewed on the label and hanging sleeve. Mom promises she's going to hang it up soon, and I'll certainly share a picture on Instagram when she does. <br />
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A happy mom. So I'm happy, too. I hope to keep on making meaningful quilts for a long time.</div>
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<i><b>Full disclosure</b>: Northcott Fabrics sent me ColorWorks Premium Solids to sew with, which are used on the front of this project. All opinions are honest and my own.</i><br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://www.myquiltinfatuation.com/2018/08/eleven-more-days.html">Needle and Thread Thursday</a>.</div>
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<i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /> </i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-36283431295658265732018-08-12T19:35:00.002-04:002018-08-12T19:35:45.505-04:00On Sewing Anxiety (and a New Ironing Board Cover)This weekend, I experienced an epiphany. I love those. I still remember sitting in my AP U.S. History high school class 12(?) years ago, learning all these things about history that had so far been unconnected in my mind, and how they relate to today. Unbelievable (and one reason I became an educator myself).<br />
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This was a sewing epiphany, though - one that affected me so much that I had to immediately write about it (hence this post). In the sewing world, we talk a lot about finished projects and fabric piles and color theory and taking classes. All those things are great. Can we talk some more about growing our skills and being confident to try something new?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVkgLAxGkyuMOpChKygsKKKSoBePM56TV_3-aFBK5FML5ijtWw5UPbI6bnyyQQA5dcnpT6udgnci_HIKIRxWejciHiFFApMR0pNjlrAFTgsK7QNRz4jFuSqWzWh3gkC2uaIiFk9eCrT7g/s1600/IMG_20180812_145200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVkgLAxGkyuMOpChKygsKKKSoBePM56TV_3-aFBK5FML5ijtWw5UPbI6bnyyQQA5dcnpT6udgnci_HIKIRxWejciHiFFApMR0pNjlrAFTgsK7QNRz4jFuSqWzWh3gkC2uaIiFk9eCrT7g/s640/IMG_20180812_145200.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I tend to be a worrier (and sometimes I bottle it up - only those closest to me really know what I'm thinking, sometimes more than I do). I've improved over time, though. People say that "things have a way of working out" and it's one of my pet peeves, but it's true. Plus, one thing that sewing has done for me over 8 years has made me less anxious. Yes, it's a time and monetary investment (fabric and tools, especially the good stuff you want to use to make things last, can cost major $$). But I think it's also an investment in yourself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X8zpMXjonMiSsE3J8OFq43FOVKRAPoGIdeSrcmleAAXl3_X9jqtpRTwpKlajDNA-Ldj8D-z8t6nvXfAfamBX7R1kMNtLtgQsdRBK2YZkanBosrLm-s4JKBk49ymGiB90vJLRo3ZmsBvJ/s1600/IMG_20180812_145150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="860" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X8zpMXjonMiSsE3J8OFq43FOVKRAPoGIdeSrcmleAAXl3_X9jqtpRTwpKlajDNA-Ldj8D-z8t6nvXfAfamBX7R1kMNtLtgQsdRBK2YZkanBosrLm-s4JKBk49ymGiB90vJLRo3ZmsBvJ/s640/IMG_20180812_145150.jpg" width="344" /></a></div>
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When you learn how to sew and keep at it even just here and there, you are giving yourself an outlet for creativity. You teach yourself problem-solving skills. You learn to be resourceful (for example, for this project, I didn't want to hunt down/have to go buy more elastic, so I just reused the band from my last project - yay for recycling!). You learn how to trust yourself with dangerous (yes, dangerous!) tools (did I think I would be using a rotary cutter so fearlessly 8 years ago? Heck no). You learn patience (remember those time[s] you had to rip out 20 minutes of small stitches under a deadline? That was me this weekend!). But most of all, over time, <b>you learn to be confident.</b><br />
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This confidence builds up in small ways. First, you learn how to operate a sewing machine and thread it so fast and well that you hardly have to pay attention. It's like the joy of finishing a 500 piece puzzle. Every time I notice this, I totally cheer in my head. I still remember taking 10/15 minutes just to thread my first machine! Then, you learn how to care for and solve machine problems. Did your thread just break? Yep, let's adjust that tension. Is it right yet? Nope, let's change the bobbin. And on and on. And then you develop a system.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2wxfryT_bBlISb311eELBCep0xghmQ_6FOHMOv6UaqC702bv-bZzvyvEzVp89ZSgYpnz9Onbgk5MjP_4HQuF4d-29NsQOx8fTP8qSZGRsjmoLJNUQI60xa7ZdQz1FmDvR28z6gput6vd/s1600/IMG_20180812_144338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2wxfryT_bBlISb311eELBCep0xghmQ_6FOHMOv6UaqC702bv-bZzvyvEzVp89ZSgYpnz9Onbgk5MjP_4HQuF4d-29NsQOx8fTP8qSZGRsjmoLJNUQI60xa7ZdQz1FmDvR28z6gput6vd/s640/IMG_20180812_144338.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I'm a very confident quiltmaker at this point, but with most other projects (like my recent pouches, for example - and ESPECIALLY garments), I need a bit of hand-holding. And that's okay! I'm not a master seamstress by any means and don't pretend to be.<br />
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My ironing board cover was looking quite a bit worse for wear lately; the last time I had changed it was 3 summers ago. Water stains, burns, the whole deal. Maybe it was time to change it... but I have hazy memories of long seams, fumbling with elastic, etc. Ugh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjy1v4HaCPvA724jDQd_SFsY4Y1wn7Hi8C9a5iG2dXPHsa4W-0FHBl7sklSml-bt6VZsKN4HkGycmIUiV6C4EgufJ7_tAMRh2w5bfJw9skc60SSRxtzAAnWyuDqyyT62ksbzROQ0lRuHq/s1600/IMG_20180812_133212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1600" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjy1v4HaCPvA724jDQd_SFsY4Y1wn7Hi8C9a5iG2dXPHsa4W-0FHBl7sklSml-bt6VZsKN4HkGycmIUiV6C4EgufJ7_tAMRh2w5bfJw9skc60SSRxtzAAnWyuDqyyT62ksbzROQ0lRuHq/s640/IMG_20180812_133212.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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BUT, then I remembered. I've done this before. I certainly can do it again, and probably faster, too. It turned out that just by examining my old cover, I was able to figure out how to make the new one. This was an<b> awesome </b>feeling.<br />
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I laid my new fabric out and traced the old cover on top with a washable fabric pen, then cut it out and sewed on some unused binding as bias tape (I save my binding scraps). After safety-pin-squeezing my recycled elastic through, I tested the cover's size on my board, and sewed the last couple of seams. I also cut out two layers of cotton batting to sit beneath the cover. <a href="http://www.momtastic.com/diy/109506-diy-make-your-own-ironing-board-cover/">Here's a good example</a> of what I did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum4quO84a5XD8RJr2stD9XKKrl2uFV46PSzZDdS1OkwYeY4aXjJVhbb3PvB66akBOJMFWnUzBn3RgWQo4uA4X18hGvBNGs6bUw0AsfWX5DLz5koTLcNt5CLHzFPQRgXp2_U8cBRyfFJUd/s1600/IMG_20180812_145144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum4quO84a5XD8RJr2stD9XKKrl2uFV46PSzZDdS1OkwYeY4aXjJVhbb3PvB66akBOJMFWnUzBn3RgWQo4uA4X18hGvBNGs6bUw0AsfWX5DLz5koTLcNt5CLHzFPQRgXp2_U8cBRyfFJUd/s640/IMG_20180812_145144.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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Once I started the process, I had lost my anxiety/apathy completely. In fact, I registered vaguely that I felt quite at peace. After all, I love the fabric (sunflower canvas from the new Front Yard fabric collection by Sarah Watts for Cotton+Steel) - but it's just fabric. And I've built my skills enough to know that all will be well. And now I have a pretty new cover that only took a couple hours to make!<br />
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<b>Have you had a sewing epiphany lately, or a moment when you've appreciated how far you've come? Do tell!</b><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-57107742664961423982018-08-08T15:11:00.001-04:002018-08-09T08:37:33.099-04:00An Adventure in Pouches + GiveawayI'm primarily a quilter, but here and there, I like to switch things up with a quick, small, handmade project. This really keeps the creative juices flowing (especially when I'm stuck on a quilt or need inspiration or what have you). One of my favorite go-to projects has become pouches - most specifically, the <a href="https://noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html">Open Wide Zippered Pouch</a> by Anna Graham of Noodlehead. The free tutorial is very thorough and creates a really professional finish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAy6r-NuFCl5zeBYnBK9T52aeJTBAiH7A5Ct4b-tX9nTqnazRIoVCjdtv0x1l-OAUi53QmyvBPQiVXvcVLFVEEoParRi0N-JoyJvbZbcv35KPlkgcJzEVPy1y65Kx4Ep6UYbuAAha1GI5/s1600/IMG_20180608_151634-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAy6r-NuFCl5zeBYnBK9T52aeJTBAiH7A5Ct4b-tX9nTqnazRIoVCjdtv0x1l-OAUi53QmyvBPQiVXvcVLFVEEoParRi0N-JoyJvbZbcv35KPlkgcJzEVPy1y65Kx4Ep6UYbuAAha1GI5/s640/IMG_20180608_151634-001.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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I've tried the pouch a few times in the past, but for whatever reason could not get the zipper right. This time, though, I did! For the record, zippers really aren't hard to install (REALLY, I PROMISE), and you don't need a special sewing machine foot to do it, either. This zipper is unique because of the way the pouch is supposed to open (check out the tutorial for a good picture). I gave myself a pat on the back (in my mind) when they all came out nearly perfect.<br />
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If I'm going to make one pouch, I need to make a whole batch! Chain sewing is the best. At the beginning of the summer, there were several occasions that required small gifts. At this point, <i>if</i><b> </b>I have a couple of hours to make something, I've pretty much given up shopping around blindly for a gift that the person might not even use (I have lots of thoughts about this crazy culture of buying gifts, but that's a post for another day). Plus, going through all the motions several times also improves my sewing. And I get pouches out of it. Win-win.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaivvHy2SB3tjmBTQPpusy4l2evR8UPI7rp1idwjCGc2t9j6lwKx0P7M_WWeiRpOgdHZYCge7vtlWbyZmQVni3-f-yrYgUmTcjuXuYWR3sQ1aFh_73ZRWeBN7bXUTSWTqvOWr9ne6Q1PsB/s1600/IMG_20180525_132623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1000" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaivvHy2SB3tjmBTQPpusy4l2evR8UPI7rp1idwjCGc2t9j6lwKx0P7M_WWeiRpOgdHZYCge7vtlWbyZmQVni3-f-yrYgUmTcjuXuYWR3sQ1aFh_73ZRWeBN7bXUTSWTqvOWr9ne6Q1PsB/s640/IMG_20180525_132623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiB5N-DeVyN1ouE74lyyJ9QNyODcGdoihWzOkeTdRLUlASdnC2vBChcQBWDUa4a2ejC35CWdiD8mJxn8eeG8jeQn-YJRRW1XHi8RPV0VZDcCQR0WIW6prUgKhUsttQewIlAbSg1hzQb40/s1600/IMG_20180602_123345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="777" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiB5N-DeVyN1ouE74lyyJ9QNyODcGdoihWzOkeTdRLUlASdnC2vBChcQBWDUa4a2ejC35CWdiD8mJxn8eeG8jeQn-YJRRW1XHi8RPV0VZDcCQR0WIW6prUgKhUsttQewIlAbSg1hzQb40/s640/IMG_20180602_123345.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
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Check out the typewriters (from the <a href="http://www.northcott.net/product-detail.aspx?fbid=1&colid=1192&colorid=1836">Letterhead fabric line</a> by Deborah Edwards)! Aren't they so cool? All the fabrics below were part of a fabric pack that <a href="http://www.northcott.net/">Northcott Fabrics</a> sent to me to play with, and they fit the bill perfectly. I love how customizable pouches are; I usually inscribe each one with initials or the recipient's name. They were a big hit!<br />
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My friend Julie, for example, is a writer, so I <i>had</i> to use the typewriters and letters for her. Inside, I included her first sashiko stitching panel and all the necessary supplies, since she's already a fab cross-stitcher and wants to try more needlework. The other two flowery pouches, made for two friends, purposefully match. I like the summery vibes - this is the <a href="http://www.northcott.net/product-detail.aspx?fbid=1&colid=1191&colorid=1835">Chloe fabric line</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tsdm-NcXeyQ87L48k-ATwpFHUQ1_O4tcG9rKntkvv11cwffDapt2tcpGPRP4n5AZGN_LLoIoKWnyNQT18fEiRchUHNkkMfoBsSRXttCPCv-ozaTDCqDofkLi-mPvR_KnfmB39jXfkYBh/s1600/IMG_20180608_151519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Tsdm-NcXeyQ87L48k-ATwpFHUQ1_O4tcG9rKntkvv11cwffDapt2tcpGPRP4n5AZGN_LLoIoKWnyNQT18fEiRchUHNkkMfoBsSRXttCPCv-ozaTDCqDofkLi-mPvR_KnfmB39jXfkYBh/s640/IMG_20180608_151519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pouches are a great gift, and I'm sure it won't be long before I make another batch! I try to keep zippers on hand for that exact reason (lately, I've been collecting lace zippers for this purpose - have you seen those?). <br />
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<i><b>Full disclosure</b>: Northcott Fabrics sent me fabrics to make with and give away. All opinions are honest and my own.</i><br />
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<b> Giveaway</b></div>
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Today, I'm giving away a half yard bundle of 3 Bohemian Vibe fabrics by Northcott Studio! Thank you to Northcott for offering up some fabrics for my readers to play with. This giveaway is open to anyone <b>worldwide.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZv0S4px2u2UgyNnw5H5-E-tE6izJAuotnQ5_c6LjSS4cFZj6Q6kndBJwqR7por_CdNLDHXrtHv5Q8SIXahfg7fglw98bLRC3xKF0ZEnfPGocBnXtzhcZw_2EzSIgeWW8GQ5ZKi7lKv-B/s1600/IMG_20180808_145931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZv0S4px2u2UgyNnw5H5-E-tE6izJAuotnQ5_c6LjSS4cFZj6Q6kndBJwqR7por_CdNLDHXrtHv5Q8SIXahfg7fglw98bLRC3xKF0ZEnfPGocBnXtzhcZw_2EzSIgeWW8GQ5ZKi7lKv-B/s640/IMG_20180808_145931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="9901feaf5" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9901feaf5/" id="rcwidget_35krs2ml" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<i><b>Giveaway details:</b> Runs from August 8 until August 15 at 12 am EST. <b>Use the Rafflecopter</b> <b>above</b> to enter - this helps me when tallying votes. Once you comment on the blog, please be advised that it will not appear right away (I have to approve comments due to insane amounts of spam). </i><i>If you have ANY trouble, <b>please <a href="mailto:quiltyhabit@gmail.com">email me</a> </b>and I will post the comment for you! Blogger has been really difficult lately. </i><br />
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<i>You can still comment and not be entered in the giveaway if you so desire (just don't click anything in the Rafflecopter).</i><i> I will not be responding directly to all blog comments at this time due to volume and issues with Blogger (unfortunately). Good luck!</i><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-78502877270640094592018-07-30T19:29:00.001-04:002018-07-30T19:29:41.096-04:00Building Blocks: Quilting Modern Quilts Blog Series<i>This is the 3rd of 6 quilts that I'm sharing as part of a series this summer, which explores ways to quilt modern, more minimalistic quilts (than what I usually make). To read a detailed introduction to the blog series, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/intro-quilting-modern-quilts-blog-series.html">click here.</a> Quilts featured so far: <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/electrify-quilting-modern-quilts-blog.html">Electrify</a>, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/07/intersection-quilting-modern-quilts.html">Intersection</a>. Read to the end for a giveaway!</i><br />
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This quilt has a long history of several years inside my graph paper sketchbook, just waiting for its chance to come to life. Here was my chance.<br />
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"Building Blocks" is a conglomeration of rectangles and squares, sewn together to showcase color and movement. This quilt doesn't have a gri<span style="color: #444444;">d - a process I genuinely enjoy. </span>Whenever I make a quilt like this (for example, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2016/08/metropolis-finished-quilt.html">Metropolis</a>), cutting into it and piecing the design in (no applique) is always less tricky than it first seems. In fact, the quilt top came together in just a few quick hours! I really couldn't believe it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunr9MxVrzeFFzdgZuHpMQJt23Ws8wG0t_GYokDA_LGmJ9U3ZvjdpX6q_ZhSZM_gNNrv_unk4eRo9JDkkNT-LtIW5ARw-ZAg9zmdv_N-hMRQfX8LWZS7r3se762w-dQrE6MJGZaCTLqSDm/s1600/IMG_20180730_173406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="924" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunr9MxVrzeFFzdgZuHpMQJt23Ws8wG0t_GYokDA_LGmJ9U3ZvjdpX6q_ZhSZM_gNNrv_unk4eRo9JDkkNT-LtIW5ARw-ZAg9zmdv_N-hMRQfX8LWZS7r3se762w-dQrE6MJGZaCTLqSDm/s640/IMG_20180730_173406.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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<i>Wish I had dated some of my sketchbook drawings... </i><i>the historian in me just shook her head.</i><i> This might be from as far back as 2012. </i></div>
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I specifically chose RJR <a href="https://www.rjrfabrics.com/cotton-supreme-solids/">Cotton Supreme Solids</a> for this quilt, as they have quite possibly the most comprehensive, bright solid selections out there. I had used RJR solids for my <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2017/04/burst-finished-orange-peel-quilt.html">"Burst"</a> quilt last year as part of the "What Shade Are You?" blog hop, so I was already sold on their selection. This quilt is wonderful in cool colors; I'd love to make it with warm ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskHKBGHOeWdzgvCZa_m0h37UJuVnfS2_sVMcBxNtaQdh5aeKRM5py6hUQijillZP_LNPtpOUlaVO_4vXEF5lHDun_Pprv7Y7FBTPdxA9_wWVAcQ0jpmBvkoqukBgt95QtXIWThfsqba2Z/s1600/Building+Blocks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="584" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskHKBGHOeWdzgvCZa_m0h37UJuVnfS2_sVMcBxNtaQdh5aeKRM5py6hUQijillZP_LNPtpOUlaVO_4vXEF5lHDun_Pprv7Y7FBTPdxA9_wWVAcQ0jpmBvkoqukBgt95QtXIWThfsqba2Z/s640/Building+Blocks.png" width="608" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiXc7UN98aF_HI1sM3TBZxODmYXkU3n_SI9dQcIsB1mCedUXnZq9F7ZpTbeDP9rvspdiqEEZ39BI0Xa8G_bjPio3IWw6MhqFfETk1LdrXSHWYw3dqYhpsw5WUz7uXESDos-rvWDr2LXco/s1600/DSC02317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiXc7UN98aF_HI1sM3TBZxODmYXkU3n_SI9dQcIsB1mCedUXnZq9F7ZpTbeDP9rvspdiqEEZ39BI0Xa8G_bjPio3IWw6MhqFfETk1LdrXSHWYw3dqYhpsw5WUz7uXESDos-rvWDr2LXco/s640/DSC02317.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I was able to pick out very specific shades of fabric that matched with my vision: Argento for the background, Violet, Jacaranda, and Wisteria for purples, Silver Screen for binding, Kelly Green, Lucky Green, Sour Apple, Wimbledon, and Neon for greens, Robin's Egg and Iceberg for turquoise, and Electric Blue, Lake, Riviera, and Poolside for blues.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfRa_i9xw4JrF7nBNtTV6zrekrtvgQ71zzshvoAhgd-IIQmJ6c6WqaSg7s1Ro8LI78MNOmOrcPcsziT_R1Hdz8SIjKCugYl1iLkyshyGlGx9qsV6Wy9hM5kkb6_fNAauQ0oh_tpWxFcgl/s1600/DSC02525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfRa_i9xw4JrF7nBNtTV6zrekrtvgQ71zzshvoAhgd-IIQmJ6c6WqaSg7s1Ro8LI78MNOmOrcPcsziT_R1Hdz8SIjKCugYl1iLkyshyGlGx9qsV6Wy9hM5kkb6_fNAauQ0oh_tpWxFcgl/s640/DSC02525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Quilting the middle went off without a hitch; it was especially enjoyable due to the constant changing of motifs (if it's boring, why do it?). So many opportunities for pretty filler designs. Every small square (1 in each of the 4 colors) received the echo treatment (see the lime green above).<br />
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This quilt gave me the opportunity to use LOTS of different thread colors, including Aurifil 2600 (Dove Gray), 1320 (Medium Teal), 2735 (Medium Blue), 2870 (Green), 4225 (Eggplant), 5017 (Shining Green), and 1243 (Dusty Lavender).<br />
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I was especially excited about quilting my cascading motifs, like in the royal blue fabric above. I think they add a lot of movement, and there are so many options. Adding curves and circles where there are tons of angles always makes a quilt shine. Also, look how this rainbow-y cascade shows up on the back (this pretty purple fabric is called Jacaranda)! I love it so.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvnZr3hMKHRvsDNfbVGg-v0zlClQ7JFuNse8EeLE5gvkE-B6Abs5sEqrvDzmtqW5aqKXx4qTiG5iZSeo-4R8PgGjuhGrri_ouodjzaO3t2VmiUbGdc0aqu_cip3NG5ahngaZPhIaCoXI9/s1600/DSC02321.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvnZr3hMKHRvsDNfbVGg-v0zlClQ7JFuNse8EeLE5gvkE-B6Abs5sEqrvDzmtqW5aqKXx4qTiG5iZSeo-4R8PgGjuhGrri_ouodjzaO3t2VmiUbGdc0aqu_cip3NG5ahngaZPhIaCoXI9/s640/DSC02321.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, the background of this quilt (pebbles and wavy lines) has been the subject of a LOT of seam ripping. I am not one to sugarcoat the struggles of quilting something! :) I wanted the outside/background of the quilt to be quilted densely and somewhat small so as to keep the attention on the colorful shapes. At different times throughout the process, my tension really went off, and I neglected to take out those sections until I was done. It could have been a bit of drag on this quilt (it's not particularly big) or perhaps my speed... sometimes it's hard to say what really set it off. I usually don't let a few spots of loose tension here or there bother me, even if the quilt is meant to be in a quilt show.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU9FGgDJeqxJpJ41m5Egs8-fJDnr7jSGQAawsqrbX5veM6PunRk3futyULl2CfTfbLKAs7-PYw9l9zE5CCVjEKUVde0iy0dYrapkw4jvtWVQBchPV2eSJES1IIHgr4YQ9chabErwqNBBF/s1600/DSC02310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU9FGgDJeqxJpJ41m5Egs8-fJDnr7jSGQAawsqrbX5veM6PunRk3futyULl2CfTfbLKAs7-PYw9l9zE5CCVjEKUVde0iy0dYrapkw4jvtWVQBchPV2eSJES1IIHgr4YQ9chabErwqNBBF/s640/DSC02310.JPG" width="426" /></a> </div>
<br />
However, too late, I realized that it was much more serious. I spent a couple hours ripping out free motion quilting (which is THE WORST to seam rip, ask any quilter!), and quilted those sections again. I'll be honest - it somewhat ruined my relationship with this quilt. I still love the colors and the design, but every time I think about the quilting, I just get annoyed (it still needs more work, but it's done for now).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oDMqEmIG6mVunnH52d2dXbr1cTnXtlcO2RlnIv5X6ziuGr6wW7wZRrRBFwlNhxEpMw5f9Y6sCct3F9-f18OgfYZkgxgnyH8boVutTnuoTQzoaONbGIK5dIQ9qE129FryVcRAc6feWgOd/s1600/DSC02527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oDMqEmIG6mVunnH52d2dXbr1cTnXtlcO2RlnIv5X6ziuGr6wW7wZRrRBFwlNhxEpMw5f9Y6sCct3F9-f18OgfYZkgxgnyH8boVutTnuoTQzoaONbGIK5dIQ9qE129FryVcRAc6feWgOd/s640/DSC02527.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Overall, though, I try to take things with a positive spin. <b>This quilt taught me about patience</b>. It taught me how to quickly (as possible) rip a lot of pebbles out (which is not quick!). It also taught me that the second time around quilting may still not meet my perfection standards for whatever reason (which, honestly, are pretty low - it's not that I don't care but that's not where I typically focus my crafty energy) - and that's just quite alright. I'd like to give this quilt away or donate it someplace where they will hang it on a wall, or use it as a lap quilt, and never really look closely at the tension on the back.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just fabric and thread. I got to make one of my longtime planned designs. So, honestly, I'm happy. But I think in social media and quilt guild worlds, we don't always talk about the struggles. So here's my post about struggling.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you to <a href="https://www.rjrfabrics.com/">RJR Fabrics</a> for sponsoring the fabric, <a href="https://warmcompany.com/">The Warm Company</a> for Warm and Natural batting, and <a href="http://aurifil.com/">Aurifil Thread</a> for the threads. All opinions about materials are my own, honest ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>Please note: some people have emailed me about releasing patterns of the quilts. While I'm flattered, sharing the measurements and methods are no longer in my plans, as I explained in the introduction post. If you derive a quilt from my design and share it publicly, I would greatly appreciate<b> </b>a link to my website and a caption noting that you were inspired by this design. This also goes for quilt shows. Thank you!</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5kxxcYxpVwV_DKqDzrdhMSOl6CfuXhSu1MxyzBAbUb_u_gvAqDD588CVtf_pLFymGxiJ5hre-FmEU_O5pLxxhyphenhyphenTL5UYH9fYbwVNSgnNSNOiXQycBpD5d_kRgPJfTbUtAI38eu5sAknAC/s1600/blogseriesbanner3.jpg" /> </i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Giveaway </b></span></div>
</div>
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Today's giveaway is an assortment of large scraps of RJR Cotton Supreme Solids, from the blue and green sections of my quilt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0Lxog1h6j_BFvrHF4JK9zp0iVyej3PPdj8mitYcgpIb2dI9lW1jxw5_h0ARNh6WKVtfhAG872Lwx61RUuV0EVzylsfOBeaVVxcR0mOl1JlDNjFmqB9RKAFAqexUX-4l-q6kCgvcKW5FH/s1600/IMG_20180730_170236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0Lxog1h6j_BFvrHF4JK9zp0iVyej3PPdj8mitYcgpIb2dI9lW1jxw5_h0ARNh6WKVtfhAG872Lwx61RUuV0EVzylsfOBeaVVxcR0mOl1JlDNjFmqB9RKAFAqexUX-4l-q6kCgvcKW5FH/s400/IMG_20180730_170236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Giveaway details:</b> Runs from July 30 until August 7 at 12 am EST. <b>Use the Rafflecopter</b> <b>below</b> to enter - this helps me when tallying votes. Once you comment on the blog, please be advised that it will not appear right away (I have to approve comments due to insane amounts of spam). You can still comment and not be entered in the giveaway if you so desire (just don't click anything in the Rafflecopter). If you won a previous giveaway from this blog series, you cannot win again.</i><br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-12727502313023444282018-07-14T13:27:00.000-04:002018-07-14T13:27:54.676-04:00Reorganizing Fabric and ScrapsOver 8 years of sewing, my fabric needs and preferences have changed many times (have you ever looked at a piece of fabric and thought: what was I <b>thinking</b>?!). I think it's important to reevaluate your hobby periodically and make the necessary changes (which is why I have frequent fabric destashes and give a lot away to my quilt guild and students). Your hobby is important and you have to make sure it fits your current space and needs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnTeOQ6Tnkv6FZh1GnwnxOiVPEeSskJq6fbsQr9G-Ew5Pw6wcz7hOxUEyIUFodElMmPgr67u2OO6iXAbS3ql9j-ODv4C99YoU5HEqvQE8ajmDbuV-yLwWtMVznbi-a6iOB9KI66EeyrvN/s1600/IMG_20180701_140227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1000" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnTeOQ6Tnkv6FZh1GnwnxOiVPEeSskJq6fbsQr9G-Ew5Pw6wcz7hOxUEyIUFodElMmPgr67u2OO6iXAbS3ql9j-ODv4C99YoU5HEqvQE8ajmDbuV-yLwWtMVznbi-a6iOB9KI66EeyrvN/s640/IMG_20180701_140227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Right now, I've come to terms with the fact that I'm making many more scrap quilts than those with yardage, so I'm paring down both my buying and fabric stash (for the record, I usually buy a half yard of something when I like it or need it). Plus, I really want to <b>make quilts</b> instead of holding onto fabric for years and years (<a href="https://jennykaequilts.wordpress.com/2018/06/11/leave-quilts-not-fabric/">this post </a>by Jenny Kae Quilts says it all).<br />
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While going through my normal stash piles, I quickly noticed lots of small fabric pieces at fat quarter size or less; since they weren't stored with my scraps, I'd often forget about them. Also, the closet (shared with my husband's computer stuff) very clearly needed a complete makeover. I bought <a href="https://www.target.com/p/sterilite-20-qt-gasket-box-clear-with-blue-latches/-/A-15066036">bins on sale at Target</a> (score), which easily close and stack (my other, tiny ones, did not - see the size difference below). These are TWICE the size than the ones I was using! They fit my fat quarters of each color along with scraps. What a relief! Why did I wait so long?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4DTu5WMyAz6h7hN0hWlVW164AcWS8PewSHhdEcr3Xi3BQV_7g5HaxvEKusdLX-An1BvfcvXMSm6yrkoOqP14vY7bbEMFfUkEq7ZuarITzUskvHq6FOgPuZ9DEx_wIIdDifQlky8QsRCH/s1600/IMG_20180701_135354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4DTu5WMyAz6h7hN0hWlVW164AcWS8PewSHhdEcr3Xi3BQV_7g5HaxvEKusdLX-An1BvfcvXMSm6yrkoOqP14vY7bbEMFfUkEq7ZuarITzUskvHq6FOgPuZ9DEx_wIIdDifQlky8QsRCH/s640/IMG_20180701_135354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before, I was also using an assortment of Ziploc bags and shoe boxes to organize scraps. Not only did it look terrible but it was confusing (besides a general organization by color). I felt overwhelmed just stepping into the closet. I didn't give it the time and attention it needed... until now.<br />
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Now, I have more room to store scraps together. I combined colors together except for blue, purple, and green, which all needed their own bins (also, I have very few yellow scraps - believe it, Sarah! - so a small bin still holds those). I'm already feeling much more excited about diving into my scraps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztAARJQtgyv_loUu51oBu7v3gViHUkYP8OnVqqFZcCqunCLsMNrCgHO42ccsNXIYG5dYhtM6gi97RqfyBFekUpm-9mkSyUBYQx5ImYF4TyTZc4QP6RYK5bgDwD6Y3l5hj7ZartKs6lIAf/s1600/IMG_20180701_153221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="496" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztAARJQtgyv_loUu51oBu7v3gViHUkYP8OnVqqFZcCqunCLsMNrCgHO42ccsNXIYG5dYhtM6gi97RqfyBFekUpm-9mkSyUBYQx5ImYF4TyTZc4QP6RYK5bgDwD6Y3l5hj7ZartKs6lIAf/s640/IMG_20180701_153221.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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One part of my stash that will remain in tact through change is solids, since I use them possibly 75% more often and in abundance than I used to 4 or 5 years ago. While I don't keep track of them by company or name, I'm happy with the assortment I can pull from for any project. I seem to have accumulated a lot of purples and grays from over the years, and many of these are larger pieces. Solids have become absolutely essential to my quilt-making process (here, they are on the bottom of my storage unit).<br />
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Also, during this process, I went through my fabric stash 3 separate times and put together a huge pile to destash (see below). I'm also considering making up a few bundles for sale. I'll be posting these for sale on my separate Instagram account, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quiltyhabit_destash/">quiltyhabit_destash</a>, within the next month. Follow this IG account to get updates (sorry, US shipping only).<br />
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<b>So, have you gone through your fabric lately? What's changed, if anything? Your taste, needs, space, etc.?</b><br />
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<b><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></b></div>
<b> </b>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-36446572326160384022018-07-03T12:19:00.000-04:002018-07-03T12:19:34.219-04:00Delaware/Maryland Class OpeningsI'm thrilled to embark on a 5-day lecture and workshop tour next week. Are you in the Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, DE or Easton, MD area? There are a few spots left in my Orange Peel and Improv classes! If you're interested, <a href="mailto:quiltyhabit@gmail.com">email me</a> for the guild contacts (I don't want to post their emails online). Thank you!<br />
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<a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2014/07/scatter-finished-orange-peel-quilt.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Scatter</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, </span><a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2015/04/soar-finished-orange-peel-quilt.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Soar,</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> and </span><a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2016/02/sunshine-orange-peel-mini-quilt.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Sunshine</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Quilt designs and improvisation technique are originals by Jessica Skultety. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b> Workshop </b>- Ocean Waves <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Quilt Guild, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lewes, DE</span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Orange Peels and Improv" - Tu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">esday, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">July 10</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9am - 3pm</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">$48 for nonmembers</span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Workshop</b> - Bayside Quilters of Easton, MD</span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Orange Peels and Improv" - Thursday, July 12</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9:30am - 4pm</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Orange
peels are beautiful and striking traditional blocks that can be
manipulated in exciting ways. We'll pair them with "planned"
improvisational piecing to make a scrap-friendly baby or wall quilt (44”
x 55”) that you’ll be proud to show off! You’ll learn the “stitch and
flip” method for making orange peels for machine applique. Then, you’ll
use background fabric and my favorite improvisation technique,
brick-by-brick, to stitch them into a modern quilt top uniquely your
own.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-58776407456538892782018-07-02T10:15:00.002-04:002018-07-03T11:45:10.476-04:00Intersection: Quilting Modern Quilts Blog Series<i>This is the 2nd of 6 quilts that I'm sharing as part of a series this summer, which explores ways to quilt modern, more minimalistic quilts (than what I usually make). To read a detailed introduction to the blog series, <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/intro-quilting-modern-quilts-blog-series.html">click here.</a> Quilts featured so far: <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/electrify-quilting-modern-quilts-blog.html">Electrify</a>. Read to the end for a giveaway!</i><br />
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I was going to save this quilt until the end, but it has the same roots as the last quilt. It is one of my favorites of the group, mostly because it came out exactly as I envisioned and all the cool quilting I challenged myself with. This is Intersection.<br />
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The four cross design comes straight from the roof of an old house in Quakertown, NJ (the same roof as Electrify - you can read more about that <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/electrify-quilting-modern-quilts-blog.html">here</a>). I was completely taken with this design, which is a gorgeous, traditional layout of crosses.<br />
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I liked the idea of using a short, somewhat squat version of the Greek cross because it seems more unexpected and unusual. When designing this quilt, I thought it would be interesting to let part of the design disappear off the quilt, and after playing around, it seemed even more appropriate to include 2 different groupings of crosses. <br />
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<i>Cirrus Solids used: Amazon (teal), Clementine (orange), Limestone (white), and Shamrock (green backing - see picture further down this post).</i><br />
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Since negative, or blank, space suddenly became a huge part of this design, a bright, bold color fit the bill. Plus, one common question I get about modern quilts is, "don't they have white backgrounds?" Just sometimes. :) Anyway, since I love cool range colors (blue/purple mostly), teal was an attractive choice. And lo and behold, dark orange is complementary to teal (directly across from it on the color wheel). Add some white to let it breathe. Let the orange be the exception.<br />
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<a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/fabrics/cirrus-solids/">Cirrus Solids</a> by Cloud9 Fabrics were the fabrics that I really wanted to use for this quilt. They have a beautiful crossweave, which makes it a little difficult to photograph but also makes it shimmer in person. It's hard to convey the exact colors here. I've been working with Cirrus Solids for a long time and I always appreciate the wide range of colors, softness, and solidity. Thank you to Cloud9 for providing the fabrics for me to try out this design.<br />
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The quilting itself tested me. When I look at the quilt, I see a circular motif surrounding the outline of the crosses. The key to making this kind of minimalist quilt have an impact is quilting the negative space in an unusual way (that's how I go about it, at least). Once the idea popped into my head, there was no getting it out. <br />
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The quilt is quite large (59" across by 67" down), so the large pebble paths were the most intimidating part. I have loved <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2015/03/pebble-cascade-finished-quilt.html">creating paths like this</a> for a long time, but these are by far the largest I've quilted. I marked them with white chalk (it wasn't an exact science) and then simply filled them in with pebbles of all sizes. I really love the point where they meet (below).<br />
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Contrast in size and shape of the quilting can often make the quilt. I used the same color and weight of thread (a beautiful, glow-y turquoise Aurifil 2810, 40 weight) for both the pebble paths and background, and changing scale in the negative space really makes the difference.<br />
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I wanted the orange crosses to relate to the large pebble swathes, so I quilted a different pebble configuration there, in Aurifil 2240. Just now, I'm realizing that I used the same free motion motif (swirls) in the white crosses here and the background of the other quilt (with Aurifil 2024). Sometimes I surprise myself. :) I really enjoy using the opposite of the piecing design to quilt (curvy vs. angular, for example).<br />
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The final test was the matched binding. This quilt really didn't want a frame; it seemed to float. I actually save the matched binding for one of the last steps of finishing the entire quilt series, but it was easier than expected. It matches up just enough for me (I'm not interested in perfectionism, even if this one does go to a quilt show. That's just what I like. The quilt feels more human to me. :) ).<br />
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This quilt was a test of my quilting skills but I truly enjoyed every step. Isn't that what it's all about?</div>
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Thank you to <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/">Cloud9 Fabrics</a> for sponsoring the fabric, <a href="https://warmcompany.com/">The Warm Company</a> for Warm and Natural batting, and <a href="http://aurifil.com/">Aurifil Thread</a> for the threads. All opinions about materials are my own, honest ones.</div>
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<i> </i><br />
<i>Please note: some people have emailed me about releasing patterns of the quilts. While I'm flattered, sharing the measurements and methods are no longer in my plans, as I explained in the introduction post. If you derive a quilt from my design and share it publicly, I would greatly appreciate<b> </b>a link to my website and a caption noting that you were inspired by this design. This also goes for quilt shows. Thank you!</i><br />
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<i><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5kxxcYxpVwV_DKqDzrdhMSOl6CfuXhSu1MxyzBAbUb_u_gvAqDD588CVtf_pLFymGxiJ5hre-FmEU_O5pLxxhyphenhyphenTL5UYH9fYbwVNSgnNSNOiXQycBpD5d_kRgPJfTbUtAI38eu5sAknAC/s1600/blogseriesbanner3.jpg" /> </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Giveaway </b></span></div>
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And today's giveaway is a fat quarter bundle of summery Kona Solids by Robert Kaufman (which I used to make samples and practice quilting) and a 2 pack of white chalk pencils, so you can practice your own marking!<br />
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<i><b>Giveaway details:</b> Runs from July 2 until July 9 at 12 am EST. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter - this helps me when tallying votes. Once you comment on the blog, please be advised that it will not appear right away (I have to approve comments due to insane amounts of spam). You can still comment and not be entered in the giveaway if you so desire (just don't use Rafflecopter below). If you won a previous giveaway from this blog series, you cannot win again.</i><br />
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<i> Also, I will not be responding directly to all blog comments at this time due to volume and issues with Blogger (unfortunately). Sorry, U.S. entrants only, please. I will email the winner and if there is no response within 2 days or winner is not located in the U.S., I will randomly choose another winner.</i><br />
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<i> </i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /> </div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-86105605467166928712018-06-14T14:49:00.000-04:002018-06-14T15:07:15.251-04:00Electrify: Quilting Modern Quilts Blog SeriesElectrify is the first in my series of modern quilts to share with you this summer (<a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/06/intro-quilting-modern-quilts-blog-series.html">click here</a> to read the blog series introduction post). It's a design made to combine a classic plus block with an improvised scrappy look, and it has a story inspired by architecture. And it's certainly quilted to life (not death), which is how I prefer to finish off modern designs. :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqGlaRv5sPBZ8UJ3So4l3aJFP8kRUyXHjM1DAYPsqfyoNr8OGexnMCfv1zGahuzI4XAjWZ6kXTEy48oNr9VWjlcHTVtaiQmUNGe3HUXBOiHQShC30af8ge0Z16pVeF2AqUZBx2S6E9bBT/s1600/DSC02230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1000" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqGlaRv5sPBZ8UJ3So4l3aJFP8kRUyXHjM1DAYPsqfyoNr8OGexnMCfv1zGahuzI4XAjWZ6kXTEy48oNr9VWjlcHTVtaiQmUNGe3HUXBOiHQShC30af8ge0Z16pVeF2AqUZBx2S6E9bBT/s640/DSC02230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Several years ago I was traveling back and forth through Quakertown/Franklin, NJ to get to and from college. This route is a nice scenic one, which takes about the same time as the highway and purposefully avoids the infamous Flemington, NJ traffic circle (which is now even more confusing several years later, but I digress). Anyway, on one drive, I saw this AMAZING motif on a roof there. Every time I drove home, I looked for the roof but couldn't take a picture (I value my life much more than that). So, the image of four crosses joined together at the corners stuck in my head, and eventually, I drew it in my design notebook, hoping to make a quilt someday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9azGW9xhO61NIfjRkiFNndBhfyMVr4kPbWw2lFb4OtHvRyHmR2xdlba3QZn5e-ejNHMzbilL_L7PhXGF6Ux7HpuQ73ZAihNPAfts75KyXSIQGjqwdJPhtkXgfY6GvPDT29tRBzzvD2__/s1600/DSC02231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9azGW9xhO61NIfjRkiFNndBhfyMVr4kPbWw2lFb4OtHvRyHmR2xdlba3QZn5e-ejNHMzbilL_L7PhXGF6Ux7HpuQ73ZAihNPAfts75KyXSIQGjqwdJPhtkXgfY6GvPDT29tRBzzvD2__/s640/DSC02231.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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For this quilt, I wanted there to be purple (lots of purple! Bring on the purple quilts!) and finding just the right shade was important. I had made a computer mock up of each quilt for my book - see below - and after trying a couple color schemes, I quickly fell in love with purple, pink, and a touch of lime green, surrounded by gray and white (thank you, Paint, for making experimentation so easy!). This perfect-for-my-quilt purple is Thistle, one of Northcott's <a href="http://www.northcott.net/product-detail.aspx?fbid=38&colid=789&colorid=1231">ColorWorks Premium Solids</a>. I loved the purple so much that it became the backing and binding, too (see below). Here, the binding serves as a bright frame for the design. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nAI6ULyZ7d4JDh2nB70Jpu6BD4RIFo5vbFO7qsxc639E8cIYt7K_tb6rLaKOkG6uAG2sPakNYeNt4NLw77ha8xCOF6IMUxzkuVxV9Zp-IW1RGZgxbMv0nMScPzl7VHcMXnQ7GOtISt80/s1600/DSC02236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nAI6ULyZ7d4JDh2nB70Jpu6BD4RIFo5vbFO7qsxc639E8cIYt7K_tb6rLaKOkG6uAG2sPakNYeNt4NLw77ha8xCOF6IMUxzkuVxV9Zp-IW1RGZgxbMv0nMScPzl7VHcMXnQ7GOtISt80/s640/DSC02236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Other ColorWorks solids used in this quilt: Lime, Super White, Smoke, and Fuchsia. What I like most about Northcott solids is that they are super soft (like silk, as they say)<b> </b>but they aren't slippery or buttery. No fraying - just a solid, well, solid - that comes in a huge variety of bright, modern colors. They also wash up nicely!<br />
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"Electrify," named for the joining strips, has a lot of modern quilting elements to me (though of course I didn't set out to purposefully check these off). Negative space, improvisation, bold colors, graphic design, and solid fabrics. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBSg2bihFVnoBv-SXDBEAFp6ldRkE3yngzkMEjGM2Dwn9Pff7y0_EABSd8d9kaBhI3DhGCjYMNxIhoy_CAbu4b2OG94FSj0Dy4vKsCIQWVGT3RZOsm2EV6bjtFO8wT2deyyJoKjVPSlUG/s1600/Electrify+quilting+plan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="922" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBSg2bihFVnoBv-SXDBEAFp6ldRkE3yngzkMEjGM2Dwn9Pff7y0_EABSd8d9kaBhI3DhGCjYMNxIhoy_CAbu4b2OG94FSj0Dy4vKsCIQWVGT3RZOsm2EV6bjtFO8wT2deyyJoKjVPSlUG/s640/Electrify+quilting+plan.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now, the quilting. I struggled with the decision at first. The computer graphics made it easy to experiment with quilting motifs. Originally, I considered quilting straight lines from the middle, radiating out, because that's the movement I see in the design. However, since my book was about intermediate free motion quilting with little to no marking, this would have been difficult to do (really need a walking foot). Plus, since I love free motion, I wanted to take on the challenge of figuring out a different way to quilt.<br />
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The spirals in the background serve as a contrast from all the angular piecing. I matched thread colors (Aurifil 2024, white) because I hoped the texture would be enough (it was!). Several other thread colors add more interest to the rest of the design (Aurifil 1243 Dusty Lavender, 5017 Shining Green, and 4020 Fuchsia). For these projects, I had lots of opportunities to switch thread colors, and I definitely indulged!<br />
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My unexpectedly favorite part of this quilt is the improvised stripes because a. how I decided to quilt them (one of my favorite go-to motifs) and b. how the white strips on the ends fade into the background. Seeing this quilt come to life after several years of contemplation was positively thrilling. I made another quilt for the book that's also based on crosses, which I'll share in a few weeks. <br />
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Thank you to <a href="http://www.northcott.net/">Northcott Fabric</a>s for sponsoring the fabric, <a href="https://warmcompany.com/">The Warm Company</a> for Warm and White batting (which, to me, seems to make the white background shine even more in person), and <a href="http://aurifil.com/">Aurifil Thread</a> for the threads. All opinions about materials are my own, honest ones.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Giveaway </b></span></div>
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And today's giveaway, sponsored by Northcott, is a Colorworks Premium Solids color card with 2 half yards - one of Thistle and one of Fuchsia!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOwq1FtFb-uZSU4K7PUfKWgB_I858rRCAMl7cHklCKWYo5jN4iJ_ie2wKB6JpFYJQlcWnLAhqO1SgS7aHexYJ6rM94y7B0RSsixJNV8NDptRaXLvuCZQUGHwBudQxlYlLFyGPpyPKXD02/s1600/IMG_20180614_105256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOwq1FtFb-uZSU4K7PUfKWgB_I858rRCAMl7cHklCKWYo5jN4iJ_ie2wKB6JpFYJQlcWnLAhqO1SgS7aHexYJ6rM94y7B0RSsixJNV8NDptRaXLvuCZQUGHwBudQxlYlLFyGPpyPKXD02/s640/IMG_20180614_105256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Giveaway details:</b> Runs from June 14 until June 22 at 12 am EST. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter - this helps me when tallying votes. Once you comment on the blog, please be advised that it will not appear right away (I have to approve comments due to insane spam amounts). You can still comment and not be entered in the giveaway if you so desire (just don't use Rafflecopter below).</i><br />
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<i> Also, I will not be responding directly to all blog comments at this time due to volume and issues with Blogger (unfortunately). Sorry, U.S. entrants only, please. I will email the winner and if there is no response within 2 days or winner is not located in the U.S., I will randomly choose another winner.</i><br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://www.myquiltinfatuation.com/2018/06/needle-and-thread-thursday.html">Needle and Thread Thursday</a>, TGIFF, Crazy Mom Quilts.</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-46330663893714368002018-06-05T18:22:00.001-04:002018-06-05T18:26:17.463-04:00Intro: Quilting Modern Quilts Blog SeriesI'm SO excited to share a series of 6 quilts with you over the next few months! I'll be telling one quilt story every 2-4 weeks in order to reveal the bulk of work I completed in secret for over a year. But first, a little more background (in addition to <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/05/why-im-no-longer-writing-quilt-book.html">this post</a> - thank you for all of your kind words of support! I have responded to everyone I can locate an email for).<br />
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So - quilting modern quilts. Just like eating Reese's, there's no "wrong" way to do it; I don't pretend to be the definitive guide in any way. But it's a topic that fascinates me. A lot of modern quilting takes on a graphic nature, like straight lines (looooots of those, including matchstick quilting), boxes, waves, and echoing. I love movement and adding to the design I pieced, so I try my best to highlight the most important part of the design in some way. Adding that last layer of design can be so much more than utilitarian, if you want it to be!<br />
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Whenever I give my "Modern Quilting: What's All the Hubbub?" lecture, I always emphasize that there really isn't one definition to the modern quilting movement. I think it's important to be open to new ideas, as what is considered a modern quilt has changed already and will continue to change. For example, there used to be an emphasis on functional modern quilts but there also seems to be a more "modern art" focus lately, for those that are just meant for a wall or decoration (I'm looking especially at quilts hung at QuiltCon). There's a lot more that could be said here, but this is just an example for now. :)<br />
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Anyway, to me, these quilts are graphic and generally minimalist (*gasp* - I am SO NOT a minimalist!). In fact, they're probably some of my most "modern" quilts ever. They are simple in design, made especially to showcase the actual quilting. Because quilting can and does often make the quilt. When I go to QuiltCon (or any quilt show, really), what I most love to ogle is the actual quilting! You (or your longarmer) really have the power to take your original design to the next level. <br />
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As described in my <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/05/why-im-no-longer-writing-quilt-book.html">recent post</a>, I'm no longer writing a quilt book. Most of the book quilt ideas were taken from several pages from my quilt design notebook (I prefer graph paper and colored pencils over the computer). So, some of these designs have actually been in my head for well over 5 years! In this blog series, I'll be delving into the background behind each one (as much as I can remember). It was like a dream come true to block aside time to make these quilts!<br />
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While preparing to make the quilts, I already had most of the color schemes in mind. The designs all seemed to scream, "make me with bold, solid fabrics!!", so I reached out to a bunch of companies (some I had previous relationships with, some not) to see if they'd be willing to provide fabric and materials in exchange for public thanks and advertising. Every single one said yes, and I'm pleased to also provide a bit more about each company's solid fabrics (and thread and batting) as I tell the quilt stories. All of these thoughts will be my honest opinions (spoiler alert: all of the solids were AMAZING to work with. Every. single. one.).<br />
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Originally, the book was going to include patterns for these quilts, and the bulk of the book would focus on ideas for quilting them. Once I was considering self-publication, I did away with patterns completely and added more quilting content/inspiration/motifs to the outline of the book. I've been advised before that quilt books sell because of patterns, but I'm sure there are also a lot of people, like me, who hardly ever use patterns and just want the instruction/motifs/inspiration/etc. Since I'm no longer writing, it doesn't matter, but I will continue to impart some of the knowledge in my remaining workshops and lectures this year as it pertains.<br />
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Next week, I'll post the first quilt (and giveaway!). After that, the schedule will vary throughout the summer. I
hope these quilts will inspire you to think outside the box when it
comes to your own modern quilts!<br />
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<b>This blog series is sponsored by the following companies. Thank you!</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.andoverfabrics.com/"><img alt="https://www.andoverfabrics.com/" border="0" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZSpn7hA7BR2HWRDlLFNDYj0lQmAzjH_7HTjedrtIMLgdLXhl4Qo9nvVTTvZPVp1f_-rO1yKyBbZondSSroWnQf95kcvSMA3EcYURKRaaGMokU7o-a1N3HLNrnmgzecvG8wtaHFdnqyQU/s1600/Screenshot-2018-6-5+Andover+Fabrics.png" /></a><a href="http://www.aurifil.com/"><img alt="http://www.aurifil.com/" border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76ffHnQQl2M7te1QICPp95GQFjHrQjy1pMo_vnS0qGuYHJK7S1w1SvfinNCWLs7C_GuvIf0iG5VBAovBaZUkXzlpbX8wzbcIcobn4J_yGkYSqYOXp2pd6JXDGKZScq_jYlkKenM7Kilfv/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/"><img alt="http://cloud9fabrics.com/" border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="252" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyg6pKJOoEj3s6C8BVc8ZCvdBfDQvEaqQJIEykb8WsK2K9__2nry6ttUhr3YpIkH-7Jlos__cxiMbW8twxDSDZEFETRtaKryZC9gTJmXF5bI3OOpBcUTCFSrB1cBszKRVIeub_1cH84_v/s200/cloud9.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.freespiritfabrics.com/"><img alt="http://www.freespiritfabrics.com/" border="0" data-original-height="91" data-original-width="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9s9UGN8xNZ4b8npCPEkU-a4V_sgwZp9eRgrUJ5yNVOzhHpNPafjNA5d8Mjy3sWugGpOCUZf7yWByH9ovRt6txvlLCk88rxRwYiEmLaHOEE21OEyvtH5FDVEua6h6_8fBRTZMcuhlMSFo/s1600/logo-freespirit.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.northcott.net/"><img alt="http://www.northcott.net/" border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="1600" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0rRqT3rQWJOdzrtgJorhpMKTHk5JoPtnMGf8Tc1if2zbi4H1TUHJ8dz6V1hZkUyr0ySTTzuuYxLKC9R9H2t8jAeumsGz8QSlMC1NteZMsZOIFw9K-UMt1wLSJkxzfxXhd8YBdNL1zdGh/s320/NorthcottHorizontal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.rjrfabrics.com/"><img alt="https://www.rjrfabrics.com/" border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="799" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmEbJMjNGTvVCWy1jtIzMeMj60BvvMMSxnVxjPQzpn5iVu9C9QVPahAQYjvrOY8w3LECjKBgFmTMWfinPfMtM-SGv_AWlP8iGT8FO1NXucpvXALC0TsW4ZhW-SZbRctDmr3Ps40uVJopc/s200/static1.squarespace.com.png" width="177" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/"><img alt="http://www.robertkaufman.com/" border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="481" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hMpFp0Xpo_zt_z0O2q5r3QCC_fisCd-P2vLcZ1zEDLL5bCr_UYhGwgMlz6IJLDxq-gjN1qvXCJ3vX9t1Ka7dir-LwxMec8ui6nXzNfk-ZKtcOCdjmr1OPd7w5TipAn2cRpNHHRNTpTP6/s320/Screenshot-2018-6-5+Robert+Kaufman+Fabrics.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://warmcompany.com/"><img alt="https://warmcompany.com/" border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="200" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3MO9sIEUWw0qnrCoyLwyA1ghIKwzgIJXz_j3IeBC8UvSxmN5VW_0dQZDk7IoVxmr1c7HoJM5Fl3fVUEzHinOkwRj_dWo1NVQ1DVY_Ik_PV1KzKOlocjV61w7eRBOWFaKX5YmCayhXR3X/s200/warm.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-58975394298988709952018-05-30T21:37:00.000-04:002018-05-30T21:37:37.095-04:00Why I'm No Longer Writing a Quilt Book<div style="text-align: center;">
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About a year ago to the day, I got home from work and received a phone call. On the other line was a representative of C&T Publishing, letting me know that they were dropping my book contract. At first, I was in total shock; I was 2 months from one of my biggest deadlines. Pen and paper in hand and somewhat in a daze, I jotted down some important info (several authors were being let go due to their downsizing in publishing books [<a href="https://craftindustryalliance.org/ct-publishing-reduces-number-books-published-annually-shutters-digital-pattern-marketplace/">which was later revealed officially</a> in detail by Craft Industry Alliance], it was in my contract that this could happen, and I would receive an official letter in the mail).<br />
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Now, I know what you're thinking - you had/have options! You can still publish! Yes, I can. But do I want to? After a few months of considering all the options, I decided: no. Several friends were very helpful and encouraging; they pointed me in the direction of other publishers who might want to pick me up as an author. Otherwise, I could self-publish (there ARE so many options!), bring my books to workshops and lectures still, AND pave the way for others who might want to do the same. That certainly sounded viable.<br />
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After some research, time, and lots of thought, I made the decision not to shop around or self-publish for a few reasons. At this particular point in my life, <b>I want to be a more a part of the quilt community rather than the quilt industry itself</b>. Lots of wonderful, talented people make a living in the industry, and I'm so very grateful that it exists. BUT - there's SO much noise out there. I don't want to add another free motion quilting book to the market, another curated ad on your Instagram page, another sale. You might remember back when everyone had a blog, and then so many had a fabric line, or a book. When the latter happened for me, it felt strange and it didn't feel completely right, though I love to teach and write. I should have acknowledged that gut feeling from the beginning.<br />
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More specifically,<b> I realized over the last year that I don't WANT my quilting to be my main business right now</b> (maybe I never have, maybe never will), which is why I've been devoting much time and energy to my career in the real world. My "side hustle" and love for quilting don't HAVE to become my main focus or business. Some of the other reasons for not pursuing the book are more personal, and I'm grateful for my friends who have supported me so much in this decision. I wrote this post to bring some light, as so many have so politely and excitedly asked about the book's progress. Thank you! It all has a happy ending! :)<br />
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I will be teaching some of the concepts from the book in workshops and sharing these quilts in my lectures on modern quilting and quilt blocks for the rest of the year. I plan to accept limited engagements in 2019, too. I'm still working with quilting companies and utilizing products I love. I'm still blogging (going on 8 years! Is that real?) and still writing <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/p/the-wonky-press.html"><i>The Wonky Press</i></a> (which is somehow 2.5 years old?). I'm still entering quilt shows and exhibitions here and there. I'm still designing and making quilts (what I love most). <b>But I'm no longer writing quilt patterns and I'm not writing a book at this time. This feels so right to me. </b><br />
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But it seems a shame not to share the quilts that I made for the book - 1. Because they were the bulk of quilt work I did over nearly a year and 2. I'm so grateful to the companies who put their trust in me and gave me materials. I just put the binding on the very last quilt after several slow months of finishing up the details and thinking all the thoughts.<br />
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<b>So, this summer, I'll be sharing the body of 6 finished quilts from the book as part of a series on quilting modern quilts!</b> There will be no rush to reveal (roughly every 2-3 weeks, which will take me to September/October), which will give me time to write detailed blog posts on the design and quilting thought behind each one. These are really special quilts to me, and now that they are completely finished, I am excited to share them with you! I also hope to open up some discussion about the modern quilting movement, and to highlight the companies I have had the pleasure of working with. I will also be giving away some goodies! Peek back for an intro post and the first quilt shortly.<br />
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I can't end this blog post without thanking a few people. My guildmates and longtime friends of the Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild for their continued support and love in whatever I choose to do. Abby Glassenberg, Anne Sullivan, Jenelle Montilone, Jess Levitt, and Lindsie Bergevin for your encouragement and guidance. My family, who has forever been supportive of everything.<br />
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Finally, the following wonderful companies provided fabric, batting, and thread to make these quilts possible (I will be sharing more details in each post): <a href="https://www.andoverfabrics.com/">Andover Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://www.aurifil.com/">Aurifil Threads</a>, <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/">Cloud9 Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://www.freespiritfabrics.com/">Free Spirit Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://www.northcott.net/">Northcott Fabrics</a>, <a href="https://www.rjrfabrics.com/">RJR Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/">Robert Kaufman Fabrics</a>, and <a href="https://warmcompany.com/">The Warm Company</a>. Thank you so much for your continued support of my quilting and of the quilting community.<br />
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I've been quiet on the blog lately, working on finishing the last of the quilts and some other projects. Onward!<br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-41892539553243802542018-05-06T23:16:00.001-04:002018-05-08T09:47:22.654-04:00Kintsugi: A Pantone Challenge Quilt<a href="https://mymodernmet.com/kintsugi-kintsukuroi/">Kintsugi</a> is the Japanese practice of filling pottery cracks with gold in order to create beauty out of brokenness. The method, so prevalent in my mind over the last year, translates to my life in several ways. Mulling over this fact and inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year, ultraviolet (purple, my favorite color), I embarked on the first of what will hopefully be a series of small quilts.<br />
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Recently, renowned artist Lisa Congdon <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh6h3EbheOF/?hl=en&taken-by=lisacongdon">posted</a> her thoughts about "art is survival," and that is the most succinct way to describe the last 8 years for me. I'm slowing down on production (so many ideas!) and beginning to focus more on the kinds of sewing that make me most happy. The process. The details. The quilting.<br />
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Quilting came to me at a time (age 20) when the whole world was a possibility. While this is still true, 8 years is a long time in both life and in practice of art. Lots of wonderful and terrible things happened. The daily practice of quilting (and my quilt friends) really kept me together. Only within the last couple years, though, do I think I had the capability to create something like this. Only after going through some really tough times. Now, I feel like I can get through anything.<br />
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Because kintsugi is about the beauty in the struggle. When I first cut the vase out from my piecing, it looked nothing like my vision, and I had to cut it apart and piece it together again. I tried to embrace it as part of the process - and I'm really glad I kept persisting, going back and forth for a few days before I finalized the vase's shape.<br />
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I purposefully pieced some lighter purple scraps in jagged, angular ways to show the cracks in my vase. After quilting the vase with my walking foot in three colors (Aurifil 1200 Blue Violet, 2540 Medium Lavender, and 1100 Red Plum), I used DMC metallic embroidery floss 5282 to embroider in gold. It was a challenge to make it look like real cracks and not hand-drawn with chalk beforehand! Thank you to Lindsay and Alyson for your encouragement!<br />
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<i>For parts of the embroidery, I played with the kintsugi method of filling whole pieces of the broken pot in with gold, separate from the cracks. </i><br />
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At first, I considered quilting the pieced gray background like <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2016/08/metropolis-finished-quilt.html">Metropolis</a>, but thought it better to use lines rather than waves (to make the pot's curves more obvious). It was too plain for me, though, so I started randomly quilting orange peels with my free motion foot inside some of the channels. I used a variegated thread, Aurifil 4060 Silver Moon, which smoothly glides from light to dark gray (thereby blending and standing out at different points throughout the background).<br />
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My husband spotted me taking these pictures, remarking, "It looks like something you would make." I was pleased. The vase is my favorite color surrounded by my favorite motif, quilted orange peels. The backing is my current 2nd favorite fabric ever ("Rosealea" by Nel Whatmore for Free Spirit - very ultraviolet). The quilt itself is anything but perfect. Just how I like it.<br />
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I made pleats inside the vase to make up for the extra fabric pooling while I quilted (Sherri Lynn Wood teaches a method in her book, <u>The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters</u>). The embroidery is purposefully see through/not completely full. The background and pot are purposefully lopsided. Needless to say, this quilt came out even better than I hoped, and it's very special to me. Isn't that what quilting is all about? And now, I'm thinking of other ways I can represent kintsugi in quilt form. So much to think about. <br />
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</b> <b>Quilt stats:</b><br />
-Size: 37" x 37" and made in the USA<br />
-Designed, pieced, and quilted by me on my Janome 6300 home machine<br />
-Made for the<a href="http://www.nohatsinthehouse.com/2018/05/2018-pantone-quilt-challenge-open-for.html"> 2018 Pantone Quilt Challenge</a> (and for my personal enjoyment), hosted by Rebecca of Bryan House Quilts and Sarah of No Hats in the House <br />
-Other kintsugi quilts of interest: by <a href="https://www.alexisdeise.com/kintsugi-1">Alexis Deise</a><br />
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</i> <i>Linking up to the <a href="http://www.nohatsinthehouse.com/2018/05/2018-pantone-quilt-challenge-open-for.html">2018 Pantone Quilt Challenge</a> (quilts category), TGIFF, Needle and Thread Thursday, Crazy Mom Quilts.</i><br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-75988601157305337272018-04-30T08:32:00.000-04:002018-04-30T08:32:11.360-04:00Precarious Body Pillow: Stash Statement Blog HopPlanned improvisation is my thing, so when my bloggy friend Kelly Young of <a href="http://www.myquiltinfatuation.com/">My Quilt Infatuation</a> asked if I would participate in the blog tour for her new book, <u>Stash Statement</u><i>,</i> I was quick to answer "yes!"<br />
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The book contains 12 patterns plus tips for organizing and sewing
together your scraps. Kelly made me ponder some new ways to combine and
then cut fabric scraps. I was immediately drawn to the "Precarious"
quilt. The layout of the blocks just screamed "body pillow" to me, so
that's what I made!<br />
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<i>Kelly's original "Precarious" quilt from </i><u>Stash Statement</u><i><br /></i></div>
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Each row of scraps
is monochromatic like in Kelly's original rainbow-colored quilt, pictured above.
Originally, I was inspired by a house in my town that's painted
turquoise, blue, and brown (I used gray as my background color instead). I really enjoyed laying out my scraps and seeing what shapes they formed together.<br />
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Once I pieced the pillow, I quilted it densely with three colors of 40 weight Aurifil thread: 4060 (Silver Moon), 2810 (Turquoise), and 3770 (Stonewashed Denim). For quilted pillows, I usually baste a layer of thin batting and a piece of muslin behind it to ensure stability. Though it's densely quilted, the pillow is super soft! <br />
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I was quilting at sunset one day and had to take this picture. The sun really shows off the texture. </div>
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The backing was a long-stashed yard of <a href="https://carolynfriedlander.com/euclid-fabric/">Euclid</a> linen by Carolyn Friedlander; I used up a whole yard with just a few small scraps left! I think it gives this pillow even more stability, and it meshes well with the front color scheme. I love to sneak my tags into pillow backings.</div>
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This was a really fun "palate cleanser" of a project, and I really feel like I actually used up scraps this time (unlike other scrappy projects I tend to engage with. Haha).</div>
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If you'd like a book that teaches you effective ways to use your scraps, make sure to check this one out! Visit <a href="http://www.myquiltinfatuation.com/">Kelly's blog</a> for a giveaway, and visited her<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyQuiltInfatuation?ref=l2-shopheader-name"> Etsy shop</a> for a signed copy. Please check your local quilt shop, Amazon, and Martingale for
unsigned copies. Finally, view more book projects at the links below - enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhen0E7D3K_Zahdn2ZkE5yUmdZkOg54z0CDusv6QOk3POIxXrzTKs8oYUhbClmqabpW3BpCJO83YthuP_VR5Que7qb8CpmUFELV1vM_h6f9uCF4Gnk5Z_BtuGFvddeO1-q4XnMbImL_211a/s1600/Pg00_FrontCover_B1435_StashStatement_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhen0E7D3K_Zahdn2ZkE5yUmdZkOg54z0CDusv6QOk3POIxXrzTKs8oYUhbClmqabpW3BpCJO83YthuP_VR5Que7qb8CpmUFELV1vM_h6f9uCF4Gnk5Z_BtuGFvddeO1-q4XnMbImL_211a/s400/Pg00_FrontCover_B1435_StashStatement_WEB.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="color: #222222;">Stash Statement Blog Tour Schedule</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">4/16- Grand Bazaar</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://www.corasquilts.com/grand-bazaar/">Shelley @ Cora's Quilts</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://conniekresin.com/2018/04/stash-statement-grand-bazaar.html">Connie @ Freemotion by the River</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">4/23- Louvered</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://www.primrosecottagequilts.com/">Lindsey @ Primrose Cottage Quilts</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://littlepenguinquilts.blogspot.com/">Diann @ Little Penguin Quilts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">4/30- Precarious</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/">Jess @ Quilty Habit</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://busyhandsquilts.blogspot.ca/">Myra @ Busy Hands Quilts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">5/7- Beach Retreat </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"></span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.sarahgoerquilts.com/">Sarah @ Sarah Goer Quilts</a> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://www.savoreverystitch.com/">Liz @ Savor Every Stitch</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">5/14- Fire Pit</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://littlebunnyquilts.blogspot.com/">Alison @ Little Bunny Quilts</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://sewpreetiquilts.blogspot.com/">Preeti @ Sew Preeti Quilts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">5/21- Detour </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://www.sliceofpiquilts.com/">Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts </a> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://thecarpentersdaughterwhoquilts.com/">Shelley @ The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">5/28- Murrina </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://quiltingjetgirl.com/">Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://devotedquilter.blogspot.ca/">Leanne @ Devoted Quilter</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">6/4- Scattered </span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://twiggyandopal.blogspot.com/">Jayne @ Twiggy and Opal</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://trianglesnsquares.blogspot.com/">Christine @ Triangles and Squares</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">6/11- Bloom Chicka Boom</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://madebychrissied.blogspot.com/">Chris @ made by ChrissieD</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://frombolttobeauty.blogspot.com/">Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">6/18- Regatta</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://www.quiltfabrication.com/">Susan @ Quilt Fabrication</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/">Debbie @ A Quilter's Table</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://christaquilts.com/">Christa @ Christa Quilts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">6/25- Catch a Falling Star</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/">Cynthia @ Quilting is More Fun Than Housework</a> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://anjaquilts.blogspot.ca/">Anja @ Anja Quilts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">7/2- College Prep</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="http://byhilaryjordan.com/">Hilary @ by Hilary Jordan</a></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"> <a href="https://crossquilt.wordpress.com/">Lori @ Crossquilt</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">7/9- Take Flight </span></b><span style="color: #222222;">(free bonus pattern) <a href="http://www.kellifanninquilts.com/">Kelli @ Seriously, I Think It Needs Stitches</a> </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://www.sassyquilter.com/">Paula @ The Sassy Quilter</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /> </span></span></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-27003185066208496992018-04-15T20:39:00.001-04:002018-04-15T20:39:29.137-04:00To Bee or Not to Bee?It's been 4 years since I last participated in my quilt guild's yearly bee. When our president Neva asked for interested parties last fall, I was finally ready to sign that paper again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBcB3HxlfHw87U3eYZPnhkuv4X9nHD4bSPxPdOl5hb9jBOsV3XdgYJDgUhl6_tE3XonKlZHjL_70aUvCt7cEzUmErg5G2Z0sFccJoQ-TF1gKXUcqDyLZb3MBUs8zuDtanvRBBnzdLaVua/s1600/Cave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="623" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBcB3HxlfHw87U3eYZPnhkuv4X9nHD4bSPxPdOl5hb9jBOsV3XdgYJDgUhl6_tE3XonKlZHjL_70aUvCt7cEzUmErg5G2Z0sFccJoQ-TF1gKXUcqDyLZb3MBUs8zuDtanvRBBnzdLaVua/s640/Cave.JPG" width="498" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2015/12/cave-of-wonders-finished-sisterhood.html"> Cave of Wonders</a></div>
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Here's how our bees work: There is a maximum of 12 spots for each year (one person for each month, Jan. - Dec., and if we get 11, we skip July, our non-meeting month). Each month, one quilter is the "queen bee" who decides on the pattern/tutorial/theme and can choose to pass out fabric, too. Each person in the bee makes a block, and then brings them to the next month's meeting to share with the whole guild. Then, the queen bee makes a quilt from all the blocks! Our bee is so popular that a second bee ran last year, the "New Bee" (newbie, get it?) for quilters who wanted to make simple blocks only.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit39OvUl7tUaq-qaY1bKdjsJbG5lu9oPPsUvsEonB_2ajaLWrqRQBsGVJIOEaKs6oEv6ARnshWGlSoL7P0fmkgWNKbhaJ94k-AgYR2R1I0VgqKovz8pn5tDkQl213GD2Dfzza8OQtHEh9U/s1600/bee+blocks+guild.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit39OvUl7tUaq-qaY1bKdjsJbG5lu9oPPsUvsEonB_2ajaLWrqRQBsGVJIOEaKs6oEv6ARnshWGlSoL7P0fmkgWNKbhaJ94k-AgYR2R1I0VgqKovz8pn5tDkQl213GD2Dfzza8OQtHEh9U/s400/bee+blocks+guild.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Flying geese bee blocks from the Central Jersey Modern Quilt Guild, 2014 - my longest running WIP (UFO?)</i></div>
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Here are the reasons I love quilt bees of any kind (I've also done Round Robins, which are my favorites): you get to contribute to a quilt for someone (bonus points if it's for a friend). You can try different techniques and explore your piecing likes and dislikes. The opportunity arises to use precious fabrics or scraps from the stashes of other quilters. Most of the time, bee blocks are a quick make, and can be a fun, inspiring project. Blocks usually turn out unique to each maker; working together creates beautiful work.<br />
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Here are the downsides. Relying on other people can be tricky. I have been involved
in a very hairy, still-unresolved-after-YEARS (literally years) quilt
bee situation. People drop off the map, don't get in touch, etc. It's
frustrating and hurtful to all parties involved. Quilts are personal, emotional, and financial investments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkfFG_BwT2u1yb2dmthB1Vv7aRWAbOC-fpjvvO9zYKXlIVtJc01nGZLifdHcNU8igouhcTzoU-14zxggBUO0zNfFtK3tmHXhEfL-3LTJVPGukr7ChLJ3nSSXjBSjM_DZ1p0SomREYKAu9/s1600/IMG_20150216_115231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1354" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkfFG_BwT2u1yb2dmthB1Vv7aRWAbOC-fpjvvO9zYKXlIVtJc01nGZLifdHcNU8igouhcTzoU-14zxggBUO0zNfFtK3tmHXhEfL-3LTJVPGukr7ChLJ3nSSXjBSjM_DZ1p0SomREYKAu9/s640/IMG_20150216_115231.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<i>The first blocks of my traveling curve-themed round robin quilt, which is now being quilted. More on that hopefully this year!</i></div>
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On the less dramatic note, blocks *can* be time consuming. It might be another difficult deadline to complete, depending what's already on your plate (this is the main reason I refrained from signing up the last few years). You might receive instructions to create a quilt block that you are really uncomfortable with. In my other guild bee experience, a queen bee asked for reverse applique, and no matter how much I tried, I could not make the block look the way it was supposed to. I felt bad because it was supposed to be a part of her quilt - I still handed it in at the meeting, but it always haunted me.<br />
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For a guild bee, there's generally less risk involved. These are people you see every month or so, whether or not you know them well. You can ask for help in person if you need it, and there are no mailing costs (unless you can't make the meeting). And best of all, this time around, it's given me an opportunity to make a quick block/palate cleanser before I work on my own more thought-and-time-consuming work. So, into the bee I go. My month is July, and I'm starting to cobble together a plan for my beemates! I'll certainly blog about it further when the time comes.<br />
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<b>So, have you joined a quilt bee? If not, would you like to? What do you like/dislike about the experience? </b><br />
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Related blog posts:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/03/over-time.html">Over Time</a> - my thoughts about piecing improvement over years of sewing</li>
<li><a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2015/07/top-10-tips-being-good-swap.html">Top 10 Tips: Being a Good Swap Partner/Beemate</a> - written by Renee Hoffman @quiltsnfeathers and myself </li>
<li><a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2016/01/round-robin-bee-starter-tips-troubleshooting/">Round Robin Bee Starter Tips + Troubleshooting</a> - by me for Sew Mama Sew</li>
</ul>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8017288345711987555.post-891233762977213062018-04-05T21:55:00.002-04:002018-04-05T21:55:40.437-04:00Otter Raft - A Finished QuiltFour years ago, I made a secret quilt for my husband, the <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2014/03/a-surprise-doctor-who-quilt-allons-y.html">giant Dr. Who churn dash quilt</a> (that blog post includes "8 Steps to Making a Quilt for your Significant Other"). That quilt has been used just about every. single. day., sometimes for hours on end (so at this point that's 1,460+ days). It's been washed many times, and some of the quilting has even come out. It's cozy and truly a staple in our home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJOcyElH3Q0mcFDIBWZT5dO4_uOh6pkFmHoRSOHp3kvT_qexrTqQp2_VqldJwXAXNjKuI0wWPitEfiG4JBvT0XKSC6yFn-QHbzhBCFArYblVQe4d80f7LfBirolgb3gQCPvnkHOLofmMz/s1600/IMG_20180402_170629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="845" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJOcyElH3Q0mcFDIBWZT5dO4_uOh6pkFmHoRSOHp3kvT_qexrTqQp2_VqldJwXAXNjKuI0wWPitEfiG4JBvT0XKSC6yFn-QHbzhBCFArYblVQe4d80f7LfBirolgb3gQCPvnkHOLofmMz/s640/IMG_20180402_170629.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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About a year ago, I found out that Mike loves sea otters. LOVES them. How I had not known this fact after being a couple for almost 12 years, I'm not sure, but it was nice to know there are still some surprises left to discover. :) Ha. So, when I saw Elizabeth Hartman's <a href="http://ohfransson.bigcartel.com/product/awesome-ocean-pdf-quilt-pattern">"Awesome Ocean" pattern</a> and showed Mike, he was SO excited and immediately started begging for another quilt (even though it's labelled a manatee in the pattern). With that level of enthusiasm, I really couldn't say no.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8szNbb_f974Cvb39vkZWIg248urqD1jAOHaWXKvNXJqjJSV4EWUhBn26DSgUhOK-TeSIQSBO8CBPk8o8_6ccrljus8_hOMl-pmabknq5LLr3o_DSt50ObCoLY3aHSwDJateBYa_R_iiCt/s1600/IMG_20180326_214524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8szNbb_f974Cvb39vkZWIg248urqD1jAOHaWXKvNXJqjJSV4EWUhBn26DSgUhOK-TeSIQSBO8CBPk8o8_6ccrljus8_hOMl-pmabknq5LLr3o_DSt50ObCoLY3aHSwDJateBYa_R_iiCt/s400/IMG_20180326_214524.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeav3TOkpUeS1hoJveYwR94KecpKM9kfQ7BKQNUhFc9iXzwPGjYVrdaLTwwHL0LwSkJKGL7sxqb3KHN183VeewRL2vmOiLm9kuZiKTqAnWN7iN2G7B8aK6q1P1hwHd_mVrWAzbCsdeulOu/s1600/IMG_20180327_210041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeav3TOkpUeS1hoJveYwR94KecpKM9kfQ7BKQNUhFc9iXzwPGjYVrdaLTwwHL0LwSkJKGL7sxqb3KHN183VeewRL2vmOiLm9kuZiKTqAnWN7iN2G7B8aK6q1P1hwHd_mVrWAzbCsdeulOu/s400/IMG_20180327_210041.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>The first pic, while in his natural habitat: "I can't force a smile!" The second pic was a genuine smile, so I whipped out my phone to capture it. :)</i><br />
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If I purchase a pattern, which is pretty rare (since I like creating my own designs), I usually stray away from the original layout. This pattern was no different since the original design contains all the cute sea animals. For my <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/03/baby-sea-animals-finished-quilt.html">recent collaborative quilt</a> with my niece, we chose just three animals and the coral.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzjeB0guLe5WTTND7y5FPrz_LpM_qwfRtC3iWbb2LZMXbUwvTd3gb-opoVdZrWG0CxWVcNyZd_bOYu0x5LUyj8xdaF4FEp14q8lqxaYudoZ518wo86lpCWwNc1sXdrF0d6RYngnD8brOh/s1600/IMG_20180306_205341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1000" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzjeB0guLe5WTTND7y5FPrz_LpM_qwfRtC3iWbb2LZMXbUwvTd3gb-opoVdZrWG0CxWVcNyZd_bOYu0x5LUyj8xdaF4FEp14q8lqxaYudoZ518wo86lpCWwNc1sXdrF0d6RYngnD8brOh/s640/IMG_20180306_205341.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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While I'm thrilled with the results of both sea animal quilts, the cutting expectations for them were no joke. Phew. I cut out the pieces for 8 otters and labelled them all with pieces of Post-Its and Wonder Clips, separating each otter in a plastic bag. After that huge effort, I really didn't want to sew them together, so they sat in one of my plastic project bins for a few weeks. Eventually, I got tired of seeing them sit there, so I started chain piecing, and eventually some faces appeared. They are so cute and just a little squinty eyed, since I refused to use pins. :) Honestly, I wouldn't have them any other way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOjpuaFtdvnoBONj8pVzi3o_USLtXZ53VCRzPiq58K0ZULvJFU-aoTWZxCtEmb9Cu2rRHe1bAdgX7TsuWV09JgLbvbQmHeJn4JtxjuuksPawmzc-WSlZF2ppSA9TSDuP_AKnI45I-DIOM/s1600/IMG_20180330_110444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOjpuaFtdvnoBONj8pVzi3o_USLtXZ53VCRzPiq58K0ZULvJFU-aoTWZxCtEmb9Cu2rRHe1bAdgX7TsuWV09JgLbvbQmHeJn4JtxjuuksPawmzc-WSlZF2ppSA9TSDuP_AKnI45I-DIOM/s640/IMG_20180330_110444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once the otters themselves were done (a bit quicker than I expected; I think we had another big snow storm that week), I gave Mike a few options for the layout. He liked the idea of otters swimming in different directions (yay!). I had purposefully created a blue background light to dark (like many of my quilts) to create some interest, so I used that to inform the final layout. And I loved creating the ombre binding (pictured below) to match with the changing quilt background!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPj-aLd-BIJbjgdgGeKNcHieiZwtxEKmw0-IylRscyF1YqSWu0a7I2uN_D9YOHDg6tvOvNh6AaASSIw5A3kttZ650Ks_di9ysfECKXy1xIU7nQPu7m4uRgWk6fc6Pxf6PTnxaHn-sXKcF/s1600/IMG_20180323_213939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1000" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPj-aLd-BIJbjgdgGeKNcHieiZwtxEKmw0-IylRscyF1YqSWu0a7I2uN_D9YOHDg6tvOvNh6AaASSIw5A3kttZ650Ks_di9ysfECKXy1xIU7nQPu7m4uRgWk6fc6Pxf6PTnxaHn-sXKcF/s400/IMG_20180323_213939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Did
you know that a group of otters in water is called a "raft?" My wonderful
guild friend Linda looked it up at our last sewing day as I was cutting out the
approximately 1.5 million pieces to make 8 otters (okay, slight exaggeration).
So, a quilt name was born.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrOIpxjPiMUneR7vp77MoHtHNMr4yx7GsWWf8_PgOVz89G5Xfd0LKYVOwyqR-BWosti0Krs3ubsk1S25HJrWO5yRW0afZuP7-oFvHE6ON7ADLq_GYxD0_mlBHbIW-VCBZKBColMVVoNGP/s1600/IMG_20180330_110520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrOIpxjPiMUneR7vp77MoHtHNMr4yx7GsWWf8_PgOVz89G5Xfd0LKYVOwyqR-BWosti0Krs3ubsk1S25HJrWO5yRW0afZuP7-oFvHE6ON7ADLq_GYxD0_mlBHbIW-VCBZKBColMVVoNGP/s640/IMG_20180330_110520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used Aurifil thread 2715 (Robin's Egg), 4140 (Wedgewood), and 2745 (Midnight) to quilt overlapping waves using my walking foot. I usually quilt more densely, but figured I could always add more if necessary. With the Mammoth Flannel backing, the whole quilt washed up beautifully. Mike has commented several times about how warm it is, and it's easy to see why it's the current quilt of choice on the couch for both of us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuea18I72iB_5FGKkVc2dCHGxF0r6rTmijRRWnVjx24Ua-1dIZkp8K4GqRkGNBAKNzmMKW0m168wO_f9U0nljXpeDVe7kl72SFAS7gtkVtDfqICQFOKxKK1e78Zvzjy4tdopzexChYNg2u/s1600/IMG_20180330_121703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuea18I72iB_5FGKkVc2dCHGxF0r6rTmijRRWnVjx24Ua-1dIZkp8K4GqRkGNBAKNzmMKW0m168wO_f9U0nljXpeDVe7kl72SFAS7gtkVtDfqICQFOKxKK1e78Zvzjy4tdopzexChYNg2u/s640/IMG_20180330_121703.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Pictured with lots of past projects including my guild's quilt made for me, purple fabric woven pillows from Shannon of the Jersey Shore MQG, my recent <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2018/03/faceted-rings-pillow-modern-plus-sign.html">paper-pieced pillow</a>, and <a href="http://www.quiltyhabit.com/2017/09/guest-post-tips-for-combining-machine.html">Bouquet</a> now hanging on the wall. I love a colorful house!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uE3RHMhUU09lwDWJ7rF7gpEHPbiuQ36Hr6l_dWOBIFYiV7ablKMq2YQx6-Ylf35jprwwpJtTqXj4O4uEYujtwSXAqJWkXy-eRG35T4iZUzLXAntxiNCvKPfvqwEX0FFVf1dW7hTfhSk_/s1600/IMG_20180326_214508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uE3RHMhUU09lwDWJ7rF7gpEHPbiuQ36Hr6l_dWOBIFYiV7ablKMq2YQx6-Ylf35jprwwpJtTqXj4O4uEYujtwSXAqJWkXy-eRG35T4iZUzLXAntxiNCvKPfvqwEX0FFVf1dW7hTfhSk_/s640/IMG_20180326_214508.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So with that, I created another quilt for my significant other, this time not in secret. Though parts of the process were tedious, these are the best kind of quilts that I make! The reaction is priceless, and I'm sure there will be more. We still have plans to create a Middle-earth map quilt together to hang on the wall, after all...<br />
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Linking up to <a href="http://www.myquiltinfatuation.com/2018/04/angelic-and-ntt.html">Needle and Thread Thursday</a>, Crazy Mom Quilts, <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=774251">TGIFF</a>.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYS9nGZ-8W_y6VauGx2XVq36MvwoIiohi2TYruhq534db7CEx-slE4VI5aUlTuk5DALN1-Wb3E9rJmY12IVLyAeB67WsxmXjZLVq4OEIHyKFMKDUAhHJjWFJUpdV4tKDEEzfWWHXYZCxQA/s1600/Jess+sig.png" /></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179681581545359529noreply@blogger.com8