tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12052441454404472892024-02-19T05:51:00.501-08:00Eclectic GnomeMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-13264113700647601532015-05-01T22:27:00.000-07:002015-05-01T22:27:34.603-07:00Against the Grain<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Against the Grain! My quilt made as a test quilter for <a href="http://daintytime.net/" target="_blank">Sherry Lynn Wood's</a> newly released book <a href="http://daintytime.net/improv/" target="_blank">The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters. </a></div>
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I realised when I went to write this post I hadn't taken any good photos of it! I guess because I knew I couldn't share it I hadn't bothered! So down to the beach we went. I absolutely love how this quilt turned out. And I am beyond thrilled it made it into Sherri Lynn Wood's book. I have to admit though, there were times I absolutely loathed it. </div>
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Improvisation speaks to me. It calls my name. I seem incapable of(or unwilling to?) follow someone else's pattern. I don't want what I make to turn out like someone else's. I remember how freeing it felt the first time I found <a href="http://daintytime.net/" target="_blank">Daintytime</a>. Sherry Lynn Wood became one of my first quilting inspirations. It was so exciting to learn she was writing a book. I almost didn't sign up to be a test quilter though, as I had at the time only completed 3 quilts. I felt wholly unqualified and was unsure if she'd want someone as inexperienced as me to sign up. In the end I went for it, I figured maybe it would be good to see if beginners could handle her scores, her techniques. </div>
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I was so excited to get my score and instructions. The instructions were very brief, I read them over and over again. I didn't start right away but let things simmer in my brain for awhile. I kept questioning certain instructions "did she mean this....or this??" or "does she want us to do this..or this?". Within each group there was a forum for us to ask questions and have some discussion. I finally went with the intention of asking for clarification and found many others had already asked similar things. I loved how Sherri Lynn mostly said "yes". She affirmed that our interpretation of her instructions were all correct. That was the point, she gave us a starting point and a way in which to start building. The rest was up to us. It wasn't until I let go of what she or the book publishers might want and went completely with how I felt did I feel free to start.</div>
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With the Floating Squares score there is a very basic start, very simply instructions. Then some suggestions on ways you could expand that if you wished. Although I knew in my brain that it was unlikely someone else was going to produce something similar to mine with so much open ended instruction, the rebel inside me still needed to be satisfied. I couldn't do just the basic technique. I had to do the basic technique 6 times switching up the fabric as I went. I had no idea what my finished product was going to look like so I tried to ensure some cohesiveness by keeping one fabric the same during each round. </div>
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Sewing the blocks was so much fun. I really enjoyed just sewing as I went. The blocks all ended up different shapes and sizes and I didn't worry about it at all until I decided I was done making blocks. I got stuck at this point for awhile. It felt like I had a zillion puzzle pieces that didn't fit together, and I didn't have a final picture to work from. I tried so many different variations. From completely random to linear and everything in between. I spent so many nights standing on my couch looking at my "design floor". It was at this point I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew. </div>
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Once I decided on a layout(phew!) I moved onto the task of fitting all the blocks together. To try to keep with the cohesiveness I used the same fabric that was common to all the blocks to join the blocks together. There was a lot of adding bits and taking away bits to make it work. Sometimes I felt really restricted by the deadline, I don't like to work under pressure. But in the end I was grateful for it because there were so many times I was frustrated and had to step away for a day. If I hadn't had the deadline I may have stepped away indefinitely and who knows if I'd be finished now? </div>
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Once the top was done it asked me to be spiral quilted. I complied. On my tiny machine I spiralled round and round and round. Which looking back was completely insane as I had never spiral quilted anything previously. And this quilt is approximately 6' square. It's certainly not perfect. Or maybe it's perfectly imperfect :) Sanity is over-rated any ways right?</div>
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For me the book has lived up to expectations. It's absolutely stunning, so many beautiful quilts! There are so many things I'm excited to try. One day I hope I'm lucky enough to take a class with Sherri Lynn, until then I'm thrilled to have this book encouraging me to move onwards and try something new! </div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-79784943578265984792015-02-21T13:13:00.001-08:002015-02-21T13:49:14.182-08:00I may not be at QuiltCon but....Hello world. Waves! It's been a long time since my lovely blog saw any action. No time like the present to remedy that. I have exciting news! I think it may have been the inability to share said exciting news that caused me to be silent. I'm not good with secrets! They drive me a little bonkers :) :) :)
A long long long time ago(or at least it feels that way) <a href="http://daintytime.net/">Sherri Lynn Wood</a> announced she was writing a <a href="http://daintytime.net/improv/" target="_blank">book</a>.
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I may have squeed a little(or a lot) as she was and is a huge inspiration to me. I have an inability to follow a pattern, or rather a complete lack of desire to follow a pattern, and Sherri Lynn was one of the first I found encouraging me think outside the box and just do what I wanted. I found her quilts and blog so refreshing.<br />
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When she announced she needed test quilters I was excited, and not. I almost didn't apply as I was so new to quilting and had only completed a few quilts. I wasn't sure I would be up to the challenge or if she would want such newbies to be part of the testing. In the end I decided a new quilters perspective might be an asset and applied to be a tester. I was thrilled and full of anticipation when I was assigned a score(there are no patterns rather scores, which are more like guidelines) to test.
To make a long story short, I did indeed finish a quilt and submit it.<br />
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Much to my surprise and excitement my quilt was chosen to be in the book! My fourth finished quilt EVER(at that point) was going to be published! I packed it up and sent it on a trip to California to be photographed still not really believing what was happening. And have continued to live in a state of anticipation and disbelief that it was real. I was waiting to hold a copy in my hands and SEE my quilt in it to really believe it was true.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's mine top Left :) :) :)</td></tr>
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While I still haven't held a copy in my hand as I wasn't able to make it to QuiltCon this year I have <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">fabulous friend</a> who IS there and was a fan girl by proxy and sent me some lovely photos and now, finally, it seems real. I'm crazy excited! I'm going to do another post once the book is officially released more about my process and my reflections of the book but was too excited not to post something!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly got one signed for me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um hello some of my favourite things all together! Love!</td></tr>
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The Improv Handbook for Modern quilters is available for pre-order(realease date is March 17). <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Improv-Handbook-Modern-Quilters-Courageously/dp/1617691380/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424552591&sr=1-1&keywords=improv+handbook" target="_blank">Here in Canada</a>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Improv-Handbook-Modern-Quilters-Courageously/dp/1617691380/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424552596&sr=8-1&keywords=improv+handbook" target="_blank">here in The USA</a>. If you do pre-order or buy one at QuiltCon there is a pre-order give-away you can <a href="http://daintytime.net/2015/02/11/improv-handbook-givaway/" target="_blank">enter here</a>.
I've been stalking QuiltCon like crazy.<br />
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Anyone else at home stalking Austin on IG? There is SO much absolutely beautiful quilty inspiration there. One of my favourites is by the wonderful <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Holly of Holly's red bike</a>. Whom I am blessed to call friend in real life. Isn't it great?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise4N_Ihr7bSH9ZTCVBF3Mes2b6rBzal9gE5Dreo95OB8WmYxOYh4RJ5PSoi1036x7u_-Sy4xYiRxy9o7XL-iFTul4PHFExPJkviXKsg6fQNlI84Doyd_h3onuQvIUHK5VzYh2IEybi-8/s1600/Screenshot+from+2015-02-21+12:14:25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise4N_Ihr7bSH9ZTCVBF3Mes2b6rBzal9gE5Dreo95OB8WmYxOYh4RJ5PSoi1036x7u_-Sy4xYiRxy9o7XL-iFTul4PHFExPJkviXKsg6fQNlI84Doyd_h3onuQvIUHK5VzYh2IEybi-8/s1600/Screenshot+from+2015-02-21+12:14:25.png" height="397" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly's Mini "Memories of QuiltCon" That is hanging in the show. Photo by<a href="https://instagram.com/lovequiltingmag/" target="_blank"> lovequiltingmag</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure if you can read that but that's me and my blog in the credits. Yup, I really needed to update my blog!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Stay tuned for another blog about my experience in March! <br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-45161825424875490452014-04-23T22:22:00.001-07:002014-04-23T22:22:54.782-07:00Second Quilt FinishI keep talking and thinking about wanting to start writing again on my poor neglected blog. Yet not doing it. No time like the present :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5iZExn215NscjmjqclBTFuHtRFp5v3s7UbEqo_FGI4CCMAM0SDCa_qYpwD5k15vYRDgnpKA7mauXjlO1fxM2v4b94B43yOBb5f_VVgJBXq7CxQvnB9lhv87trk0qfxtEqiMDuOhkXcc/s1600/DSC_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5iZExn215NscjmjqclBTFuHtRFp5v3s7UbEqo_FGI4CCMAM0SDCa_qYpwD5k15vYRDgnpKA7mauXjlO1fxM2v4b94B43yOBb5f_VVgJBXq7CxQvnB9lhv87trk0qfxtEqiMDuOhkXcc/s1600/DSC_0666.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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My second ever quilt finish was actually started well before my first quilt finish. We received fabric from the <a href="http://blog.violetcraft.com/2012/04/memoir-of-madrona-road.html" target="_blank">Madrona Road</a> fabric line by <a href="http://blog.violetcraft.com/" target="_blank">Violet Craft</a> as a challenge through the <a href="https://www.themodernquiltguild.com/front-page" target="_blank">MQG</a>. It was handed out in Dec 2012 at the <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">VMQG</a> meeting.<br />
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I didn't start working on in until Jan, after the crazy holiday season was over. I decided to make a quilt for my nephew who has many health issues and I figured could use some home made love to cuddle in. Sometimes when you feel helpless about a situation, you make a quilt!<br />
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I couldn't decide which photos to add so lucky you get to see them all. The light was prettier in the ones above but the ones below are truer to colour. <br />
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The quilt top was done in February 2013(I think?), but then I got scared of the actual quilting process. Being that I'd never actually quilted before!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgsfQ-oHTzXzrk8i47BSnrLG1gGpFIqyuysKT_XKrO8lu-kPVV2lHa_aNjjYlMTvtUEbdr2GG8uwIIRFYd3s_wrHxmzgwfZ0JZxfkuCB7RtriosdvuNnS_cRzKWNKTjvuMBWZ6PQw-6w/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgsfQ-oHTzXzrk8i47BSnrLG1gGpFIqyuysKT_XKrO8lu-kPVV2lHa_aNjjYlMTvtUEbdr2GG8uwIIRFYd3s_wrHxmzgwfZ0JZxfkuCB7RtriosdvuNnS_cRzKWNKTjvuMBWZ6PQw-6w/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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Then once I got it quilted, and discovered that quilting isn't quite so scary! I got scared of doing binding. So much fear for no reason! I have discovered....dun dun dun...That I actually like hand binding. Something I had not anticipated at all!<br />
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My inspiration for the design of this Quilt came from the "Stepping-Stones Quilt" in <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Quilting-Modern-Techniques-Projects-Improvisational/dp/1596683872" target="_blank">Quilting Modern</a> by <a href="http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Jacquie Gering</a> and <a href="http://sewkatiedid.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Katie Pedersen</a>. I didn't follow their directions but just winged it. As I'm learning seems to be my style. I have found I have an inability to use someone else's pattern. No, not an inability, rather no desire what-so-ever to make something exactly as someone else has or may make.<br />
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So my plan is to get caught up-ish on my projects over the next few posts. It shouldn't take long as I seem to have a rather slow rate of progress. And my most recent finish can't be shown any ways(that's killing me).<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-42649367453978047982013-11-18T01:05:00.000-08:002013-11-18T01:05:10.023-08:00Needle Book Swap CutenessAlternate titles could have been, "Look! I paper pieced again!" Or "Yay me! I finally cut into a favourite fabric!" Or "Nope, I'm not dead, blogging just eluded be for awhile." Ahem.<br />
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I was very excited about this tiny finish so I thought I would share. <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">The Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild</a> is doing a needle book swap with <a href="http://londonmqg.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The London Modern Quilt Guild</a>. An international swap! Oh la la!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w0m1ByDX4iaeUKdJGBiVcFNH9PodmlmcvS_Z335zLyF_k_GRAePi3VA7SqaxWW1_-RxsF76qDnqbMbFHfejUksRwiyaUPKjhYFf9vRTf2H5RPy_g0HB7ooghmAmVc3cAi7tv5bzNxg0/s1600/PhotoGrid_1384762611397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w0m1ByDX4iaeUKdJGBiVcFNH9PodmlmcvS_Z335zLyF_k_GRAePi3VA7SqaxWW1_-RxsF76qDnqbMbFHfejUksRwiyaUPKjhYFf9vRTf2H5RPy_g0HB7ooghmAmVc3cAi7tv5bzNxg0/s400/PhotoGrid_1384762611397.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The night the swap was announced I won a free download of
<a href="http://sometimescrafter.com/" target="_blank">Christina's(The Sometimes Crafter)</a> needle book pattern. I took that as a
sign and used it. It's so super cute. Thanks Christina! :)</div>
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I really enjoyed this project and it reminded me that I should do more small things. There is something so satisfying about quick finishes.</div>
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I hope whoever receives it enjoys it. I can't wait to see what arrives from London! </div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-32831494177602488152013-10-15T22:41:00.002-07:002013-10-15T22:58:30.011-07:00My pledge to finish all the things!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No not really. That would be crazy. I have decided though to join in the 4th quarter of the 2013 Finish along going on over at <a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.ca/p/2013-finish-long.html">She can quilt</a>. My friend <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.ca/">Holly</a> participated last quarter and finished <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.ca/2013/10/rainbow-girl-wip-no-more.html">some</a> <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.ca/2013/10/q3-finish-long-post-2-baby-quilt.html">great</a> <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.ca/2013/10/memories-of-quiltcon.html">projects</a> and as I need to finish some things up(don't we all?) I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon while I could.<br />
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Then the decision. Which projects to actually pledge to finish in the next 3 months? You know, arguably the busiest time of year. One of the busiest for me anyways.<br />
Here's what I decided on.<br />
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1. Penguin Pillow, I started this almost a year ago and it has sat
prettily on my wall since then waiting to be finished. It should be done
before this Christmas right?<br />
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2. Christmas quilt, this was an unplanned, on a whim, start a couple weeks
ago. I finished the blocks in a frenzy of activity and then it's been
sitting. I don't want it to stay sitting for a year like the penguin
pillow. </div>
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3. Needle book, This is for a <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/2013/09/vmqg-lmqg-swap/" target="_blank">swap</a>, I finished the front a few weeks ago,
I just need to finish it up or I won't be able to send it off!<br />
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4. Sam's quilt, My kids were next on the list for receiving quilts, and
Sam had picked out a half square triangle design. Then the <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">VMQG</a>
announced the <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/2013/09/sponsored-challenge-michael-miller-cotton-couture/" target="_blank">Cotton Couture Challenge</a> and I thought GREAT! I'll combine
the 2. And cut 252 squares to be made into 252 HSTs. How many are now HSTs?
4. I have a ways to go! Go Michelle go!</div>
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So to re-cap:<br />
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1. Penguin Pillow<br />
2. Christmas Quilt<br />
3.Needle book<br />
4. Sam's Quilt<br />
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And I'd better stop there. Is this realistic? I'm not sure. But I'm going to give it a good<br />
go! <br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-7996143136702616822013-10-05T11:56:00.000-07:002013-10-05T11:56:51.696-07:00My first finishDo you know how long it's been since I've blogged? No, don't go look back at dates. I'm not talking time wise, it's more important that that! It's quilt time. In quilt time I haven’t blogged in 3 quilts time. Since I've blogged I've finished(quilted, bound, labelled, everything!) 3, yes THREE, quilts! I should probably add here that I have only ever finished 3 quilts :)<br />
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I believe I can now officially call myself a quilter. I'm a quilter. Yay!<br />
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And funnily enough my first finish wasn't my first start, nor what I expected.<br />
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In May I suddenly decided to make a quilt for my Grandpa. He's ageing very quickly and lives in Alberta so I don't get to see him very often. We were going to road trip out there and I wanted to leave something of me there with him. <br />
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The front</div>
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I had only a month or a bit over until we were leaving so it had to be
something quick and simple to make sure I would be able to finish it in
time. And I decided to pick fabrics entirely from my stash. Oy. Picking
fabrics for others can be tricky!<br />
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The back.</div>
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Grandpa with his quilt. Which I perhaps a little uncreatively named "Grandpa's Quilt".</div>
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The kids had a surprise from Grandpa too. His care home had a wood shop and when he was doing well he made these absolutely beautiful gifts for his great grandchildren. They loved them. I love that they have something concrete to associate with him as we don't see him often.</div>
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All of us together. Payton has a beautifully painted birdhouse, Sam a dog piggy bank, and Theron a stool. Absolutely priceless gifts.</div>
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As those of you with kids know June, end of the school year, is crazy busy. And there were moments that I though I was crazy. But I got it done! With even enough time to show it at the June <a href="http://www.vmqg.ca/" target="_blank">VMQG</a> meeting. Which was nerve wreaking as I don't like to be the center of attention. But I did it! And now that I've shown 3 times it's no big deal :)</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-9992439723546873162013-04-23T20:58:00.001-07:002013-04-23T21:00:22.494-07:00To Boston With Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In response to the events in Boston, VMQG has started a project to unite crafters worldwide and send our love and support to those affected. From the VMQG website: "<i><span style="color: #444444;">What we’re planning is a public exhibition of flags strung into banners that will be displayed in Boston..."</span></i><br />
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There are now many many other quilt guilds from all over the world joining us and I've seen flags popping up all over the internet. This is an awesome project and a flag could be completed in an afternoon. I'm so excited to see the vision unfold!<br />
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Interested in making a flag?? You don't have to be a member of a guild, anyone can participate.<br />
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For all the details(and a much more eloquently written post) visit the VMQG <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/2013/04/to-boston-with-love/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
A list of flag making tutorials and inspiration has been compiled <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/2013/04/to-boston-with-love-tutorials-and-inspiration/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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Now go forth and SEW!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-81001475647503700142013-04-20T21:28:00.003-07:002013-04-20T21:28:43.289-07:00Doctor Who? And yes I'm still alive.Hello Bloggy Universe. Yes. I'm still here. Dec got busy then I got caught up in the do I post my Christmas projects because now it's Jan/Feb/March/April....Or catch up on other things that now happened long ago? Or do I just jump right in where I am now....And somehow that got me stuck in a cycle of not posting at all.<br />
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So now I'm just jumping in. With a little catch up thrown in there for kicks :)<br />
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A very special person to me delivered her third son in Jan. Her and her husband(because they are awesome) decided to do the nursery up in a Doctor Who theme. Being a fan I knew I had to contribute to the room. I decided, despite the fact that I'd never cross stitched before, that I needed to do a cross stitched T.A.R.D.I.S . I may be a little insane sometimes, one really shouldn't try something for the first time that is intended as a gift. But I persevered and loved the end product. Just don't look at the back. Really. It's not pretty.<br />
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The baby was overdue. The first 2 where on time or early. I blame myself. I had told the baby that it couldn't come until I was done working on my project. Wouldn't you know it but the baby came just hours after I finished. I didn't realize I held that kind of power or I would have made sure I was done much sooner....Oops! :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the nursery.<br />
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On a related note <a href="http://trilliumdesign.blogspot.ca/2013/04/is-there-doctor-in-house.html" target="_blank">Caroline from Trillium Design</a> and <a href="http://www.whimsandfancies.com/doctor-who-along/" target="_blank">Soma from Whims and Fancies</a> announced a Doctor Who themed Quilt-A-Long today! I am SO excited! I really do not need another project but seriously how could I say no? It starts on May 7th. Check it out!
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-5308792636029802512012-11-26T22:35:00.000-08:002012-11-26T22:35:13.626-08:00I think I have a new obsessionA new obsession. And NO time to do anything about it. Argh!<br />
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This past weekend I was very excited to attend the Paper Pieced Pillows Workshop with <a href="http://artisania.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sonja Callaghan</a> put on by the <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">VMQG</a>. And oh my, So.Much.Fun! It was held at the Kennsigton Community centre, which I had never been to. The space was just lovely, spacious and full of light. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The templates. And the very handy Add-A-Quarter ruler that Sonja gifted us with.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://artisania.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sonja</a> was wonderful. Engaging and patient. I learnt so much and feel well equipped to now attempt more difficult paper piecing projects at home. I came home with my penguin block(almost) finished. I still need to add the border, quilt it, and add eyes. Then of course construct the pillow. But I feel like I've got the hard part tackled. I want so badly to finish my pillow but there are so many other things on my plate right now that need working on. Argh! I hope I can get it done before the Dec <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">VMQG</a> meeting, but that remains to be seen!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67ROsTw1_mEpXt2kdJGxS_MQrkQXUV__bx9HAW3pt182MjLkk5IXtPPBAkqsplTZRDcuZdb3tRrNr5yPpDJQYdq4jwJ8FEY0QDlhrBnI3lVD6zYEBrNVViiGKckVrWoOKKepTiHieKKc/s1600/DSC_6446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67ROsTw1_mEpXt2kdJGxS_MQrkQXUV__bx9HAW3pt182MjLkk5IXtPPBAkqsplTZRDcuZdb3tRrNr5yPpDJQYdq4jwJ8FEY0QDlhrBnI3lVD6zYEBrNVViiGKckVrWoOKKepTiHieKKc/s320/DSC_6446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonja herself :)</td></tr>
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I now think that anyone can do paper piecing and do it well! If you don't agree, go check out <a href="http://artisania.wordpress.com/tutorials/" target="_blank">Sonja's video tutorials</a>! Bet you could do it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DVmg4zjJ0i6ZG0ub8Lv2QYpmzCSLhkOGsHIkgtEk60CcI6cBL9fYDok6klDNVBL_FKrqxLIm-RYMUDxnez-601mmwZVuDpWKuQnSDmMcIUUDEw6_zzAm090jciB1P-338Vz_Dr1ToSo/s1600/DSC_6451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DVmg4zjJ0i6ZG0ub8Lv2QYpmzCSLhkOGsHIkgtEk60CcI6cBL9fYDok6klDNVBL_FKrqxLIm-RYMUDxnez-601mmwZVuDpWKuQnSDmMcIUUDEw6_zzAm090jciB1P-338Vz_Dr1ToSo/s320/DSC_6451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some paper piecing in progress.</td></tr>
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If you interested in making these pillows yourself the pattern and instructions is in <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Pretty-Patchwork-Holidays-Seasonal-Projects/dp/1454702796/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353997273&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Pretty in Patchwork: Holidays: 30+ Seasonal Patchwork Projects to Piece, Stitch, and Love</a>. I received the book as part of my enrolment for the workshop and was very pleasantly surprised with it. There are many projects in there that I want to make, which makes it a winner in my books! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX1NngK-CCtr9kel_ab9HEanBQ9WJxMI_4wO-Zp0kjsMFcAySr_khrDPSXBS3por50i8o0VwqiLsOaTySubQSiBNz82334p-qiFhUOR9HdDGcAIDdhLVtrqgeWd9Tk3-_8760sPl3J-A/s1600/DSC_6454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX1NngK-CCtr9kel_ab9HEanBQ9WJxMI_4wO-Zp0kjsMFcAySr_khrDPSXBS3por50i8o0VwqiLsOaTySubQSiBNz82334p-qiFhUOR9HdDGcAIDdhLVtrqgeWd9Tk3-_8760sPl3J-A/s320/DSC_6454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nearly finished Penguin block.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While at the workshop I couldn't resist this little cutie, so this pattern is now on my desk and to-do list :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNZJXXV_SGJ_KIvaB2GVq_7lck1fEEoSVBPUjqW0GcdnfTyECbdx5wzyq5ff4h8POw6-2Iosx-nw9OEejXFIMk1C6AzI-iyfKiHY5aGXxJfFHiTaCkd6kS7GEf7V2cAIrq5PoqGwjxi8/s1600/ART_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNZJXXV_SGJ_KIvaB2GVq_7lck1fEEoSVBPUjqW0GcdnfTyECbdx5wzyq5ff4h8POw6-2Iosx-nw9OEejXFIMk1C6AzI-iyfKiHY5aGXxJfFHiTaCkd6kS7GEf7V2cAIrq5PoqGwjxi8/s320/ART_2646.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group shot at the end of the day. Look at all the adorableness!</td></tr>
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Now back to holiday crafting! Can you believe it's almost December? I can't!<br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-638991380182500722012-11-21T12:11:00.000-08:002012-11-21T12:11:26.457-08:00It's official!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it's official. I am a card carrying member of the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild! It was such a good meeting last night. So many pretty things and wonderful people. It's been really great meeting many crafty people :) </div>
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The guild had been invited to participate in a pincushion swap with several other Guilds. I couldn't decide whether I was going to participate or not. I was feeling a little intimidated by all the talented people and had never actually sewn pincushion before(for real). I also realized that the only pincushion I own is a magnetic one. I ended up going for it. I've been wanting to make the cupcakes in <a href="http://blog.betzwhite.com/" target="_blank">Betz White</a>'s book <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/WARM-FUZZIES-SWEET-FELTED-PROJECTS-Betz-White/9781600610073-item.html?ikwid=betz+white&ikwsec=Books" target="_blank">Warm Fuzzies</a> for quite awhile. I had been slowly gathering wool sweaters to felt. Which by the way was quite a feat as I discovered that even 2nd hand nice coloured wool sweaters could be pricey. It wasn't actually difficult and I had a lot of fun making them. Yes them. After I made one I couldn't stop and now have 6 cute little cupcakes almost done. This is the one I sent for the swap:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnleDbhyDQdK89Y7ZC8QKsORlmgozfRdX6sXYloTLed5dP6Y2f12imAZ6wRxtVGYHTomFhV7ZH-AzNxbb4tJQ6QPKtlLEcAlH7OUcVJP2G2ZcVhyphenhyphenS0VFrUKSzrnLUe3oP0eIQXWgYrh5M/s1600/DSC_6394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnleDbhyDQdK89Y7ZC8QKsORlmgozfRdX6sXYloTLed5dP6Y2f12imAZ6wRxtVGYHTomFhV7ZH-AzNxbb4tJQ6QPKtlLEcAlH7OUcVJP2G2ZcVhyphenhyphenS0VFrUKSzrnLUe3oP0eIQXWgYrh5M/s320/DSC_6394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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That ended up being quite a few firsts for me. First time sewing a pincushion, first time participating in a swap, and first time sharing in front of the VMQG. I sure hope whoever is the recipient of my cupcake enjoys it!<br />
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Here is all the pincushions made by members of the VMQG. We have some mad talent! They are beautiful!<br />
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And for even more fun the swap was featured in Canadian Living's Craft Blog. And you can see my little cupcake in the picture :) :) :) For that article <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/blogs/crafts/2012/11/21/pincushion-mania-with-the-vancouver-modern-quilt-guild/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-40654875988245778062012-11-18T08:34:00.003-08:002012-11-18T08:35:35.929-08:00Conquering fears and bloggy prettinessDid you notice my new header?? If not please look up now :) Drawing courtesy of my husband. He rocks. I still have some tweaking to do but it was late when we got it that far. It is a HUGE improvement. And no, my sewing machine is not so pretty in real life. I totally wish!<br />
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Have you ever signed up for something or agreed to do something and then thought...hmmm....I may be in over my head? We'll I went to my first <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild</a> meeting in Oct(The Nov one is tomorrow, Yay!) and was completely blown away by all the talent. And then I fell in love with these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yDZFQpvbNTA8QLWSs65s_Oe1idV8n5Wkdgyq3E4kcxn7FA1S8FJdwKmcWqIBSsOna1IKS7fHZQ0L6tMeoKaU4dUIsqyZeChCNbbMbFoS-0XDX0JazprHvx9iNgMMC4GeJyIPP2IjjeE/s1600/greetings-from-antarctica-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yDZFQpvbNTA8QLWSs65s_Oe1idV8n5Wkdgyq3E4kcxn7FA1S8FJdwKmcWqIBSsOna1IKS7fHZQ0L6tMeoKaU4dUIsqyZeChCNbbMbFoS-0XDX0JazprHvx9iNgMMC4GeJyIPP2IjjeE/s320/greetings-from-antarctica-500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sonja is a member of the <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">VMQG</a> and as I looked at her patterns I realized I had seen her work online and loved it but have always been intimidated by paper piecing. It looked so complicated that I admired it and moved on. Never with the thought to actually try it. It happened that there was going to be a workshop with Sonja to learn to make this cuteness so I bit the bullet and talked to Sonja. She assured me that an absolute beginner could take the workshop, so I signed up! Eek! I was mostly excited until I received the supply list and instructions. It was 6 pages long. 6 pages! And that's without the actual piecing instructions! I had a little freak out. I was sure I had signed up for something completely above my skill set.<br />
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I eventually decided that the only thing to do was practice. So I picked out the easiest of Sonja's <a href="http://artisania.wordpress.com/free-patterns/" target="_blank">free patterns</a> on her <a href="http://artisania.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. Watched her tutorials, also on her website. And guess what? I rocked my first ever paper piecing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4cwYL-ZqlXjVoyxXLQfD_ElapouIvkgO3cWtMins3V7hj99ZgmWEpdNRyUApnK4OjJbHjJwzUUY7PT-OcRPvIg-EM4OHmh1rC3MLshcFDP6Wy5IWoG-Ynk0FAHrpEC6LfObTGELlTN0/s1600/DSC_6368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4cwYL-ZqlXjVoyxXLQfD_ElapouIvkgO3cWtMins3V7hj99ZgmWEpdNRyUApnK4OjJbHjJwzUUY7PT-OcRPvIg-EM4OHmh1rC3MLshcFDP6Wy5IWoG-Ynk0FAHrpEC6LfObTGELlTN0/s320/DSC_6368.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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As with most things the worry of how difficult it was was way worse than how hard it actually was. Sonja's video tutorials were very helpful. Now this is a very simple pattern and the penguin/polar bears will be much more difficult but now that I have one completed block under my belt I'm confidant and excited for the workshop! Yay!<br />
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There was a fabric sale at Fabricana this week, which was timely as I
needed supplies for the workshop. Rod was home so I got to go hang out
all by myself. It was lovely, I browsed and fondled the fabric for most
of the morning. I got to actually take time to make decisions! Which was
a serious feat indeed in midst of a sea of beautiful fabric that was on
sale! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I came home with. Yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't resist some Star Wars fabric for my little Star Wars freak! Love it!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-2485304498110971222012-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:002012-11-11T11:04:54.091-08:00I love Fall and other randomnessI hope everyone remembers to have a moment of silence today to think of all our soldiers that sacrificed so much striving toward peace! <br />
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My husband told me this morning there was snow in the forecast for today. I was so excited and was sky watching. I just checked the forecast though and see no snow. I lived in Alberta until I was 11 and still miss the snow sometimes. We do get snow here in Vancouver but it's generally pretty brief so I try to enjoy it when it comes. That being said, I'm not in a hurry for fall to be gone. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colours around here have been stunning!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn9IXscwQkepD5fLzfGRoNDDitBQzWnuW2JWQXQoqE05lvH8v3MIfASBI1T28DRKWcmv5wkIqMq8TNurXyFokMxe9BHUigpWShdobKggCNj8PY1yMYIk8_3sRBj_jVWY9YQaPdYbsTkA/s1600/DSC_6129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn9IXscwQkepD5fLzfGRoNDDitBQzWnuW2JWQXQoqE05lvH8v3MIfASBI1T28DRKWcmv5wkIqMq8TNurXyFokMxe9BHUigpWShdobKggCNj8PY1yMYIk8_3sRBj_jVWY9YQaPdYbsTkA/s320/DSC_6129.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall is my favourite!</td></tr>
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I haven't gotten anything crafty finished recently although I have been
working on things. Maybe I should join WIP(work in progress) Wednesday. I
always have lots of projects on the go. I did go to a sew-in with the <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/" target="_blank">VMQG(Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild)</a> on fri. That was so much fun. The only pics I took were on instagram though. Does anyone know how to embed photos from <a href="http://instagram.com/chmiley" target="_blank">instagram</a>
into a blog post??<br />
<br />
I went to my first meeting of the VMQG last month
and was instantly hooked. So many wonderful encouraging people and oh
my!! the creativity!! It totally got my creative juices flowing. I'm
going to join at the next meeting and am oh so excited about it! Never
mind that I have never actually quilted anything before. Sewn and
crafted lots of course but the actual quilting process scares me. I am
bound and determined to get over it though and am currently working on a
quilt. Yay me! A big thanks to <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Holly</a> for convincing me I needed to check out a meeting :) <br />
<br />
Now to sneak in a few pics of my kids because, well, they're cute!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBseAR0wV1SMcLRECDBiRJUO2BbQ35EUHApYptRNPamb2Y4xhOYYe4OYLSd-jYqLnSHgnl0Ib7F20bL9IxXjddga6CygqCV5m7K84vs2WkAPsymMqGFKIdbRkiuqRVP0YFMu2WB7F-Vs/s1600/DSC_6295fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBseAR0wV1SMcLRECDBiRJUO2BbQ35EUHApYptRNPamb2Y4xhOYYe4OYLSd-jYqLnSHgnl0Ib7F20bL9IxXjddga6CygqCV5m7K84vs2WkAPsymMqGFKIdbRkiuqRVP0YFMu2WB7F-Vs/s320/DSC_6295fix.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We paid a visit to the bunny patch recently.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJhXJOC1c85G4XiVTdKC804IMpVJSHtlSetJPa5K16d0k9L5t9KihZkKyXLiYlNKj8ysYr9uEHgTBw2hfJcplFpecI8A9M5eIXP9U83o01Rl_VqvLO4SZqoWn8XjzXGWC7f1V4XWUETw/s1600/DSC_6313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJhXJOC1c85G4XiVTdKC804IMpVJSHtlSetJPa5K16d0k9L5t9KihZkKyXLiYlNKj8ysYr9uEHgTBw2hfJcplFpecI8A9M5eIXP9U83o01Rl_VqvLO4SZqoWn8XjzXGWC7f1V4XWUETw/s320/DSC_6313.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband is apparently good at catching black baby bunnies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHaYtzKJTv0uxfJyZu2cCMbee1LtF3pQZMroJJiVzO6NP2t4yyryPD2ho-DQqqUEIRa7lBoFkyfnF0Hkrr30oOThlCYNDocTlyfSOZiq_uP8BdbyARdJaeKvKJucVYVhGosGu16IwrQQ/s1600/DSC_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHaYtzKJTv0uxfJyZu2cCMbee1LtF3pQZMroJJiVzO6NP2t4yyryPD2ho-DQqqUEIRa7lBoFkyfnF0Hkrr30oOThlCYNDocTlyfSOZiq_uP8BdbyARdJaeKvKJucVYVhGosGu16IwrQQ/s320/DSC_6323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids were pretty pleased :)</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1205244145440447289.post-44976347581991840542012-11-07T10:58:00.001-08:002012-11-07T10:58:47.708-08:00BeginningsI've been wanting to start blogging again. At first I couldn't decide whether I just wanted to pick up where I left off with my old blog or start fresh. Eventually I decided to start fresh. Then I couldn't come up with a name. Eventually I decided. Then I wanted to get the space all pretty before I started. Which it isn't. I'm not sure you could have a more bare blog. I decided to start anyways, who knows when that will happen but I figure if I start maybe that will push me(and my hubby who is drawing for me) to finish.<br />
<br />
So TA-DA! Here I am blogging again. Yay me!<br />
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I'll leave you with a couple Halloween photos because I can't bear to post picture-less. We haven't done an actual photo shoot with the kids in costume as the weather was horrible. Hopefully this weekend we will be able to do that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiWrpiH1ntD1-xFiqthVHTmV81wmwAbrQQLEBkBP5yYpFW04MZJJdbGOpxJHkdHRb5WKA7yEKvdzlKwZCVL-_EjtHl5wBICDHknkJRqebQPEWsWtX1JmhiAOuDo8eWJ5PVG5lBrlgY5U/s1600/DSC_6157a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiWrpiH1ntD1-xFiqthVHTmV81wmwAbrQQLEBkBP5yYpFW04MZJJdbGOpxJHkdHRb5WKA7yEKvdzlKwZCVL-_EjtHl5wBICDHknkJRqebQPEWsWtX1JmhiAOuDo8eWJ5PVG5lBrlgY5U/s320/DSC_6157a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Weeping Angel pumpkins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStmUoP0hOuZo9POSmK6z9kbtU8nGZTzHYQTfbxsXlZqZkZC7DFMY2PxEWxJMfUDrYYgxD-9ukoL-EeUm39Rsp-gFbien_xRgtdII18xmscwOTcqAKSXz0e-gIYSN36bt-JNrvtIAJI2w/s1600/DSC_6182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStmUoP0hOuZo9POSmK6z9kbtU8nGZTzHYQTfbxsXlZqZkZC7DFMY2PxEWxJMfUDrYYgxD-9ukoL-EeUm39Rsp-gFbien_xRgtdII18xmscwOTcqAKSXz0e-gIYSN36bt-JNrvtIAJI2w/s320/DSC_6182.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Zelda, Link, And Link's Loftwing. We had a themed Halloween around here!</td></tr>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12134673148360609256noreply@blogger.com5