tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5586635031835846352024-03-14T09:45:54.768-04:00What Lisa MadeThis is just a little place to show off my sewing and quilting. Enjoy!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-39507699888618548222011-09-23T08:16:00.000-04:002011-09-23T08:16:37.149-04:00Sewing for Boys--Goodnight Sweetheart PJ'sAs a (possibly biased) mom to a charming, funny, and super cute boy, I'm always excited to learn about new fabric lines and patterns for boys. Anyone who has ever looked for cute, stylish, and boy-friendly sewing supplies online or in stores knows that it can be a real challenge to find things worthwhile. Naturally, when I found out the team behind <a href="http://www.patternsbyfiggys.com/">Patterns by Figgy's</a>, Shelly Figuora and Karen LePage were releasing a book of patterns and projects specifically for boys, I flipped out a little bit. Okay, a lot. Finally, the book, called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Boys-Projects-Handmade-Wardrobe/dp/0470949554/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316777794&sr=8-1">Sewing for Boys</a>, is available and I've gotten my hands on a copy. I have been sewing like crazy! There are so many great projects in the book and the best part is is that even though each project is full of special finishing techniques that add up to a professional and stylish finished garment, they're also all simple enough in design to allow for each sewist to create a very personalized wardrobe for her child. And that's really what sewing clothes at home is all about.<br />
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A little about the fabric I used for these little pajamas: Recently, my husband, son, and I moved to a new town. The move has been nice because it's closer to Nathan's job and it got us out of Toledo and into a smaller community. The town we're in has a little "downtown" area that has several small businesses including one called <a href="http://www.beekersgeneralstore.com/">Beeker's General Store</a>. Beeker's is a sweet, nostalgic general store that has been in business for over 130 years. It reminds me of the Olsen's store in Little House on the Prairie. Anyway, they have a small selection of fabric behind one of the counters and I happened to see this cowboy print by Michael Miller among the more traditional calicos that they stock. I think I'm the only person who has ever purchased this particular fabric from them because the sales lady gave me a look when I said I wanted 2 yards of it. Oh well.<br />
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These PJ's show off a perfect example of the detail within the patterns I was talking about. I love the piping around the facing on the pajama tops and the faux fly on the bottoms. For me, these things also helped me to learn new skills to employ when sewing other projects in the future. I mean, how sweet does that faux fly look? I always thought that it would be so hard to create, and fortunately I've had the opportunity to discover that it's really quite simple.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One other thing I've really been enjoying about the new place is our clothes line. It's the perfect spot for pictures of finished projects! </div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-18300523305360656062011-08-24T17:11:00.000-04:002011-08-24T17:11:25.006-04:00"I see TRAINS, Mommy!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hfKCiVFbAW-MgvKEv_fqs4gOs-p-k86rBgIcjF2zTsqUyeW8pEe-r4pY3LfSfGbLXBmSw8ZjmTNi0DaUhUZlgGfQIvj0eMy8RyvwAQSQ8u064ZbnQyrf8VjI8d3_5UOSbisKEq-M3U4C/s1600/6477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hfKCiVFbAW-MgvKEv_fqs4gOs-p-k86rBgIcjF2zTsqUyeW8pEe-r4pY3LfSfGbLXBmSw8ZjmTNi0DaUhUZlgGfQIvj0eMy8RyvwAQSQ8u064ZbnQyrf8VjI8d3_5UOSbisKEq-M3U4C/s400/6477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I assume that my son's fixation on trains is a fairly normal thing. After all, there's a reason why <a href="http://www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/Thomas.mvc/Home">Thomas the Tank Engine</a> is such a popular licensed character, right? Well, as the result of many unfortunate circumstances beyond my control, Peter's last day at daycare will be tomorrow. On the one hand, I am really enjoying all the extra time I've had to spend with him, but on the other, the circumstances really suck.<br />
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To mark Pete's last day, I decided to bust out a <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/">Williams-Sonoma</a> pan I found at a rummage sale this summer for only $2.00. I had seriously considered buying it for myself for full price, but didn't (mostly because I couldn't justify the cost), so this was a super find.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34R8b-A_RXc0UIcAtOKtASkKgYO7GxCUEQi94mZyYzgJX2QVnp_pwR9QEqmCawL4E2gqbH3RKVepCz3yQn-8j1utzANfCfbEhZhFZWMSALN7xzQxRo06lAIWjXJegUsmRxTIAFdrfds1h/s1600/6487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34R8b-A_RXc0UIcAtOKtASkKgYO7GxCUEQi94mZyYzgJX2QVnp_pwR9QEqmCawL4E2gqbH3RKVepCz3yQn-8j1utzANfCfbEhZhFZWMSALN7xzQxRo06lAIWjXJegUsmRxTIAFdrfds1h/s320/6487.jpg" width="320" /></a>I typically do not bake. Mostly because I find that I ignore seemingly benign instructions (Why the hell should I split the batter in half? Just to make another dirty dish?) and misunderstand others and that nearly always results in disaster. In this case, I ignored an instruction to split the cake batter I made FROM SCRATCH and misunderstood some convoluted instructions about how to fill the wells of this cake pan. Luckily, disaster was averted, but I did end up with some wasted batter and a few slightly small train cars. Oh well, live and learn I guess. I have to say, at least I really go for the gusto even if I'm doing something I'm woefully unqualified to do.<br />
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Peter is absolutely in love with these little cakes. In fact, as I write this, he's asking to "see train again" and I have to keep flipping back and forth between this post and the pictures for it. I hope all his friends at daycare like them as well. If I were a kid, I don't think I could imagine anything better than cake encrusted with candy, but who knows about kids now a days. And, I would be lying if I didn't admit that I hope the MOMS are impressed as well. Parenting is a competitive sport these days.<br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-4205053588713377562011-05-14T08:35:00.000-04:002011-05-14T08:35:47.706-04:00Introducing MargotLately I've been on a toymaking kick and today's post runs true to form. My Goddaughter is having her First Communion on Sunday and, unfortunately gas prices have prevented me from making the trip home to celebrate with her, but they have not stopped me from making her a special doll.<br />
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Once again, I've turned to Hillary Lang's book Wee Wonderfuls and once again, it does not disappoint. <br />
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I decided to make Margot, Hillary's version of a topsy-turvy doll. On one side, I made a dress that looks like a pretty little first communion-type dress. White eyelet cotton is the perfect dressed-up material for this half of the Margot doll. White satin ribbon to make a bow at the back finishes the whole outfit.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Margot's dressed-for-everyday side, I used a favorite scrap I've been hoarding for months for her skirt and paired it up with a basic polka-dot top. My Goddaughter is very girly, so I know she'll like all the pink on this side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF6s4XZXH5X9aAphGjAHKxtitPQGWQ2ltyOU6FLUSA-_OAZmqzs-2unXWBsD9DbgkTg5TrGbXgrorNQOeJaT3RevCnKrZUfs10eLbfDy01P-i6vhZq_Lguv2Wlgn1DtT0AJ49Sck0ZXzX/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF6s4XZXH5X9aAphGjAHKxtitPQGWQ2ltyOU6FLUSA-_OAZmqzs-2unXWBsD9DbgkTg5TrGbXgrorNQOeJaT3RevCnKrZUfs10eLbfDy01P-i6vhZq_Lguv2Wlgn1DtT0AJ49Sck0ZXzX/s640/IMG_6337.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of Margot's facial features are hand-embroidered and her clothes are only minimally machine sewn, meaning most of the stitiching on this doll is done by hand. Hopefully no one looks too closely at the hand stitching since I am not particularly patient and by the end my fingers were really starting to hurt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7UGxV5IkuAUM16sIb8T_roMrnSX85qsDqgiRFDhHyS3sOm7cWRVTJ4RuM16NHfo8STbAgL7KyX3mEMFDJRj6JCeNt_yZbmlfNutbv8hDhryH9S_9CytJTFfpfS6OcP7HVJYtdpYTpjlT/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7UGxV5IkuAUM16sIb8T_roMrnSX85qsDqgiRFDhHyS3sOm7cWRVTJ4RuM16NHfo8STbAgL7KyX3mEMFDJRj6JCeNt_yZbmlfNutbv8hDhryH9S_9CytJTFfpfS6OcP7HVJYtdpYTpjlT/s640/IMG_6334.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of the doll's hair is attached by hand as well. Basically, it's a modified satin stitch with yarn, then the braids and buns are attached separately. I really hope that Maddie likes her. She's a big fan of American Girl dolls (which I totally coveted when I was her age), so I hope something handmade seems half as cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a bunch of other stuff all waiting for a little attention, so I'm going to try my hardest to tackle the stacks of half-started and unfinished projects stacked up on my sewing table. My goal is to get most of them squared away by the end of the month. Wish me luck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-68247724218276246292011-04-29T10:27:00.000-04:002011-04-29T10:27:11.795-04:00EasterI hope everyone had a happy Easter! I know I had a blast--my parents, sister, and future brother-in-law came out to Toledo for a visit. Since we live in Ohio and they live in Wisconsin, we don't get to see our families as much as I know we'd like to so we definitely had lots of fun. Peter got to go swimming at the hotel, Grandpa gave him his first soda (and said it was "orange juice" when he asked if I let Pete have soda and replied, "No.").<br />
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To prepare for Easter, I had sewn up a couple of toys to put in Pete's basket. The first one was the "Eddie" doll from Hillary Lang's book, Wee Wonderfuls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0oqhrM4yQdDhEX1kBqZ1Ix0vOnqZFL7G9ui1hoJSYw2dkDji6-O7FmmR63vnBdBRPC1OiEXkkIcyOzhHRLixpNNw3_1rKupimNPLiy8j59tXPImj95sRUr6ZH3OvCuz7Y-YCK9K4Z3Rs/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0oqhrM4yQdDhEX1kBqZ1Ix0vOnqZFL7G9ui1hoJSYw2dkDji6-O7FmmR63vnBdBRPC1OiEXkkIcyOzhHRLixpNNw3_1rKupimNPLiy8j59tXPImj95sRUr6ZH3OvCuz7Y-YCK9K4Z3Rs/s400/IMG_6248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made his little outfit out of the outfit we bought for Peter for his trip home from the hospital. It has been hanging in his closet for over 2 years now, and I thought this would be a good way to appreciate it every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other toy I whipped up was Peanut the Wee Elephant, another Hillary Lang creation. This one, however, was in my Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts book by Joelle Hoverson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZBvsDa9RNQgYHfSpqi3u-ml5MI6aby7sI986uJTpOaDpwEIqhhyphenhyphenmAJdSW1J3yBz2p-XFaJxksKzpdtT0O0s-PFWmq4KlTTLPE_0k2GeZ2pX-sw4smsQYZlB221houxwIsRPsOZsP_E8p/s1600/IMG_6253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZBvsDa9RNQgYHfSpqi3u-ml5MI6aby7sI986uJTpOaDpwEIqhhyphenhyphenmAJdSW1J3yBz2p-XFaJxksKzpdtT0O0s-PFWmq4KlTTLPE_0k2GeZ2pX-sw4smsQYZlB221houxwIsRPsOZsP_E8p/s400/IMG_6253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used some Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow, a little Heather Ross Mendocino, and, unfortunately, I don't know the designer or line the fabric in Peanuts little ears is. I don't have the fabric selvage handy to look it up for you, either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it comes to gift giving, I am no better than a 5 year old on Christmas eve. I was so flippin excited to get Peter's reaction to these handmades that I did not end up saving them for his basket. He really loves his elephant, but the baby he could take or leave. What can you do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So.... To make up for my inability to actually save stuff for its intended purpose, I had to come up with something else to put with is Easter basket. I settled on a giant jug of Miracle Bubbles to use in his automatic bubble machine and a container of sidewalk chalk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN15aH38XjYW8iC9emFpYq2g7MpaJvrOKDw7dQoBjLXwEctRyDyXnOMj6Ykxl1xp3qbfUffelrZxBHJFShLH4osfM1cllbosQ7oBf4VQnxB-a8Ej53h3Hm08NHHUb1KYg7qZMN3BY966d/s1600/IMG_6276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN15aH38XjYW8iC9emFpYq2g7MpaJvrOKDw7dQoBjLXwEctRyDyXnOMj6Ykxl1xp3qbfUffelrZxBHJFShLH4osfM1cllbosQ7oBf4VQnxB-a8Ej53h3Hm08NHHUb1KYg7qZMN3BY966d/s640/IMG_6276.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWb2TsHT1JZyjy82VH9fsO6OWAvK2fh4t3x7_MHPVL-oVzeg9Hnsml3FDWHWZYKdNRGSeahBpHm_TdXojpeySGkgZGrr-DKSmMnTr7MlWPP4cnaN6u22ZLVU-cR_0TE3g9nDrO2zm1g7E/s1600/IMG_6275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWb2TsHT1JZyjy82VH9fsO6OWAvK2fh4t3x7_MHPVL-oVzeg9Hnsml3FDWHWZYKdNRGSeahBpHm_TdXojpeySGkgZGrr-DKSmMnTr7MlWPP4cnaN6u22ZLVU-cR_0TE3g9nDrO2zm1g7E/s640/IMG_6275.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, so I know I'm biased, but really. Is there any cuter little face on the planet?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you all had a happy celebration, enjoyed a lot of delicious candy, and got a bit of spring weather over your Easter holidays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-74597986267146253832011-04-09T19:00:00.000-04:002011-04-09T19:00:04.786-04:00Gnome HatFrom February 15th to March 15th, Made by Rae and Made blogs were celebrating the boy with fabulous boy posts full of adorable ideas of sewing and crafting projects especially for boys. One of the tutorials they posted was for a <a href="http://lorajeansmagazine.blogspot.com/2011/02/tutorilal-how-to-crochet-baby-gnome-hat.html">crocheted gnome hat</a>. Sadly, I do not know how to crochet and every time I think I want to learn, I remind myself I have enough expensive hobbies already. Fortunately, my amazing friend Emily of <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/">EmmmyLizzzy</a> DOES know how to crochet and she's ridiculously generous to boot!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNry7zgFmomIPtTSFzTss0zeTg9NB0QgUuDW65vmoYShf5qDV-bgeuAickcUoH2XKoCLenv8eF2ciJzta8v0K8Bmp-o7lOYvJmkt3feJydeJGz-4h9iaJcwLff8HBqOYNvKEnUuAkMUd9/s1600/2340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNry7zgFmomIPtTSFzTss0zeTg9NB0QgUuDW65vmoYShf5qDV-bgeuAickcUoH2XKoCLenv8eF2ciJzta8v0K8Bmp-o7lOYvJmkt3feJydeJGz-4h9iaJcwLff8HBqOYNvKEnUuAkMUd9/s640/2340.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37D2DHFZ2qUdqMIiiJ_lXygq4NeNXY-YzdMO_nafQ48krjVfDcUAUL7U2k05WprIyXE9ddhzjtDmx9ClLg0h-yat5N699s-WsJe0LrNiZw5zvB8C6zP5k2UHc95zFtp6qQ4Xt3c5KwG2g/s1600/2457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37D2DHFZ2qUdqMIiiJ_lXygq4NeNXY-YzdMO_nafQ48krjVfDcUAUL7U2k05WprIyXE9ddhzjtDmx9ClLg0h-yat5N699s-WsJe0LrNiZw5zvB8C6zP5k2UHc95zFtp6qQ4Xt3c5KwG2g/s400/2457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you a million, Emily! I can't imagine a cuter hat for this cute kid.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-19724216781873019632011-04-07T16:36:00.000-04:002011-04-07T16:36:01.976-04:00Cuddle Quilt<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6quuqHej_fYPCX2ovxgZzbrxo46a82yy2qMF4Q8Q2nPVC9BDt7hncMSJUAX0_q71Pp32K0V6yXOA7SqyL8G7YeyGGrObOmKXwvDN1cdf6-Wd1AvT8pwQ9ihseT-h7I2sL8e958VgPeH2/s1600/100_2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6quuqHej_fYPCX2ovxgZzbrxo46a82yy2qMF4Q8Q2nPVC9BDt7hncMSJUAX0_q71Pp32K0V6yXOA7SqyL8G7YeyGGrObOmKXwvDN1cdf6-Wd1AvT8pwQ9ihseT-h7I2sL8e958VgPeH2/s640/100_2426.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I recently finished a new quilt for my wonderful mother in law, Lynne. She intends to use it in her office for the children she sees in her therapy practice, but if I were her, I'd be sorely tempted to keep this quilt all to myself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve-3PHi1WsOQYuE8f0TEpHsqJWsrmxK5ERm9c0YNyQvoLE_aKIgtmJ1Zn1J54y2qvX4shgn6hh4JYF3uo73xkf52DE_-k1ac_QK9wnKcF2pCFJukXIDJU-5Ma-BT_AgXG0qUSo_x4G340/s1600/100_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve-3PHi1WsOQYuE8f0TEpHsqJWsrmxK5ERm9c0YNyQvoLE_aKIgtmJ1Zn1J54y2qvX4shgn6hh4JYF3uo73xkf52DE_-k1ac_QK9wnKcF2pCFJukXIDJU-5Ma-BT_AgXG0qUSo_x4G340/s640/100_2427.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The top of the quilt is made with a selection of Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannels line and the border and sashing are solid white flannel. You may remember me starting <a href="http://whatlisamade.blogspot.com/2010/12/feeling-little-selfish.html">this quilt</a> back the day before Christmas. I know I said at the time that I was going to keep it, but luckily I have enough fabric left over to make a whole 'nother one for me.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTLSbxr41-g0ABZg5AmgXEzk0Q-oSMZ6MTkcYdatdhceSu98dPpakn2oeJQEZDgossrwb9R5s89pjccJRSeojXNcNJWDg3NglWRQgypbJvMl-bsCBvTMIjv246LKWlCfr7ULuqs9vwsCs/s1600/100_2428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTLSbxr41-g0ABZg5AmgXEzk0Q-oSMZ6MTkcYdatdhceSu98dPpakn2oeJQEZDgossrwb9R5s89pjccJRSeojXNcNJWDg3NglWRQgypbJvMl-bsCBvTMIjv246LKWlCfr7ULuqs9vwsCs/s640/100_2428.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I backed the quilt using some fleece I bought at JoAnn's and since it's suppossed to be cuddly and soft (and because I wasn't sure how well hand-sewing a bias binding to fleece would go) I wrapped the fleece around to the front and sewed it down to finish the quilt. Since the fleece won't fray, I left a narrow raw edge that will curl up and look cute when the quilt is washed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABmdLg6a1f7ilsoFf6UYzEUcKwNpE2sPPTvxDFaa1Tpdn03eWR6PPIuml8kPK2TRJ0MYCGAhK7oWbTLQZ6_eW4F137uZP1zGFQdMMiB_HTNIEUHFRBT_7wlVH9nXKLFFv2Z_U816-xcM5/s1600/100_2429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABmdLg6a1f7ilsoFf6UYzEUcKwNpE2sPPTvxDFaa1Tpdn03eWR6PPIuml8kPK2TRJ0MYCGAhK7oWbTLQZ6_eW4F137uZP1zGFQdMMiB_HTNIEUHFRBT_7wlVH9nXKLFFv2Z_U816-xcM5/s640/100_2429.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBE36mhxRORTqajOjetHs1ruZ6TUeYHfNeneIt3zbLj8q6l1aUYckq4Azp25-X3L7BKBZas8XMSqKK2Mg-D6mjaFypjKTr5Yd7qSpAH2vOuSLhzFvRKoYvTthuH26qgrx53z91uMgDVOF/s1600/100_2432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBE36mhxRORTqajOjetHs1ruZ6TUeYHfNeneIt3zbLj8q6l1aUYckq4Azp25-X3L7BKBZas8XMSqKK2Mg-D6mjaFypjKTr5Yd7qSpAH2vOuSLhzFvRKoYvTthuH26qgrx53z91uMgDVOF/s640/100_2432.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The quality control department has given the cuddle quilt its official stamp of approval and I will be shipping it off to Wisconsin promptly. And, I'll be adding "make another flannel and fleece quilt" to my ever-growing list of things to do.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-2157586046547348072011-04-03T11:24:00.000-04:002011-04-03T11:24:41.774-04:00SpringAbout twice a year, I really get motivated to deep-clean our apartment. I keep it reasonably clean year-round, but every spring and every fall, I really get it super-clean. This spring, I took it a little further and de-cluttered all of our closets and rooms, repainted the living and dining/sewing areas, and made a few strategic furniture purchases at Ikea.<br />
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A few posts ago, I mentioned that my husband and I were in the housing market, but after reviewing our budget, we decided to wait a couple more years before committing ourselves to a home purchase. When we decided to stay in our apartment, I decided that we needed to re-vamp a few things to make our 660 square feet a little more manageable for the next two years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRg1EbHyyXhJ2i1FAfGclXswqCKr4Wmee5LbxkRGCl-qi4Ub0Ke4dBO4vsGpDk6gJfUyvBTIjpY8Y3HoY2DF8Cccfpzpcqi4Tdn2NFxizLXNe8hC6zTdcsvJ2UWXZVpoBK1V8wokYNHJn/s1600/153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRg1EbHyyXhJ2i1FAfGclXswqCKr4Wmee5LbxkRGCl-qi4Ub0Ke4dBO4vsGpDk6gJfUyvBTIjpY8Y3HoY2DF8Cccfpzpcqi4Tdn2NFxizLXNe8hC6zTdcsvJ2UWXZVpoBK1V8wokYNHJn/s640/153.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not, this closet gets re-organized more often than any of our other ones.</td></tr>
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First on the to-do list was going through all of our closets to find things we could donate or throw away. I brought no fewer than 1000 bags of trash and donations out of the apartment. Ok, maybe it wasn't 1000. But it sure felt like at least that much.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trash I found in the linen closet.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aUCQejLorvvJc6aGGFwdAQT2Cm9SIU2lcFt8VUTsdy2HqPdORURVt2bx0c3qYicY1ntM2HmhDsl2u-If_IeECiQD5qz7pzc5afBlwvlravJMpCRdDbI-rd0YNdvmGQGwjXLaS84rh_lC/s1600/146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aUCQejLorvvJc6aGGFwdAQT2Cm9SIU2lcFt8VUTsdy2HqPdORURVt2bx0c3qYicY1ntM2HmhDsl2u-If_IeECiQD5qz7pzc5afBlwvlravJMpCRdDbI-rd0YNdvmGQGwjXLaS84rh_lC/s640/146.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75THI3F-xatwOOQF5oOnndMqn4pwD4DqOVagVRKeqLsiRB97YI7ldXzAgiDSxSK2mp0v4f68GGKQgM0P82aXilAvNkofhvsFblHT0VzAY5HowInmXynbu2giCgQP_iylr-wyHc_ln-CAk/s1600/143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75THI3F-xatwOOQF5oOnndMqn4pwD4DqOVagVRKeqLsiRB97YI7ldXzAgiDSxSK2mp0v4f68GGKQgM0P82aXilAvNkofhvsFblHT0VzAY5HowInmXynbu2giCgQP_iylr-wyHc_ln-CAk/s640/143.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter kept bumping his head on the desk that the TV sits on whenever he would try to get to his toys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My favorite part of our spring make over has got to be our living room. I repainted and put up a new Expedit system from Ikea. I changed out the artwork behind our couch. I used to have photos up, but I took some paintings I had done in college, covered the canvases with a few favorite fabrics, and hung those instead. I'm also in the process of recovering our throw pillows and will post pictures when they're done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjregchHLn9OEOHGfCc5U9XSfgMXwHgE-C4XI5zM9DmAUNeUdlQ4zcEkqNc5u-2gutKNQCg9EU2CIAtP3klhGyIc2j4lIJ5EUC-b1nIsTivIIwWF02KgmvVJUwWQKmnWrnYJWyUbf09b60O/s1600/190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjregchHLn9OEOHGfCc5U9XSfgMXwHgE-C4XI5zM9DmAUNeUdlQ4zcEkqNc5u-2gutKNQCg9EU2CIAtP3klhGyIc2j4lIJ5EUC-b1nIsTivIIwWF02KgmvVJUwWQKmnWrnYJWyUbf09b60O/s400/190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtLuqXwqLbjJpZaTRMZFqIUy52SyQ_uGwqc1Jwks_n0Zr6n3_DjKXeSR9SfDn5vXfLycOl9nedEFDs8u_QLGxJZgvov8rPD7sN19FxlL-XRFRASgaNUyv_UXOU5vaCp51rOVYfyH7fSEx/s1600/195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtLuqXwqLbjJpZaTRMZFqIUy52SyQ_uGwqc1Jwks_n0Zr6n3_DjKXeSR9SfDn5vXfLycOl9nedEFDs8u_QLGxJZgvov8rPD7sN19FxlL-XRFRASgaNUyv_UXOU5vaCp51rOVYfyH7fSEx/s640/195.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The paint color we decided on is Glidden Antique Silver. It's a slightly blue-ish grey and I love how it changes with the light through the day. We also freshened up the trim with bright white paint. The fabrics on the wall are from Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush line and Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane. The pillows will be re-done with mostly Nicey Jane, as well. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3KaHapDowKe4se3v01JjWfeFFlln-10qAR_qseh6VYcmKH98b8XB9246845ZPx2KC4clA5vwixvUzCQHEyYjkOXIq7Q00xLsn486EBoZGb6pXRjJV2zIPC5PQSA3AZ56NPpGrsmEsHJ1/s1600/198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3KaHapDowKe4se3v01JjWfeFFlln-10qAR_qseh6VYcmKH98b8XB9246845ZPx2KC4clA5vwixvUzCQHEyYjkOXIq7Q00xLsn486EBoZGb6pXRjJV2zIPC5PQSA3AZ56NPpGrsmEsHJ1/s640/198.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, of course, no living room would be complete without a cozy reading area for smart little guys. He's telling me all about how Mr. Brown Can Moo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-879539496849271512011-03-19T20:26:00.000-04:002011-03-19T20:26:51.038-04:00Girly, SquaredI finished an adorable quilt for my boss... No pressure there to turn out something fantastic, right? Well, anyway, she came to me a few months ago and asked me to make a baby quilt for her soon-to-be granddaughter and I was more than happy to oblige. I love sewing for my boys, but at heart, I'm a girly girl.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBKUTrpq8tzhr6lub_Cczy83t4EClFUZHY8GNJ6nWOdqPi3Qlb_TYhAU_sq5EEDRVYpG0rUUmG_SFsyNrF84hh32-hDzudLl3HUdtQm9Sx9Rei2wcg1B5_sWImtwWAHmABSpMGrWrw4al/s1600/March+6+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBKUTrpq8tzhr6lub_Cczy83t4EClFUZHY8GNJ6nWOdqPi3Qlb_TYhAU_sq5EEDRVYpG0rUUmG_SFsyNrF84hh32-hDzudLl3HUdtQm9Sx9Rei2wcg1B5_sWImtwWAHmABSpMGrWrw4al/s400/March+6+073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had so much fun digging out all the pretty pinks and greens in my stash to whip this little beauty up. I used some Tina Givens, Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Anna Maria Horner, Erin McMorris, and Heather Ross. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8crhGKeoarVVDJTA3RAyFMAlNSTStDPxqIxNUhcQPptEsFqclXMS2IecW99oxVVmO8q4M_no0epTfLfKUjvnAOyEFCSxXY0b-26jlMtr1mc96O_On6OnAubgABQ3HnMxiHfK5-uR5VBVl/s1600/March+6+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8crhGKeoarVVDJTA3RAyFMAlNSTStDPxqIxNUhcQPptEsFqclXMS2IecW99oxVVmO8q4M_no0epTfLfKUjvnAOyEFCSxXY0b-26jlMtr1mc96O_On6OnAubgABQ3HnMxiHfK5-uR5VBVl/s400/March+6+077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I like the way the orange Innocent Crush helps to make the pastel pinks and greens look a little more mature. I wanted this to be a quilt that would last from infancy through childhood and the orange gives it just the right amount of edge. I chose to frame each of the feature fabrics with Kona Coal for the same reason. The dark grey is a great (and very trendy) neutral, but it also lends just the right amount of "grown up" to the over-all look of the quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupyguoce5RTNUr5Z_aD4w2TOnAiaWU8r5OkuJiue6wBE3-QpwP-YT9u0X3dzawg_IWt_W7w3rJTWmbiECF3c9V94VoLGscxB_GD7_DaRrMNiiBzydD7a1SjgHe9hKTtGBv5frgVcXU-z5/s1600/March+6+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupyguoce5RTNUr5Z_aD4w2TOnAiaWU8r5OkuJiue6wBE3-QpwP-YT9u0X3dzawg_IWt_W7w3rJTWmbiECF3c9V94VoLGscxB_GD7_DaRrMNiiBzydD7a1SjgHe9hKTtGBv5frgVcXU-z5/s640/March+6+075.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished by sashing the quilt with Kona Pale Flesh (which I think we can all agree is the most unattractive name for any fabric ever), backing it with a vintage sheet I had in my stash, and binding it with a little more Coal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, back to the pressure of sewing something for my boss. She's wonderful, and I knew she loved the fabric selection. BUT! Just as I was trying to finish this quilt, my sewing machine stopped working! Luckily, my wonderful friend <a href="http://emmmylizzzy.blogspot.com/">EmmmyLizzzy</a> invited me and Pete up for a sleepover and to use her fabulous sewing machine. She is a lifesaver.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, the quilt was a huge success. I didn't get to be there when the soon-to-be new mom opened it, but my boss very kindly posted to my facebook page that everyone loved it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-39609980652033629902011-03-12T13:33:00.001-05:002011-03-12T13:37:05.898-05:00Garment Construction and My Favorite CoatI've been sewing for about three years now. I started with simple patchwork quilts and I have moved on to more challenging quilt blocks and I've begun sewing a lot of garments. Mostly, I sew toddler-sized garments for my toddler-sized Pete, but I have tackled some dresses for myself as well. All this to say, I feel like I have a pretty good sense of how pattern pieces for garments come together. Sure, there's the occasional tricky turn to hide your seam allowances, but generally there's a predictable order to things. Starting today, now that winter is nearly over and my winter coats will be packed away for the spring and summer, I'm going to be testing my garment making confidence.<br />
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A few years ago--maybe even before we were married, I don't honestly remember--my husband bought me the. Most. Beautiful. Coat. Ever.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRYBTAePSOA2FeF5i04gS2wzkyvqik92Xbf4UC8CocRJu9uIA55lt2aP-WA_2qrRJJRsX0twx8U6DuEp7umSdgqmxlbCNuZhXcH8N6jcXm-LqAkWT1X3mwUFQ5v9pq7OsjlY_WQqqq0QO/s1600/100_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRYBTAePSOA2FeF5i04gS2wzkyvqik92Xbf4UC8CocRJu9uIA55lt2aP-WA_2qrRJJRsX0twx8U6DuEp7umSdgqmxlbCNuZhXcH8N6jcXm-LqAkWT1X3mwUFQ5v9pq7OsjlY_WQqqq0QO/s640/100_2331.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purchased at Express c. 2006</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Every time I wear this coat, I get compliments. Most people say it looks vintage which is why I fell in love with it in the first place. The coat is a creamy wool with a satin ruffle around the collar and down the front. The belt is chocolate brown satin ribbon, and the lining is the same satin as the ruffle. Unfortunately, the coat is beginning to show signs of wear. You can see a little pilling on the wool in this photo, but the worst wear is happening inside the coat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDXZfOh5flq6Qaigt3n0JvPpuz4Cl5Y3D48yGsqCKanh4m2fpL_vDy9llbVU4SsmgHWWs0VK_8eBsfBoszN57G5pMJtfHdeK6scHFcXbpiH3wO0qb-J5Lkgvlgk4eCWbiSWXXHFfwP2VS/s1600/100_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDXZfOh5flq6Qaigt3n0JvPpuz4Cl5Y3D48yGsqCKanh4m2fpL_vDy9llbVU4SsmgHWWs0VK_8eBsfBoszN57G5pMJtfHdeK6scHFcXbpiH3wO0qb-J5Lkgvlgk4eCWbiSWXXHFfwP2VS/s400/100_2326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyHB6EllQxcstNm55ogpd4QA-jPuZV8jyx8ZbuB-X1ZxvrvUZJzuIW_DmZZUnvmLXE-f2-hb2LJv1su9C___JClufI2j2-0zRJPpAQJzKM06Z625rl0WvmgySRT9FjKChmhLRjDFUsVQT/s1600/100_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyHB6EllQxcstNm55ogpd4QA-jPuZV8jyx8ZbuB-X1ZxvrvUZJzuIW_DmZZUnvmLXE-f2-hb2LJv1su9C___JClufI2j2-0zRJPpAQJzKM06Z625rl0WvmgySRT9FjKChmhLRjDFUsVQT/s400/100_2327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Satin is a notoriously difficult fabric. It's slippery, it frays very easily, and it can wear and tear very easily as well. The photos above are the armholes of my coat. Basically, the lining has shredded all along the seams and, unfortunately, a little whip stitch is not going to help matters one bit. Since I consider this coat to be probably my best "statement" piece for winter outerwear, I think it's worth taking the time to really restore it so that I can get as long a life out of it as possible. So, I decided to cut the existing lining out of the coat and use it to draft a pattern to make a new lining. I gotta admit, here, that I'm scared shitless that I'm never actually going to be able to wear this coat again--at least, not with a lining.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqi_YDZvUfv-irm62x9axWMK2Td7eiHmwfs22m7mwExSbjWdGPkNdhZpAvEiC3Kz_1np1_bqTkj6H6bBnORY1txCUM1TRLqb6Lh-Nz-G_DT7qF9JLN4arsBEiV4OUR9kWU4gQSLFpGWd7A/s1600/100_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqi_YDZvUfv-irm62x9axWMK2Td7eiHmwfs22m7mwExSbjWdGPkNdhZpAvEiC3Kz_1np1_bqTkj6H6bBnORY1txCUM1TRLqb6Lh-Nz-G_DT7qF9JLN4arsBEiV4OUR9kWU4gQSLFpGWd7A/s640/100_2333.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From top: 1" grid interfacing, Licien voile, inexpensive quilting weight cotton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I use the grided interfacing to trace all of my pattern pieces from purchased patterns, so I figure it will work equally as well for tracing around the existing lining pieces of my coat to create a pattern to work from. That way, I don't have to continue to handle the fragile satin and hope it stays put while I trace it onto my good fabric. I'm going to use the inexpensive quilting cotton to make a muslin. I don't usually make a muslin when sewing store-bought patterns because money is tight and my time is tight, so I save both by just going for it. In this case, however, I had the fabric in my stash and that voile up there is kinda precious. I'd rather not have a technicolor lining a la <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHUfqkJALzaMUWgGrjyTB9_avKtjXMaFQ9druDaddv2aJHlLiOlt84_y3HcqMD7z_vmX_aEp8yNKpU032xoR5sfzMNmK00MZo9Oui-wD_lZyOsGlmxWPFOG1vm40duhGir6JYKeQ81gVC/s1600/joseph.jpg">Joseph</a> due to having to piece fabrics together to make my lining, so I'm going to go full-tilt and make a muslin from the pattern pieces I draft. Better safe than out 3 yards of gorgeous Japanese fabric. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptT0IzT7o84xLs48140XUlmfcse5F7V2h8Gcbeg437hGt2hFxhtv2KkLCjVocbgM6F2tYjCM9_pLCNRnDyJTy5FTYVtC43Ab6z2fwO6JjBS_HR3PAfaCkN9zGCPZvdfKGWsaNTY1MxwJe/s1600/100_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptT0IzT7o84xLs48140XUlmfcse5F7V2h8Gcbeg437hGt2hFxhtv2KkLCjVocbgM6F2tYjCM9_pLCNRnDyJTy5FTYVtC43Ab6z2fwO6JjBS_HR3PAfaCkN9zGCPZvdfKGWsaNTY1MxwJe/s400/100_2336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If any of my sewing friends out there happen across this post and have words of wisdom, I'd sure love to hear them. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed for me!</div> Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-46778407781579604032011-03-09T13:19:00.000-05:002011-03-09T13:19:38.405-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Like Father, Like Son<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtGuZ_7koFAo54vPupZPT_oQk1jjt4EAewn9Qj1ej7WJ-SVvQQ3Abk4nxw9vcb-QcyNc_1xXkbUPJVz55teOmQOchARUkcUs9FJGWlLw8l0mMY8rw8NZUUwbO1aP5v2Se4Eyu-bjaTx9V/s1600/100_2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtGuZ_7koFAo54vPupZPT_oQk1jjt4EAewn9Qj1ej7WJ-SVvQQ3Abk4nxw9vcb-QcyNc_1xXkbUPJVz55teOmQOchARUkcUs9FJGWlLw8l0mMY8rw8NZUUwbO1aP5v2Se4Eyu-bjaTx9V/s640/100_2287.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYqtA8TIzu0tzbtPGkaN8Kzc7h9PP4HZy547PVYMtrddOirQZIdyxvKnLiqDv9cbjZIYT3RQ6M3DMG0LYEkmGX-Hvss719RfD6SCStDvi66Tc8tcHzzX9BHOf7ivMKCfSkXUnFZYKGTQs/s1600/100_2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYqtA8TIzu0tzbtPGkaN8Kzc7h9PP4HZy547PVYMtrddOirQZIdyxvKnLiqDv9cbjZIYT3RQ6M3DMG0LYEkmGX-Hvss719RfD6SCStDvi66Tc8tcHzzX9BHOf7ivMKCfSkXUnFZYKGTQs/s400/100_2288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREtyE06Jbz0tnWd_J9RRvJiQEVdET6cii0KiTsfAskm8bm-vnzzYtcQL3aKOtX0pqaAGfPXBMpHAWSCqdxYbq3Dxi3SIR19sLoS9pBvOF-Z98bCdq-YiB4fh69d4Z65cMe9NUYToWxuPw/s1600/100_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREtyE06Jbz0tnWd_J9RRvJiQEVdET6cii0KiTsfAskm8bm-vnzzYtcQL3aKOtX0pqaAGfPXBMpHAWSCqdxYbq3Dxi3SIR19sLoS9pBvOF-Z98bCdq-YiB4fh69d4Z65cMe9NUYToWxuPw/s400/100_2290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeR0CazXl6SfmsIW7iaI5Kk_UVYbGoJBOLhMivIbb0ty9Jc71Os2qMH0gWnBzqrhemRvyqkZ7uSHnmWaPwYCwm9slTHfgxJKHMebqdAHav7ppM68XaIno6Asn71IRzAh42STb69Ml090Y/s1600/100_2291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeR0CazXl6SfmsIW7iaI5Kk_UVYbGoJBOLhMivIbb0ty9Jc71Os2qMH0gWnBzqrhemRvyqkZ7uSHnmWaPwYCwm9slTHfgxJKHMebqdAHav7ppM68XaIno6Asn71IRzAh42STb69Ml090Y/s640/100_2291.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdRCL-6bYNFnWqe95wTO8q49dm9viOhOAUtN7U2p2-J4iQ-xYajlIHeLU_t8Wj5_oQKQFmZ8XSYg1uZiFqL4UY1wzWECO6GEBVQmFlEs69Wz6pLArjHdSszUtXQpBUiGguyhxiSHFFNOn/s1600/100_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdRCL-6bYNFnWqe95wTO8q49dm9viOhOAUtN7U2p2-J4iQ-xYajlIHeLU_t8Wj5_oQKQFmZ8XSYg1uZiFqL4UY1wzWECO6GEBVQmFlEs69Wz6pLArjHdSszUtXQpBUiGguyhxiSHFFNOn/s640/100_2292.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD9jyWNkq7VbKqCG2XWtjikCFMGycQqrodzxvUMFOlN7aKr-fo8WZTyzTpalof_l2OlH77VGIKplwj4va94fi0YgqU9-d3lhyphenhyphenoP8yZvvpRlrtCnCJRT7qoKmRHw-rZfnFiekUGtFxqLfT/s1600/100_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheD9jyWNkq7VbKqCG2XWtjikCFMGycQqrodzxvUMFOlN7aKr-fo8WZTyzTpalof_l2OlH77VGIKplwj4va94fi0YgqU9-d3lhyphenhyphenoP8yZvvpRlrtCnCJRT7qoKmRHw-rZfnFiekUGtFxqLfT/s640/100_2297.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-81115619665954594522011-03-06T10:01:00.001-05:002011-03-09T13:22:43.542-05:00Sketchbook Shirt<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, the hubs and I have been house shopping since shortly after Christmas which has used up most of my free time, unfortunately. It's hard to start--let alone finish--projects when my days off are all dedicated to house hunting. We almost had "the one", but it turned out not to be the one at all.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have, however, managed to squeeze in a little sewing. Two of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/">Made by Rae</a> and <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/">MADE</a> have been hosting Celebrate the Boy month, which has inspired me to get sewing some things for my favorite little boy.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last year on my birthday, I won a giveaway hosted by <a href="http://oliverands.com/">Oliver + S</a> and my prize was a copy of the <a href="http://oliverands.com/patterns/pants/patterns9.phtml">Sketchbook Shirt and Shorts pattern</a>. I finally opened it up and made something with it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIh3R7tdlX3w0qlaO98LJDymkDPW4tX_aUTjPJ01gpgB86Wg9wG6Rf_eV1R_yx6FZVDuL3lzKuCRGEPiQWw6Hz4MbxaZCAuzmHINDRNxsFJ6SgNHcSkIuXpDOc41ZlxzkWX897A0buIvi/s1600/March+6+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIh3R7tdlX3w0qlaO98LJDymkDPW4tX_aUTjPJ01gpgB86Wg9wG6Rf_eV1R_yx6FZVDuL3lzKuCRGEPiQWw6Hz4MbxaZCAuzmHINDRNxsFJ6SgNHcSkIuXpDOc41ZlxzkWX897A0buIvi/s320/March+6+048.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The first version I made is the short-sleeved option. I chose a cotton poplin fabric with a subtle orange and grey pinstripe pattern. The shirt is the perfect weight for summer. The curved hemline and careful construction techniques make the shirt look, as Nate put it, like it comes from the store. The details make all the difference between "homemade" and "handmade".</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The second version I made is the long-sleeved option. This one is a cozy flannel and I plan on making Nate a matching shirt since Peter has been wanting to do everything just like his Daddy recently. To add some interest to the front of the shirt, I cut the pocket piece on the bias. Both shirts came together reasonably quickly. I started the flannel shirt on Friday night, about 8:00 pm and had it done by Saturday afternoon--and that time included correcting several mistakes made due to sewing late into the evening while drinking a glass of wine.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEncF6baIxl8aZYP3z_1DJSzvGfZ0nZJofZsHA9oNADQZou3IzJSHK2HKJPwNUsWwjyvfbAS00pcSSV3jd-1__nHdtAlj7bWKuYw81pm_7kJo0Ma_WV3WzzqVxOfwKD-kuoIYJlfKCgzQs/s1600/March+6+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEncF6baIxl8aZYP3z_1DJSzvGfZ0nZJofZsHA9oNADQZou3IzJSHK2HKJPwNUsWwjyvfbAS00pcSSV3jd-1__nHdtAlj7bWKuYw81pm_7kJo0Ma_WV3WzzqVxOfwKD-kuoIYJlfKCgzQs/s400/March+6+083.JPG" width="400" /></a>Probably my favorite part of the long-sleeved option on the shirt are the details that make the cuff of the sleeve look so beautifully finished. It's hard to tell in this picture, but there's a little placket that finishes the slit cut to make the sleeve go on and off easily. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHphFzcs_yJ4hNE9lYTXLhMIbDcC8sI5erafVqkaIs6E-DeIvfVJNAuZHxotSBJablvZAiyju6FZsHEJcpp7BR-ggVGFkq5D9bh9VJPko66yyQhPOO4KA8hekHuXW_lXLOt5kGCucyKC4/s1600/March+6+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHphFzcs_yJ4hNE9lYTXLhMIbDcC8sI5erafVqkaIs6E-DeIvfVJNAuZHxotSBJablvZAiyju6FZsHEJcpp7BR-ggVGFkq5D9bh9VJPko66yyQhPOO4KA8hekHuXW_lXLOt5kGCucyKC4/s640/March+6+059.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sewing for Pete is a little bittersweet. He out-grows things so quickly, but I absolutely love seeing him in something that I made. He seems to like wearing the things I make, too. Or maybe he likes that kit-kat he's eating...</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-76639126257865721902010-12-23T14:24:00.001-05:002011-03-09T13:23:23.933-05:00Feeling a little selfish...Well, it's Christmas Eve tomorrow and instead of crazily wrapping presents or baking from-scratch cookies for Santa, I started a quilt. It's not even a gift. It's for us to use. I hope to have it finished to put under the tree with our Christmas Day goodies, but there are no guarantees. Needless to say, I'm feeling more than a little selfish. Especially because there are gifts that I need to finish for my family before heading home next week. But, I keep telling myself that I will have time to sew those on Christmas day and on Sunday and even tomorrow. And, I do. But my mom taught me that before doing fun stuff, I should always make sure the stuff I need to do is finished. In any case, I am pretty excited about this quilt.<br />
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I decided to do the Stacked Coins quilt from Joelle Hoverson's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Minute-Patchwork-Quilted-Joelle-Hoverson/dp/1584796340/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1293131524&sr=8-1">Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCPNGyLziaMAKwszJ4Xi83cjl-EabudUO260ug9vx30h6Hq38_W-xy0n5VeD1d7BjrIWKZTz04BmPkIoAkbOHdVPTzfWsovjBEw9PVLhT98EnUNxgsya8UjxNX67ABpKQ2wNYm3XgpVEG/s1600/100_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCPNGyLziaMAKwszJ4Xi83cjl-EabudUO260ug9vx30h6Hq38_W-xy0n5VeD1d7BjrIWKZTz04BmPkIoAkbOHdVPTzfWsovjBEw9PVLhT98EnUNxgsya8UjxNX67ABpKQ2wNYm3XgpVEG/s400/100_2217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm using some Anna Maria Horner <a href="http://quilthome.com/Anna_Maria_Horner/Folksy_Flannels">Folksy Flannels</a> I found at <a href="http://quilthome.com/index.php">Quilt Home fabrics</a>. I'm almost reluctant to give out this info, because Quilt Home has so many gorgeous fabrics that are out of print still in stock, plus lots of new fabrics that don't sell out at the drop of a hat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, I have all of my fabric for the quilt top cut and I'm sewing my coin stacks together. I chose a white flannel for the sashing and border because I loved how it made all of the colors in Anna Maria's designs really stand out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVI956tjEv-u0DrxGYJN8_FgHSQy8WrCdP-a3zSfQX-HGpA7oyuDc-3lXCMl_VonugGR2kpgbZl3a3MW_xT75sTg9U0DLDCRMhVt2RbVZs4a0y1mljHA_TbXixARCQkbEOPlgnjvoP54_/s1600/100_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVI956tjEv-u0DrxGYJN8_FgHSQy8WrCdP-a3zSfQX-HGpA7oyuDc-3lXCMl_VonugGR2kpgbZl3a3MW_xT75sTg9U0DLDCRMhVt2RbVZs4a0y1mljHA_TbXixARCQkbEOPlgnjvoP54_/s640/100_2215.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the binding, I'm going to use the same white flannel and for the backing, I have a gorgeous aqua fleece that I bought from Joann's. The finished quilt is going to be sooo snuggly and soft and I am having visions of Nate, Pete, and I cuddling up under it to watch Netflix movies as a family. I realize I sound slightly delusional and since it's Christmas, I'm okay with that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4HQUhfv4slWfq5jj0Kinhx7-f_kidyzvN5Y3prKLbZWYS8hd7OKRGAJci7w8XLoDKiJasBVpkrqt46MHM69QgWK2CC7-JkQsjCLjvy36h4YfjkOp4U4HfdDFrFQUtTpYc2WTYElYIIqA/s1600/100_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4HQUhfv4slWfq5jj0Kinhx7-f_kidyzvN5Y3prKLbZWYS8hd7OKRGAJci7w8XLoDKiJasBVpkrqt46MHM69QgWK2CC7-JkQsjCLjvy36h4YfjkOp4U4HfdDFrFQUtTpYc2WTYElYIIqA/s640/100_2212.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Christmas wish for everyone who reads this is that you are able to put your feet up and relax this year. Thanks for reading and have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lisa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-73491334929167975752010-12-13T19:49:00.002-05:002011-03-09T13:24:51.901-05:00Embroidery + Quilting = Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FINALLY! I finished the Magic Quilt I started nearly two months ago. I love it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The quilt is a gift for a special little girl who needs a little help keeping nightmares away. Her mom thought she would like to be able to go to sleep covered up in all of her favorite things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AkiqLm3xTZmBKmzYL8TX_HeGHfh5ZeT2yCNx4d_jfTjExBYYp5r4z-NV3JhxuPtyaUPhO3duAQF-Ru_S0BjeefQ7rx7uCnZ8cvC3Dbhyphenhyphen4m7MJ-YWTqW-kt5fEDviMny8pdve7ss76Tlt/s1600/2192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AkiqLm3xTZmBKmzYL8TX_HeGHfh5ZeT2yCNx4d_jfTjExBYYp5r4z-NV3JhxuPtyaUPhO3duAQF-Ru_S0BjeefQ7rx7uCnZ8cvC3Dbhyphenhyphen4m7MJ-YWTqW-kt5fEDviMny8pdve7ss76Tlt/s400/2192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of Malia's favorite things is the swings at the park. To make these, I used a fairly basic split stitch and back stitch, but for the grass, I brought my ends to the front of the quilt and knotted them so the floss would look super soft and tufty. My spellchecker says "tufty" isn't a word, but I think it's wrong.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokn2Xf5AGz3TNRIh2NlaKT0vGuBXnSPI4uV5cY5lEedonOBUclhLjrDOLvRZaBx9IXcc9S2Q6ayca2ELnUj4AdfT16ZFetiVS5rdmMcOsYDBdvOvFJPQN0S1SV7xqpv91EiAghrkSGI91/s1600/2193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokn2Xf5AGz3TNRIh2NlaKT0vGuBXnSPI4uV5cY5lEedonOBUclhLjrDOLvRZaBx9IXcc9S2Q6ayca2ELnUj4AdfT16ZFetiVS5rdmMcOsYDBdvOvFJPQN0S1SV7xqpv91EiAghrkSGI91/s400/2193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a little family portrait. Malia, Rene, Danny, and Keenan. They are such a cute family! For Malia, Danny, and Keenan's hair, I used french knots to evoke curls.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8kVJA0fOOlmyoQ0n9bsEmkMhHw-RR3DvtusJQsWPj0M_4lZTb-pvG5Wy18atW8K7Cpz-CEa3JOc6gVdEhSIXR269ptYHHCzzUCM5byJldTsrUlpB_g0C-IXL3tbAm4qlD3SXHDOXRsEK/s1600/2194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8kVJA0fOOlmyoQ0n9bsEmkMhHw-RR3DvtusJQsWPj0M_4lZTb-pvG5Wy18atW8K7Cpz-CEa3JOc6gVdEhSIXR269ptYHHCzzUCM5byJldTsrUlpB_g0C-IXL3tbAm4qlD3SXHDOXRsEK/s640/2194.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Curly red hair, cute red dress, super fun musical--it can only mean Annie. The best part of embroidering this square was all of the memories it brought back for me. I totally played Annie in my high school production! It's one of my favorite musicals.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6HfCpdQA77_o72JaPnH1gYREKQlxfdbHaNpX3YU-fARpqX5ZIiZcCvpl2G4z2Aucmpj4nEIvWVy2kJbHhkq6nOXCKBvsxVBDX0inlyvogfGoWO3AewDkEOu2KHtfgu5Cl2yZPYfTJLEm/s1600/2195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6HfCpdQA77_o72JaPnH1gYREKQlxfdbHaNpX3YU-fARpqX5ZIiZcCvpl2G4z2Aucmpj4nEIvWVy2kJbHhkq6nOXCKBvsxVBDX0inlyvogfGoWO3AewDkEOu2KHtfgu5Cl2yZPYfTJLEm/s400/2195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Macaroni and cheese. Delicious.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVGuegCbjV6xA3P4QdmmpXNp6lPyX0wMUYVKkwmEddfDWAkvaQpNU8iMGqLcU56D3yn_ckAm3C1GtFyWhyXMDfyFLraGe_v3DlfhDlapxAPhJ-qmpoAGwD8uHD7shfBfnnmhs0kRtV36d/s1600/2196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVGuegCbjV6xA3P4QdmmpXNp6lPyX0wMUYVKkwmEddfDWAkvaQpNU8iMGqLcU56D3yn_ckAm3C1GtFyWhyXMDfyFLraGe_v3DlfhDlapxAPhJ-qmpoAGwD8uHD7shfBfnnmhs0kRtV36d/s400/2196.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rene's parents live in Arizona and Malia loves getting to fly out and visit.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTADNaAnHSYEdfs-76pwsAsgU9QfG3Vz2LQQA7SszvVQn4IA9AZt8H6qyAYsCMmO4FZHrcn4SDgWi_z7QhAMuZlFTidjm-UKVZqjXjrRGZCAKvAxpBuHg7bzxehw-SPn1iISk3rSBmd9F/s1600/2199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTADNaAnHSYEdfs-76pwsAsgU9QfG3Vz2LQQA7SszvVQn4IA9AZt8H6qyAYsCMmO4FZHrcn4SDgWi_z7QhAMuZlFTidjm-UKVZqjXjrRGZCAKvAxpBuHg7bzxehw-SPn1iISk3rSBmd9F/s640/2199.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Altogether, this quilt has a whimsy and charm. I hope that Malia loves it and that it keeps all of the bad dreams far away.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-85161239509018322502010-10-28T10:07:00.002-04:002011-03-09T13:24:39.891-05:00A little magic...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT2mfC7kYAn5kL9NiVCO8r3gj7y9ejWdHXR3wxY6JFgu3t3EXw3ahrKrGUZGg3IfyqPhKUNxE7MjecHICsEc7P68EZVZTp6XfN0Tu33JxAOiTDjyL-fIPxokXgnqqDF5D2DycmWDHLGfh/s1600/2135.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT2mfC7kYAn5kL9NiVCO8r3gj7y9ejWdHXR3wxY6JFgu3t3EXw3ahrKrGUZGg3IfyqPhKUNxE7MjecHICsEc7P68EZVZTp6XfN0Tu33JxAOiTDjyL-fIPxokXgnqqDF5D2DycmWDHLGfh/s1600/2135.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDZN_REvmS9QbDggnoosOTe9zkV50jx_VE2NyW2wJXMhRnkA6LGkhA4BmtcJOjKeuwLf-zlsEETnyQ9GOSatd8OiLN4l85XmYfd1MoCcTA0v9jQkNcb4-EdX31CyDbzo6LBxVYvC6K8Uc/s1600/2136.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDZN_REvmS9QbDggnoosOTe9zkV50jx_VE2NyW2wJXMhRnkA6LGkhA4BmtcJOjKeuwLf-zlsEETnyQ9GOSatd8OiLN4l85XmYfd1MoCcTA0v9jQkNcb4-EdX31CyDbzo6LBxVYvC6K8Uc/s1600/2136.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r45pXUnS-nwHFJ5atdgP_VgQp0uKU5_oj1QqFUHKXkcOGhxpDsoL8Leb-OE1rQe5MiHYdx_FYlu3xvsXabTCULsn_NuhzH8Vc4fYkhYKcI3Vd20RjhACjol11TVGspFZP7a9bGLRh3zq/s1600/2137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r45pXUnS-nwHFJ5atdgP_VgQp0uKU5_oj1QqFUHKXkcOGhxpDsoL8Leb-OE1rQe5MiHYdx_FYlu3xvsXabTCULsn_NuhzH8Vc4fYkhYKcI3Vd20RjhACjol11TVGspFZP7a9bGLRh3zq/s400/2137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cdnn0gVShrIIFNvAgroZELgSQoQs_QF9T1ZCVgjByhhSEzAjKfaTX90LAy-TLRBb3M3f-RyiLKEelcdIMhLJO66Gllob6JpgC9dt6-L4jUCQInDOrG3iYT-G9O8lTRj5HxqS49TUZrPB/s1600/2138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Cdnn0gVShrIIFNvAgroZELgSQoQs_QF9T1ZCVgjByhhSEzAjKfaTX90LAy-TLRBb3M3f-RyiLKEelcdIMhLJO66Gllob6JpgC9dt6-L4jUCQInDOrG3iYT-G9O8lTRj5HxqS49TUZrPB/s640/2138.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes quilts can be magical, can't they? This confection is a Christmas gift for a little girl who is having some trouble sleeping, so the magic of this quilt will be to keep the nightmares away. I know it would keep mine away if it were on my bed.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-6779501262192257842010-10-26T18:42:00.001-04:002011-03-09T13:24:22.348-05:00Studio Sale Loot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFPW0IqFpIA7WoBh3xTHo2-RCHY0GyKBHTVv37b7B4qgukSpYkQ4cVrEeoG9xLQuBiFA_LpoBzMRvtdfQ4Wgz-VF2Ag_eoe0TASFmZdRCu_9eYZ3mo2z5I9QYPBNGbX9BQpGK5PiV9OLb/s1600/2125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFPW0IqFpIA7WoBh3xTHo2-RCHY0GyKBHTVv37b7B4qgukSpYkQ4cVrEeoG9xLQuBiFA_LpoBzMRvtdfQ4Wgz-VF2Ag_eoe0TASFmZdRCu_9eYZ3mo2z5I9QYPBNGbX9BQpGK5PiV9OLb/s400/2125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, in September my favorite fabric designer held her second (hopefully annual) studio sale. When I found out that <a href="http://heatherross.squarespace.com/journal/">Heather Ross</a> was doing this, I basically begged my husband to let me pretty pretty please buy something. Fortunately for me, my husband finds me irritating enough when I get like this to just give me my way! So, I was SO EXCITED when this package finally arrived in the mail on Saturday afternoon.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL7YI1YBaMV_TpiBCbhYfMrMgwv93JN1dN7t2sLke8X8IsMna_wCY8u5_pXASXxMpNKWeD3JKXsmiIpHd00URbK6E3SBV7G6PiTiezcAdj1zJySSwM8BU1AbpKg-z7yWUchM2uJcWGUQ5/s1600/2126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL7YI1YBaMV_TpiBCbhYfMrMgwv93JN1dN7t2sLke8X8IsMna_wCY8u5_pXASXxMpNKWeD3JKXsmiIpHd00URbK6E3SBV7G6PiTiezcAdj1zJySSwM8BU1AbpKg-z7yWUchM2uJcWGUQ5/s400/2126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The thing about Heather's studio sale is that you don't really know what you're going to get. You set a spending limit and she puts together a little package of awesomeness filled with things she thinks you'll like. Imagine how excited I was to see two prints from her current line with <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/heatherross">Spoonflower</a> that I'm refusing to buy because of the cost! Yay! I am absolutely loving the little clothespin dolls.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4jArVopCavaNRp_4m0GK0vkEMmS9cbcS_om9XunbfKHHgxc0ny3wOp1Jy8LAlSslMBXvvWmOcy7-1zIxrVsu-2DoEXtRjsqjjwJ9JNQCaZ0b8VITAoGlLQnS_Tr6bUK6iwyONEr-8qtN/s1600/2127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4jArVopCavaNRp_4m0GK0vkEMmS9cbcS_om9XunbfKHHgxc0ny3wOp1Jy8LAlSslMBXvvWmOcy7-1zIxrVsu-2DoEXtRjsqjjwJ9JNQCaZ0b8VITAoGlLQnS_Tr6bUK6iwyONEr-8qtN/s400/2127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also included were prints that are long out of print. The mermaids and seahorses are from her last line with Westminster called Mendocino. I love this line. I have no idea what line(s) the green polka-dot and the yellow floral are from, but I'm sure glad to add them to my stash. If anyone knows anything about those two fabrics, please let me know in the comments. I'm very curious. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWWLQxVrZPpxugdV5t0MZboWn7lOQX_yR9kWcbmDTxf_HgS1M6Pjo1UquPKuAlnt1ItFj7h79vO96zgjV6JDgHHTFEoL6b4ee34iHR8faVFyR1woeP_dJsDod583fuWtKcGGnip_DSfCH/s1600/2128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWWLQxVrZPpxugdV5t0MZboWn7lOQX_yR9kWcbmDTxf_HgS1M6Pjo1UquPKuAlnt1ItFj7h79vO96zgjV6JDgHHTFEoL6b4ee34iHR8faVFyR1woeP_dJsDod583fuWtKcGGnip_DSfCH/s400/2128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEeGUtQESolcCaN42pNkUwpxBcCayhB4_nAMNvtkdYuenzzYrFCFdCg9xhcgi3jwi4J6G1OQLZa32kCJ0-_R7iMAQGFojNt2x_wU0QiuDq1AVtmoxhfHtphSfveL6Mg19k3icrrhqNwM8/s1600/2131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEeGUtQESolcCaN42pNkUwpxBcCayhB4_nAMNvtkdYuenzzYrFCFdCg9xhcgi3jwi4J6G1OQLZa32kCJ0-_R7iMAQGFojNt2x_wU0QiuDq1AVtmoxhfHtphSfveL6Mg19k3icrrhqNwM8/s640/2131.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to the fabric Heather chose for me, she included the tiny little gems pictured above. I adore those toadstool felt appliqued patches. And that crocheted lobster? So sweet! Also included were three crocheted flowers and stems, but my picture of those turned out blurry and I'm too lazy to go take another one. Drat.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-AwZP6WUwxvggK0XNPUkf9GkmGtgj8fjblgeWbgDSZJV69BOh5aDMapQPMVhe0CXkN3Drv8agQ5Y7nqpNLa1HSCBl3f8RRq3qJYfnBPy0a8f0rr8-fqb4RqZmTySMHW0Mx6W17tWzQhB/s1600/2133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-AwZP6WUwxvggK0XNPUkf9GkmGtgj8fjblgeWbgDSZJV69BOh5aDMapQPMVhe0CXkN3Drv8agQ5Y7nqpNLa1HSCBl3f8RRq3qJYfnBPy0a8f0rr8-fqb4RqZmTySMHW0Mx6W17tWzQhB/s640/2133.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nate said it was weird to frame this particular item, but it's a signed print. Personalized. And it looks lovely in it's spot above my sewing workstation. In case all of you think it's weird, too, I want to reassure you that I only spent $9.00 on this poster frame. So, it's not like I went to Michael's and had it custom framed. Yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have some exciting projects on the horizon including a couple of quilts. I can't wait to share my progress in the next few days.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-62380204003946071492010-10-22T21:04:00.001-04:002011-03-09T13:25:09.131-05:00Ornament Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf92_gpD7pbMu6p2z6pNVBT3oL2pJ0lKR7nNb_HCwOjMGkeP2aTm5ZATt7Z5zayoZNcRbLc9-bfAbD4DZgx2k5l1gujKdDrE2-y2VERFhNsyO7yVJLpPgoWxcwjNypUvwmWMu-YmKVmqZ1/s1600/2121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf92_gpD7pbMu6p2z6pNVBT3oL2pJ0lKR7nNb_HCwOjMGkeP2aTm5ZATt7Z5zayoZNcRbLc9-bfAbD4DZgx2k5l1gujKdDrE2-y2VERFhNsyO7yVJLpPgoWxcwjNypUvwmWMu-YmKVmqZ1/s400/2121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I realized, with the help of my boss, that Monday is the 2-month-to-Christmas mark and I have so many things I want to accomplish before then. One of the biggest things I want to do is create some Peter-friendly tree decorations so we can have a festive season with (relatively) few worries. I had an idea to make some simple ornaments from some of my fabric scraps and a bit of ribbon and I am so happy with the finished look that I decided to share the super-simple step-by-step directions with you! I hope you have fun making a few of these cute and fun ornaments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make these, you'll need some fabric scraps at least 4x4 inches big. You'll also need some stuffing, ribbon, pinking shears and coordinating thread.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To begin, trace a circle onto your fabric. For my circle, I used a coffee cup to trace with a disappearing ink made for sewing, but pencil and any circular item will do. It's easiest to trace on to one side of a stack of fabrics and cut several layers out at a time using a sharp scissors. Save the pinking shears for later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, cut a length of ribbon and fold it in half. Pin it between two circles with the wrong sides of the fabric together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVuCbyZvA0vlKTUIehd1OeBLI_p2T2o-ZAhAzXitpx5jnGZPGuo_cfd9mU0kdz8jj0DdZz3C82cPck3D6-jdesL7muAhdRm2rg1QC3u60gSd0Zp4907fZDFGwH-KYsnNGlKKBPWegVCRr/s1600/2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVuCbyZvA0vlKTUIehd1OeBLI_p2T2o-ZAhAzXitpx5jnGZPGuo_cfd9mU0kdz8jj0DdZz3C82cPck3D6-jdesL7muAhdRm2rg1QC3u60gSd0Zp4907fZDFGwH-KYsnNGlKKBPWegVCRr/s400/2109.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure you have enough ribbon in between the layers that you can comfortably sew with a 1/4 inch seam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yH0N8gf0vsmPM8TfLfHTverJjWbtcQ8uVe2JwSV4Hm4J2UyCcaxIdoXyfMxN-HmNA7-KySk5VKSAqixDWr9GVRfAP7ThuvxCCt5GcTME7iK7OTJD0ECjBR9Exyq7ug-nXiosnvkqx3Wn/s1600/2099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yH0N8gf0vsmPM8TfLfHTverJjWbtcQ8uVe2JwSV4Hm4J2UyCcaxIdoXyfMxN-HmNA7-KySk5VKSAqixDWr9GVRfAP7ThuvxCCt5GcTME7iK7OTJD0ECjBR9Exyq7ug-nXiosnvkqx3Wn/s400/2099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I use a pin here so that I can be sure my ribbon won't shift while I'm sewing.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp79SwB7AI4bc7Dy9bAQ-wXBSLJ_wzYvkbrT1xmgxv8yhrmY31gT8lT09Ms6MWsOwEYgklrgSaaGb5kVBfAMElYK1hIVKiHC5eMC3IxuA5Rg3kU5BLU6SNPFMMPI_QZV9TNSRTrBF7dyT/s1600/2111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp79SwB7AI4bc7Dy9bAQ-wXBSLJ_wzYvkbrT1xmgxv8yhrmY31gT8lT09Ms6MWsOwEYgklrgSaaGb5kVBfAMElYK1hIVKiHC5eMC3IxuA5Rg3kU5BLU6SNPFMMPI_QZV9TNSRTrBF7dyT/s400/2111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sew with an approximate 1/4 inch seam allowance around the perimeter of the circle, leaving a 1 1/2 - 2 inch opening, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">backstitching</span> at the beginning and end of the seam. Make sure to catch your ribbon ends in this seam.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz951xCipTEqLmmoiHwTK3fJCrfk_O6YgtHDdpUOQ7Qa2DzfVJOO5QzvPVErhQG-a5d8IbhvstA3NqJjDJS-EmhKvCtbIXIjks0X3IyZ5hpLC0d5wIvR2PR0KrpDyKzOll_zT2xruCMznU/s1600/2113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz951xCipTEqLmmoiHwTK3fJCrfk_O6YgtHDdpUOQ7Qa2DzfVJOO5QzvPVErhQG-a5d8IbhvstA3NqJjDJS-EmhKvCtbIXIjks0X3IyZ5hpLC0d5wIvR2PR0KrpDyKzOll_zT2xruCMznU/s400/2113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After adding enough stuffing to give your ornament a nice, plushy look, pin the opening closed and sew it shut making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam again.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vEqShQH6CxjIHwU7DWah1qhhHncwq2grTDf95I6TvivJww0y4NozQUdK49fgO4uMn-SX3E7TUiprgUU6qUFy2CP9-80jx0_h5gff-sexvXXtAhjN1GOCbYefSzc5N5JWZtaAKWsGFfXG/s1600/2114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vEqShQH6CxjIHwU7DWah1qhhHncwq2grTDf95I6TvivJww0y4NozQUdK49fgO4uMn-SX3E7TUiprgUU6qUFy2CP9-80jx0_h5gff-sexvXXtAhjN1GOCbYefSzc5N5JWZtaAKWsGFfXG/s400/2114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what your ornament should look like at this point. I told you it was super duper easy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpg0ro1yH3WCVHdp5QZSdyMyJ3vP3FEzEYXlBvs0EkjUN7uDcFJZq8a8Utvue1gGALfe3-Y5nr5lGjIu9GiSoONDPB0RsbCqhumnBR5E8rTqxDMegROddbCsGbs7R8e7X_HAKkkbJKV-6/s1600/2116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpg0ro1yH3WCVHdp5QZSdyMyJ3vP3FEzEYXlBvs0EkjUN7uDcFJZq8a8Utvue1gGALfe3-Y5nr5lGjIu9GiSoONDPB0RsbCqhumnBR5E8rTqxDMegROddbCsGbs7R8e7X_HAKkkbJKV-6/s400/2116.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To finish, just use your pinking shears to trim your seam allowance. This makes your raw edge less likely to fray and it gives the finished ornament a nice, decorative look. When you get to where your ribbon is sewn in, separate the layers and pink one side at a time so you don't cut through the ribbon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These little guys take about 10 minutes each to put together and they are so cute! I can't wait to see them on our tree, but they would also look perfect tied to the top of a present. I hope you guys have fun making these. If anyone does, email me pictures of your work at whatlisamade@gmail.com and I'll post them here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-51658509691307138642010-10-21T19:23:00.002-04:002011-03-09T13:25:21.825-05:00Coming Soon...It's hard to believe I'm already preparing for the holidays, but I've been working on some projects for the house that I want to have done in time to decorate for Christmas. One such thing is an ornament idea I had that's very cute and safe for grabby hands.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGSGEl97gfI3_eAQlXr2MgXoBMjk5YydhUY3DXJ1G3XnLrddpzSnMrZkQ7tBXnhvhKsm0-dNhcDZSLUAGdsuiHHPmC0kDSFX3UC716P29_lV6tGTGvfQdDeyfcFt3mENABOoopyMECBJr/s1600/2097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGSGEl97gfI3_eAQlXr2MgXoBMjk5YydhUY3DXJ1G3XnLrddpzSnMrZkQ7tBXnhvhKsm0-dNhcDZSLUAGdsuiHHPmC0kDSFX3UC716P29_lV6tGTGvfQdDeyfcFt3mENABOoopyMECBJr/s400/2097.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm putting together a tutorial in case anyone else wants to make something similar for their own Christmas trees or for gifts for friends and family. See you back soon with all the details.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-14517308897588257702010-10-18T13:27:00.001-04:002011-03-09T13:26:02.708-05:00Finished PillowHello, everyone! I know I've been MIA, but there has been a lot going on in my professional life that has been occupying my time. It has resulted in a promotion and a raise, so I'm very pleased about that and hopefully now things have settled enough for me to get back to some seriously fun sewing.<br />
<br />
I've recently finished the second pillow in a series of four and I love how it has turned out. The fabrics used are a quilting-weight cotton from Joann's for the print, Kona Black for the solid, and a very satiny gold which I love the look of, but don't particularly like sewing with. It's very slippery. The embroidery was done with Pearle cotton. Again, very pretty but a little different than embroidery floss.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwZUigj30rCbxfZO9mXUDVUEtaRYURYutfumgI7aK9F3V0YECEctv4N8CjeSMLVZw9bYgzmmcKje6zqQdLx1hECA0St1VD6R1970ZqWSr5GY_78DoTgqDOdxANcSH1mfsgXGRlS_K3hQu/s1600/2096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwZUigj30rCbxfZO9mXUDVUEtaRYURYutfumgI7aK9F3V0YECEctv4N8CjeSMLVZw9bYgzmmcKje6zqQdLx1hECA0St1VD6R1970ZqWSr5GY_78DoTgqDOdxANcSH1mfsgXGRlS_K3hQu/s640/2096.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The top is quilted with straight lines--my favorite kind of quilting. My customer wanted a burgundy thread to match the print. I think it looks lovely with the gold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The back is done with the gold with four buttons for the closure. This particular fabric is much easier to work with on larger areas, so the back came together a little more easily than the front.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipynfhRb9FDWVyKPYqWvCE_gzk5TVAcWVn3mW7TWKYRnyI5Spaq9B_j9QvNFZ1lSIYuuPvcVOaJ4ogteXjRtmjBsUfJMK0F14xdBq3CTmQCmqIg8zsd71nokf3OOP8f4aEvjp-lBWp7E9V/s1600/2095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipynfhRb9FDWVyKPYqWvCE_gzk5TVAcWVn3mW7TWKYRnyI5Spaq9B_j9QvNFZ1lSIYuuPvcVOaJ4ogteXjRtmjBsUfJMK0F14xdBq3CTmQCmqIg8zsd71nokf3OOP8f4aEvjp-lBWp7E9V/s640/2095.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use a disappearing ink to mark button placement. You can still see it in this photo, but it's all gone now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, I think that the overall look of the pillow is very successful. I truly hope that the recipient loves it and is proud do display it in her home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now for something completely different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sbRMS1N08fNegILUKTvTHLGQJmTYK5lP9yUJYyMppNfyJ_FdUcqe_4Ajpb586JEIaoHMV56b2FV_T0zX2QMbHFiIcSNS6k00rncg62fRervJDpkfqKUpDyxqLJ5ad-A2TTELOQ2tgMNg/s1600/2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sbRMS1N08fNegILUKTvTHLGQJmTYK5lP9yUJYyMppNfyJ_FdUcqe_4Ajpb586JEIaoHMV56b2FV_T0zX2QMbHFiIcSNS6k00rncg62fRervJDpkfqKUpDyxqLJ5ad-A2TTELOQ2tgMNg/s640/2081.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peter is going as Ralphie from <i>A Christmas Story</i> for Halloween. He's pretty excited about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-89096560276069193102010-10-09T08:05:00.000-04:002010-10-09T08:05:03.435-04:00QuietIt's been a quiet sewing and crafting week this week. Lots going on at work and my folks are visiting from out of town, but I've got some exciting projects to do, including the second in a series of <a href="http://whatlisamade.blogspot.com/2010/09/piano-pillow.html">four pillows</a>. Thanks for sticking with me!<br />
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LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-73551911398756197062010-10-02T17:58:00.001-04:002011-03-09T13:26:21.857-05:00Chilly Day ChiliSo, when I started this blog, I didn't think I would use it as a platform to post recipes. I don't make many up myself and, lets face it, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/">Food Network</a> is awesome. However, I have a killer chili recipe that will warm you up all winter long and it seems a crime not to share it with you.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<br />
1 lb. Ground Beef<br />
5-6 Strips Bacon<br />
1 med. Onion, diced<br />
1 med. Bell Pepper, diced<br />
2 cloves Garlic, finely diced<br />
1 small can Tomato Paste<br />
1 14 oz. can Diced Tomatoes<br />
2 tbsp. Honey<br />
1 tbsp. Chili Powder<br />
1 tbsp. Cumin<br />
1/2 tbsp. Dried Oregano<br />
Salt and Pepper to taste<br />
and my super secret ingredient:<br />
1 12 oz. bottle of Beer.<br />
<br />
Shredded Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream to garnish<br />
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Fry bacon in a frying pan. Once bacon is crisp, set it aside. DO NOT THROW IT OUT. Put 2 tbsp of your rendered bacon fat in a dutch oven and sauté the onion, garlic, and pepper until soft and/or translucent. In the same pan you used for your bacon, brown your ground beef. Once the beef is cooked through and the veggies are soft, combine in the dutch oven. Add tomato paste and stir so that everything is evenly combined. Next, add the beer. (As an aside, here, I recommend using your favorite beer UNLESS your favorite beer is something fruity. I DO NOT recommend Blue Moon, or any berry beer for this chili. I do recommend them for drinking, though.) Bring the beer to a boil, then simmer until reduced by about 1/3. This takes about 5-10 minutes. Now you're going to add your diced tomatoes, juice and all, your honey, and all of your seasonings. Stir to combine and let this simmer 10-15 minutes (or longer) to let all of your flavors merry. Trust me, the longer you let this simmer, the better your chili will be. You remember that bacon you rendered? Crumble it up. Serve up your chili in a nice, big bowl. Top it with your shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a bit of crumbled bacon and enjoy. (Another aside. You'll notice there are not many spicy ingredients. This is because I have a toddler. Please feel free to add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a jalapeño or two at the appropriate time.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOZ_KdQEc3nVkqUcLm7toEG3BqMNWmbPabyvS5o_gcAc1FN0j3TeY019dGi7Hr335TdhJ6isI2u57L54ko4lYSg4A6-0F75_H_ml3QlIH5w_3JdLOoo9Qv-g5pcenDPCNIQuoW72ri00q/s1600/2066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOZ_KdQEc3nVkqUcLm7toEG3BqMNWmbPabyvS5o_gcAc1FN0j3TeY019dGi7Hr335TdhJ6isI2u57L54ko4lYSg4A6-0F75_H_ml3QlIH5w_3JdLOoo9Qv-g5pcenDPCNIQuoW72ri00q/s640/2066.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, now that I've shared my favorite recipe, what do you guys think? Do you want more recipes? Do you never ever want to see a recipe again? What about recipe reviews? Let me know in the comments.</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-54696307928429803922010-10-01T08:25:00.001-04:002010-10-01T08:26:44.426-04:00Rainy Day QuiltI finished Rebecca's quilt! Hooray!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNc43F0n79Ur2ITVyzFY251KkuuYjdb5LCFSAjhiFxuPOzCr3xh84nS5DdxXU325IOn_d8PYW3nYePydVa6scHCVGfVcruCPHF6aMUs2gCdifJM-l28qX8Y73wSsa-_61KqqqTUollAve/s1600/100_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNc43F0n79Ur2ITVyzFY251KkuuYjdb5LCFSAjhiFxuPOzCr3xh84nS5DdxXU325IOn_d8PYW3nYePydVa6scHCVGfVcruCPHF6aMUs2gCdifJM-l28qX8Y73wSsa-_61KqqqTUollAve/s640/100_2060.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have I mentioned how in love I am with the color palate? Dusty lavenders, smoky grays, chilly slates... When Rebecca asked me to make this quilt for her, I asked if she had any color preferences and she said, "no neon and no yellow-ish green". That pretty much left the field wide open and one morning I woke up and it was that kind of first cold of autumn. I did not want to get out of bed and then it occurred to me that that was the perfect inspiration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE2KgBKtS8rxZ5uZXCGZEkWPmM5lT4dPb89UZ8j2PU_OJG0xtclIwkYA8jYBQpZNYStyBc6a_x0R8xXdG1CLkmLltbEtjAoAKiK1KgURLdQxW-Rn8HvGaDOtzsqKf-0m7TcCQzBCVTGP7/s1600/100_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE2KgBKtS8rxZ5uZXCGZEkWPmM5lT4dPb89UZ8j2PU_OJG0xtclIwkYA8jYBQpZNYStyBc6a_x0R8xXdG1CLkmLltbEtjAoAKiK1KgURLdQxW-Rn8HvGaDOtzsqKf-0m7TcCQzBCVTGP7/s640/100_2061.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember Rebecca mentioning that she likes rainy days, so I deliberately arranged the blocks to invoke a rain cloud or a shadow on a foggy morning. I couldn't be happier with the composition.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghf15zJb0U9_NrsP6WXucsY7teI0ANbDn0cHmU2RrFKt5sChC-Hta4FSlil_o1R1DTj1Rt2uVB-68hXNHkCa5kxnYVT19_2Wo7_uwdEdr-OeKFvK4PWpyqkUxGn6jvHY8VLK3RfGzTymD/s1600/100_2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghf15zJb0U9_NrsP6WXucsY7teI0ANbDn0cHmU2RrFKt5sChC-Hta4FSlil_o1R1DTj1Rt2uVB-68hXNHkCa5kxnYVT19_2Wo7_uwdEdr-OeKFvK4PWpyqkUxGn6jvHY8VLK3RfGzTymD/s400/100_2062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main solid on the front and the backing is Kona Ash (probably my favorite Kona solid of all time. For now.) Included in the quilt are two fabrics from the Peacock collection by Allison Jane Smith, Heather Ross's moons in the plum colorway from Far Far Away II, one of the Good Folks cottons called Filigree from Anna Maria Horner, a shot cotton solid in blueberry, Kona Slate, and Stripe Lilac from McKenzie</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BrmyuYRfOQZLjeiQE_pWYd2kM8juBTEuxzwto0_rpEm4QbL7XxvtaKFz8xWkdHxlDWGyoXaoJ2TVlubuY_bTLficetZsAUU4h9XMywuq3AJWtNzyc_4PFUmU5sgTMd0EKATwrPvrOatN/s1600/100_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BrmyuYRfOQZLjeiQE_pWYd2kM8juBTEuxzwto0_rpEm4QbL7XxvtaKFz8xWkdHxlDWGyoXaoJ2TVlubuY_bTLficetZsAUU4h9XMywuq3AJWtNzyc_4PFUmU5sgTMd0EKATwrPvrOatN/s400/100_2063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The binding is called Tealight from the Paradise Collection by Patricia Bravo. I just did some straight line quilting and I washed the quilt after it was all quilted and bound so it would get all wonderful and crinkley. I'm mailing it off to Rebecca and I hope she likes it. I certainly do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-57995380985176846782010-09-29T06:37:00.000-04:002010-09-29T06:38:01.378-04:00x's and o's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to believe that it's already been four years since I met you at the end of this aisle and promised to spend the rest of my life with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzZOsv_Lc416wOSzv5lkKy6PYZtpk_FVOAISFM3MixqP0lPWeCcuOeYk7WZGgOocUQBNolPrXcuu5doG71Ad0k3wyyRPLeuiBtXWy95NGdB6_6EOuQBf6PDT1tS2YOsgv0-hepL1dUWC8/s1600/117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzZOsv_Lc416wOSzv5lkKy6PYZtpk_FVOAISFM3MixqP0lPWeCcuOeYk7WZGgOocUQBNolPrXcuu5doG71Ad0k3wyyRPLeuiBtXWy95NGdB6_6EOuQBf6PDT1tS2YOsgv0-hepL1dUWC8/s640/117.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the time since that day, we've made some big changes and welcomed a son. We've struck out on our own, to make a life for ourselves, to have an adventure. It has been an adventure, to say the least, and I know we're going to have many more before long.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RHCC2xTQOr82lQNv3SY4Ghq1jC01G5nYzZC-XJTqyz_dDu0jDipZb3a2ZtAenCjY2suCK2rCbtumq341U9l2NyI83psNdn3fzsd7XfmZgzEirLr6t-klj_8FPiQ580oTXCejK46YCjZ7/s1600/baptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RHCC2xTQOr82lQNv3SY4Ghq1jC01G5nYzZC-XJTqyz_dDu0jDipZb3a2ZtAenCjY2suCK2rCbtumq341U9l2NyI83psNdn3fzsd7XfmZgzEirLr6t-klj_8FPiQ580oTXCejK46YCjZ7/s640/baptism.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In four years, we've seen good things and difficult things and I can't imagine anyone I'd have rather been with through it all. I love you more than words can say and I'm so glad that you chose me to be your partner, your friend, the mother of your child, and your wife. I can't wait to find out what's in store for us down the road because as long as we're together, we can conquer anything. Happy anniversary, Nate. xoxoxo</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-58194107802458782242010-09-27T17:31:00.000-04:002010-09-27T17:31:37.046-04:00Busy Bee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJBCPyx8aBxMzfmSJGPW86S28c2ewd4vK0cp48rt1pZ2H7JQ3Vt3F5tlqHC2SqPAeCM0gxo2OipHGkp2fwYJ_u8VMnCZUc3KtTSCNsqpKmqghdB_WLDM9oVzFO81m3vw2gjQTk0VlJv2o/s1600/100_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJBCPyx8aBxMzfmSJGPW86S28c2ewd4vK0cp48rt1pZ2H7JQ3Vt3F5tlqHC2SqPAeCM0gxo2OipHGkp2fwYJ_u8VMnCZUc3KtTSCNsqpKmqghdB_WLDM9oVzFO81m3vw2gjQTk0VlJv2o/s640/100_2041.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Soon to be finished...Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-41328331933605623322010-09-24T08:33:00.000-04:002010-09-24T08:33:56.705-04:00(nearly) Instant Gratification<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I love the instant gratification of making kids' clothes. Ok, so I suppose it's not <em>instant</em> instant, but they come together faster than big projects like quilts or embroideries. I love that I can start a project on my lunch break and have a finished item before bedtime.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU_JG4ul6WPHLI-BTFZ-LMqXJVSjPN3W8Jtfeu6oNjWS-uQ1MVmLZxYSj_8nzkc88nY1f1Ch8ymG5Uhs4fIOLGCpcr9RnXKfna_u0sXBes0s56nbvzfktXn3PVauLLWIAVzuWrdbLyZiw/s1600/blog+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU_JG4ul6WPHLI-BTFZ-LMqXJVSjPN3W8Jtfeu6oNjWS-uQ1MVmLZxYSj_8nzkc88nY1f1Ch8ymG5Uhs4fIOLGCpcr9RnXKfna_u0sXBes0s56nbvzfktXn3PVauLLWIAVzuWrdbLyZiw/s400/blog+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">This is a cashmere sweater that Nate refused to wear.</td></tr>
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</div>For Peter, I've been focusing on upcycling clothes that Nate and I don't wear anymore. I don't want to spend money on new clothes for him this year. Not only does he outgrow them so fast, but kids clothes are expensive considering how small they are.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYwfQ3lbM3Ip8780ZxgDFmII8ABQOXfqWz0B4XbORCJsd5NM8t5CclRASxKRK8u06xpxAE0-h4-SuaU_GRpmSzfjGkJ-mI6-nK4VsxXPtTgYR8-Mn_wo56DSUHJ16fyBVMzR3ZVyhzwKx/s1600/blog+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYwfQ3lbM3Ip8780ZxgDFmII8ABQOXfqWz0B4XbORCJsd5NM8t5CclRASxKRK8u06xpxAE0-h4-SuaU_GRpmSzfjGkJ-mI6-nK4VsxXPtTgYR8-Mn_wo56DSUHJ16fyBVMzR3ZVyhzwKx/s400/blog+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table> So, I cut up this sweater as well as a green knit fabric I had left over from another project to create the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57184760/new-urban-unisex-hoodie-pattern-and">Urban Sweatshirt</a> by Heidi and Finn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftjR6A1Cyo-afDpb0L7Z_ktrZHXT7L5wD5_sCKHd0jOpCSCiR1WGsC-d-aW3tOueXSIgkbZhQVYg21pYw5LAlR6oct_kCWxvtc7pOpWBTx5t4utLKNAhEF3iAOmxipbdDlWKcu2MKJq5O/s1600/blog+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftjR6A1Cyo-afDpb0L7Z_ktrZHXT7L5wD5_sCKHd0jOpCSCiR1WGsC-d-aW3tOueXSIgkbZhQVYg21pYw5LAlR6oct_kCWxvtc7pOpWBTx5t4utLKNAhEF3iAOmxipbdDlWKcu2MKJq5O/s640/blog+010.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought all the colorful little pins looked cute.</td></tr>
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I did make a couple of minor adjustments to this pattern to save time and because of constraints I was presented with. To save time, I used the existing ribbed trim on the bottom of the sweater and the sleeves and I found out my sewing machine won't sew a button hole on this particular fabric, so I left off the buttons as well. I still think the resulting toddler-size sweater is super cute.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dbG-8FKLBZhmlVfrFxCaKBx-7GN-lmPNmDtBDp2avhvbSN9Lur5Utff_Fno5uZvXcgQ8u0uSxV1uK1yvS4wqYbH0taFc7QY7m3X_KFr7p2ljCdYG8BZne-ib4tr0DhCUGAHYBxWtGsmk/s1600/blog+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dbG-8FKLBZhmlVfrFxCaKBx-7GN-lmPNmDtBDp2avhvbSN9Lur5Utff_Fno5uZvXcgQ8u0uSxV1uK1yvS4wqYbH0taFc7QY7m3X_KFr7p2ljCdYG8BZne-ib4tr0DhCUGAHYBxWtGsmk/s640/blog+014.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizXDKmKBi3za6uET3BeT0_ZjsHd_wWZEWlaQhT8DVp4Vl7JR9HGMWWyxQ-N6t5S8QFWgfsjuBKahNKnbEVabeAeJf-oY0IX34yLB0wuLQQjy7ayORWqaagq-Ru6jJzkvWZgPVeR_-gBJ4/s1600/blog+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizXDKmKBi3za6uET3BeT0_ZjsHd_wWZEWlaQhT8DVp4Vl7JR9HGMWWyxQ-N6t5S8QFWgfsjuBKahNKnbEVabeAeJf-oY0IX34yLB0wuLQQjy7ayORWqaagq-Ru6jJzkvWZgPVeR_-gBJ4/s640/blog+012.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action shot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
The length is a little long on Pete, but it will fit him for at least 2 years this way and that's a-okay with me! The only downside to making his clothes is that when he grows out of them, I'm so sad. Oh well. I'll hang on to them--at the very least, they'll make nice heirlooms to pass on to Peter when he has his own little one someday. <br />
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</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-558663503183584635.post-41320970965709100912010-09-23T08:28:00.000-04:002010-09-23T08:28:56.876-04:00Rebecca's Quilt Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjPNO4SnWAUcOoCY1CRsXh07HgfbuP2CBnap_8bNJizGeurSvihltHjAmvnS1G5N4wmKHoAJwWt011tWTQkcUre3SAZK0fpBayZftcbe3flVjWUCvrpThgwFa_BSqU_Sd6inuf49fV-TH/s1600/blog+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjPNO4SnWAUcOoCY1CRsXh07HgfbuP2CBnap_8bNJizGeurSvihltHjAmvnS1G5N4wmKHoAJwWt011tWTQkcUre3SAZK0fpBayZftcbe3flVjWUCvrpThgwFa_BSqU_Sd6inuf49fV-TH/s640/blog+001.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's so appropriate that I finished this quilt top just in time to photograph it on a slightly misty morning since that's what inspired the palate. I am completely in love with the lavenders, grays, and blues that make up this quilt and I can't get enough of the block.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7ZUpRnn6vnrH-8gZAzyzGz68iAnwVso7MfL4kRE95HMFbfWqKzJdPMr9iE2Z1TrEgG4hrTRxp_72kSPkgSaWlSF3-WTvCr3ijEMuTAkaYvsFmokia95D9E4fUg8anmWNCdaPQW0DZup0/s1600/blog+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7ZUpRnn6vnrH-8gZAzyzGz68iAnwVso7MfL4kRE95HMFbfWqKzJdPMr9iE2Z1TrEgG4hrTRxp_72kSPkgSaWlSF3-WTvCr3ijEMuTAkaYvsFmokia95D9E4fUg8anmWNCdaPQW0DZup0/s400/blog+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw1U6OFs1483mlSHV4cx5d1B6r5C6Z41nW6LLTuMOl6phZr_xC5cqF82ecOgPo7wdWyMFK_Jlk-FVzhKi_-4IeyUcHRU_c-kUG7ItMS-xzwvet64Zx4ZRmKGLA0xDSZWLUpDRGF8F6FnJ/s1600/blog+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw1U6OFs1483mlSHV4cx5d1B6r5C6Z41nW6LLTuMOl6phZr_xC5cqF82ecOgPo7wdWyMFK_Jlk-FVzhKi_-4IeyUcHRU_c-kUG7ItMS-xzwvet64Zx4ZRmKGLA0xDSZWLUpDRGF8F6FnJ/s640/blog+003.jpg" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooh, I love the colors of the quilt next to the fall leaves on the ground<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzUQUKy8S8ohRXuDlGMYmMmXAhGDuLZDNuj7bLoBKf4s0RlEQHJrunGEkcQyDQibtmAt_anNksdTjJZ8L5LLbZF0udYt7M_PV45dLviKABDxSksa6sxp44Z0oybka34iJ51AnbDr5YCya/s1600/blog+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzUQUKy8S8ohRXuDlGMYmMmXAhGDuLZDNuj7bLoBKf4s0RlEQHJrunGEkcQyDQibtmAt_anNksdTjJZ8L5LLbZF0udYt7M_PV45dLviKABDxSksa6sxp44Z0oybka34iJ51AnbDr5YCya/s640/blog+004.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Usually after finishing a quilt top with a specific quilt block, I don't feel the need to revisit it, but this particular block has gotten under my skin.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSsvxnwuneNVnTWgP04275HM6odXQsUxQ7ulPe77d2OdZCDycugp8YXfdGVTumVyBCmeXmJiP1SC6eUzuvG5l8iPSqNq5nliZSmLagH0oSsWVuLdETaF1zyFsz8u3yMDL2T2K0TPFtaYL/s1600/blog+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSsvxnwuneNVnTWgP04275HM6odXQsUxQ7ulPe77d2OdZCDycugp8YXfdGVTumVyBCmeXmJiP1SC6eUzuvG5l8iPSqNq5nliZSmLagH0oSsWVuLdETaF1zyFsz8u3yMDL2T2K0TPFtaYL/s400/blog+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">I wouldn't be surprised if you see it again, soon. Now, all I have left to do for Rebecca's quilt is quilt and bind it. I have a pretty clear idea for how I'm going to quilt it, so I'm excited to get started.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size: small;">Tonight I'm bringing the finished <a href="http://whatlisamade.blogspot.com/2010/09/piano-pillow.html">Piano Pillow</a> to my customer and we're going to discuss the next pillow he's going to have me make. I've suggested a <a href="http://monroe.lib.mi.us/Images/Branch%20pages/Branch%20Pictures/Ellis_Reference_Information_Center/Fall%20Festival%20of%20Quilts%20-%20Mini%20Quilts/images/Best%20Use%20of%20Color%20-%20Margie%20Stone%20-%20Cathedral%20Window.jpg">Cathedral Window</a> block pillow and I hope he takes me up on it.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614676347469936304noreply@blogger.com1