tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566524175436548782024-03-14T06:13:20.303-04:00The Zen QuilterA blog about creativity, spirituality, and applying both to life.the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-58120806878742010362016-06-30T10:07:00.002-04:002016-06-30T10:07:56.826-04:00I'm moving the zen quilter blog, please come and check it out. Well, this is my last post here at blogger. My sister-in-law made me a new website. It's called <a href="http://thezenquilter.com/">thezenquilter.com</a>. I'm pretty excited about it, because now I will have everything in one place - web page, blog, gallery, even my own email. (which will be carrie@thezenquilter.com). I really really hope that you all will come and visit my at my new place. I haven't moved the buttons and whatnot over there yet, but I will, as soon as I figure it all out. I've even published a blog there this week, so again, I hope you'll all come and visit. the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-78478750286495557822016-06-16T09:59:00.001-04:002016-06-16T09:59:54.410-04:00Off the Wagon<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've fallen off the wagon again. No, not <i>that</i> wagon! I'm talking about the one where I'm riding along, on board, making goals, starting and finishing projects, blogging regularly,...Unfortunately the list of things I'm NOT doing also includes exercising regularly, grocery shopping, and even making my bed every day. Do I have a good excuse? Well probably not a good one. But there are a few <i>legitimate</i> reasons this has occurred...(also some not so legit, which I will also admit to further on down the blog.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You see, for a year, my husband and I have been working on opening a Vacation Rental by Owner. It and managing our other rental properties have been pretty all-consuming, and I have had very little time for other things. (And no, it's not open yet. We are waiting on finishing the outside painting and landscaping, and to finish the pool. The amazing rain we are getting this spring, while always welcome, is making it NOT happen.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> For the most part, it's been quite fun. It's a house built in 1960 in the mid-century modern style, and we've had a blast turning it to a genuinely Mod Haus. It has been quite a creative endeavor, and like I said, fun for the most part. Now we are finally nearing the finish, which is fantastic but suddenly I'm finding that I almost HATE the thing. I just so want it to stop owning me and my time! I want it to start bringing money in instead of being a money pit...I want to move ON.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And that's just ONE thing - naturally there are many other things pulling our attention as well. I know, I know - I should be grateful to have so much going on, but today I'm just irritated by it. I think the truth is that I'm just out of balance completely. I've always worked at a "real" job (mostly teaching) away from home until the last couple of years, and that made a schedule necessary. Certain things happen on certain days at certain times. Laundry happens on blah and blah. Exercise happens at such and such time - you working women know what I mean. But being self-employed, I thought I might be able to just do things as they come up; that things would be more flexible. They aren't. I mean, they can't be for me at least, because I can't seem to get to all the things I want to do - even more so than when I worked and mothered full time - surprises the shit out of me, let me tell ya. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I guess I just <i>need</i> a schedule (<i>and</i> the self-discipline to follow it!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my defense, it has been difficult to follow a schedule because so many things that need immediate attention are constantly popping up. On the other hand, I haven't even tried to make one, and the reason is because (okay, there's that lack of discipline again) and also because I liked the idea of not having to do it. I figured things would still get done because my time was my own (sort of, anyway). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But now I'm thinking that simply being alive requires regular care and feeding, let alone actually trying to accomplish things. And so I suppose I must accept the fact that I still have to make a daily and weekly schedule and (equally important) stick to it. So I'm going to try it. I can't schedule certain things, such as issues with plumbing or whatnot, but still, it may help me restore some balance in my life. And I need balance in order to create (<i>That</i> my Oprah-self knows for sure, girls.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just need to schedule in some flexibility into my schedule. Is that an oxymoron? I'll find out soon enough. In the meantime, I am so grateful for the opportunities we have been getting here. I do feel that I'm lucky as hell. I admit I get a little cranky when I don't get to my studio very often. But as usual, just writing all this down helps me make the realization that I just need to focus on where I am right at this moment, right now and make peace with it and even maybe ENJOY it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here are some photos of the VRBO, which we call Mod Haus (it's online and we have bookings - hooray!) and some other projects I've been working on whenever I have a spare moment, that is...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ahhh - the pool - don't ya just want to dive in!? I do.<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">So the other day I actually got to spend the afternoon on art! Here's what I did - I couldn't stop until I got it all put together - it took me eight hours!!! But I'm pretty psyched at how it turned out:</span></div>
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And here is some weird Idea I'm having. I love the creamy colors with the sky blues so I'm making something...don't know exactly what yet.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The photo was taken at 11:00 at night, so the light isn't too great, neither is the sewing, for that matter, but I'm okay with wonky in this case cuz I'm experimenting.</span></td></tr>
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-5362239467750388742016-06-07T20:43:00.001-04:002016-06-07T21:10:06.681-04:00Help! I can't decide<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Decided to participate in my first ever quilt-a-long, but I'm only just today getting to the fabric pull and tomorrow is the second week - better get on it. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Been super busy, but happily busy making pillows for my vacation rental house. (I will post them tomorrow). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I really want to participate in the Rainbow Rose Quilt-a-Long sponsored by the MQG-Ireland. Why? No idea, really, it just looks like fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I happen to have a lot of rainbow scraps, too, which is fun. I have enough to make two different rainbows, in fact. And I can't decide which one to use. Of course, if I really thought about it, I could come up with a third stack - somewhere between the two - somebody stop me, please. This could get really cray-cray!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here are the first two bundles I put together. One is more saturated colors, the other is less. What do y'all think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I really thought about it, and here is the third stack - I really like it, too! This rainbow thing is addicting. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third stack - sort of pulled my favorites out of the first two stacks - tried to keep them in order, somewhat...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">And - ikes I can't stop - here's another! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Okay, must stop now or brain will explode (no doubt into rainbow colored blobs).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Does it matter a whit which I choose? Of course not. I really actually like them all. But still, I love all the colors so darn much, I hate to leave ANY of them out! Wish I could use them all. Oh well, when it comes time for cutting, I'm just gonna go for it! - maybe I'll use one of each - who knows? </span></div>
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-67099645389714885922016-06-01T18:47:00.002-04:002016-06-01T18:47:50.756-04:00Not Back to Normal Yet <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Abnormal may be my new normal. I just can't believe how long it's been since I can plan how my day is going to go. Today, though, I was rather selfish and didn't do much except sew, so that is unusual. I finally finished my 21st Century Atomic Art piece. I even photographed it in an artsy way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wilbur and Cosmo wanted to get in on the action, too. Because the air is so full of moisture, there is a haze that I didn't know how to deal with, so I left it in. I don't mind it, really - I'm quite grateful for all the rain - the grass is green and today the temperature didn't get above 75. On June 1st! Wow, unheard of in these parts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to make my life more difficult and piece the binding to match the colors in each square. It was a challenge, but I'm so glad I did it because I think it really makes the piece look special. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I even did the flanged binding thing for extra effect.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjiepyrUvzkEsJJ_W6xWRfNJoSJ4jPzl2ynrfgz7hMugEJS7IOLiEq6skzRyAtkxYSV9ee0BXapfh4cOhxIinmRaCig_HrB_-jg3pIWKIlTgpDpquya4iN_PKrVl0vdlKnqEQxJHj_FQ/s1600/IMG_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjiepyrUvzkEsJJ_W6xWRfNJoSJ4jPzl2ynrfgz7hMugEJS7IOLiEq6skzRyAtkxYSV9ee0BXapfh4cOhxIinmRaCig_HrB_-jg3pIWKIlTgpDpquya4iN_PKrVl0vdlKnqEQxJHj_FQ/s640/IMG_0042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quilting was, as usual, a challenge. I decided to quilt little different "atoms" in the center panels of the piece, then treat each large atom differently. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did tone on tone quilting so it's not that visible. Boy but the little bits of thread that need to be cut off sure are! They are far from perfect, but kind of cute little buggers, aren't they/ </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used my Frixion pen to draw the atoms, based on atomic art I looked up online. Someone told me they can be problematic, but the really helped with this project. And the ink disappeared just like it was supposed to when it got ironed. However, my friend Diane told me not to put the piece in the freezer, because she heard that supposedly the ink would reappear. As if I would ever entertain the notion of putting a quilt in the freezer! Sometimes I think people have too much time on their hands...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have three other quilt tops completed, so instead of doing what I really want to do, which is continue to start new pieces, I'm going to work on getting the quilting load down a bit. Otherwise it will just get too far ahead of me and some pieces will languish on the shelves, serving no purpose. Can't have that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm still working on my leftovers piece, too. But I've lost a bit of steam on it because I need to make more HST's and flying geese before I can continue. I was just using up leftovers, but it needs more so now I actually have to do some cutting, which I don't really feel like doing at the moment. I'll get to it later I'm sure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do think it's going to be a cool piece someday - when it grows...out. I'm pretty nuts about the colors. I think I need to enlarge that lower left chartreuse piece. I'm so diggin' on that color in there! May have to add a circular type piece here or there, too. Might just be getting to square-ish for me. We'll see. I know I need to move some pieces around, too. Can't have too many "like" pieces next to each other. Feel free to make suggestions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorry again for being such a flaky blogger. I. am. just. so. busy. It's good to have stuff to do. But I MISS art. Hopefully I'll still have some creative mojo when/if things slow down a little. But even if I don't, there's always WIP Wednesdays to jump start it. See ya there.</span></div>
the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-19281845336911085622016-05-05T17:23:00.001-04:002016-05-05T17:23:26.051-04:00Throwback Thursday - More Experimental Quilting<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's Throwback Thursday over at <a href="http://quarterinchfromtheedge.blogspot.com/">A Quarter Inch From the Edge</a>! So fun to see everyone's old work. Today I'm sharing a quilt I made about six or seven years ago (don't rightly remember exactly). It's another of my experimental pieces - just popped into my head from the universe. I sketched it and it seemed good...then I had to figure out how to put it together. (Which is pretty much everything I ever do, I know, I know.) This one turned out really well, although I think I could do even better if I made it again. And I might, someday.</span><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zt8AuJbPBJqyhY1ksjkHoFTcst7koi0TtYFTmxNYRLA8xagHdb-9IAJnPMXpJR9Y4WIERFEY43Wf89ACOf37bhZGR677OgwJO3F9QXSJtoQVBUh-GF8DM9zyEsDnp7ro_T5eAUIC7mc/s1600/IMG_1443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Zt8AuJbPBJqyhY1ksjkHoFTcst7koi0TtYFTmxNYRLA8xagHdb-9IAJnPMXpJR9Y4WIERFEY43Wf89ACOf37bhZGR677OgwJO3F9QXSJtoQVBUh-GF8DM9zyEsDnp7ro_T5eAUIC7mc/s640/IMG_1443.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a few changes. I love the citrus colors and the fabrics, but I wouldn't do the contrasting quilting stitches. They don't add anything at all.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmZ3Mt0RLvwXJDRhnvHEvkGk8xiCxIuyLnj6VS666kOlRL6dumUlCsdnFpwp6_r-llI3yzZv5pUz556u5rHrV34apX3BYPEBUih5ZN6ZIzZTAsH8sCJuklVXAwiuQu0McVFGoKgDJpqs/s1600/IMG_1448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmZ3Mt0RLvwXJDRhnvHEvkGk8xiCxIuyLnj6VS666kOlRL6dumUlCsdnFpwp6_r-llI3yzZv5pUz556u5rHrV34apX3BYPEBUih5ZN6ZIzZTAsH8sCJuklVXAwiuQu0McVFGoKgDJpqs/s640/IMG_1448.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, now I know now how to do a y-seam, so it would be sewn better this time. I would use a stiffening material to make the corners crisper, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a humorous story behind this piece - I actually made it to cover the electric box in the hallway of my house. But it has these large openings in it - go figure.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEC36wKrZSYEMm7oPOl-Bj6_ZTOFIaAwV6eXRCIG0lLFiQbgdQQgytbC8Y0aMjjwEZy4HnG45-0phqvF33wEu8zBWfhKE5WP7C_wEW73QdmjsOIHUEVhZp81KGi-aErAOoJ5-j5IaBbU/s1600/IMG_1446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEC36wKrZSYEMm7oPOl-Bj6_ZTOFIaAwV6eXRCIG0lLFiQbgdQQgytbC8Y0aMjjwEZy4HnG45-0phqvF33wEu8zBWfhKE5WP7C_wEW73QdmjsOIHUEVhZp81KGi-aErAOoJ5-j5IaBbU/s640/IMG_1446.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, at least it sort of camouflages it - I think people notice the wall hanging and not the box, which is more important. And you can probably tell from the photo that there's not a lot of light in the hallway, either, so it's okay. But next time I try to use my art to cover something, I think I will design something without holes in it. (I can't make any promises, however...)</span></div>
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-62400176841070485872016-04-25T21:54:00.001-04:002016-04-25T21:54:19.311-04:00How Simple Turns Complicated (aka Stop with the Ideas Already!)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a while, I know. Can't help it - just have so much going on in real life and so little time to be creative. It cannot be helped, but it does make me rather cranky. However, hooray! I did get to sew both days this weekend, which was MUY BUENO! And did I use that time to finish up any WIP's? Of course not! </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It started out as a simple design -dark blue to light blue triangles of different sizes going down the middle with smaller, colored triangles on either side. I actually finished that part in one day. Here is what it was going to look like. Not all sewn together, but you can get the general idea from this photo (sorry for the poor quality - I took it at night and the studio just doesn't have enough light - note to self to buy a good lamp. Oh, I already made that note, just have to actually remember to actually DO it!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was going to leave it this way as I liked the simplicity of it, really I was, but then I got another idea. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to have ribbons coming out at the same angle as the triangles. I cut and sewed a few. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmm, not so bueno. It drew the eye away from the center triangles and it looked like bug antennae, which are fine when one is doing bugs, but not not so great in this case. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After sleeping on it I decided to cut the ribbons out, and just leave the quilt the way I had originally planned. No problemo. BUT before I got started on removing them, I got another idea - how about flying geese in all the different blues pointing outward along the edges of the ribbons? I tried it out and yeah - it really worked - all was muy bueno again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course that meant I spent all day Sunday cutting out and making flying geese. I had decided to use the method that allows you to make four flying geese at once, so I was super certain that I could whip them out in no time and have that baby complete by the end of Sunday - except silly me cut the squares opposite - the way I did it, the geese were going to be white and the "frames" blue - not at all what I was going for, so I had to recut them all. (Now I have a lot of blue squares which I'm definitely going to make into HST's for another project, so that's not so horrible. Although I was rather annoyed at the time, if I must be completely candid - and I suppose I must). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All this has turned a simple quilt into a much more complicated one, but I suppose that's what I do best - complicate things. It really works now, I think. Except for that one thing...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lDN1QUGYKbn-U7gAcOWMFssurcrFOuYkewD0dYHiFp-DSUPG6aIj_eyqFipxNWq7PNglgeHp7J6HkJvb7sgQN_vxKBqai6Fjcp0YsPre4G8wSqjTDAc6LflQLd97Ox8rBkYlGg85fzQ/s1600/IMG_1424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lDN1QUGYKbn-U7gAcOWMFssurcrFOuYkewD0dYHiFp-DSUPG6aIj_eyqFipxNWq7PNglgeHp7J6HkJvb7sgQN_vxKBqai6Fjcp0YsPre4G8wSqjTDAc6LflQLd97Ox8rBkYlGg85fzQ/s640/IMG_1424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you see it? WRONG direction! Argh! I knew it was time to quit when I did that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow I may have a little time to work in my studio, so I can fix that mistake and continue on my simple turned complicated quilt journey. At least I like the direction I'm going, but I admit, sometimes I wish I didn't have so many ideas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-69410067932842933102016-04-06T18:42:00.001-04:002016-04-06T18:42:23.114-04:00Finally, Some WIP's!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a while since I've had time to share, or to blog. I'm hoping things will be slowing down a little so I can get back to it. I started this blog not just as an opportunity to share my work, but to explore creativity and other interesting things about life and art, but I've fallen way behind on any kind of deep philosophizing for quite a while. Today's no exception, either. But...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I <i>do</i> have two WIP's to share. One is a flimsy finish which I'm scared to start quilting. It's a piece that started out as an art quilt and ended up a huge queen-size - yikes! I really love it but not having a long-arm matchine and being <i>far</i> too cheap to pay someone else to quilt it, I find it a rather frightening prospect to quilt. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezj0oF5tnw2MSZPNKBrSywFRvpyRS89mmKxNTj052CKVgSYGcZfYxW8Tp06sDZAfmfttKckqaJglqyVzoB2iuLAfHPiEoTU8DRNt6JwSk-GPbj5gtU5Mkx4u8l4VHaotILLTUwFbvnm0/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezj0oF5tnw2MSZPNKBrSywFRvpyRS89mmKxNTj052CKVgSYGcZfYxW8Tp06sDZAfmfttKckqaJglqyVzoB2iuLAfHPiEoTU8DRNt6JwSk-GPbj5gtU5Mkx4u8l4VHaotILLTUwFbvnm0/s640/IMG_1283.jpg" width="610" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have no name for it - Boxes, maybe. It's supposed to be sort of an optical illusion. Don't know if it worked, but I like it anyway. I <i>was</i> thinking it was pretty original until I realized I had seen very similar blocks elsewhere. Oh well, as I've said before - at this stage in humanity and with this many billions of people on the planet, it is actually fairly difficult to be completely original. So let's just say it's original <i>to me</i> and leave it at that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to put it on my bed, I believe. I like it that much. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu5a_RpEjvQfP-XR1ybEwenBdOzr4otVV7KVefcqlduqhJilmYRQzenAO7S5IEsYC_BXwUExWz19u702FBDBPfL_jhvZymDAIhoABjuGX6cSkhE8drCgQWv_ML6SCkIa7YXniOHpvIlQ/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu5a_RpEjvQfP-XR1ybEwenBdOzr4otVV7KVefcqlduqhJilmYRQzenAO7S5IEsYC_BXwUExWz19u702FBDBPfL_jhvZymDAIhoABjuGX6cSkhE8drCgQWv_ML6SCkIa7YXniOHpvIlQ/s640/IMG_1274.jpg" width="574" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It will be my summer quilt. I will make another for the fall/winter. That way maybe both of them will last longer that way, for the sun is quite brutal here in beautiful Central Texas. ( I also could get some window coverings for the long summer days - it wouldn't kill me, I suppose. But I live in the country and my husband and I really enjoy looking at nature out our windows. Still - these big ones are a major b*%#h to quilt, so it might be worth it to have shutters or something, just for when the summer sun is beating through the west windows...I'll think about it.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, the next WIP I have to share is what I'm calling 21st Century Atomic Art. I love mid-century modern stuff, and I've already made one version of what I call "Modern Atomic Art." But I came across these sketches in my book and decided I just HAD to make them right now. I have had a lot of fun, and could easily make more of these blocks, but I'm gonna stop myself because the blocks are huge and I really don't want this piece getting any larger. I have a kind of fun border idea I'm toying with for it, though, so stay tuned, as they say. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pM46mRYq6KVTZ-a8C4nx1phkN-05r3dGiQNG1YRNAikELPCJ309JuoQEn5DwTzY7z0YanQ1KHnJoR9oEafCFOCpTMLLf15VotLem-MImMeSDzxJ5fH_s9Ekc7-18kVKFq0ePW6VyErs/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pM46mRYq6KVTZ-a8C4nx1phkN-05r3dGiQNG1YRNAikELPCJ309JuoQEn5DwTzY7z0YanQ1KHnJoR9oEafCFOCpTMLLf15VotLem-MImMeSDzxJ5fH_s9Ekc7-18kVKFq0ePW6VyErs/s640/IMG_1360.jpg" width="624" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And just for kicks and giggles, here is an actual finish. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJscUmzy5dCj_wGR9dxdGttjw7gQWgSgA0uVcVyxPCP4mu-9hfsH8ZyG9rECJ5Pcgo0LPHvSpSQJvkIbesemkxM2D9P-HorPLFUSKLFQLD1g6tWci23MVbXUhGtsVe-dI6QDlcxZeV-FM/s1600/IMG_1335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJscUmzy5dCj_wGR9dxdGttjw7gQWgSgA0uVcVyxPCP4mu-9hfsH8ZyG9rECJ5Pcgo0LPHvSpSQJvkIbesemkxM2D9P-HorPLFUSKLFQLD1g6tWci23MVbXUhGtsVe-dI6QDlcxZeV-FM/s640/IMG_1335.jpg" width="632" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYhjUtHjDMyZWrJ81qEEBabDFhjku_rx0J7eTg2SBffOMTYCqKZ9uT9TULt9_J-m6_2hz61een5dGbAXU0BklLguXw7Ttsbd4ZcOcrA_VsnWTOFGRthzQRCOLDsYC-aAWJdW7AN5xwVU/s1600/IMG_1343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYhjUtHjDMyZWrJ81qEEBabDFhjku_rx0J7eTg2SBffOMTYCqKZ9uT9TULt9_J-m6_2hz61een5dGbAXU0BklLguXw7Ttsbd4ZcOcrA_VsnWTOFGRthzQRCOLDsYC-aAWJdW7AN5xwVU/s640/IMG_1343.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's made from scraps of the boxes quilt, and I was going to put it on the back, but I liked them so much I made them into minis instead. (The fabric is the Blueberry Park Collection by Robert Kaufman, btw).</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The colors are quite faboo. In fact, love them so much that I have two sets of them, actually. Talk about ridiculous...but my niece wants to make a bed quilt for herself with them and I just couldn't resist making sure there was enough left over for me to make another piece too. Not that I exactly have anything in mind, of course. But I will, I'm sure, at some point...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gonna spend some time tonight checking out all of y'all's work. So inspiring and fun. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for stopping by - hope I didn't make it too long. I am rather long-winded, even by computer sometimes. (But I like to see it as "full of enthusiasm.")</span>the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-69258053702071904962016-03-29T00:01:00.000-04:002016-04-03T20:47:42.471-04:00Paintbrush Studio New Block Blog Hop<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi everyone. Welcome to my stop on the Paintbrush Studio New Block Blog Hop. For this challenge, Paintbrush Studio generously donated fat quarters of fabric in Daydream, Midnight, Bordeaux, White, Coral, and Peach. I loved working with the fabrics, they have a great feel to them and were easy to sew. So thanks, Paintbrush Studio and Chery of <a href="http://meadowmistdesigns.blogspot.com/">Meadow Mist</a>, Yvonne of<a href="http://quiltingjetgirl.com/"> Quilting Jetgirl</a>, and Stephanie of <a href="http://latenightquilter.com/">Late Night Quilter</a>, for hosting the blog hop - it has been great fun to make the square, and I can't wait to see everyone else's work!</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Here is my block for the hop. I’m calling it Sunset Bubbles. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really enjoyed making this block, although I must admit that it took me a long while to come up with a design. I'm not sure why, really - I think because maybe the darks are so dark and the lights are so much lighter, but who knows? It just could been that I've been unable to get my creative groove on because I've been working so much on other projects lately. But I love a challenge, you know. And </span></span><span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m pleased with this simple (I said SIMPLE, not necessarily easy) design as I think there is potential for a lot of fun with this block. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, I usually go for white as my background, but this time I decided to use the daydream color as the background. I think it ties it together quite nicely. </span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Following is the tutorial for how to make Sunset Bubbles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First you will need half-circle templates in the following sizes. </span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">8.5 inch</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">7.5 inch </span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">6.5 inch</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">5.5 inch</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">4.5 inch</span></span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">3.5 inch</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Notes: </b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. I have two different circle template sets, which I will show you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One is the Easy Circle Cut by Sharon Hultgren (I got it free in the goody bag at the first Quiltcon and it is a serious prize!). It works really well for making both circles and half circles. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The second set is made by Martelli. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> These are actually quarter circles, which you use on folded fabrics (One fold for half-circles and two folds for full circles. These are also quite fabulous as you can place the template on the fabric and move it as you cut and the fabric doesn’t shift under the template, so you can cut slowly and make fewer mistakes. I highly recommend these templates as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you do not have circle templates, you can kick it old style and use a protractor and cardstock to make your own templates. The inches refer to the diameter or distance across the middle of the circle. Before I had these templates I used a protractor all the time and it's kind of fun and satisfying to do so, in my opinion. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Another thing to note is that you will be using bias, so a good starching and ironing before you cut will save you a lot of grief.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. The third note is that for each half-circle you cut out of the four colors, you will use the template that is one inch smaller to cut out the background for that half-circle out of the daydream. For example, the 8.5 inch midnight half-circle will be sewn into the 7.5 in hole in the daydream rectangle, and so on.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Cutting Instructions for Sunset Bubbles</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Daydream (light blue)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1 - 5.5 inch x 14 inch rectangle</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 2 - 4.5 inch x 14 inch rectangle</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1 - 4 x 14 inch rectangle</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1 - 1.5 x 14 inch strip</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">White Fabric</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1 - 1 x width of fabric strip</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Midnight (dark blue)</span></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1 - 8.5 inch half-circle</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bordeaux</span></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1 - 6.5 inch half-circle</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Coral</span></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1- 5.5 inch half-circle</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Peach</span></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cut 1 - 4.5 in half-circle</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Assembling the block:</span></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Take the 5.5 x 14 inch daydream rectangle. Fold in half and mark the center. Using the <b>7.5</b> circle template and making sure it is centered, cut a half-circle out of the daydream rectangle. Take the 8.5 inch midnight half-circle. Right sides together, pin </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and sew slowly and carefully, with the circle side up. You may need to hold the bottom fabric to keep the edges together. Iron flat and set aside. (You may want to clip the curves on the back as well, although I didn't find it necessary for these circles.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Take a 4.5 x 14 inch daydream rectangle. Fold in half and mark the center. Using the </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5.5</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> inch template and making sure it is centered, cut a half-circle out of the daydream rectangle. Right sides together, pin the 6.5 inch bordeaux half- circle to the daydream rectangle, matching the centers, and sew as in Step 1. Iron flat and set aside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Take the other 4.5 x 14 inch daydream rectangle. Fold in half and mark the center. Using the <b>4.5</b> inch circle template and making sure it is centered, cut a half-circle out of the daydream rectangle. Take the 5.5 inch coral half-circle. Right sides together, pin and sew slowly and carefully with the circle up. You may need to hold the bottom fabric to keep the edges together. Iron flat and set aside.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Take the the 4 x 14 inch daydream rectangle. Fold in half and mark the center. Making sure it is centered, cut a 3.5 half-circle out of the daydream rectangle. Take the 4.5 inch peach half circle. Right sides together, pin and sew slowly and carefully with the circle up. You may need to hold the bottom fabric to keep the edges together. Iron flat and set aside.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(If the top and bottom of the rectangles are uneven, trim them straight. Do not trim the sides, just make the bottom even, if necessary.) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. Take the midnight/daydream circle piece. Using a ruler, trim the top of the square to 1/4 inch above the top of the circle. Do the same with the bordeaux and coral pieces. DO NOT TRIM THE PEACH PIECE.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">7. Carefully fold each square in half, using the edges of the sewn colored half-circle to determine the half-way point, and cut along the fold lines.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">8. Starting with the peach on top, from smallest to largest, sew the left sides of the half-circles together. Then in the same color/size order, sew the right sides of the half-circles together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">9. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take the 1.5 inch x 14 inch strip and cut in half. Sew it to the bottom of each side.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">10. </span><span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sew the white 1 x 14 inch strip to the left side squares, then sew the right-side squares to the left, carefully matching the circle lines. Iron.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">11. Trim the square to 12.5 x 12.5 inches.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Your Sunset Bubbles block is now complete! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> You can, of course do it in different color and size orders to add interest. For a whole quilt it might be fun to change the directions of some of the bubbles, as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I made a practice block (now a pillow) in an alternate color way, too. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span>Can't wait to see what everyone else has designed. Here are the rest of the stops on the blogshop for today:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Host:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheryl @ </span><a href="http://meadowmistdesigns.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meadow Mist Designs</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jayne@<a href="http://twiggyandopal.blogspot.com/">Twiggy and Opal</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kim @ <a href="http://www.lelandavestudios.com/">Leland Avenue Studios</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Andrea @ <a href="http://thesewingfools.com/blog/">The Sewing Fools</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cassandra @<a href="http://thenotsodramaticlife.com/">The (not so) Dramatic Life</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stephanie @ <a href="http://quiltnparty.com/">Quilt'n Party</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tish @ <a href="http://tishnwonderland.blogspot.com/">Tish's Adventrures in Wonderland</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Irene @ <a href="http://patchworkand pastry">Patchwork and Pastry</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Abby @ <a href="https://hashtagquilt.wordpress.com/">Hashtag Quilt</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sarah @<a href="https://smilestooloudly.wordpress.com/"> Smiles Too Loudly</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wanda @ <a href="http://wandadotson.com/">Wanda's Life Sampler</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span>Jay</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the reasons I haven't been able to post is that I went to Quiltcon in Pasadena. As usual, I was really inspired and excited by what I saw. I know others have posted a lot about it, but I will write a post about my impressions and share some of my faves with you soon. I met some great fellow quilters, which was also fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's not to say I haven't sewn at all. I did manage to make some minis from scraps from another project, kind of inspired by the amazing and adorable Gwen Marsden and the talented Chawne Kimber from <a href="http://completely cauchy">Completely Cauchy</a>. I've never been one for patchwork, but I adore theirs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Haven't quite gotten it down yet but am so inspired that I will keep trying. I like them, though. They are bright, cheerful, and fun AND they used up all the scraps from another project, which makes me feel all earth-friendly and superior. (maybe that's an exaggeration - but it does make me feel better about scraps - I usually consider them guilt-producing nuisances.) Now I have a whole new respect (use) for them, after seeing Gwen's and and Chawne's work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've spent a great deal of time on another project, too - and darn it, it's huge. I say that because as we all know, large quilt tops mean a helluva a lot of quilting. I like to quilt, really I do, but the large pieces are so goddam never ending. Still, I'm pretty happy with the piece. It needs a little tweaking, still, but I'm almost there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This week, however, there will sadly be no quilting. Not because I am decreeing it, but because I will be out of town. Again. I'm actually tempted to bring my small sewing machine to the hotel with me - think the maids will mind cleaning up scraps and strings? I wonder if I'll actually have time to use it...well, I can bring it with me and if I do have time/energy to work, then I can. (Lord are we quilters NUTS or what?) I know I'm bringing some embroidery projects with me at least. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm also a little miffed to leave at this time because finally the poppies I planted in the fall are starting to bloom and dammit I want to be here to enjoy them. I sure hope they are still going when I get back. They are so beautiful - I want to sit on my front porch and stare at them with a glass of wine in my hand. (I <i>will</i> be here on Saturday, come and join me if you want...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So please stick with me, readers, as I muddle through this incredibly busy time in my life. I promise to post more regularly again soon. And here's a couple of lovely parting shots of Spring, springing, for your enjoyment.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily I won't miss the bluebonnets because the goats got in and ate them a couple of weeks ago, so they will be blooming late. Never thought I'd be happy for that!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View from the porch: Ahhh - green, green, everywhere!</span></td></tr>
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-1961617808833158462016-02-24T20:35:00.000-05:002016-02-24T20:35:25.454-05:00Joining in the FunIt's late but I'm gonna link up anyway. I haven't been able to participate for various reasons for a long time. I am actually finally finished with the Glass Bowl piece. It turned out well, although once again I don't have fabulous photos to show it. (I really hate photography. I just do.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigvoRx77ruQhlwvyD7nczNL3MFVeyHwKqc-LQPTOH8xLvquynIauclhnhuCbA_HJ0B4Qx3juuXxp3p3HSI7tW6MSACnOewJ-Lr7iVTqtN-tlH__TfQ64W1Y3cLT0Q3Aa5koDuQDCp9hc/s1600/FullSizeRender+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigvoRx77ruQhlwvyD7nczNL3MFVeyHwKqc-LQPTOH8xLvquynIauclhnhuCbA_HJ0B4Qx3juuXxp3p3HSI7tW6MSACnOewJ-Lr7iVTqtN-tlH__TfQ64W1Y3cLT0Q3Aa5koDuQDCp9hc/s640/FullSizeRender+8.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
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I did decide to straight line quilt it. After all, the lines on the bowl were all straight. But I added some silver thread and used a silvery fabric for binding to add to the "glow" effect. And it did, but it's quite subtle I'm not sure it shows much in the photos:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE9ajYERG_Z81ZjFE5wrKzbDfube4ROpADccXHN0oeZiWSEaoYszAb5Ll1wupZ1SYI9-hOIvWrCED8wS8MLQ5djkyfT2HHpr3bCLK57_tSycFlZ3C2TjjsaY7h4hiaBL9lK76-6jxcHM/s1600/FullSizeRender+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE9ajYERG_Z81ZjFE5wrKzbDfube4ROpADccXHN0oeZiWSEaoYszAb5Ll1wupZ1SYI9-hOIvWrCED8wS8MLQ5djkyfT2HHpr3bCLK57_tSycFlZ3C2TjjsaY7h4hiaBL9lK76-6jxcHM/s640/FullSizeRender+7.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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The fabrics are so amazing, they are gorgeous (Frond Fabrics from <a href="http://www.delvemiy.com/">Delve DIY</a>). Luckily I have lots more and several ideas for them. </div>
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But for now I am working on a new, secret project. Fun.</div>
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Going to join in with <a href="http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/">Sew Fresh</a> to see what y'all are up to.</div>
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-83585967148455020382016-02-21T13:00:00.003-05:002016-02-21T13:00:41.472-05:00#at Quiltcon 2016<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">So much talent...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Imagination...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMgezxeSJipZd9FDylAi3G4eKHnAMwPX4Sqcan957K2qa87NuQZIMtpqsNVwUOWH0KBnuCEUIeRZFW_iBlwLBHcsYStPRjhCuW1_ogZ-7b2mERazrgsNd0yuK91bAHJ2EE9J_w4R0xv0/s1600/IMG_1146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMgezxeSJipZd9FDylAi3G4eKHnAMwPX4Sqcan957K2qa87NuQZIMtpqsNVwUOWH0KBnuCEUIeRZFW_iBlwLBHcsYStPRjhCuW1_ogZ-7b2mERazrgsNd0yuK91bAHJ2EE9J_w4R0xv0/s640/IMG_1146.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">enthusaism...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Joy...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">and beauty,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">all in one place! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> (And the quilts aren't too bad, either!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Absolute fabulousness.</span><br />
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-56836193886710607452016-02-03T19:23:00.000-05:002016-02-03T19:24:41.489-05:00WIP Wednesday - Groovin' on There's been some decent progress on some of my WIP's this week. First of all, I made a pillow. The pillow was supposed to take a couple of hours; it took a couple of days. Mostly because I just had to make it more and more complicated as it went along. But I'm quite happy with it. It is going to go on a blue couch in our vacation rental, which we are calling MOD Haus because it is a mid-century modern house. ( I will definitely share photos of it when it's ready - we've spent a lot of time and thought on the thing, and it is going to be so awesome. I'm so psyched I'm planning on having at least one quilt retreat a year there - it's got so much room!) Back to the pillow, however. The rug in the game room is a modern abstract with lots of primary colors. I had wanted a yellow couch but couldn't find the right color, so I'm adding yellow accents. Here is yellow accent number one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTidvVFbs7n-9AZPO2LcqwpvUq9vTCzcV5B8fO4-W_ARlABoeuVcCpi88J76GXXgGyMk1sUflfugPfEBr4JcurImE5WzHGWGZmb0mamz8mGvZqOURzpuaWyCSqxT-4cUUfIAhLL44SCA/s1600/IMG_0957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTidvVFbs7n-9AZPO2LcqwpvUq9vTCzcV5B8fO4-W_ARlABoeuVcCpi88J76GXXgGyMk1sUflfugPfEBr4JcurImE5WzHGWGZmb0mamz8mGvZqOURzpuaWyCSqxT-4cUUfIAhLL44SCA/s640/IMG_0957.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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Yellow really is a great color, isn't it? I am gaga for all the fabrics in this pillow. And I love the "plaid" effect - it's fun.<br />
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Next, I finally began quilting my glass bowl quilt. I am so very please with the effect the Glide thread I am using has - it has a slight sheen, which makes it almost "glow," especially under direct light. I tried to show it in this photo:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsWz2RhtpTgm6lxYz6ojcUbnLS9mfEuoosumbSgG1rkS-M5oNo6x6iZCJyS2bHbAOkxrJOV-mLE80eGR2G8RGhwFmXyojwto-k_nIxZUtRknY7isnJj8sGMgc7GdAU1cap5OpqdG8QPI/s1600/IMG_0947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsWz2RhtpTgm6lxYz6ojcUbnLS9mfEuoosumbSgG1rkS-M5oNo6x6iZCJyS2bHbAOkxrJOV-mLE80eGR2G8RGhwFmXyojwto-k_nIxZUtRknY7isnJj8sGMgc7GdAU1cap5OpqdG8QPI/s640/IMG_0947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmRSr0Vb-DPa6JkAXXvBM-_01kyWHkCJxMDf8faE7-2ydF4F9-6MKSQpCbU3a-THLJBI_PbL7keau5fjUmce0OiJB4Gz-pfvjcA0FsBYYZJaoRn_Be9pnQ9U8FDwyjT9X8MoXVeD-_Zw/s1600/IMG_0948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmRSr0Vb-DPa6JkAXXvBM-_01kyWHkCJxMDf8faE7-2ydF4F9-6MKSQpCbU3a-THLJBI_PbL7keau5fjUmce0OiJB4Gz-pfvjcA0FsBYYZJaoRn_Be9pnQ9U8FDwyjT9X8MoXVeD-_Zw/s640/IMG_0948.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
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And it flattened the piece out so nicely - I'm not going to have to worry after all about it being uneven, so I'm thrilled about that. <br />
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Lastly, I'm almost finished with my Sedona table runner. I love the colors - it really does look like the rocks in Sedona. This was a learning experience. I have enough fabric to make another now that I know how, and I plan to do so - have a couple of other ideas I want to try on. All it needs it binding and it will be finished as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwMKyqHR9YTtDyKsKVY4KNHxZjM3yFtL4E2iy18KqvxM-erfJeCDvtJPG38KVB4p7XB-DQGSTXacFD5loUaeaPfuQ4GPDGv23E6kA27x58rK6N1K-LxUDll-tK5eUs5QagYdCiZlFUhU/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwMKyqHR9YTtDyKsKVY4KNHxZjM3yFtL4E2iy18KqvxM-erfJeCDvtJPG38KVB4p7XB-DQGSTXacFD5loUaeaPfuQ4GPDGv23E6kA27x58rK6N1K-LxUDll-tK5eUs5QagYdCiZlFUhU/s640/IMG_0950.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DwlK7Oh2gSyrD462_0Lwe2P69MYVkLDnG1p9MUXwQgts-KW0MIhyphenhyphenB8F1U-IiN_ytNH1yQUYv-JEBgqZ4vBBXQkfCeYQBelmvChQ3QcdmCTpBi-Pfv4n6wl8loPCoLm_e9jaJwc_B_JM/s1600/IMG_0951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DwlK7Oh2gSyrD462_0Lwe2P69MYVkLDnG1p9MUXwQgts-KW0MIhyphenhyphenB8F1U-IiN_ytNH1yQUYv-JEBgqZ4vBBXQkfCeYQBelmvChQ3QcdmCTpBi-Pfv4n6wl8loPCoLm_e9jaJwc_B_JM/s640/IMG_0951.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
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I've also got the first five rows of Fly, Boy finished and I'm quite thrilled bout it. I had to stop for a while, because the thing is so darn intense - it literally takes an entire day of sewing to do three blocks, if I'm lucky. But slow and steady wins the race I hope. I really want it to be special so I'm taking my time - when I get sick of it I work on something else so I don't screw it up. </div>
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That's it for this week, can't wait to see everyone else's WIPs. </div>
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<br />the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-70545631657198539482016-01-27T17:54:00.001-05:002016-01-27T22:22:59.296-05:00WIP Wednesday - Back to Reality<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year </span><span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif;">I have set a few goals for myself</span><span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and am writing down weekly/monthly in my handy Quilter's Planner what I hope to accomplish and I have to say, it is helping me stay on top of things a little better. (Okay okay, I realize it's only the first month of the year, but we have to celebrate every little step forward in the quest for organization - at least I do!) The point is that one of the high items on the list is the quilt I am working on for my son, called Fly, Boy! (Because he is at college studying to be an airline pilot/engineer). I put it away to work on a much larger quilt and other projects in October or so, but I am determined to finish it in the next couple of months. So that is one of my WIP's this week:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyPXnFVQ3OvEWI4IXEMM7Df490XBo0sUuIxGgOTcIw265n9tq7vC2zhzYnaBCp29MCSQyaVsL-jCDKX5umfwsur1IZ6leIGjTABbWJwceL3s8O_9HjFHXRGOvrzTMTlBlzpevtNwcljk/s1600/IMG_0941+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyPXnFVQ3OvEWI4IXEMM7Df490XBo0sUuIxGgOTcIw265n9tq7vC2zhzYnaBCp29MCSQyaVsL-jCDKX5umfwsur1IZ6leIGjTABbWJwceL3s8O_9HjFHXRGOvrzTMTlBlzpevtNwcljk/s640/IMG_0941+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course it is a challenge, because somehow, even though all of the squares were drawn the same size, some of them have turned out not to be the same size as others (because I hand-drew them, I'm sure) and so I am having to throw some away and remake them AND I didn't know how much of each color material to get so I have to order more os almost all of the background colors. But I like a challenge. I just hope this piece turns out to be worth all the time and effort (and $$$) I am spending on it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next is my art quilt based on a glass bowl I saw in an art catalog <a href="http://thezenquilter.blogspot.com/2016/01/finding-inspiration-anywhere.html">(see Monday's blog</a>) on finding inspiration: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3oG5UnXQ0XvaFfDKeb_l7IaC7Ixq0Q4-xH6OGJoGXQ_3qZ3C6HRgy0lJHrLAXRTTXElLWZfHesyWqMMx2fcjLZwiVno3Yl_86dRUalhkNiqLsiYOKw9xRbN2R6iEhYdZbhZ4UAV6Jww/s1600/IMG_0932+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3oG5UnXQ0XvaFfDKeb_l7IaC7Ixq0Q4-xH6OGJoGXQ_3qZ3C6HRgy0lJHrLAXRTTXElLWZfHesyWqMMx2fcjLZwiVno3Yl_86dRUalhkNiqLsiYOKw9xRbN2R6iEhYdZbhZ4UAV6Jww/s640/IMG_0932+%25281%2529.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I am looking at it daily, waiting for quilting inspiration...the obvious matchstick lines may be the thing, but I am giving myself some time to decide if that is really how I want to go with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And last is a little fun project I am also making up as I go along, based on the amazing scenery at Sedona, Arizona. It's going to be a table runner, and I have enough fabric to make two of them, so I will. The colors are so amazing. and I want to make sure I capture the uneven-ness of the rocks and the hombre effect of the colors. I'm starting with the lighter ones at the top and am putting the orange-y reds at the bottom. When I started it, I was going to paper piece it, but then I decided to piece and quilt it at the same time, which is a lot easier. I'm pleased with it so far...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa93AYwXJzG74Svgtx6YEGVlgueUUbVRB7GBb9yeTjexkjGpdF5turENWNUtpXJ4C_HtsGWhR4_8qvSYQwjrk3ZyR0n0m20KyN028qh6dV2pHYlxl9nyaUbCa5NzGOmVhjnkhoIr3OOI/s1600/IMG_0943+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa93AYwXJzG74Svgtx6YEGVlgueUUbVRB7GBb9yeTjexkjGpdF5turENWNUtpXJ4C_HtsGWhR4_8qvSYQwjrk3ZyR0n0m20KyN028qh6dV2pHYlxl9nyaUbCa5NzGOmVhjnkhoIr3OOI/s640/IMG_0943+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going to have to figure out how to do the edges, because I don't want them even, I want them to look craggy, like layers. I have some ideas of how to do it, but I'm not worrying about that until I get the thing all pieced. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's what I'm jammin' on this week - will go and check out all of y'all's doings, too.</span><br />
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-57482925496668215812016-01-24T11:05:00.002-05:002016-01-26T08:50:49.606-05:00Finding Inspiration Any and Everywhere<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love looking at magazines, decorator's catalogs, rug websites and other catalogs I get in the mail, because I can get tons of inspiration from them. I thought I would share the evolution of my latest from the inspiration to its current state, which is awaiting quilting inspiration. This piece which I'm right now calling (quite unoriginally) "Glass Bowl," actually inspired by an exquisite art bowl that I saw for sale in a magazine:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ8JkOowuvfXwnBOfFl9HEg1m7uvhYnuUfqm3A0kxv02ynJ5TRx9dGnkuLDPyofK3C4IglA14cdEHDKMPHZsyzLSHZ8jbd9E8OZSy138EWzToNRjbCg0hUIYWyOPExgVCOMpyiRKQ_uo/s1600/IMG_0917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQ8JkOowuvfXwnBOfFl9HEg1m7uvhYnuUfqm3A0kxv02ynJ5TRx9dGnkuLDPyofK3C4IglA14cdEHDKMPHZsyzLSHZ8jbd9E8OZSy138EWzToNRjbCg0hUIYWyOPExgVCOMpyiRKQ_uo/s640/IMG_0917.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's so delicate and lovely. I knew I wanted to try to reinterpret it as a quilt. I quickly made drawings, and it just so happened that I had the perfect (I believe) fabric for it which I had just gotten at the Houston Quilt Festival. It is a line of fabric that is designed by artists, and I went gaga for it. (Don't worry, not the meat-wearing kind of Gaga, more the over-the-top excited kind.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's called Sumi-e by Karen Kurka Jenson for Frond Fabrics. You can pick them up over at </span><a href="http://www.delvemiy.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delve MIY</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - lots of cool stuff over there.</span><br />
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H<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ere is the flimsy finished top. It was rather challenging to get the thing sewn together (meaning it took about two to three tries to sew each side piece on to get it not to buckle too much when I sewed each successive piece on. In the end as you can see from the photo, I had to settle for less than perfect:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7sgL03b8nkiimuagD0fpPVlkC26llvMA4DomrfgNQ9kpChtDo9zxRFX5Os7K14io0ZGViCM3ewbnFUsVnljW2Rg3Y2KWuINYepv2m4N9i6m1BrFKJUuc-XnMrdh1OEwsnEYkhNaK_nk/s1600/IMG_0916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7sgL03b8nkiimuagD0fpPVlkC26llvMA4DomrfgNQ9kpChtDo9zxRFX5Os7K14io0ZGViCM3ewbnFUsVnljW2Rg3Y2KWuINYepv2m4N9i6m1BrFKJUuc-XnMrdh1OEwsnEYkhNaK_nk/s640/IMG_0916.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but luckily now that it is sandwiched, thank goodness it is much better. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUohQAQmVDuUa494AtMzBn5iNoKogS7no9A84x0aj7UwvyQkNnfw91xDq6vDsBDVev_UHjxerVZmLnsWB96DLOPCT43uIC3BCQ8HHE5ymFTPvl_N5oPfSaIbWBdW37PMiQqHW6fNY40Y/s1600/IMG_0932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUohQAQmVDuUa494AtMzBn5iNoKogS7no9A84x0aj7UwvyQkNnfw91xDq6vDsBDVev_UHjxerVZmLnsWB96DLOPCT43uIC3BCQ8HHE5ymFTPvl_N5oPfSaIbWBdW37PMiQqHW6fNY40Y/s640/IMG_0932.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* I sure wish I was a better photographer because I used etched fabric for the lines that has a sparkle to it and I really think it adds a lot of fabulosity to the piece. I love the way the subtle colors and shades of the fabrics look kind of like the colors shining throughout the bowl. And I love that yellow in the center. Such a rich color (also from Frond). Unfortunately I can't get the white parts to sparkle for the camera, but in real life they absolutely shine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I have to figure out some quilting that will really enhance it. Of course I could go with matchstick lines, but I'm waiting to see if something else hits me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that's my inspiration story. It can be found just <i>any</i>where. For example, I have a photo of some interesting lights on the back of a truck, a rubber mat at an auto parts store, and a couple of rugs I think are pretty cool as well as a bunch of sketches that I'm sure are inspired by something I've seen although I can't necessarily point to it. Such a gift from the universe to let it channel through me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what inspires you? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And, Namaste, y'all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-38647320671271980302016-01-10T13:48:00.004-05:002016-01-11T18:00:28.075-05:00Why I Quilt and Other Musings on Art<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20align=%22center%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.13spools.com%22%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20title=%2213%20Spools%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.13spools.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/why-I-quilt.jpg%22%20alt=%2213%20Spools%22%20style=%22border:none;%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zlUJU7maqvxxK7SU7CQx4R-UOlAqHbEcDP5GyersKPrfeZmt_mUBqp_pJxLkAS6OY1120ZQcStET3_KT5KhgQU4hB45RIqP4q-LGff1l06kujQ_hlC2xNRAON2qoCb0zgg0h9IGZJHs/s400/why-I-quilt.jpg" /></a><span id="goog_1641727763"></span><span id="goog_1641727764"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interesting discussion started by Amy Garro over at <a href="http://www.13spools.com/">13 Spools.</a> She tells us why she quilts, and adds an unfortunately familiar story of a teacher who basically took the joy out of drawing for her when she was in college. (FYI: I'm having trouble linking to her site today but I'm gonna go ahead and publish and I'll add the button on here later, when I can get it.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read all the comments, and I was so saddened to hear how many people have gone through the same kind of experiences. I wanted to respond to each one of them myself, and I did, to a few. Because that's just not right. Nobody owns creativity or art. No matter what. I know there seems to be a system set up where "experts" say why and how things are done, but the truth is that none of that is true unless we believe it. And I just don't. Art is creativity expressed, and while I don't personally love the way everyone expresses their creativity, that doesn't mean it's not good or right. It simply means it doesn't speak to my aesthetic. I actually find it laughable that someone listens to what anyone else says about a piece of art. Now, I'm not saying that we can't learn from each other's experience and even their expertise (because if you do something long enough, you <i>DO </i>know how to do what you do). Of course we can. I just object to someone trying to tell someone else that their art isn't "done right." It's coming from the creative universe, so whatever it is, it's done right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I know it's hard for each of us to distance ourselves from what appeals to us personally, and I think that's okay, too. We don't have to love it all. But we certainly don't need to be negative about it to the point that we actively discourage someone from letting creativity come through her in whatever way it chooses. If what appears to be dog doo stuck on a blank white canvas don't excite me (but silly strange animals and dots do!) but you think it is beautiful and it makes you happy to look at it, that's totally fine with me. Pay the artist as much as you think it's worth. There are a lot of people in this world and all of us, though connected, have different viewpoints and that's what makes life interesting. I say, Vive la difference!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second part of the discussion is about why I quilt, the question Amy poses to the rest of us </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in her blog</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Unlike Amy, I have no training in art whatsoever. I did want to take an art class in high school, but my mom told me that art wasn't for people who are going to college (one of the few mis-steps she made as a parent, in my opinion). But being a pleaser by nature, I let it go at the time. In college, even though I was an education major in school, there was not one art class in my curriculum. As a former teacher, I find it difficult to believe this, because creativity and art played such a huge role in my teaching career, both in art and non-art ways. But I didn't recognize it or even think about it for a long time, to be honest. At the time, I was just doing my thing. I didn't realize how big a role creativity played in it. Looking back now, I see that creativity was overwhelmingly part of being an effective teacher. And I reveled in it - sometimes I couldn't believe I was actually getting paid to do something so wonderful! That's how much I loved it. (Until standardized stupidity came along and took that all away. But that's for another day, another blog, another discussion...that could last for days!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It wasn't until I had my son that I felt a strong (irresistable) pull to create what I'm gonna label "art." It started when my friend Claudia found these amazing watercolor bugs that she hung in her childrens' bedrooms. I was so enchanted by them. But when Claudia remarked that they were quite expensive, but well, <i>we </i>couldn't possibly make them ourselves, I distinctly remember thinking to myself "Wait a minute - why not?" That very day, I could not rest until I went to the art store and bought heavy watercolor paper and watercolors. I literally could not wait to get started on them, even though I had never painted a thing in my life. And an obsession was born. I painted first, bugs in the style of the ones I had seen. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Here are some of my very first attempts - can't believe they are 16 years old! Wow, time flies. Heh Heh.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I went to lizards. Then more bugs, crazy, colorful, un-natural ones that made me so very happy. I had a bunch of them crawling on my classroom walls, even. I became so obsessed with them in the next couple of years that my three year old son was heard to say "I liked it better when Mommy didn't paint." (Nothing like good old mother guilt to put a damper on art...but it is good to keep it in perspective...) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main thing that strikes me here as I write is how completely overwhelming was the urge to create welling up in me - a drive emerged that I truly did not know existed in me...until it happened with a vengeance and I was forever changed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we moved to Texas from California in 2001 I was still on the painting kick, with a little writing also emerging. Both of these continue to a lesser extent. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most recent things I've been painting have been farm animals like these:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and dots like these (I woke up in the middle of the night a few years ago and absolutely HAD to paint the dot paintings!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, it's quilting that dominates my creativity at the moment (a fifteen-year "moment") </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My excellent mother had taken up quilting about twelve years before and I admit it never interested me in the least, except to receive them as a gift from her. Until. Those simple, colorful flannel rag quilts that were all the rage back then - I simply HAD to make one. My mother, naturally, was thrilled to help. With her encouragement, and cheerleading I made that one easy quilt and would you believed that's all it took to get me completely hooked? Mother was also obsessed, so she was a serious enabler. She shared everything she had with me and taught me everything she knew. Then she really sealed the deal by taking me to the Houston Quilt Festival. I will never forget my first one. It opened up an entire new world for me, and I would never be the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't say I regret it, even though it may seem crazy. After fifteen years of quilting, I feel more like the real me than I ever have before. I don't teach school anymore so now all my creativity goes into creating, making. I can't wait to get up in the morning and get going on my art (although real life still interferes, but that's also another lesson I had to learn - balance - and another discussion as well) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> have yet to take one art class, however. I'm not necessarily proud of this fact, by the way. I want to, really I do. In fact, I think I'm going to add it to my list of goals for this year. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But one thing holds me back - there is such freedom in the way that I create now. I call myself an experimental artist, and I just figure out a way to do whatever comes into my mind. I don't follow any rules because I don't know them and it's So. Darn. Awesome! Because, you see, being a rule follower and pleaser is (or at least it used to be) my nature, so I'm scared if I learn the rules, I might be compelled to follow them and it might not be a good thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> On the other hand, I have always believed that learning is a good thing, and I know I have much to learn, always....Too, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure anyone like that dumb professor or all the BAD teachers people talked about could convince me at this point that the way I do things is wrong at this point. Being an art outsider has allowed me to develop a kind of thick-skinned confidence that I'm not sure can be taken away as easily as it used to be. I think there is more to be gained than lost, in this instance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But does that answer the question of why I <i>quilt </i>(as opposed to other art forms, that is)? No, and I don't know if I can truly answer that question. I quilt because I love it and I find endless inspiration in it. I am a maker, and I feel the creativity coming through me, driving me. I can't honestly say why<i> quilting</i> is the overwhelming pull, though I do love the endless possibilities in a piece of fabric. Too, there is a practical side to quilting that also appeals to me - a warmth that comes even from a wall-hanging made of cloth. I also love the community, and it sort of feels wide-open to me. And while the practical side of it has been around for hundreds of years, it's still sort of emerging as an art form; there aren't too many critics or rules, and the quilting community is so full of generous, lovely, TALENTED people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And not to diss men (I love them too) but quilting is female-dominated, which makes it unusual, too, especially as an art form. Here is one place where the men can't tell us what to and not to do. Because <i>women</i> created this art form. Yeah. I'm gonna boldly say it. I'm not saying men can't or shouldn't quilt, I'm just saying' is all. Women created quilting. (You go, girls!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's my long-winded response. I hope you guys will pardon me for it, but this passion runs to the very core of my being, what can I say? And I promise to listen and read all of your reasons for why you quilt, too. Not because I have to, but because it's fascinating and fun, and we can all learn from each other, and being connected - well I CAN say for certain that THAT'S a truly beautiful thing. </span>the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-53946944745775340962016-01-06T10:07:00.002-05:002016-01-06T10:13:29.682-05:00Reflections of 2015<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As rule, I'm not usually one for looking backwards. This leads to a decided lack of sentimentality on my part. And although I think about things as they happen, I rarely go back and reflect on what has happened, say at the beginning of the year. I'm not sure why, Maybe I'm just not very deep. But change is good and also unavoidable, so with that in mind, I'm going to take the journey backwards to see what has transpired in my creative life in 2015.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yeah, last year was, creatively speaking, a great year. I think I'm going in all sorts of new directions creatively that I like. I'll share some of my favorite finishes with you here, although you've probably seen most of them if you read my blog regularly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Decipher This - I really love this piece. It had no plan whatsoever, came about from pure play, and I LOVE the way it turned out. Up there with all time faves for certain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Soicles - This one also was a "play" piece. I was inspired from a print I saw in a magazine. I can't believe how many ideas come from random encounters! At the moment, it too feels like one of my all time favorites, but who can ever choose favorites, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Turkey Leaves - This came about from a trip to the local fabric store with a friend. I rarely make seasonal pieces, but these fabrics and colors called to me so I bought a bunch of fat quarters. What to do with fat quarters...not my favorite precut. I love the background of map fabric and the framing, if I do say so myself, really makes the piece special. If that darn orange didn't have pumpkins in it, I would have left it up a lot longer...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Magnetism - I can't help it, I really love this piece. To me it combines traditionalist quilting with a modern minimalist vibe. I love the pluses in the middle, and I feel it is some of my best FMQing ever - as far as design, idea, and even execution. I think it's also special to me because it is an example of realizing after I had completely quilted three squares that the design wasn't right AT ALL and I patiently, without any negativity or frustration, picked out the stitches. Luckily as I was doing it I got the magnet idea, which was SO RIGHT. And I also learned making this piece that simple doesn't necessarily mean easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Drops of Jupiter - This is a seriously minimalist design. I love the funky fabrics, and I love that the idea came from my friend Amy's son Aaron. He had a drawing he showed me and it really tickled my fancy...Of course I turned it into circles, because well - I love circles, and if I do say so, this is a seriously cool quilt. I'm thinking of a different version of it, actually...but more on that later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I branched out into other things, too, and they were so much fun. I made potholders</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Pillows...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And bags and purses, which are becoming obsessions at the moment...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrCnyV_cRNAUQXfX179mwYYwKJSfaOZ_Cju0m9lVO5m94Tb4s7fRfJldTttMLROvuqt_lD9_ze0wOp1oyaX2WY9nJ8C7g9fQSY7FV9ClJOrD0yBLwsArwqpo2HHyz-67cKPCG7937DGA/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrCnyV_cRNAUQXfX179mwYYwKJSfaOZ_Cju0m9lVO5m94Tb4s7fRfJldTttMLROvuqt_lD9_ze0wOp1oyaX2WY9nJ8C7g9fQSY7FV9ClJOrD0yBLwsArwqpo2HHyz-67cKPCG7937DGA/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouLQhRXGCarssA_FJrXPReqh5yADiQnA-5xpUkfEEnXnV5_ZrJQYwpkFCGtEGYlChyphenhyphenYbSNr4gWPuN0zp2a30_LLIsWuIe6KgsFMVJzolcQ9eEY6aNxPJCukicgsi-UfSCZCOQYoWDqYg/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouLQhRXGCarssA_FJrXPReqh5yADiQnA-5xpUkfEEnXnV5_ZrJQYwpkFCGtEGYlChyphenhyphenYbSNr4gWPuN0zp2a30_LLIsWuIe6KgsFMVJzolcQ9eEY6aNxPJCukicgsi-UfSCZCOQYoWDqYg/s320/IMG_0231.JPG" width="240" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, this if fun, looking back at makes from this year, you guys are right. It's amazing how quickly I forget all the pieces I worked really hard on. I can't say for certain, (without going back and counting, which I don't feel like doing) but I think I made about 18 full quilts, give or take a few, 15 purses/bags, and 10 or twelve minis or potholders. That's a pretty productive year! Woo hoo - Happy 2015!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next post will be about plans for 2016. Maybe...</span><br />
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-25261320618013191962015-12-30T11:07:00.000-05:002015-12-30T11:07:08.668-05:00Laying Down Some Best-Made PlansIt's time to blog. No matter that the dog hasn't been fed and the cat just knocked over my glass of water (and is licking it up off the floor, leading me to believe I need to refill their water dish...I'll get to it later). No matter that there are dust bunnies in every single corner of my bedroom from lack of vacuuming. No matter that I have about fifty things on my to do list and it's getting longer. No matter that I need to exercise...I'm gonna blog instead. (It's quite excellent to be a grown-up without a day job sometimes, ya know?)<br />
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So I did it - I bought EQ7. I am both excited and slightly nauseated by this occurrence. You see, while I have infinite patience with human beings, my actual frustration tolerance with inanimate objects is approximately one nano second. <i>Especially</i> with computer programs. So it was with more than a little trepidation that I opened up the program. First thing I did was watch the little videos that come with the program yesterday and I have to say, they cracked me up. My son said "Mom - what's that voice? She sounds like she's talking to a preschooler!" I was like "I know, right? Isn't it GREAT? "<br />
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I personally LOVED them - they treat you like you are a complete idiot, which in my case is quite apropos. They go over and over the same thing until by golly, you REMEMBER it. That's <i>precisely</i> what I need. Unfortunately, there were only a few of them that showed the very basics. Now I must learn how to actually do the things I want to do. Hmm, I feel my enthusiasm waning...<br />
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Luckily there are classes one can take to learn the program (for about $40.00 or more a shot, I might add). I think I have to do it - I'm not going to subject my innocent cats to the kind of language they might hear if I try to learn the program on my own - it would scar them for life! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz_GvJgW_v400zTMf51pHbBPL9RWTqwbGLms_paBBjcz5dpwwnQvxXTGcwms33l9qePW5atpFck3tJrICXJFQdG-s6nJRtbnr1aHBR9f5BzaHwwf45isydBZHryLbPlCa2CDlPiTTXPI/s1600/Palmer_open-planner-weekly-spread-blue-UPDATED.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz_GvJgW_v400zTMf51pHbBPL9RWTqwbGLms_paBBjcz5dpwwnQvxXTGcwms33l9qePW5atpFck3tJrICXJFQdG-s6nJRtbnr1aHBR9f5BzaHwwf45isydBZHryLbPlCa2CDlPiTTXPI/s640/Palmer_open-planner-weekly-spread-blue-UPDATED.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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On another front, I'm happily looking through and using my wonderful Quilter's Planner 2016 created by Stephanie over at <a href="http://latenightquilter.com/quilt-planner/">Late Night Quilter</a>. But apparently it's a little underdressed, so I'm going to have to make it a covering garment so it won't be embarrassed (or cold). Luckily some clever chica has already modified a book cover (!) design just to fit my little fledgling planner. (What a relief - now my poor planner will not be indecent, although I can't promise it won't have a few profanities written in it before the year is out...<br />
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As I said, I'm quite excited about using the planner - it's really quite perfect - it has a monthly page and then weekly pages, and lots of room to sketch AND wonderful, cool quilt blocks and quilt designs and tips in it, What more could a crazy, obsessed quilter person wish for? <br />
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All I ask is that someone remind me in a month or two to go back and actually LOOK at it. Because I often write all sorts of stuff on my calendar and then forget to actually look at the thing - so very sad, I know. So I'm asking y'all to remind me (when the newness wears off) to actually make use of the thing. Lets set a reminder for, say - March, okay?<br />
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And then another one for May or so, and so on...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH8kq5uJ9ZNWjZUN4plm_iTBv6KmkI2MoQEKZg7yfK5TqtJaAafOHOe8Qhm8SbozGJaWwGEoq_HHXxY9tsGxUny-ho15Z0q8GXnfIQutvpWO7lGY77UdnixranEC6IM91ns_hNRj1qZU/s1600/2016planningparty1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBH8kq5uJ9ZNWjZUN4plm_iTBv6KmkI2MoQEKZg7yfK5TqtJaAafOHOe8Qhm8SbozGJaWwGEoq_HHXxY9tsGxUny-ho15Z0q8GXnfIQutvpWO7lGY77UdnixranEC6IM91ns_hNRj1qZU/s640/2016planningparty1.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm currently making lots of plans for 2016. I'm planning to do a best of 2015 post, really I am, and I'm also planning to sit down and make some goals with Yvonne over at <a href="http://quiltingjetgirl.com/2015/12/17/2016-planning-linky-party/">Quilting Jet Girl</a> and I'm planning to finish up all my unfinished projects. I'm <i>planning</i> to be more disciplined, exercise more, eat healthfully, be more present, be more organized, curse less...in fact I'm planning to plan more, so I can be an all-around, super-perfect person in 2016. That's the plan, anyway.<br />
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Sorry I'm laying all this on your planning tool, Stephanie but hey, I'm shooting for the stars here. Hope I hit a couple of 'em, anyway.<br />
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Okay okay, I guess I need to share something I'm working on, too, since it is WIP Wednesday. Here is a pattern I tested for Amy Garro over at <a href="http://www.13spools.com/2015/12/5527.html">13 Spools.</a> (FYI, I did not plan this very well, and so didn't have enough blue fabric for the middle panel, it should be all the way across, which indeed made <i>me</i> very cross, but I still love it and btw there is <i>another</i> planning reference I'm on a SERIOUS clever streak!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy7fbSeIN-z6pNFlnLse0blTgCzv9sLG3PJkXxFmuWfEkYXuLwAT3cYcZzu4uCSDimCeEfHx62I-r0Ktj4lPyT8MaGY0UXgVAsz96mZAsy2C-2BBTLQmft9EVUK4R6OAFtZnmkJwgj_U/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNy7fbSeIN-z6pNFlnLse0blTgCzv9sLG3PJkXxFmuWfEkYXuLwAT3cYcZzu4uCSDimCeEfHx62I-r0Ktj4lPyT8MaGY0UXgVAsz96mZAsy2C-2BBTLQmft9EVUK4R6OAFtZnmkJwgj_U/s640/IMG_0816.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
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She's a rock star, as many of you know, and she's got some plans of her own (see how I got planning into this segment, too - phew - I ROCK!) I had an absolute blast working on this piece - it's called PUNK LOVE. This pattern and several other brilliant stuffs are coming soon so get your cyber self on over there and check it out. <br />
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<br />the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-58182159701209786552015-12-17T15:12:00.000-05:002015-12-17T15:12:07.318-05:00Spitting Out the GrapesYesterday I received six (6!) rejection emails and I must admit to feeling a bit discouraged as I went to sleep last night. I kept wondering what the judges were looking for and why my stuff wasn't good enough. I questioned my talent and my abilities and even my judgement - do I even know what is worthy and good? Because I really believed that at least a couple of my pieces were, based on what I see at other shows and around the blogging universe. I wondered, "Am I completely kidding myself and are my creations just not special at all?" <br />
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On the other (zen) hand, why spend a moment being unhappy about this? This is just one thing, and there is so much talent out there, why not embrace and enjoy it? I love to create; I LIVE to create. I'm creating because I am driven to do it by some deep primeval force, not to compete with OR be recognized by others. For the most part, I'm challenged by and learn from everything I create in some way, so there's always something gained. I'm always pushing myself to try something new and it's somehow so deeply soul-filling to see how a creation turns out from idea to finish. I get a LOT of joy from it - what more is there?<br />
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So. Why even enter the show? I think we all participate for different reasons. For me it's exposure - I would really like to sell more of my work, and I would love to teach (you can take the teacher out of the classroom, but...) and I'm working on some patterns to sell and I even have a couple of book ideas. But will anyone want what I'm offering? If I judge solely by not getting a piece into Quiltcon this year the answer would be no. (Too - the proposal form for Stash books is a little intimidating if one hasn't been recognized (a lot) by one's peers, I have to admit.) But again, this is just <i>one</i> thing. That other stuff is my ego inserting it's obnoxious little self again. Just do. Focus on that. <br />
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Also, it's my truth that I don't spend very much time marketing; in fact, almost none. I can't blame anyone but myself for that. And full disclosure, I was actually lucky enough to have a piece selected for last year's Quiltcon, and although I thought it might lead to something more for me, it really didn't. I feel like I've gotten a lot more exposure from blogging, following others' blogs, getting involved, and from the New Blogger's Blog Hop (thanks again to Yvonne, Cheryl, Stephanie and everyone else who worked on that, by the way!) Not to mention the <b>real</b> prize - I've met so many wonderful quilty friends (I<u><b> really</b></u> hope I get to see some of you in Pasadena in person!) <br />
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And of course, spiritually speaking (I'm reminding myself), it's the <i>journey</i>, not the outcome... <br />
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So by golly, I'm rejecting any sour grapes that might want to worm there way into my thoughts. I don't want to not be happy for those who get pieces accepted. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing (and being inspired by) the creations at the last two Quiltcons, and I will enjoy and be inspired at this year's show too. I absolutely do NOT want to be negative or feel negativity about anything, but most <i>especially</i> not about creating or fellow quilters. I want to enjoy what the creative universe has put out there, and lose my ego completely. (Obviously hasn't happened entirely, yet - it's a goal, anyway.)<br />
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So instead of questioning the choices or spending another second on negativity, I'm sending out sincere congratulations to everyone who had a piece chosen for the show. You deserve it! And I can't wait to see how the creative universe has come through you.<br />
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And also,<br />
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Thanks,<br />
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for sharing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDxuLufoGYKFvpRELdaaxG1Yh4o3ngTqu2ODcPfRChJnMB3IMKBhM9edvMObs-fBfLBqquCJ6hi8F3ighzQd0HeH4dI-RqDX5rIgFgJvPPteYjjjrEraNeMw1reYmRNlVtNBQKnHHV8o/s1600/QuiltConWestLogo-DatesLocation1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDxuLufoGYKFvpRELdaaxG1Yh4o3ngTqu2ODcPfRChJnMB3IMKBhM9edvMObs-fBfLBqquCJ6hi8F3ighzQd0HeH4dI-RqDX5rIgFgJvPPteYjjjrEraNeMw1reYmRNlVtNBQKnHHV8o/s400/QuiltConWestLogo-DatesLocation1.png" /></a> (I'll be there!)<br />
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<br />the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-69684732388774860472015-12-12T18:17:00.000-05:002015-12-12T18:17:11.072-05:00I'm Dreaming of a Haaaand-made Christmas...Just like the ones I've never known,<br />
Where their eyes will glisten,<br />
With teeeeaaars,<br />
For all the love you've shown....<br />
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Yeah. <br />
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Well, it's not gonna happen again this year, either. See, it's all my fault - I just can't seem to get it all started in August, which is when it needs to start for it it actually happen. Somehow I seem to have difficulty getting in the Christmas spirit when it's 105 degrees and humid as Venus. Then suddenly it's October and November and oops - where did the time go? Again.<br />
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And I did have ideas - oh did I have ideas! But unfortunately I got sidetracked by all my non-Christmas ideas, and now I fear it's simply too late to make meaningful gifts for those I love because I'm having so very little sewing time lately, and it's only going to get worse in the coming days.<br />
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I actually managed to make three pillows based on Lorna's (Sew Fresh Quilts) adorable deer pattern, but haven't gotten any of them into the mail yet. They're all three done wrong (apparently I'm not a direction-following genius) but I still like 'em. My loved ones don't have to know they're wrong - I mean - <i>I'm</i> not gonna tell 'em. What? - I just did? Well then, if they dare complain they just might get a midnight visit from the Grinch, who will take those precious, thoughtful, <i>hand-crafted</i> gifts right back and give them to someone (blind) who won't notice their flaws - huh!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they are, side by side - you can see all the antlers are different, and none of them are the way they are supposed to be..oh well.</td></tr>
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Guess I'll have to fall back on dear old Amazon. com for some commercialized, only somewhat thoughtful gifts that say, "I love you, just not enough to make something for you." Wish that they were already delivering by drone - that would be a present in itself, wouldn't it? Although since I live pretty far out, I doubt I'll ever get to see the little suckers out here, dropping a package at my country door. (Boy would that freak out my dog! He's led a very sheltered life, limited to barking at large, scary hay bales, chasing deer, frightening raccoons and armadillos, sniffing out the occasional skunk, and of course there was that one (quite upsetting) time he tangled with that mean old porcupine...)<br />
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But I digress. Christmas. It's fun to give, ain't it? But even funner (yes, I'm aware of my bad grammar - it's for <i>effect</i>, okay!) to give something you put a lot of thought into and made especially for that person. Guess I'm going to have to settle for mediocre level fun this year...oh well. Bring it on.<br />
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But next year, Handmade Christmas is gonna be a reality. Really.the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-14958996950079282242015-12-09T19:32:00.002-05:002015-12-09T19:32:57.714-05:00WIP Wedesday - No WIPs, But Two Finishes!The title of this blog may be misleading. OF COURSE I have works in progress! Three to be exact. But there is no progress being made on them at the moment, so they don't really count.<br />
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I <i>would</i> have been slaving away at quilting the hockey quilt for my friend Helen's son, but after I spent four hours (no that isn't a typo) on Monday sandwiching it, I left it on the floor and one of my (soon to be homeless) cats PEED on it! (That isn't a typo either. Unfortunately.) I wasn't about to un-sandwich it to wash it, after it took all afternoon to get it done, so I just took the offended part and rinsed it out and am letting it dry. I think it had literally just happened because it didn't seem to have soaked in, so that's good (<b>if </b>you can say anything good about such a disgusting, annoying happening). Yes, I did curse like a sailor. The good news is, it seems to have recovered - even my dog-like sense of smell can't smell the pee, and will be ready to quilt tomorrow. <br />
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I was really happy when I got it all together and I put it on my bed and it looked like this:<br />
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I did a happy dance. But now: the QUILTING. Should be a pretty decent challenge to quilt something that size and weight with all those raised appliqués on it...can't wait. (said in a Garfield the cat-like voice).</div>
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On an easier note, Mountain Majesty is complete. I'm pretty pleased with it. I wasn't sure about the yellow around the edge before I put it on, but I decided to take the chance anyway and I'm super glad I did. It works.<br />
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At least I think it does. <br />
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Last, I also finished my fun improv minimalist piece. It's called Soicles. (Soy-kuls).* <br />
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I did a BUNCH of straight line matchstick quilting on it that you can't really see in this shot. The black side is horizontal and the white side is vertical. Had some other ideas, but left it at that. <br />
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I'm about to be super busy, so you probably won't hear from me for a little while. Lots of sewing and other stuff to do before the holidays. I have so many blog ideas, but just so darn little time to write, it seems I can barely post on WIP Wednesdays lately, and that's it. Maybe things will slow down in January a little. See y'all around cyber space.<br />
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* That's "circles" in a Jersey accent.<br />
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Oh and today is my Prince Charming of a husband's birthday. He is really the poi-fect guy for me! Love you Paul Wikander.<br />
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<br />the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-6448269770997739652015-12-03T10:58:00.001-05:002015-12-03T11:26:20.619-05:00Throwback Thursday - Faded Glory and Jonas's Bed QuiltI love Throwback Thursday. It's so fun to explore where everyone started, fabric-wise, skill-wise, and taste-wise, including oneself. I don't have any Christmas shares, though. I am right now making my first Christmas stuff ever. (I guess I'm kind of a Scrooge - don't want to spend much time on stuff that will only be out for a few weeks...) Sadly, I also don't have a lot of my old quilts - I gave a bunch away when I first started quilting, and my very first quilt, made in 2002, is completely worn out - had to trash it, sadly. But it was well-loved and well-used.<br />
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Here is one I've shared before - it's the one I made for my bed. One of my first, so it's twelve years old, and it's been ruined by the sun. I have west facing windows in my upstairs bedrooms, and since we live in the country, I don't have window coverings on them and the Texas sun has literally eaten holes in it. But until I have time to make a new one, it lives on...(barely)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors used to be really bright - pink, magenta - those squares were a blue batik!</td></tr>
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I still love the bright, sort of sari-like colors of this, and the pattern is quite fun, too. It was only the third quilt I made, I think, and it wasn't super easy but I had help from my mother, too. Plus after making enough squares for a queen sized quilt, I had it down.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh it's so sad - look what the sun has done - going to get window coverings before I make the next one, just to protect it! My mom had this hand quilted for me - it cost her a fortune because it was so large! Really hate to get rid of it....</td></tr>
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I know a lot of people want calm, quiet colors in their bedrooms but not me, I guess. And no, I don't have a bit of trouble sleeping in my room - I love it. And my husband has never complained about the colors and frankly, he could sleep in the middle of a tornado!<br />
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I'm sharing another one, too, that I made for my son Jonas - who was in first or second grade at the time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOW3-fPAfyK-5CmKMlw3_JgSLndQ_LGjWu_nkI_RsgF1l2xnKw7PYP3FB8FzNE3EyTGlBgyy6DB9Z1BZHfIBTwCfcJKhsdaDqqOWkeZ0WA0UNkqMr0VYztMlF2nBsXKBqjfTJIbyLNqo/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOW3-fPAfyK-5CmKMlw3_JgSLndQ_LGjWu_nkI_RsgF1l2xnKw7PYP3FB8FzNE3EyTGlBgyy6DB9Z1BZHfIBTwCfcJKhsdaDqqOWkeZ0WA0UNkqMr0VYztMlF2nBsXKBqjfTJIbyLNqo/s640/IMG_0747.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is on his bed, of course I had to make it - he was home for Thanksgiving but didn't make the bed before he left. Humph - college kids!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of the blocks - oh I LOVE those cute fabrics! There's the frogs, and you can't see my favorite, which is turtles. </td></tr>
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It's a Mary Mashuta design. I love this pattern - to me, it's very George Jetson - somehow reminds me of tv. I recall that this was a challenging pattern for a newbie, too. When I was making it we spent some time in California that summer and I had the layout set up all over the beds in one our cabin in the Sierras - that's how obsessed I was from the beginning - I even took my quilting on vacation!<br />
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One of the things I really love about this quilt is the backing. If you get up under it, it glows - so cool. Jonas loved this quilt! It's still on his bed, in fact. It is also quite faded, but it has been loved, let me tell you. <br />
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So I rarely use repeat pattern blocks or batiks anymore, but looking at these two pieces, I still really like them both, fabrics, design and all. I would definitely make them again. But I probably won't of course. Too many other new ones to make! (And I don't think Jonas would be quite as excited about his quilt now, he's rather outgrown it...)<br />
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Going to go check out more throwbacks. Thanks to Jennifer Trot Zisserman from <a href="http://quarterinchfromtheedge.blogspot.com/">Quarter Inch From the Edge</a> for her brainchild - it's super fun!<br />
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-20072594095634343762015-11-25T14:20:00.002-05:002015-11-25T14:20:29.407-05:00On Following Directions...Quicky WIP Wednesday<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking time off from my busy baking/cleaning schedule to tell you a funny story. Some of you know already that I am a former teacher. Well, teachers are pretty notorious for not following directions - they always want to start right away, because they are so eager to show what they know, or to do the task at hand. Well, my teacher genetics reared their ugly little head last night with this. (Lorna McMahon, you are going to laugh at this,) I was making Lorna's adorable deer from her amazing Forest Friends quilt and it clearly says to read the directions all the way through before starting. Naturally, I thought I knew better, and the result was this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now to the untrained eye it might look okay, but if you look at it closely, it's wrong wrong wrong. The extra long antlers, the little random knob on the head - nope, not supposed to look like that. Plus I had to add a bunch of pieces to the top and bottom to make it work - yikes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now why did I mess this up, I ask you? Well, because I didn't follow the directions. I thought I was so smart I could do it bit by bit and well - I couldn't. Now I don't hate it, it's stillI kind of cute so I've decided to leave it, add a little to the sides and make a little pillow out of it instead of taking it all apart and trying to figure out what I did wrong, but it definitely serves me right. I should know better, after all, I am a teacher - huh!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've started some new ones, and this time, I read the pattern twice and I seem to be getting it right so far..</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These deer are so darn cute! I had to go to a friend's birthday party last night and I had to stop before I got these finished. It made me a little grumpy because I want to see them done (correctly, that is..)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also quilting my Mountain Majesty quilt and having fun with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I finished the top of this quilt which I'm calling Every Which Way - made from squares and HST's from leftover fabrics from other projects. Love to actually be somewhat frugal sometimes with the fabrics. I know my grandmother would be appalled at my stash - she actually made scrap quilts from clothes and leftover fabrics. But it's not my fault there are so many beautiful fabrics in the world, wanting to be cut up into new and interesting designs, is it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully I'll have some time later to check out more blogs from <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Freshly Pieced</a> and<a href="http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/"> Sew Fresh Quilts</a>, but I do have 32 people coming to my house for Thanksgiving tomorrow so it may have to wait. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In closing I have to say how much I love this holiday - great food, family & friends, gratitude - there's nothing better. So much to be thankful for every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And at the risk of politically incorrect, I want to say that I love this country I live in, too. So much freedom, opportunity, beauty, inventiveness, spirit. It ain't perfect, but I'm glad to be here. I'm not saying other places aren't great, too. Just want to give a nod to the good old USA since we're kind of celebrating its beginning tomorrow. For those of you who will be celebrating tomorrow, Happy Thanksgiving. And to everyone - Happy Day! Every day. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D256652417543654878%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LVhO-WKtvJc%2FVlYGfVDqhsI%2FAAAAAAAABas%2F1GJtxXjPR5Q%2Fs640%2FIMG_0701.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Wv6bjsA95SM3&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 102px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2640px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D256652417543654878%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-LVhO-WKtvJc%2FVlYGfVDqhsI%2FAAAAAAAABas%2F1GJtxXjPR5Q%2Fs640%2FIMG_0701.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Wv6bjsA95SM3&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 102px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2640px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-38701724580642829482015-11-22T23:09:00.001-05:002015-11-22T23:22:01.628-05:00Seen at the Houston Quilt Festival<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is my blog, so naturally it is going to reflect my own opinions. I begin by saying this, because what speaks to me is not necessarily what speaks to others, That said, I'm going to share some of my favorites from the 2015 Houston Quilt Festival. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First of all, not all Houston Quilt Shows are created equally. Of course, there are always examples of amazing, fabulous, beautiful work, but I don't always feel that every time I do I get a ton of inspiration for myself. Don't know why exactly. This year I have been on fire all month since I got home. I can't say I've even looked at any of the pictures before tonight, but something lit a fire under me and I can't stop making since I got home. Here are some of the ones I loved. These spoke to me because of the artistry, the compositions, the technique, the idea, or they were funny, or I just found them appealing visually, I guess. There were so many beautiful pieces; these are just a few, really. Unfortunately I wasn't smart enough to take photos of the description cards for each of them, so I can't say who made them (next time I'll do better). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here they are, in no particular order, except for the order in which I took the photos. I apologize in advance for the photography, but the exhibition hall isn't all that well lit, and no flashes, ;and I'm not a great photographer anyway but you'll get the-er-picture, so - ENJOY!</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-sNIlS6Ri6iYk94THE7-75EEpvYcd5EeMR94bSazwP3vf3FQdLdA_tYOjfVlHMh6abgNmj_CduaWkMNi81AiZj-dfbjDmQ88LCu9wb97tbpFfoHHoRMwjQuc2YcXqwjvmIY0NA-CFwg/s1600/IMG_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-sNIlS6Ri6iYk94THE7-75EEpvYcd5EeMR94bSazwP3vf3FQdLdA_tYOjfVlHMh6abgNmj_CduaWkMNi81AiZj-dfbjDmQ88LCu9wb97tbpFfoHHoRMwjQuc2YcXqwjvmIY0NA-CFwg/s640/IMG_0510.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was one of my absolute faves, too. So beautiful and so masterfully done! WOW.</td></tr>
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And finally, my personal favorite. I absolutely adore this quilt -the artistry the idea, the colors. It just blew me away. I'm mad at myself for not taking a better photo! This cuts some of it off and doesn't do it justice.</div>
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Now you tell me which one is YOUR favorite!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-4914441428127072122015-11-18T22:11:00.002-05:002015-11-18T22:14:01.635-05:00A WIP Wednesday that almost wasn't...<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whoa the day really got away from me today. I had big plans, mind you, but it all just - escaped. I admit as I write this I still feel a niggling irritation that things didn't go as planned - what a waste of energy. It's not as though I didn't accomplish anything, just not the things I had planned - I need to go to my drawer and fish out my big girl panties, methinks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I do have a share. It's inspired by a little something I saw in a design magazine that just grabbed my fancy and wouldn't let go until I did it. No name for it, yet, but it's minimalist fun. Sorry about the picture but it's really late and I just want to share and go look at everybody else's stuff so I'm not taking time to edit it. (On second thought I'll just crop it a little, anyway...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's wonky and imperfect but I LOVE it. It's so darn fun and it was a total blast to make and now all I have to do is figure out how to quilt it...but not today, today I'm just enjoying it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love spontaneity. (Although I did have to look the word up to make sure I was spelling it correctly...) </span></div>
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the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256652417543654878.post-73540391687720573062015-11-11T18:36:00.001-05:002015-11-11T18:36:15.469-05:00WIP WednCouldn't Wait to Cut In to These Fabrics!I was lucky enough to go to the Houston Quilt Festival this year (I promise to sit down and write and share pictures of my faves soon). It was inspiring as always, however, I decided I was not going to buy any fabric unless it seemed really, really special to me.<br />
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Naturally, I discovered lots and lots of special fabrics. One line is from <a href="http://www.fronddesignstudios.com/">Frond Design Studio</a> - it's fabric derived from paintings (at least thats the way I understand it). Anyway, I fell in love with these fabrics, and even though I have a several projects going on, I simply couldn't stop myself from starting another project (Sorry Jonas - you will get your HS graduation quilt before you graduate from college, I'm sure of it!). I'm sure you'll understand after I show you the fabric before it is cut up. It's a work of art all by itself:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfOGCnHdkBVCZ1GqC0Z5U-GWgfLGj-4Q3Zy_qB3sX1BUq871i-UYOuytI3X5SridVCTXl0RQHFZIvt4YsYl3geI1394hFJiVm9nGB9w_NhK-1pWV43j4WFKZCp1BzycBx2eFZ5Fq-ZCI/s1600/IMG_0674+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfOGCnHdkBVCZ1GqC0Z5U-GWgfLGj-4Q3Zy_qB3sX1BUq871i-UYOuytI3X5SridVCTXl0RQHFZIvt4YsYl3geI1394hFJiVm9nGB9w_NhK-1pWV43j4WFKZCp1BzycBx2eFZ5Fq-ZCI/s640/IMG_0674+%25281%2529.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
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Pretty beautiful, huh. Almost too special to cut up - well, maybe not but it could stand alone. They had a quilt kit with a really gorgeous quilt all designed for it, but I already had a quilt design in mind - it's based on a rug I had seen while shopping for our vacation rental. Like I've said before, one never knows where inspiration will come from.<br />
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Here is the flimsy finish. I'm calling it Mountain Majesty. Again, it's almost a seasonal quilt, with the colors and all, but really one could keep it up all year, I think. I am pretty excited to quilt it up, I have a cool idea for it.<br />
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Luckily I still have a yard of this beautiful stuff, and a second idea. But as I'm currently working on a commissioned piece and two others plus this one, I'm not allowing myself to jump into it yet (although oh how I WANT to). What makes it a challenge is that I already have the second design in mind for the other half of the fabric. This one is loosely based loosely on a mat I saw in front of an auto shop! (Again, always looking out for inspiration...)<br />
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I have moreWIPS naturally, but this is what I'm super psyched about at the moment. Linking up to WIP Wednesdays at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Freshly Pieced </a>and <a href="http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/">Sew Fresh Quilts</a> to see what everyone else is excited about.the zen quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05109269989556411207noreply@blogger.com0