tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28616223494706314322024-03-12T18:58:04.563-04:00Sojourner HandworkJust passing through...you are welcome to accompany me...Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-13476119579206649992013-01-28T17:47:00.002-05:002013-01-28T17:49:36.244-05:00Design Wall Monday, January 28, 2013<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">2013... I've been mulling it over, for a while now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Night before last, I sat down and really focused on what I'd like to get accomplished this year, craft-wise. Mostly, I'll be making gifts, many gifts (HUGE family!) One item I want to give is a Christmas/ birthday present to my son in August. I knit 7 modern red/green/off-white stockings for their family, and I want to give them a tree-skirt & table runner to match.... but NO WAY would I put something knit in wool under a LIVE tree... so I'm sewing it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ3WIle8rGZTj-mEyTz_ZZih0XESSGRWE3WK8tIpJiVu82HKI3GayuSgKeqNHlDZjNKAUSaRfWTslv1p4CLKB8K7168UpMNwR8obRFiw4jh3SgmglOQW082_Yv3lNxuBmj5E47Kt0Nkfd/s1600/Tree+skirt+panel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZ3WIle8rGZTj-mEyTz_ZZih0XESSGRWE3WK8tIpJiVu82HKI3GayuSgKeqNHlDZjNKAUSaRfWTslv1p4CLKB8K7168UpMNwR8obRFiw4jh3SgmglOQW082_Yv3lNxuBmj5E47Kt0Nkfd/s320/Tree+skirt+panel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Two of ten panels</em></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Hmm... photo is a bit fuzzy & deep forest green appears black. My sewing room is a hard place to get accurate photos. At any rate, I've sewn all 10 panels; I have sewn panel one to two and panel three to panel 4. Last night I cut the freezer paper templates to sew the rest of the panels into pairs. I love how it looks in person, not so much in the photo. This pattern (mentioned before) is included in the book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/French-Braid-Obsession-Imaginative-Quilter/dp/1571205268/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3" target="_blank">French Braid Obsession by Jane Hardy Miller</a>. If you look at customer images, I think there are a couple examples of what the whole pattern will look like.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">See what others are working on over at <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2013/01/28/design-wall-january-28-2013/" target="_blank">Judy's Patchwork Times</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by! </span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-70786744288189971492013-01-27T19:28:00.000-05:002013-01-27T19:28:03.539-05:00Stash Report Week 4 2013<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have fabric... not sure what I was thinking when I bought most of it. It's getting old, my tastes have changed. I see scrappy quilts in my future... but 2013 is planned.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In an effort to "stop the madness" I'm tracking 2013's ins & outs. I'm following <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2013/01/27/stash-report-week-4-2013/" target="_blank">Judy Laquidara</a>'s system in 2013. So there's no attempt to record beginning stash, the numbers will be increased by purchases and decreased by COMPLETED projects. This is my first post, so I'll chat about year to date activity.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Used this week: 0</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Used year to date: 0</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Added this week: 0</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Added year to date: 3.7 yards</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Net increase in 2013: 3.7 yards</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am in two blocks of the month, so I included those fabrics (completed the blocks too, but as the quilts are not completed, they don't count as used yet.) I purchased a little over a half a yard to complete the star backgrounds in the quilt I posted about a couple of weeks ago.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The bulk of my additions are these:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_Ymjvs-32otG3zS79HCZNhZ0zYBoxFdRlRK7O9Nn9l-cSUfEZnzCSQCKQyieEDz-9pTEuuEpIoUrRkT_GX_elocRe7nMGcChTXOL0en9iONeVRNVuQDgsZIhB41mGrMv2Wis6RMvPZfs/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_Ymjvs-32otG3zS79HCZNhZ0zYBoxFdRlRK7O9Nn9l-cSUfEZnzCSQCKQyieEDz-9pTEuuEpIoUrRkT_GX_elocRe7nMGcChTXOL0en9iONeVRNVuQDgsZIhB41mGrMv2Wis6RMvPZfs/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="239" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvnPeVGkgcaCy43vHgFfetO1yNa-7HMY-scaAhzNR7yADy6NsJKLl5LzMYr-oa4y5BAoUR7-Frm_XDUiqF5ZbKCqXPpVs8ekh1P_XMtPB51NsUgUXfqLKHXOXaauOaofiCE0xD_u_b9xG/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvnPeVGkgcaCy43vHgFfetO1yNa-7HMY-scaAhzNR7yADy6NsJKLl5LzMYr-oa4y5BAoUR7-Frm_XDUiqF5ZbKCqXPpVs8ekh1P_XMtPB51NsUgUXfqLKHXOXaauOaofiCE0xD_u_b9xG/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a moment of weakness, I bought a grab bag from <a href="http://www.homesteadhearth.com/shop/An-Online-Blowout/Remnant-Bags/p/Grab-Bag-of-assorted-fabrics.htm" target="_blank">Homestead Hearth</a>. I learned of it from Kathie at <a href="http://inspiredbyantiquequilts.blogspot.com/2013/01/in-nov.html" target="_blank">Inspired by Antique Quilts</a>. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The service from Homestead was great. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I feel I got a good value; t</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">here were numerous fabrics at least 3 inches by the width of fabric. In the photos the fabrics are folded to show the variety. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love that there were so many neutrals. I've already used 4 pieces in an applique project and am glad to have the variety. I also imagine using them in a "leader-ender" tumbler block project using my reproduction fabrics. I have plenty!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the risk of becoming an enabler, they also have other categories of grab bag fabrics. It was funny though that after Kathie posted about the grab bags expected delivery went from a couple of days to a couple of weeks!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In an effort to estimate how much fabric was included, I weighed a one yard piece of quilt shop quality fabric from my stash. I also weighed my new fabric... using this methodology I figure I added just over 2.75 yards. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hmm... now I do have quilts in progress to complete and I have a plan, but if I don't get those buggers completed, I'll add a net of 48 yards in 2013; best get to sewing!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and happy stitching.</span></div>
Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-59559207860090505692013-01-14T19:33:00.003-05:002013-01-14T19:33:49.122-05:00Design Wall Monday 2013 Jan 14<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Judy, over at <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2013/01/14/design-wall-monday-january-14-2013/" target="_blank">Patchwork Times</a> has a great link-up for folks to show what they are working on.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As part of my 2013 goals, I want to complete projects from the past... aka UFO's, WIP etc... whatever, they are not completed. I've noted the biggest source of my UFO's began as classes or local(ish) stores' Blocks of the Month (BoM) programs. I'm in two that began in 2012. One at <a href="http://www.seworiginal.org/" target="_blank">Sew Original in Winston-Salem, NC</a> and one at <a href="http://www.sewmuchfun4you.com/" target="_blank">Sew Much Fun Quilt shop</a> which is technically in Lowell, NC, about 1.75 hours away. (For those who know NC, it is about 2 miles from Mary Jo's Fabric Shop in Gastonia. It is also very close to Ikea etc in the BIG city of Charlotte, NC... lots of reasons to go there...)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9TbQ6H38pAhgttUikYNwHPpRujofH8eCgxquh5u3RduEpQob0wqEDiVPg50pAfuDBx0rdFh6nuBx6_EOFnliK-UWHpjTAlKVhw-0Q8ckfkJMsL79467sZJPWKfhqWJvEX-8-k06ddYKc/s1600/Stars+and+Stars+forever+1-14-2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9TbQ6H38pAhgttUikYNwHPpRujofH8eCgxquh5u3RduEpQob0wqEDiVPg50pAfuDBx0rdFh6nuBx6_EOFnliK-UWHpjTAlKVhw-0Q8ckfkJMsL79467sZJPWKfhqWJvEX-8-k06ddYKc/s320/Stars+and+Stars+forever+1-14-2013.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday, I drove down to pick up the patterns and fabrics. Sunday, I worked on them. (Hmm, photo has weird angle. I was standing on a chair in my office. It's too dark in my room at home for photos since it's rained all day.) At any rate, this photo includes one of each months' patterns through month 9; we make two blocks a month. I've chosen to use the same fabric for all the star points <a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/picnic_basics/AJA-11832-9/" target="_blank">Robert Kaufman's Picnic Basics</a>. Boy I do love this fabric. Then I'm using red or blue for scrappy backgrounds; they'll finish at 12" square. I plan on making a large solid star for the center block and adding sashing and cornerstones. I'll end up with a 25 block square picnic quilt. (Hmm, that's a LOT of white for a picnic quilt!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The shop provides 2.5" WOF strips for the solid center red and white fabrics, plus the first month we purchased <a href="http://www.thangles.com/" target="_blank">Thangles</a> to use. Frankly, I'm not a fan; seems like your accuracy should be great, but mine is better not using Thangles... plus, it feels like extra work. The 2.5# strips from the shop have to be perfect (some have not been) and the paper complicates pinning and sewing for me. I think I'll start cutting the half square triangle parts using Bonnie Hunter's method <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.com/p/videos.html" target="_blank">Video tutorial for using Easy Angle rulers</a>. Tho her tutorial is for flying Geese, the cutting directions work with half square triangle cutting too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At any rate, one of my January 2013 goals is to get caught up with and complete the quilt made in this block of the month. I didn't make the trip to Gastonia in December, so I was behind, blocks 9 were December. I hope to complete blocks 10 this week, which will give me 20 blocks. That will mean I am caught up. I plan to visit my grand-daughter who is in college at UNC-Charlotte the last week-end of the month, so I'll pick up February's blocks then. This month, I may even complete all the back-ground piecing for the last four blocks in the series as well as begin on the sashing and cornerstones. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by... I love to see what others are working on, so follow the link above. And THANKS to Judy who finds so many ways to keep us motivated & on track. </span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-27348567314286924202013-01-03T16:19:00.002-05:002013-01-03T16:19:56.853-05:00What's Cooking with Judy? Sweet Potatoes<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of our in-laws once said of our family "When most families go on vacation, they take their fancy clothes... the Duggers take their kitchens!" Yep, it's true. We all love to cook, share food and fun. However, I am not a big fan of cooking for one. Still, one of my 2013 resolutions is to cook more at home, so I signed right up with the "What's Cooking 2013" plan developed by Judy over at <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012/12/26/whats-cooking-december-26-2012/" target="_blank">Patchwork Times</a> (that link takes you to her post as we set up a practice run.) </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our pre 2013 challenge ingredient was "Sweet Potatoes." A fabulously versatile (and I fear under utilized powerhouse of a vege.) So here's my go:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, Sam's Club had a special, but they are quite small for Sweet Potatoes, about half sized (see the nickle?) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp-JkZeY_7c7IwO9CXQi6B0DumzR6quc5LvRvRxc8RSnWGhzhyiVMvSmYxZzxdhXKISqAlLmWPptzav1b0DZ89LZIwlij9FOzSScpak3eAm-4lBbFAo86IUotxl8Br6ZCbOR-hC5b-6Ch/s1600/Whats+on+my+needles+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp-JkZeY_7c7IwO9CXQi6B0DumzR6quc5LvRvRxc8RSnWGhzhyiVMvSmYxZzxdhXKISqAlLmWPptzav1b0DZ89LZIwlij9FOzSScpak3eAm-4lBbFAo86IUotxl8Br6ZCbOR-hC5b-6Ch/s320/Whats+on+my+needles+010.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to adapt a recipe that is ubiquitous on the net: a <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Thyme-Roasted-Sweet-Potatoes-233085" target="_blank">2005 Epicurious Thyme Sweet Potatoes</a>. Many reviews and my own experience indicate the potatoes often burn on the bottom.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I changed it... I peeled 2 of the 3 potatoes and cut them into wedges. I only used 1 Tablespoon of Olive oil, but greased my pan with butter (next time I'll cut back on the oil.) 2 large cloves of garlic very thinly sliced; in winter the cloves are usually older so I always remove the sprouts from the centers. See the sprout on the blade of my knife?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFIdkCP_BzyVPiOPWGpD53Mp82IChUUV1GG8G71NTUlKwQK8zJO4AU5qoxDk7Gm1iqRkXk2nVPqymo1Q2_0X5ae8BiJJbcJNVlkHdHNE1TmxDtRkb3ICth00-LWohyVgAWiZVviNNowBu/s1600/Whats+on+my+needles+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFIdkCP_BzyVPiOPWGpD53Mp82IChUUV1GG8G71NTUlKwQK8zJO4AU5qoxDk7Gm1iqRkXk2nVPqymo1Q2_0X5ae8BiJJbcJNVlkHdHNE1TmxDtRkb3ICth00-LWohyVgAWiZVviNNowBu/s320/Whats+on+my+needles+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For seasonings: @ 1/2 tsp each: crushed red pepper and ground Chipotle Chili pepper; @ 1/4 tsp Cumin, a couple of generous pinches of sea salt, and @ half a Tablespoon of fresh Thyme leaves.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is how it looked before putting it in a preheated 425 degree oven for about half an hour (middle shelf.) I thought my stone casserole dish would make them brown better, but no. Next time, I'll just spread out on a large flat pan. I ended up having to broil for a minute or so at the end to crisp them up some.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's how they looked after cooking.... yummy, yummy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdgg2PwTi7yXYhld6cHRfKKi7nKRuBzd87SgZ6eJtm8W2ky4Pfp6-JHKgW0NO5OvzHndOoFXyyxR8UWOtJN5Ps6YfMADGej9s5RNtNgpb-cvovFkDwTkxVLXuA63P-Jute9nZNneGv-HK/s1600/Whats+on+my+needles+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdgg2PwTi7yXYhld6cHRfKKi7nKRuBzd87SgZ6eJtm8W2ky4Pfp6-JHKgW0NO5OvzHndOoFXyyxR8UWOtJN5Ps6YfMADGej9s5RNtNgpb-cvovFkDwTkxVLXuA63P-Jute9nZNneGv-HK/s320/Whats+on+my+needles+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Definitely will cook these again. The original recipe says they can be eaten warm or at room temperature; even with my changes this is still true.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To find other great Sweet Potato recipes... check out <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2013/01/02/whats-cooking-week-1-2013/" target="_blank">Judy's link up!</a></span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-29052640831697345622012-12-31T18:42:00.000-05:002012-12-31T18:42:25.335-05:00New Beginnings... and January 2013 Goals...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh0sfi1kHnmTP3WyauIPuliCJU6KOjXJjBFPpCyEVDfHUFiciRiFiV1zFoNnpmyfnBmgzl7KbcXbTevIacf04cu91Hpfu5cK9Qe8TIItf1sDyN5pXun9FVsuSPumHb0GAxTc5aSjT1OpO/s1600/15143216-january-2013-calendar-happy-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh0sfi1kHnmTP3WyauIPuliCJU6KOjXJjBFPpCyEVDfHUFiciRiFiV1zFoNnpmyfnBmgzl7KbcXbTevIacf04cu91Hpfu5cK9Qe8TIItf1sDyN5pXun9FVsuSPumHb0GAxTc5aSjT1OpO/s320/15143216-january-2013-calendar-happy-new-year.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Judy, over at Patchwork Time</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">s has started a new motivational link up on her blog... </span> <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012/12/31/january-2013-getting-it-done/" target="_blank">Patchwork Times "Getting It Done"</a><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the end of each month, we'll link up with a list of 4 quilty things we want to complete in the next month and report on our progress during the month. This sounds pretty good to me. So in January, at a minimum I want to complete these quilty things: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga18eVE6Rejcqt6BS0ksIo-EfYMsvsoIw6ye6VHEwdNtg9eEyX_tbRfKstuWZ8mWcSB7XkSsrWaOlV2QNz_-xTGuRbqbMMUTEo-J6osfII8u76N19gcJWGZKjNFYsxu1LORfUAJwojziIP/s1600/close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga18eVE6Rejcqt6BS0ksIo-EfYMsvsoIw6ye6VHEwdNtg9eEyX_tbRfKstuWZ8mWcSB7XkSsrWaOlV2QNz_-xTGuRbqbMMUTEo-J6osfII8u76N19gcJWGZKjNFYsxu1LORfUAJwojziIP/s320/close+up.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1.) Get caught up on <a href="http://www.sewmuchfun4you.com/" target="_blank">Sew Much Fun</a>'s Block of the month. It uses <a href="http://www.thangles.com/video.html" target="_blank">Thangles</a> and they provide the red and white fabric strips used in the center; we provide the star points and backgrounds. Hear is a photo of part of the sample </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>(sorry, not great.) </i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The store is in Gastonia, NC, about an hour and a half away from me, so I don't get there each month. At any rate, I have November's block and need to complete it as well as pick up & complete December 2012 & January 2013. For those who know North Carolina and the infamous <a href="http://maryjos.com/fabrics/" target="_blank">Mary Jo's Cloth Store</a>... Sew Much Fun is only 5 minutes from Mary Jo's!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">2.) Figure out quilting design for a throw for my son and get it basted. It is @ 70"x70." I plan to quilt this on my domestic machine... with a 6.5" throat....!?! </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmWP6kPPvkQ4a1P8TBi52Rn0fYqFhziSyYM9Rf53f9vTCTmeLKYUmjQ7EEBgrYHAQ-tXZynalq_g_7r7knQj261eqx-3o0bdixwSG-XwwVX5JA0V3L6ofyWN-JpORzwwzyCwGfJ5_HK_6/s1600/picmonkey+salems+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmWP6kPPvkQ4a1P8TBi52Rn0fYqFhziSyYM9Rf53f9vTCTmeLKYUmjQ7EEBgrYHAQ-tXZynalq_g_7r7knQj261eqx-3o0bdixwSG-XwwVX5JA0V3L6ofyWN-JpORzwwzyCwGfJ5_HK_6/s320/picmonkey+salems+quilt.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whoa??? what happened to the color? The yellowish color is really olive, the blues are really teals. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57102208/tranquility-wow-in-sage-by-sandy-gervais?utm_source=googleproduct&utm_medium=syndication&utm_campaign=GPS&gclid=CLSrm9fjxbQCFSXNOgod9UYAbw" target="_blank">Hopefully this image will be more true</a>. The fabric is Sandy Gervais' Tranquility line (an oldie 2008 I finally used up.) The Pattern is from the book <u>Jelly Roll Quilts</u> by Pam Lintott and Nicky Lintott.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3.) Make the freezer paper templates to assemble my Christmas Tree skirt made using a pattern from the book French Braid Obsession. (Sorry no photos.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4.)Complete the final 5 blocks of the star quilt top for my grandson. (Again, no photos.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My non-quilty (but blog related) goal is to IMPROVE photos... geez Louise there is MUCH room for improvement!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, thanks Ms. Judy from Patchwork Times for hosting this motivational tool for us for 2013. Happy New Year everyone... may your stitches never skip and your needles never break!</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-88096104433384317492012-11-27T14:22:00.002-05:002012-11-27T17:37:48.476-05:00Long time no see.... <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Boy, this has been a year... too much, too many. Perhaps one day I'll write about some of it, but for now, I'll start where I am....</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">COOKING! Yep, I love to cook for others (not so excited about cooking meals for one tho.) So this time of year lends itself to sharpening the knives and filling the freezer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Our family includes some vegetarians... and others who have been vegetarians; I love that food too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">My sister likes my vegetarian southern cornbread dressing, so I make it for her each winter holiday. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Now, one issue I have had is that most commercial vegetable stock tastes thin, no complexity and often too sweet. So lately, I have been experimenting. I don't have a recipe for you, but I can tell you the process I've been using.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRR1McQwMeeG6H9gvTbJPyYXElVZKhEQa2PfiaDrva2WBpt9uAEHjdJDXYLo2cspAXkjcEDs6pBhF0Ap-0ZyrbKrEkiI5d-Szbu2nZwbBXRcvU0OuQ-mwRJNvThxluehHjbTs_Iqw9bPS/s1600/Whats+on+my+needles+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRR1McQwMeeG6H9gvTbJPyYXElVZKhEQa2PfiaDrva2WBpt9uAEHjdJDXYLo2cspAXkjcEDs6pBhF0Ap-0ZyrbKrEkiI5d-Szbu2nZwbBXRcvU0OuQ-mwRJNvThxluehHjbTs_Iqw9bPS/s320/Whats+on+my+needles+005.jpg" tea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isn't that just lovely?</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The process takes a while, but is not labor intensive.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I start by roasting the veges in the oven. I put a little olive oil on the chunked veges and spread them out as flat as I can in a large roaster... 12"x15"x 2-3" works great. I do not line it as I'll deglaze it after the veges roast. I use an oven temperature between 325 degrees and 425 and periodically turn the veges. Usually, I am roasting something else, so I just stick it in at whatever temp the other dish requires. (Hmm, I didn't decide to post on my blog until I was past all these parts, so I neglected to get photos.) </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I cook them until the veges are browned and some juices have begun to caramelize. I transfer the roasted veges to a large pot and fill with water, put it on simmer & let it cook away. I add some liquid to the roasting pan, deglaze it and add to the simmering pot. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Often, I am continuing to cook, so I throw vege scraps in as it cooks. Sometimes, I need to add water, but I try not to do that too often as it may thin out the flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Now, as to veges. I clean them well, but also use parts one would not put into a dish... onion skins, celery tops etc. I'll chunk cut: 3 whole onions,7-8 carrots</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;">peeled (or not)</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: large;">, 7-8 outer celery stalks with tops, tops from the more tender green/white celery stalks that I use in other dishes, 3-4 parsnips or however many I have, whole cloves of garlic including their skin, sometimes 7-8 smallish tomatoes, a handful of Italian parsley along with stems (usually not roasted, but added to simmering pot). If I have them, I add potatoes in their scrupulously cleaned jackets. Also, if they are on hand, I add mushroom trimmings or whole ones if I need to use them up. One vegetable I always include now is turnip, two or three small to medium (peeled lest they have been waxed.) The celery, parsley and turnips balance out the sweet of the onions and carrots, and they add complexity.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I use what I have on hand. I don't use bad produce of course and try to not use older veges, but occasionally have included carrots I would not have served raw and the broth was still wonderful. When I used those older carrots, I included some fresh ones too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">In the future, I'd like to add kale to the simmering broth and see what happens then.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Up to this point, I have avoided veges in the brassica family: cabbage, brussel sprouts etc. Some of my research sources recommended leaving these out. Once I used rutabaga... I wasn't fond of that broth, but perhaps it wasn't the rutabaga's fault so I may try it again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I let it cook for a while, atleast several hours. I partly cover it to reduce the amount of evaporation. I cut off the burner & let it cool, meanwhile removing the spent veges with an oriental open wire mesh course skimmer:</span><br />
<img alt="12 inch Bamboo Handled Coarse Skimmer" border="0" class="default_image" src="http://cdnimg.webstaurantstore.com/885THUNDERSKIMMER_tn.jpg" /> <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use a large flat wooden spoon to mush the veges to extract as much juice as I can. Compost the veges. Allow to fully cool, pour through a fine wire strainer and/or cheese cloth. If I am not using immediately, I freeze it in useful portions; otherwise, just refrigerate. If I have to stop mid process, I'll remove the veges & store them separately, recombining when I continue the process. I think this guards against bitterness.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">So far, I have avoided adding salt and herbs (other than the parsley), but I plan to add thyme and bay leaf in the future, plus experiment with when and how much salt to add.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I hope this is helpful! It really is such a simple process, and so natural when one is already cooking. Experiment!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Happy holidays!</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-32471989024382728752012-09-02T20:14:00.000-04:002012-09-02T20:14:00.947-04:00Alea's Quilt<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Late in June, my sister mentioned that Thally (her step daughter) wanted to use Zinnia colors in the nursery for Alea, her first born, expected in early October. So I decided to make her a simple little quilt. I neglected to get a photo when it was completed, but this gives you idea. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ5flwJkARjlMS06g_oOesBCrIPxFS8HHkc5hxTbFBtw-wOXykUKF9UHfuqWigKSsdX8mjiHCaAsq-4_xvolXIS6vAuoFoXs4n88GE0mk4uz4RkpMq4TAULCzCrdwm9N7uvhZ0Zwq9VhR/s1600/Alea+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ5flwJkARjlMS06g_oOesBCrIPxFS8HHkc5hxTbFBtw-wOXykUKF9UHfuqWigKSsdX8mjiHCaAsq-4_xvolXIS6vAuoFoXs4n88GE0mk4uz4RkpMq4TAULCzCrdwm9N7uvhZ0Zwq9VhR/s320/Alea+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UfIMtxn0DY0EPkj02RFqxv9draPduf012GGLWpNQqzw3OAivzF4FM-XooN5xWwQvNRmIAQhcQwhWgUwJVIVs-SBJ6ZVMthSRtrsETa4PQeO7c1MoeWNrhTz2vA9oP22HIH920u9p7C7d/s1600/aleas+quilt+bigger+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UfIMtxn0DY0EPkj02RFqxv9draPduf012GGLWpNQqzw3OAivzF4FM-XooN5xWwQvNRmIAQhcQwhWgUwJVIVs-SBJ6ZVMthSRtrsETa4PQeO7c1MoeWNrhTz2vA9oP22HIH920u9p7C7d/s320/aleas+quilt+bigger+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hopefully, my sister can get a photo for me of the finished top. We had a shower for Thally August 12 and she was so sweet and delighted by all the hulla-baloo. And we did have a grand time... lots of folks, fun decorations, tons of super delicious food, and a lovely sweet time when we all gathered and each one slowly, gently, lovingly spoke to Thally from their heart dear warm words. Many gave her a bead to be put on a bracelet for her to remember by. Family who could not come sent their loving words ahead of time, and so we could read them to her. Many in attendance had also written something for her. There were several poems and prayers. All the written messages were put into a scrapbook for her to take with her and as she gathers cards and other mementos, she can add them. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a another wonderful gathering of family and friends which has deepened our relationships. I love our family!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Peace!</span> </div>
Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-3896353537932529392012-09-01T19:47:00.000-04:002012-09-01T19:47:00.633-04:00Knitting Finished Object!<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This summer I joined a wonderful Ravelry KAL (Knit ALong) to knit Paula Emons-Fuessle's lovely shawlette Piper's Journey. The group on Ravelry is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/singlehandedknits" target="_blank">SingleHanded Knits</a>, if you want to check it out & I recommend you do! For those who are not knitters, Ravelry is a phenomenal free knitting website (I think over a million members!) which in my opinion is a must have for any knitter... tons of free patterns, great educational resources and a great vehicle for chatting @ all things knitting & crocheting & spinning, fantabulous! Here is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Link to Ravelry</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is link to my project page on Ravelry for this shawl: </span><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Consolations/pipers-journey" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>My Piper's Journey</em></span></a> <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><u>(Still having trouble transferring photos from phone... :{{)</u></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This lovely accessory has a crescent shape that lays wonderfully (and securely) around one's shoulders. Simple and beautiful. The pattern is well written and the lace border is attached as you knit. It takes a while because one has to knit 36 (18*2) stitches for each and every stitch on the edge of the shawl, and I had over 248 stitches on the edge. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">My color choices were the same as the lovely lady MSKiKnits who started the ravelry group. Shameless paint by number knitting!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">About a third of a way into the shawl, I realized I really wanted to give it to a friend, Rosemary. She was a God-send while we were caring for Mom during the February vigil in my sister's home in which we sat with Mom 24/7 ( a great blessing, yet difficult too.) Rosemary's spirit was hopeful, respectful, encouraging and incredibly loving. She is a nurse who cares for the elderly and generously shared her amazing knowledge and skill with us. She often would come at 10:30-11pm and stay until 5AM so we could sleep. So, I was so happy to make this for Rosemary. I finished in time to give it to her before she went on retreat with my sister in California, then headed on up to Maine. I understand she loved it, and wore it all the time. Happy dance!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">It was a wonderful thing to be able to gift this to her.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I hope you too are able to demonstrate your care and appreciation through the work of your hands. What a joyful blessing!</span><br />
Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-39428976280152118512012-08-31T19:11:00.001-04:002012-08-31T20:20:19.461-04:00What's on my needles: August 31<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lots has happened this summer, but I just am not quite ready to write about it yet. For some reason, I felt I needed to post my reflections about those things before I resumed posting about the crafty things... not quite sure what that is all about, but I no longer feel that way. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I've missed blogging, so I hope blogging becomes part of my normal routine again.... </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Judy over at Patchwork Times has a Friday Linky for "What's on Your Needles" <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012/08/31/on-the-needles-august-21-2012/" target="_blank">Click here!</a> I do love my knitting! Here's what I'm working on now: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TL7drgTbvRIEpQ3bV49ABxuMiumLaZIQHR5Qf4K9HeoDtY_Cahyphenhyphen1YPKHxqUlmoJ_lEs9iLSStA14nvFxV0FTM6zA-DRxECoAciAhUB_umEZzwFuFUxXlToUtQMZwAcp8u9x0ONBinpmi/s1600/Whats+on+my+needles+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TL7drgTbvRIEpQ3bV49ABxuMiumLaZIQHR5Qf4K9HeoDtY_Cahyphenhyphen1YPKHxqUlmoJ_lEs9iLSStA14nvFxV0FTM6zA-DRxECoAciAhUB_umEZzwFuFUxXlToUtQMZwAcp8u9x0ONBinpmi/s320/Whats+on+my+needles+001.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is part of the beginnings of a shawl based on the pattern <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forget-me-knot-2" target="_blank">Meghan Jackson's Forget-Me-Knot Shawl</a> using a gradient yarn crafted by <a href="http://www.theuniquesheep.com/Colors/Gradiance/gradiance.htm" target="_blank">Laura and Kelly at The Unique Sheep</a> This is their Verve yarn base in the Peacock colorway; the four color graduated skeins total 400 yards. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pattern calls for 430 yards of yarn and gives two options: nupps (a small multi wrapped bobble) or beads. As I'm short on yarn, I chose beads. They are quite subtle and as there are not many; they will not add much weight.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are several ways to add beads. In my opinion, the least tedious method uses Super Floss... yep! Here is a link to a blog that describes the super floss method as well as other popular ways: <a href="http://fleeglesblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/billion-more-beads.html" target="_blank">Fleegle's Blog about adding beads</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU4kIH4ASoOqlavSHUPz0pvOcFZu8Q6ABSeib2ZQMnCw2F1esSL095Ltssf_vLOqF73UX55qvhFpduzXycnkETUlGuaPbQt8CNjY5A0g_2H5l1VQEhmEyBwD8PvXYMUtf-ct-Tv4HNVbz/s1600/superfloss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU4kIH4ASoOqlavSHUPz0pvOcFZu8Q6ABSeib2ZQMnCw2F1esSL095Ltssf_vLOqF73UX55qvhFpduzXycnkETUlGuaPbQt8CNjY5A0g_2H5l1VQEhmEyBwD8PvXYMUtf-ct-Tv4HNVbz/s200/superfloss.jpg" width="149" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I usually cut off a lot of the longer, floppier floss beyond the fluff and then wrap what remains through the holes in a cute button. Not the best photo... but you get the idea. This is such a great way to carry the beads along. When I finish adding the beads, I weave the loose end into the button holes too. Works flawlessly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">My plan is to give this shawl as a Christmas gift. Best get busy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Hope the last couple of months have been wonderful for you and yours!</span></div>
Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-52490144660614095572012-06-15T17:45:00.000-04:002012-06-15T17:45:19.324-04:00What's on my Needles<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hmm.... I actually did a lot of knitting, but it doesn't look like it... I guess the inches don't add up too much when you've got over 300 stitches per row in laceish fingering weight (Row: 32 stitches per 4 inches, Height: less.) Plus, I knit the stitches behind the key hole there.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scalene progress in Blackberries</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I made the mistake of counting how many stitches are left.... over 10,000... really? really? only 33 more rows tho. I wish my photo showed the irredescent quality of the MadelineTosh yarns.... so pretty!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Next week's goal.... complete it & start the blocking.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Check out <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012/06/15/on-the-needlesjune-15-2012/" target="_blank">Judi's What's on your needles Link up</a></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Have a great week-end... and happy stitches! b</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-26902746814332802202012-06-08T20:06:00.003-04:002012-06-08T20:14:13.186-04:00What's on my needles? Linky to Patchwork Times <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Scalene in my Triple Crown Blackberry patch</em></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">May was a long month.... but more about that later, perhaps.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> For now, I just want to post @ progress on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Consolations/scalene" target="_blank">My Scalene</a>. I started this on May 1st to participate in Ravelry's MadMay2012.... </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Obviously, didn't complete by May 31! Still, work continues....the fingering weight yarn is quite tiny and there are lotza stitches! (it takes 32 stitches to go 4 inches & about as many rows to go up 4"..... ) My goal for this week is to get through the wide stripe in the pattern. I've made one of the key-holes & the other one is at the end of the wide stripe.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The pattern is by <a href="http://carinaspencer.com/pattern-type/shawls-scarves/" target="_blank">Carina Spencer</a> Usually I am not a fan of asymmetrical patterns, but there are so many ways to wear this.... (check it out on Ravelry if you can.) The directions are clear so far & there's lots of help on Ravelry for modifications which help to keep the edges even and relaxed; and I love, love, love the yarn... </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns/tosh-merino-light.html" target="_blank">Madelinetosh's Tosh Merino Light</a> in Fathom (darker color) and Blue Gingham (fingering weight.) You can not see in this photo, but the yarn has real depth of color and almost an iridescence.... </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-_oH65OGMPeiYdLH1UScPiVTUItyO-tqugS56ULHlbWybv1FKnzbSOuGc6eKaIL0n-pyf6d75sqrbaXtBac7SoanXtEOGpPAVpKCFjiX-1q2L55GFY5_84ut0jZXjctwrmqLvbVcnyKI/s1600/MAdelinetosh+yarns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-_oH65OGMPeiYdLH1UScPiVTUItyO-tqugS56ULHlbWybv1FKnzbSOuGc6eKaIL0n-pyf6d75sqrbaXtBac7SoanXtEOGpPAVpKCFjiX-1q2L55GFY5_84ut0jZXjctwrmqLvbVcnyKI/s320/MAdelinetosh+yarns.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><em>Madelinetosh in my Alchemyst rose </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Judi over at <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2012/06/08/on-the-needlesjune-8-2012/" target="_blank">Patchwork Times</a> has a little linky party happening to help us stay motivated to keep on keep'n on with our projects.... Thanks so much Judi!</span></div>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-36550593294741341372012-05-01T21:02:00.000-04:002012-05-01T21:02:00.386-04:00Oooo, sweet time at my machine!<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My oh my, how sweet! As much as I love handwork, Sunday I was able to sit down at my sewing machine and sew for for a while; feels like coming home. I so, so much enjoyed it. My spirits are really lifted. Thinking back, it seems I have only been able to do that two or three times since Mom got sick in January. I want to build more machine sewing time in... definitely a good thing!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">While sewing, I worked on a couple of blocks which will go into a group quilt for an online friend who is sick... She doesn't know about it, so I won't post anymore until after she receives it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also I, completed a block for a local quilt shop's Block of the Month, due Tuesday. This is block nine. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Hope you get some time at your machine! Happy Stitching.</span><br />Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-20663366785628446402012-04-27T11:27:00.001-04:002012-04-27T11:27:33.686-04:00MadMay2012<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Knitters to your posts.... MadMay2012 will be starting in 4 days.... So what is it? I only heard about this marathon last week. It is hosted by a HUGE group at <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/madelinetosh-lovers" target="_blank">Ravelry Madelinetosh Lovers group</a> If you don't know, <a href="http://madelinetosh.com/store/index.php/yarns.html" target="_blank">Madelinetosh</a> is a manufacturer of wonderful modern natural fiber yarns. The Ravelry group is having an event in May which includes Knit/Crochet alongs, tips, prizes and tons of fun online social sharing. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Blue Gingham & Fathom MadTosh next to Alchemyst Rose</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Earlier I had printed off the pattern and gathered my tools, needles, yarn. These are the two colors I am using. Yesterday was the first day we were to swatch. I did. I got guage.... but it's tiny @ 32 stitches over 4" in pattern. I wound my yarn, thoroughly reviewed the pattern, looked on Ravlery and made note of changes & techniques others have employed with the pattern I plan to use: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scalene" target="_blank">Scalene by Carina Spencer</a>. One potential problem with the pattern is its tendancy for the edges to be too tight; to mitigate this, I'm following the suggestion to put a YO (yarn0ver) after the first stitch of each row, then drop it as one knits back, thus keeping the stitch count correct. I did this in my swatch & it definitely helps. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">To enter into the competitions, we are not to cast on until May 1, so I'll set it aside and focus on getting other projects completed, so I can knit, knit, knit in May! Happy Stitching!</span><br />Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-39842334046852877402012-04-26T09:00:00.000-04:002012-04-26T09:00:02.554-04:00Catching up on posting Hop to It blocks completed<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Hop to It blocks are such a delight, once I actually get to working on them. I have 10 of 12 blocks completed, but am missing some photos. So here's one of my favorites... with the sweetest little bunny...</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I took this photo Tuesday evening indoors. Even with flash & auxiliary lights pointed toward the block, I got a weird gradation in the photo. Still, I think you can see how cute the bunny is.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Hop</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> to It is a block of the month started last year... I'm almost caught up. This is where I first posted about this quilt... <a href="http://ganzhorn.blogspot.com/2011/08/hop-2-it.html" target="_blank">First Hop to It post</a> I included info as to designer, teacher etc.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by! </span></div>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-58454250749338812692012-04-25T13:05:00.002-04:002012-04-25T13:05:31.834-04:00Spring rains finally here and One Flower for Wednesday<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, fortunately we have been getting much needed rains the last couple of days... just in time to sweeten the berries forming on my blueberry bushes and raspberry & blackberry canes. Ymm.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Here is a photo of a flower added to my Grandmother's Flower Garden lap quilt; it is nestled in my favorite rose: Alchemyst. As an inconsistent gardner in zone 7 who doesn't use chemicals, I am always delighted when my rose leaves are free from blackspot... short lived I'm sure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Go on over and check out other lovely hexis and great tutorials for English Paper Piecing at <a href="http://journeyofaquilter.blogspot.com/2000/06/sign-in-sheet-for-june-9-2010.html" target="_blank">Karen's Journey of a Quilter One Flower Wednesday sign-in</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, I will most likely take a month long break from One Flower Wednesday to focus on some quilting UFO goals and because </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">next Tuesday, May 1, will begin MadMay 2012 on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/account/login" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those who may not know, this is a wonderful free website for knitters. I looked on the site to try to figure out how many members there are, but couldn't. I joined in December 2008 when I think there were about 250,000 members. Seems like I remember there are over a million now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">At any rate, in May, one of the groups "Madelinetosh Lovers" has a competition/Knit&Crochet Along; Madelinetosh is a fantabulous yarn, in luscious colors. There are over 6,200 members in this group. Our goal in MadMay is to begin and complete knitting projects using Madelinetosh yarn. I think it is so funny that knitting can be made competitive! Now, I am too slow & have too many irons in the fire to win anything... but I just love, love external accountability to help with completion of projects. So I plan to knit a pattern by one of my favorite designers, Carina Spencer: <a href="http://carinaspencer.com/shop/scalene/" target="_blank">Scalene knitted scarf</a> in yarns from my stash:- colors: Gingham (a silvery blue) and Fathom (a deep blue.) We start our swatches tomorrow & cast on May 1. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Hope you are all enjoying yourselves. Happy stitching!</span><br />Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-73370787515971274662012-04-19T15:00:00.000-04:002012-04-19T15:00:02.235-04:00A Finish! Happy Dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KV-quRZNPbuVJw3SQ9Jg3xxf9gBOctUr7SunboYmwbJVC_0RLTZJkp-8UQMlPXMMHsbpy81D4KxFjZDXDFVXkj5UCrIjTbjETc1s7NA0Fo1exLOuJXBq-DqyIxGTQa756QnVRME0uwiK/s1600/Robyn+Pandolph+spring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KV-quRZNPbuVJw3SQ9Jg3xxf9gBOctUr7SunboYmwbJVC_0RLTZJkp-8UQMlPXMMHsbpy81D4KxFjZDXDFVXkj5UCrIjTbjETc1s7NA0Fo1exLOuJXBq-DqyIxGTQa756QnVRME0uwiK/s320/Robyn+Pandolph+spring.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not sure how long ago I started this wall-hanging, but it's DONE! Sleeve & label too. The design is by Robyn Pandolph, but of course as always, modified a little.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The photo could use a bit of help. For some reason, I am not good at getting decent lighting inside my home with my phone. So I took it outside. I should get some close ups! All that's left to do, is put up hardware to hang it upon!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This was a project for our monthly Applique workshop led by our Guru, Kathleen. The chennile for the bunny came from another wonderful friend, Linda F. Jill B machine quilted it on a domestic machine... she also had to fix (read replace) the tan around the little bee blocks as the fabric started ravelling & so we lost the seam allowance... she's a dear! It makes me happy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Happy Spring!</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-27971783010328108292012-04-18T13:15:00.000-04:002012-04-18T13:15:40.553-04:00Ooooo, A FAL... That is a "Finish ALong"<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okey Dokey... this seems just made to order for someone like me. Well, truth be told, apparently i am not alone, as there are already over 80 linky's for Rhonda's second quarter linky; <a href="http://gapquilter.blogspot.com/p/2012-finish-long.html" target="_blank">check it out</a>. Bloggers can be SO ingenious! I didn't know about this in the beginning of 2012, but I just found it yesterday, just under the wire.... so I'm signing up. Here's my list, oldest to newest:-</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">#1) Ye Olde Bento Box:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1VRrtaElZU9MdSWwAjlufYFH_exZE7cU5iJ-ag17MDNl8sFEK7Z_O9wUCbKZboOVJc1a2oEj16GNJ_oRal9nhkGbcFhbWltJQD-O-HIaVpTxLNBLkn-eOP70JyihBN9hhCjtD1DB3hvf/s1600/Bento.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1VRrtaElZU9MdSWwAjlufYFH_exZE7cU5iJ-ag17MDNl8sFEK7Z_O9wUCbKZboOVJc1a2oEj16GNJ_oRal9nhkGbcFhbWltJQD-O-HIaVpTxLNBLkn-eOP70JyihBN9hhCjtD1DB3hvf/s320/Bento.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pattern is by Tracie Brookshier. Here's link to images: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=bento+x+quilt+pattern&hl=en&rlz=1T4GGHP_enUS464US464&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qPCOT9uAG4bo0QGJst2zDw&ved=0CIkBELAE&biw=1280&bih=815&sei=DPGOT85wotbRAabL8aQP" target="_blank">Other Bentos</a> Mine is a biggun: 90'x105. Not sure how old this is... I had made it for my son & his wife, presented the flimsy as Christmas gift anticipating getting to quilter after the Christmas rush... years ago. Surely, this one can get a back, sent to long arm quilter, sleeve added, bound & label by the end of June!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">#2) Karen Poetzinger rug hooked hot pad:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1stoGCMjH6p8wSsII84Aj2m3OjFrCEKC-TN_xGTat8gxj_0Wc3rBbVkl7J7Lk_ygftjOXidvqxe1dmnvuczyZ2uRagJiN4o0i4bUYf1DqsEiBcMWi1ixQRT1zR_TqpdQuaxu9cEefzTUE/s1600/rug+hooked+hot+pad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1stoGCMjH6p8wSsII84Aj2m3OjFrCEKC-TN_xGTat8gxj_0Wc3rBbVkl7J7Lk_ygftjOXidvqxe1dmnvuczyZ2uRagJiN4o0i4bUYf1DqsEiBcMWi1ixQRT1zR_TqpdQuaxu9cEefzTUE/s320/rug+hooked+hot+pad.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is my first, ok my ONLY rug hooked project. (Photo is wonky as to orientation, sorry.) Karen, an incredibly accomplished rug hooker, wool dyer and artist, taught a class here long ago. I took the class, then took forever to finish... and yes, if you look carefully, there is a date in it... 2009... really? really? Told you I needed this blogging inspiration! I just need to bind it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">#3) Bee Skep wall hanging:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NHwsvDcib2QzkxdiKuaoImqaMSuBAu7WM-Dc5_Wd5LGfNM6G27ESgSxn1hoBBK2eMbzK8ywRZw8WDxEr-Dxyv3kT1isWepkKcxjclFhL7cB_l6fWiydbToGLjOsBo9rvMZCX5ItsI3ex/s1600/Bee+Skep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NHwsvDcib2QzkxdiKuaoImqaMSuBAu7WM-Dc5_Wd5LGfNM6G27ESgSxn1hoBBK2eMbzK8ywRZw8WDxEr-Dxyv3kT1isWepkKcxjclFhL7cB_l6fWiydbToGLjOsBo9rvMZCX5ItsI3ex/s320/Bee+Skep.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the first block of a 2012 project in a monthly applique workshop group I have been attending for @ 7 years. Now, everyone else (who finish their projects) is doing a whole quilt, but I am only doing a couple of the blocks... This one was started March 19, 2012. I'll add a couple more bees & make it into a pillow.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">#4) Hand pieced mini quilt:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkxZzfNKne_qUfWDenHzC0f5-2ESg9LkSwtMsR8MklduxRmlvX3TsCxLFs1VJdjZA-R8SSq9WyFZjjYY9LlpUtIY6jQfFbJp_p2p9WUeJO4C9uZkTTIb3Yr8_pewf6Yt7L155m_fzrlDd/s1600/hand-pieced+mini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkxZzfNKne_qUfWDenHzC0f5-2ESg9LkSwtMsR8MklduxRmlvX3TsCxLFs1VJdjZA-R8SSq9WyFZjjYY9LlpUtIY6jQfFbJp_p2p9WUeJO4C9uZkTTIb3Yr8_pewf6Yt7L155m_fzrlDd/s320/hand-pieced+mini.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hmm, this one looks a tad over-exposed... still, you get the idea. It is 9x15. I took a class April 3, 2012 with Froncie Quinn in hand piecing, and I got the best results I have ever had in those tricky little places where 4 pieces meet. Here's a site for <a href="http://hooplapatterns.com/" target="_blank">Froncie's pattern website</a>. Among other things, like learning a lot about antique quilts, we made a couple of little nine patches in class; I came home, made some more, then added the little borders. Now it needs to be quilted, bound etc.</span> <br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, a relatively short list, long post tho. Thanks to Rhonda for her wonderful Finish Along 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Happy Stitching all! Becky G in NC</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-25865536553688656912012-04-18T12:26:00.004-04:002012-04-18T12:26:55.130-04:00One Flower Wednesday 4-18<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My this spring is really flying by. The combination of a beatiful spring in full swing, the end of tax season and a couple of decent night's sleep has me feeling more energetic! Yeah!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Today, I have a completed two-round flower to post; granted the inner flower was done & posted earlier, but right now I'm focusing on small victories!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">This block is nestled in an azalea Myrtle gave me to put in my yard. She has been my second Mom since I was 8 years old. Myrtle moves every couple of years and wanted this plant to have a permanent home. This spectacular azalea was a gift to her from my Mother when Myrtle's dear niece passed away due to complications following a kidney transplant. It is a an incredibly lovely, low-growing plant with personal and poignant memories... this year even more than before.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3F8_rx0e2gEwXtDfMb47qdd_FJAbwOz3zv24n3tJIj0ytamAfBVWW8IQjsWN1qjeTU7mgINK3_cNTX7EXf_h6D8Jr4KiJbbDFLtHUlF0L2S-ZG8rc0U6hRmJKkYzGnw-ffN-XABfWHuZ/s1600/OFW+4-18-12+with+myrtles+azalea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3F8_rx0e2gEwXtDfMb47qdd_FJAbwOz3zv24n3tJIj0ytamAfBVWW8IQjsWN1qjeTU7mgINK3_cNTX7EXf_h6D8Jr4KiJbbDFLtHUlF0L2S-ZG8rc0U6hRmJKkYzGnw-ffN-XABfWHuZ/s320/OFW+4-18-12+with+myrtles+azalea.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OFW in Azalea from Myrtle</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To see more lovely hexi's, head on over to </span><a href="http://journeyofaquilter.blogspot.com/2000/06/sign-in-sheet-for-june-9-2010.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Karen's linky for One Flower Wednesday</span></a>,</span> <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">better yet, consider joining us!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Happy stitching! Becky G in NC</span><br />Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-48021837361430308332012-04-11T12:33:00.001-04:002012-04-11T14:06:59.077-04:00One Flower Wednesday April 11 2012 with what's blooming<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here in the States, we are zooming up on our income tax filing deadline. This year it will be Tuesday, April 17. Usually tax day falls on the15th, but whenever the 15th falls on the week-end, taxes are due the following Monday. However, Monday, the 16th is "Emancipation Day" in the District of Columbia (DC), so our due date is moved to the 17th. In the past, I was unaware of this holiday. In 2012, this holiday marks the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary of President Lincoln's signing of the <em>District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act.</em> He signed this about 9 months before his famous national Emancipation Proclamation. This act freed about 3,100 enslaved persons in the District, and is the only case in which the federal government compensated the owners for the emancipation of their formerly enslaved persons. Since DC is where our Federal government meets and this a Distrcit holiday, we all get an extra day to get those taxes (or extensions) filed! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">But, now to my weekly One Flower Wednesday check -in; again, just a single row flower (after all, I am most busy getting my client's work done for 4/17 tax deadline.) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuYmeOunfUhzJF42SeYmiXRUCmQL1YUFpPIHuHsoau7gU_SdsdOHLVOlARaBYVtvf7_8zIez_i4NCxm1saPbpeLnOftvfCXB_wXp3K3ioirAenaps1mBCXqS5kOmMpKjQC8Hf18jF_DmB/s1600/OFW+4-11-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuYmeOunfUhzJF42SeYmiXRUCmQL1YUFpPIHuHsoau7gU_SdsdOHLVOlARaBYVtvf7_8zIez_i4NCxm1saPbpeLnOftvfCXB_wXp3K3ioirAenaps1mBCXqS5kOmMpKjQC8Hf18jF_DmB/s320/OFW+4-11-12.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Hexi in Miss Kim Lilac</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Making these hexi's still delights me! Go on over to Karen's blog for links to the whole group's hexi postings: <a href="http://journeyofaquilter.blogspot.com/2000/06/sign-in-sheet-for-june-9-2010.html" target="_blank">One Flower Wednesday linky party</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I only wish you could experience the heavenly fragrance of Miss Kim. There are not many lilacs that thrive down here in zone 7, but she does! Here's another close up of a blossom...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw8KVyoGp1YtKPR04JhR0RhYpo1AxaUkA1LnYJJy_nsFbME2_fKDOcvuxW3ehd-3VKIrwFB-djLJXdmvFIvViSo0K6Y3sPPeJ9VXNKp4dnK_1EszK1z56FtaoWGMX8FK1QzlezgnlKNWL/s1600/Little+Kim+up+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw8KVyoGp1YtKPR04JhR0RhYpo1AxaUkA1LnYJJy_nsFbME2_fKDOcvuxW3ehd-3VKIrwFB-djLJXdmvFIvViSo0K6Y3sPPeJ9VXNKp4dnK_1EszK1z56FtaoWGMX8FK1QzlezgnlKNWL/s320/Little+Kim+up+close.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I took some photos from a distance, but her blossoms look all washed out. She is absolutely covered in blossoms.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I posted about my Lady Banks rose a while back when she was just opening and now here she is in her full glory... </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkBWxMANhd9m2xnm4LH9eNISRsjnY-VMdXMH_jf7d2Dn4Cq2_5hHAu0mRgIixCtQTNRJUI_2cUkk5dz1XAZmSRn0UAr2ZBvsYIF-bouVTnA24PbKOJpOvi0TwiMWa6pE_2VuV4NiOd5or/s1600/lady+banks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkBWxMANhd9m2xnm4LH9eNISRsjnY-VMdXMH_jf7d2Dn4Cq2_5hHAu0mRgIixCtQTNRJUI_2cUkk5dz1XAZmSRn0UAr2ZBvsYIF-bouVTnA24PbKOJpOvi0TwiMWa6pE_2VuV4NiOd5or/s320/lady+banks.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This photo shows a bit of her shape</span></em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Y5zCvWYtJVtkduUbexcxwtLsCRjWvFoIsIfBTG6Y5Oop1qdqQJ0WUgyrdo04ZiCUYxmtU9HjN5zsTQPUy-zc232yqV92JAqXgSuHO30cjAb-MbD3YB1Z7CqsMZDypVdGsQLEXBd8lmV/s1600/LAdy+Banks+better+but+has+tomato+stake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" qda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Y5zCvWYtJVtkduUbexcxwtLsCRjWvFoIsIfBTG6Y5Oop1qdqQJ0WUgyrdo04ZiCUYxmtU9HjN5zsTQPUy-zc232yqV92JAqXgSuHO30cjAb-MbD3YB1Z7CqsMZDypVdGsQLEXBd8lmV/s320/LAdy+Banks+better+but+has+tomato+stake.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>This one more clearly shows how covered in blossoms she is. Plus, I see she has overtaken my tomato stake which needs painting.</em></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's wishing you a great week, with a bit of extra time for those who need to get their returns filed! </span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-46428046198863541762012-04-06T16:05:00.000-04:002012-04-06T16:05:32.558-04:00A Most Holy Time<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last night, as a Christian, I went to Church and celebrated Maundy Thursday... the annual commemoration of Jesus' institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion, which of course is integrally related with the Jewish celebration of the first night of the 7 day (sometimes 8) season of Pesach (Hebrew) or "Passover" in English. Both faiths engage in rituals to remind us of slavery and liberation, bondage and freedom... hard won liberation and freedom. Today is Good Friday for Christians and at sunset, Pesach begins. Here are a couple of websites I found informative as I learn more about the living roots of my faith tradition: <a href="http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm" target="_blank">Judaism 101:</a> and <a href="http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/871715/jewish/What-Is-Passover.htm" target="_blank">chabad.org</a> One aspect I find most interesting is the removal of all items in the home considered to be "Chametz" which culminates in this wonderful ceremony <a href="http://www.chabad.org/library/howto/wizard_cdo/aid/266838/jewish/6-The-Search.htm" target="_blank">The Search</a> Not everyone finds celemony and ritual uplifting, but I love them as means of demonstrating my willingness to submit to the will of God, to nurture my desire for Him and to participate with God in my spiritual formation. So next year, I will add to my Lenten disciplines a literal and symbolic practice of shedding "chametz"; a deep spring cleaning to be sure! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">May you and your family deeply experience the promise of this season!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a parting gift, some photos of my second (and happier) tree peony. </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIETWRUkJ3E_EbEOYhic45cB2V5tiv40D4WsXIJp6nbs1YKdlWdxJzU1NL7sbU0VLZhIp56Zm_ztaW9bnh1zertOE3Ro1lpFxZg2alFjlk7QFS70Vjqzc5uUgn3KONdPrfjl81vvthjw-H/s1600/2nd+peony+bud.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIETWRUkJ3E_EbEOYhic45cB2V5tiv40D4WsXIJp6nbs1YKdlWdxJzU1NL7sbU0VLZhIp56Zm_ztaW9bnh1zertOE3Ro1lpFxZg2alFjlk7QFS70Vjqzc5uUgn3KONdPrfjl81vvthjw-H/s320/2nd+peony+bud.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7Zy5gJDZ89NVKok_i5SgBt_4XKqcvTs9NjOoyLRJr5vC-t-PkHYYIVmq10xxuHLPD-5XyOFnjDwv8xXNuuZGX-tisfwKKa_frTEa9ogR-WIKhvMJkjyXaJ1OC47Yveb-7LdRYtl7Xd6B/s1600/2nd+peony+open+flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7Zy5gJDZ89NVKok_i5SgBt_4XKqcvTs9NjOoyLRJr5vC-t-PkHYYIVmq10xxuHLPD-5XyOFnjDwv8xXNuuZGX-tisfwKKa_frTEa9ogR-WIKhvMJkjyXaJ1OC47Yveb-7LdRYtl7Xd6B/s320/2nd+peony+open+flower.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82QfPpOvtSiZeH_G4KuIY_SYIDrcJV7zIGxPdpnbYm_YSG8JKcuYL_H0oexSVdbYj5GA2fIGzIxrJuaDh64pdGmJ5kqjWOO5teCNjpUWbiRFpiFA0x4nZSY43uu6KvdCLljtYxo5_nBtC/s1600/Second+tree+peony+wider+shot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82QfPpOvtSiZeH_G4KuIY_SYIDrcJV7zIGxPdpnbYm_YSG8JKcuYL_H0oexSVdbYj5GA2fIGzIxrJuaDh64pdGmJ5kqjWOO5teCNjpUWbiRFpiFA0x4nZSY43uu6KvdCLljtYxo5_nBtC/s320/Second+tree+peony+wider+shot.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-4813427680204859482012-04-04T14:42:00.003-04:002012-04-04T15:57:35.799-04:00April 4 One Flower Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just one today... and just the inner ring 7 hexi flower, but I am happy with how it turned out.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This photo includes a rose bud from my very favorite rose, a climber named Alchymist (the original spelling, now you see it as "Alchemist.") It is very fragrant, with old fashioned blossoms which are usually in the apricot/salmon/peach range. One Mother's day, my 7 foot bush was so laden with blossoms and buds, I counted them; I stopped at 145, having included only those buds that had opened enough to see the color of the petals. Here is link to info on this wonderful rose: <a href="http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/rosa-alchymist/classid.2350/" target="_blank">Alchymist Rose source</a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now here is this week's hexi sitting upon an Alchymist bud:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYkSPt6NR1xka0MwFKLD_I2V1N0WDOnrPFuHuZ5FTN0YACt2ktVd0nVpn7orFAUcvGhPmB_Hbkb1LSqYoHrrZx8rtDZxbBkuXh_-N3L0fy4LcIiM5q2q-Gi6C544yexex81JmaiXLYQmc/s1600/OFW+4-4-12+alchemist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYkSPt6NR1xka0MwFKLD_I2V1N0WDOnrPFuHuZ5FTN0YACt2ktVd0nVpn7orFAUcvGhPmB_Hbkb1LSqYoHrrZx8rtDZxbBkuXh_-N3L0fy4LcIiM5q2q-Gi6C544yexex81JmaiXLYQmc/s320/OFW+4-4-12+alchemist.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Go on over to Karen's wonderful website <a href="http://journeyofaquilter.blogspot.com/2000/06/sign-in-sheet-for-june-9-2010.html" target="_blank">Journey of a Quilter One Flower Wednesday</a>to see the other fun hexi's on her link-up as well as links to wonderful info on how you too can make these fun flowers... Happy Stitching! B</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-8288580007765792692012-04-02T12:32:00.000-04:002012-04-02T12:32:52.835-04:00One of my favorite flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here in the South, many folks are familiar with herbacious peonies. (some say "pe O knees", I say "PE e knees"... the "e" in the second pronunciation ought to be upside down, but I don't know how to get symbols in blog typing.) At any rate, the herbacious ones die back to the ground in the winter. There is another kind: tree peonies which are not very well known. They look like any other small deciduous bush in the winter, they are just sticks. But look at this! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEr0a0dWyfpaLCBZUG5XzUNVJa4-KB7lJNYgVoz0eIqjKkDtQG2uC9Cjbpgo9tQ5y1Q7H6TD3CPDMN9qIkeg_xn6FzAyoDS3wF1raAT4xCgreT9T37hpuRklGfMrwOd81kvif8tZK6HGnl/s1600/Tree+peony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEr0a0dWyfpaLCBZUG5XzUNVJa4-KB7lJNYgVoz0eIqjKkDtQG2uC9Cjbpgo9tQ5y1Q7H6TD3CPDMN9qIkeg_xn6FzAyoDS3wF1raAT4xCgreT9T37hpuRklGfMrwOd81kvif8tZK6HGnl/s400/Tree+peony.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isn't it AMAZING!?!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the most part, the colors in the photo are true; however in real life, the edges are more silver than they are white. I think this one must be a tetraploid as the petals are as irridescent as fine silk. The blossom is not quite as large as usual, only @ seven inches, often they are 9-10 inches... really.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I ought to move the bush to a better location, but I am afraid to do so. I bought it at a farmers' market stall @ 10 years ago for about $13. (At that time, White Flower Farm sold small bushes for $60.) It was just a stick with a HUGE bud. I do not know the variety, so I could not replace it. I am afraid it may not survive transplanting. Also, I don't think I could do a cutting as they are usually grafted to herbacious Paeonia root stock; a cutting probably would not survive here in zone 7. For now, I just keep my fingers crossed it will continue to live, even tho it isn't getting much bigger.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Don't you think those colors would be a great color palette for a spring quilt?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Happy spring! b</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-65713642044612512572012-03-28T13:29:00.000-04:002012-03-28T13:29:05.634-04:00A change of plan....<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Well, I laid out all the flowers for my hexi quilt thinking I only had one flower and gazillion connectors to go... what was I thinking? 17 double flowers with one row of connectors using 1" hexi's it not big enough! So, I've started on more flowers... not sure how many I will end up with. Here is photo of a 7 hexi flower I did (actually, mine aren't really completed until there are 12 more hexi's for double flower...still, here's photo.) </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQ2RAoi6Uf1uYybgA7sI1fvX7cpNsr_JV5LHn2MAe1fDlTi02SAPv5R4S3pqBXHNPmUtY3-dB2JHkUncmi4SAqFKOfs-Oc45OwbJJ5xyoFccmKgpV6u401zkU9jmoVkPWfR5u0ePsiAQx/s1600/OFW+2012-3-28+lady+banks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQ2RAoi6Uf1uYybgA7sI1fvX7cpNsr_JV5LHn2MAe1fDlTi02SAPv5R4S3pqBXHNPmUtY3-dB2JHkUncmi4SAqFKOfs-Oc45OwbJJ5xyoFccmKgpV6u401zkU9jmoVkPWfR5u0ePsiAQx/s320/OFW+2012-3-28+lady+banks.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">First Blooms of my Lady Banks Rose</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition to this little flower, I made 20 connectors and prepared about 15 more hexis to make more flowers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Take a trip over to Karen's blog to take a look at her fun projects and for her linky with other folks' weekly One Flower Wednesday posts! <a href="http://journeyofaquilter.blogspot.com/2000/06/sign-in-sheet-for-june-9-2010.html" target="_blank">Journey of a Quilter</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I took all my flowers and connectors to my Bee last night & Anne, a very knowledgeable quilter, helped me make some design decisions. She has made two Grandmother's Flower garden quilts (one with 0.75" hexi's), and a Dear Jane quilt (in a year mind you!) Now, I have a better plan for moving forward... for instance, decided not to do half flowers at the edges, but rather use the other brown fabrics in this line to blend, but add a bit of interest. The upshot of it all is I best push forward with this project so I do not lose interest!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">This past week I also almost completed a large applique block I'll make into a wall hanging and made progress on my embroidery Christmas project: photos to follow!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">A note about the flowers... this rose, Lady Banks, is an heirloom rose with clusters of tiny yellow blossoms on thornless canes with leaves which seem impervious to the normal pests and diseases of roses. It only blooms for a relatively short period (and has just started in the last 2-3 days) but it is spectacular as all along the top of the 12 foot long canes will be covered in blossoms! Great for trellises. Mine has outgrown its location, in 4 years... think I'll have to prune some this year as it is taking over the blueberry bush next to it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I'll have to figure out the best time to trim as it is home to bird's nests! I love the idea of my little backyard neighborhood. I absolutely get Beatrix Potter's stories... I'm sure there are community dramas amongst the wildlife in my own backyard!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by, and happy stitching!</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-89957093665760110782012-03-22T18:13:00.000-04:002012-03-22T18:13:35.528-04:00Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">It is so nice being back home. I have missed my yard; and honestly, if I miss a day's 'morning yard tour' I can't believe how much change happens. Thought I'd share some of what I found this morning... </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbK9V7Gy9vPPjj1SGkWJE5i-7i18EsassQ0Gb2VIfflbkEzPNTORZvW-uyBv12gTC2uQYHii10S1e5ZyAy2AhWxutZgDDlF3CDOB8EKrE_4Ma1hNwkseMxLeKrx9vQ6FIJq3eh343Skhm/s1600/cowslips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbK9V7Gy9vPPjj1SGkWJE5i-7i18EsassQ0Gb2VIfflbkEzPNTORZvW-uyBv12gTC2uQYHii10S1e5ZyAy2AhWxutZgDDlF3CDOB8EKrE_4Ma1hNwkseMxLeKrx9vQ6FIJq3eh343Skhm/s320/cowslips.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Cowslips</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Years ago, I bought these cowslips because they reminded me of my Mother's garden. Her's may have been more of a butter color, but they always remind me of her.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K1Gzw3_7Nj5vcuAznnM9LDIHPs2i1KtIXDUCtd5xpeLo9AADow9wk49r8tw0nXwg3J21oyKbonNWzXjvReUCpIAvVm3DUXMSdUKKiFCA3hhd85du-D1u2ZQGA_9ZxJZvUwt4rqpJk_QC/s1600/pansies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K1Gzw3_7Nj5vcuAznnM9LDIHPs2i1KtIXDUCtd5xpeLo9AADow9wk49r8tw0nXwg3J21oyKbonNWzXjvReUCpIAvVm3DUXMSdUKKiFCA3hhd85du-D1u2ZQGA_9ZxJZvUwt4rqpJk_QC/s320/pansies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">These pansies were planted last fall and are now just bursting out. I dare say they have also been special treats for the gnawing buggers. With our mild winter, I imagine we will experience tons-o-bugs this growing season.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRy4FHVRKMv5uvtXbEY1f-XZ0qmmj0lk6M8CMO8_jiOqBXGCx3PRGF6y-kky7K55V_cSySFXGDUIOe4_y_AKMB15rGxP1MtC-AaKtWzxemiPzw7D4gyDEQXmLJ-mvskOWPNI4IWvRgOQr/s1600/red+bud.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRy4FHVRKMv5uvtXbEY1f-XZ0qmmj0lk6M8CMO8_jiOqBXGCx3PRGF6y-kky7K55V_cSySFXGDUIOe4_y_AKMB15rGxP1MtC-AaKtWzxemiPzw7D4gyDEQXmLJ-mvskOWPNI4IWvRgOQr/s320/red+bud.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Redbud</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Redbuds are one of the first trees to bloom in our area, and one of the first to turn into their fall colors. That English Ivy (aka "the plant you can not kill") was in the yard when I came. It is hard to keep in check, and hard to get off the tree trunks without injuring the trees.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">BTW, you can see the brand new 6' chain link my back door neighbor just installed to corral his puppies; the old 4' suggestion of a fence would not keep them in. He was nice & asked me first... I love dogs, and certainly didn't want his to roam and get lost or worse, hurt. It was clear even a real 4' fence wouldn't keep them in, so I said sure. Now, this fence is much, much more noticable and shiny, more than I ever imagined; luckily he also took down some trees so that area will get more sun now. I'll probably plant some annual vines to give some interest this year. I transplanted volunteer camellia japonicas, but they are small and will take years to grow.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Hope you are enjoying the change of season in your area. I know some are moving into fall as we move into spring. Happy trails!</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2861622349470631432.post-34253756779323496612012-03-21T16:17:00.000-04:002012-03-21T16:17:06.942-04:00One Flower Wednesday<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Ironic that spring is officially here and I have no hexi flowers this week! But, I DO have connectors.... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8eUQ2gYXdST4ItodImp0UndX60QlJ5SoCtw3TpH76I2g02YZypLPq5PIjLtzEow0mDSbppfD8sBGpFZXvZp5WDnlm8_N4_cYNrVaL7Tt8xCV1-ojksk1a-Xy8GxcuyiGazHuGMp_EGR6/s1600/OFW+3-21-12+tulip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8eUQ2gYXdST4ItodImp0UndX60QlJ5SoCtw3TpH76I2g02YZypLPq5PIjLtzEow0mDSbppfD8sBGpFZXvZp5WDnlm8_N4_cYNrVaL7Tt8xCV1-ojksk1a-Xy8GxcuyiGazHuGMp_EGR6/s320/OFW+3-21-12+tulip.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Isn't that tulip something? It is on a stem @ 14inches tall & the perspective makes the hexi's look small! This is an old fashioned tulip which is not reliably perennial, but this may be it's 5th year. I am fairly sure this is a Fosteriana "Red Emperor" variety. It is an early bloomer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">As to my hexi's... I've got about 70 connectors made (the photo has 7 stacks of 10 each, but the perspective obscures this detail.) I have about ten 2.5" WOF strips cut, which will become 160 more. I didn't have many meetings last week, and I focused on other projects so although I added to my stash of completed connector hexi's, I already had a bunch made. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by, and go see the great tutorials and link-ups over at <a href="http://journeyofaquilter.blogspot.com/2000/06/sign-in-sheet-for-june-9-2010.html" target="_blank">Karen's Journey of a Quilter</a> for more hexi fun!</span>Becky Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17766885506874699243noreply@blogger.com11