tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29687713775333045292024-03-13T05:56:16.362-05:00Quilts and meQuilt! Sew! Knit! And do it 4 hours a day in the school year. Summers, enjoy the weather!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-8147293366927151482012-12-17T11:18:00.001-06:002012-12-17T11:18:09.081-06:00New blog - new email enrollmentI just had dinner with a friend who subscribed by email to this blog. She is the second or third person who didn't realize that to get the new blog by email, you have to subscribe at my new blog home.<br />
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Here's the new blog's address.<br />
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http://www.chicagonow.com/quilting-sewing-creating<br />
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This blog will stay here, I have some posts I really like and want to keep. But the new stuff is at the new Chicago Now space. Check it out, I've been posting on some pretty diverse subjects but tying them all into my quilts or my sewing. Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-10097427782762931022012-09-23T21:49:00.001-05:002012-09-23T21:49:33.789-05:00Blog has movedHi there!<br />
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I thought I would try something new and join a community of Bloggers over at Chicago Now. I guess I was able to fool them because they said, sure come on over.<br />
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So I will be blogging over there, maybe permanently?<br />
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I just published my first blog there and phew, wordpress is trickier than blogger.<br />
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I am going to give it a try.<br />
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Come visit me there, you can even sign up to have the blog sent to you via email.<br />
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Just click here! <br />
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<a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/quilting-sewing-creating/2012/09/quilting-and-the-university-of-illinois/">New blog</a><br />
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See you at the new spot.<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-64460710722189372682012-09-16T19:17:00.000-05:002012-09-16T19:17:03.735-05:00Working together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nope, you are not seeing double. (Well unless you see more than two quilt tops!)<br />
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I finished putting all the quilt blocks into rows and the rows into tops. Yay! It is such a good feeling to make measurable progress and I think it is one of the reasons why I like quilting so much. All my little bits of work add up to a whole and it stays whole!<br />
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Next week I hope to have the borders on and be working on the backs. I am telling you right now that I am doing the back a little backwards, I am going to make borders in a size that will not make this top wider than the fabric I have for the back. It is 54 inches wide, these are lap or wall quilts so they can give up an inch or two and fit and we will all be happy. Well, I will be happy. Because I will be working with what I have and making it work, and as a result creating less work for myself. Working smarter, not harder!<br />
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What other quilty things have been going on? Not as much as I would have liked because I had my annual back to school cold (achoo!) and I am only teaching part time and college at that! I guess some rituals never die!<br />
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One of those rituals is football in the fall. We went to our first U of I game for the season. It was warm and we won so it just didn't seem like U of I football but I know it is because the calendar tells me so! Let's do the fall rituals.<br />
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We threw out the scraggly flowers on the front balcony and put fresh mums and pumpkins out there. I put this quilt on the front door, it has just the right colors for early fall. My friend, Marge, gave me a fabric bundle once of these terrific prints and stripes. It was perfect for the early fall quilt, not the darker colors of Halloween or Thanksgiving. <br />
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I am lucky to have so many good friends, like Marge, in my life. Some of them, like Marge, have been in my life since college and others have brightened it up for the past couple of years. <br />
My friends are all different and in some ways like the fabulous backing fabric I already have for the heart quilts. In order to use it in the best way, I have to make the borders fit that size. In order to keep my friends in my life, I have to be able to see them, communicate with them and talk with them in the way that works for both of us. You can't just make the quilt top any old size if you want to not have to piece the back and you can't just do whatever you want all the time and expect your friends to still fit in your life. <br />
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Here's to quilt backs and fronts that work together and friends who do the same. <br />
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Sew happy!<br />
<br />Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-88623291680568996202012-09-09T18:05:00.002-05:002012-09-09T18:05:51.979-05:00Second year of blogging, balancing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hip hip hooray, I have all the blocks pieced for one of the Hot for Chocolate quilts. What a nice feeling. It has motivated me to work harder on the second one, I have two rows of blocks pieced for that quilt. <br />
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Which means, add some borders and I could be quilting them on the machine in a week...or two..<br />
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I am so confident that I dug out the backing fabric so I could wash it. <br />
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Do you remember this fabric? I got it on a super good price at the Crate and Barrel outlet.<br />
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I have ten or more yards of it!<br />
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I have it all in the washer right now. As I look at the two pictures, it doesn't look as good as it does when they are side by side.<br />
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I am going to say they look much better when next to each other plus I really do like that fabric. Yes, I know if I worked all the time on sewing, they would both be done. But I am busy doing other things!<br />
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I started my new job and working on the works of Isabel Allende has really got my brain on fire! There is nothing like trying to understand the world view of another person to light up your head. I enjoy teaching my two classes.<br />
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I also got my second photo book from Snapfish - it didn't arrive so I contacted them and they made me a second one and overnighted it PLUS gave me a credit for another photo book. Isn't that amazing customer service. I love really liking a company.<br />
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Speaking of really liking something, look at this delightful lamp!<br />
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I could not love it more, I really could not!<br />
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Yesterday my husband and I went to Cantigy gardens in Wheaton and afterwards I went to Serene Teaz and found this little cutie!<br />
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I have it on my desk and I am looking at it right now.<br />
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Plus, I have gotten back into the indoor pool, my buddies from Aqua Exercise are meeting me even though I can't be in class due to my job. Those are good buddies!<br />
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Why am I writing all of this? So you know why I am only done with one quilt top. Quilters cannot just quilt, they have to have balanced lives! Being a retired teacher sure helps with my balance.<br />
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I have tried to balance writing the blog as well. I have now been at this for a bit over a year. (Happy blog bday to me!) At first, I did it every day! Then five days a week! Then three days a week and now I am aiming for once a week. I love musing about my quilts and showing them off but I have to balance it with the rest of my life. Plus, heck, no one but my husband has read all of my entries, you can just go back and read old ones if you want more entries.<br />
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I will write again in about a week or when I get that second top pieced, whichever happens first. In the meantime, try to keep your life in balance and make a quilt of all the things in life that light up your brain. Or your desk, as in the case of my cutest ever tea pot lamp!<br />
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Sew happy!<br />
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<br />Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-62492537484065765062012-08-31T14:40:00.001-05:002012-08-31T14:40:31.204-05:00Quilt shop travels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am home from all my travels. The laundry is done so it must be time to recap my quilt store booty from traveling out west. <br />
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First store I hit was Big Sky Quilts in Great Falls, Montana. <a href="http://www.bigskyquilts.com/">Big Sky Quilts</a> has a web site which you can access by clicking on the link. <br />
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I loved this shop, the ladies were so darn friendly. I had to call for directions as the address in Yelp was listed incorrectly. But it was worth the search! I got so many cool patterns and I really hope I get to make all of them some day, I need to refresh some of my kitchen linens. I also went a little wild and bought some fabric plus a panel with bison. Yes, bison. No, I am not quite sure what I will use it for but my daughter has a friend who is nuts for bison so maybe she will get a surprise apron in the mail. I also picked up some fat quarter batiks to donate to a basket at my quilt guild. Plus a bit of yellow with black but I may just be able to use it with my others. I also picked up the pattern for a quilt that I can use with the 25 million grey and yellow fabrics I have purchased. <br />
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Our next stop was Bozeman, MT which we used as our base for visiting Yellowstone National Park and which I loved for its restaurants and store. I went to Main Street quilts. <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/main-street-quilting-company-bozeman">Main Street Quilts</a> does not have a web site but the link will get you to its Yelp reviews, address, etc.<br />
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I loved the physical layout of the store itself and I got a book, a magazine and some yellow and grey fabrics. I was obviously not a regular there and while everyone was cordial, it was not an effusive welcome to our store. <br />
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I am sure my lower purchase amount reflected this. When you feel like old friends like I did in Great Falls, you just naturally buy more!<br />
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Our third stop was Pocatello, Idaho, home to Sage Creek Quilts. Here is their website. <a href="http://sagescreekquilt.com/blog/">Sage Creek Quilts</a><br />
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What a fabulous quilt store, just chock full of amazing fabrics - what a selection and a great balance between traditional and modern. They had all kinds of grey and yellow! I was in heaven. Also picked up some Kaffe Fassett and a print to go with solids. Also, 4 checked dishtowels to decorate and a book.<br />
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This was such a great store with a place for machine quilting, friendly clerk, it just had it all. Of all the quilt stores I have visited on my travels this one is in my top three. The other two are one in Hannibal, MO and the one I visited next!<br />
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After our trip out west we went to LaCrosse, WI for a wedding. This is the top one of my top three in the county. <a href="http://www.olivejuicequilts.com/">Olive Juice Quilt Store</a><br />
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It is just an over the top fun store of abundance. It is visually appealing, fresh, clean and light filled with whimsy and new fabrics. I got two kits and some more, you guessed it, yellow and grey fabrics!<br />
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I was so happy to go to the wonderful wedding and so excited I got to visit Olive Juice quilt store again!<br />
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Once we got home I had to slam myself into my new part time Adjunct job. I was up there for training two days and spent the rest of the time doing my syllabi for my two classes. This will take time away from my blog! <br />
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I started this blog when my class didn't fill last fall and I needed some structure to my days. It really helped focus me! Now that I am working again, I will probably post just once a week. I hope to have some good progress on the heart quilts. And I want to start the grey and yellow quilt for my grand daughter who is due in December. I seriously have enough fabric for about 20 grey and yellow quilts so we shall see where all that leads!<br />
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I am going to keep trying to sew or knit four hours a day I just won't be writing about it every day. We'll talk just not every day!<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-71794143165128642872012-08-14T08:30:00.000-05:002012-08-14T08:30:04.137-05:00Thoughts before hitting the road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the things I love about social media is that you can steal, I mean borrow, all kinds of fun pictures.<br />
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This one was me on Saturday night, I was just all out of sorts. Didn't win at cards, didn't get to spend any time with Shelby, didn't get to see the meteors, cranky with my hubby. It was just a cranky kind of day.<br />
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Doesn't this little picture sum it up?<br />
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Today I had a cranky hangover. I wasn't cranky any more but boy did I need coffee.<br />
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Then I saw this!<br />
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Ha!<br />
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Perfect!<br />
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Today was a much better day. Had a nice breakfast with my hubz and saw former students. Boy, those former students can make my life's work just seem so meaningful. They are so very kind to me with their words and making sure they see me.<br />
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It does a body good, to get some gratitude!<br />
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I loved this little picture also.<br />
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I will get a chance to read, big time, as Cliff and I are hitting the road. He has a business trip to terminals in Great Falls, Montana and Pocatello, Idaho. In between, we are going to stop at Yellowstone National Park. Fun! The minute we get home, we are leaving for a wedding in La Crosse, WI.<br />
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So no blogs for about two weeks. I will be back the week of September 27th. I hope I have visited some quilt stores and hey, maybe even made some sewing progress!<br />
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Enjoy the end of your summer!<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-65993091670862273752012-08-09T08:30:00.000-05:002012-08-09T08:30:01.392-05:00City Quilting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I travel, I love to visit Quilt stores. Two years ago I was in NYC with my friend, Vicki, to attend the White Coat ceremony of her daughter.<br />
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Lucky for me, Vicki indulged me by visiting The City Quilter. I had read about it a Quilt magazine. Here's a link to it <a href="http://www.cityquilter.com/">http://www.cityquilter.com/</a><br />
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Did I mention that I am really bad at directions? So not only did Hayley and Vicki go with me, they actually led me there!<br />
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I loved this shop!<br />
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Right in the middle of NYC there is this oasis of fabric and thread. What a great way for people who live in the city to continue quilting and buying fabric without having to drive a great distance or order fabric by mail.<br />
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Here you can see myself and Vicki in August of 2010 when I was lucky enough to visit here.<br />
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I know what you are thinking, are there quilt stores in the city near where you live?<br />
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Since I live in the suburbs, I had only visited fabric stores, not quilt stores in Chicago.<br />
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So I looked on the internet and by golly there is a quilt store in Chicago. Here is a link to it <a href="http://www.quiltology.com/">Quilt store in Chicago</a> I will have to check it out some time, it is called Quiltology. Any readers ever been there?<br />
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Which begs the question, what is the theme of this blog post? Well if you look at this picture, you get an idea of how my brain works. So I started with The City Quilter in NYC and ended with a store I have never been to.<br />
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Pretty cool, yes? If you are a quilter, I think you understand!<br />
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I am working on the Hot for Chocolate tops and will post next week before we leave for Cliff's business trip.<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-18128838258727095482012-08-08T08:00:00.000-05:002012-08-08T08:00:12.240-05:00Hot for Chocolate rows, part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY8v0stWh5o/UCGp8pm1tjI/AAAAAAAABlI/0fbxKu6L0Zk/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY8v0stWh5o/UCGp8pm1tjI/AAAAAAAABlI/0fbxKu6L0Zk/s320/10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Remember yesterday's post?<br />
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I discussed how I was able to strip piece the blocks on the sashing.<br />
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Here's another picture of me doing that. <br />
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I also posted a picture of the 4 blocks of the second strip sewn together.<br />
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We ended with cutting a brown sashing strip into 8.5 inch strips. I cut four of them.<br />
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Then I take three of them and strip piece them onto a 2.5 inch strip of the corner stone fabric.<br />
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See here they are!<br />
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Yes, it is a quarter inch seam.<br />
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I do love the quarter inch foot I have for my Bernina.<br />
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I get emails from the Bernina people all the time, webinars, videos, etc. are all available to me because I registered my Bernina when I bought it. Maybe this winter I will have time to watch some!<br />
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After I have sewn all the brown strips onto the pink corner stone fabric, I cut them apart.<br />
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I sew three of them onto the pink fabric. The fourth one doesn't have a cornerstone. I know, it seems a bit odd to me also.<br />
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But I decided to make the quilt like the pattern shows it as I like it.<br />
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I am just tinkering with the sashing directions.<br />
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I sew the four strips together.<br />
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Then I press them towards the brown strips or lay the cornerstones flat, spread out. This will match up with the block pieces being pressed in.<br />
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It will make the seams lay flat. Yes, sometimes I forget which way to press things and then I make it up as I go along, always looking. But I have this down, block strips versus sashing strips I always press this way.<br />
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Progress!<br />
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There is the first row with the sashing row attached. I am going to attach the sashing row to the second row and then combine the two.<br />
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But right now, that is as far as I have gotten!<br />
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When I get a chunk more done, I will blog about it. I hope to have this top done before we leave on a business trip of Cliff's next week. Maybe I will be able to visit some quilt stores!<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-46415559934842358762012-08-07T18:22:00.001-05:002012-08-07T18:22:32.799-05:00First two rows of Hot for Chocolate part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KD3dpJ6BmFs/UCGff8k5bWI/AAAAAAAABjw/PPhTCVPjo9s/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KD3dpJ6BmFs/UCGff8k5bWI/AAAAAAAABjw/PPhTCVPjo9s/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is the first row of the Hot for Chocolate quilt.<br />
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I love it! <br />
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Remember I have to do two tops and each top has 5 rows so this is 10% of assembling the rows. Plus the sashing on the top and sides does not have cornerstones and will be added after all of these are assembled.<br />
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How did I assemble this row?<br />
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Let's start the second row.<br />
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I attach 3 squares to a strip of the brown.<br />
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I can line them up and zip them on pretty fast.<br />
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Yes, of course, these are 1/4" seams, we are quilting after all.<br />
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Then I cut them apart.<br />
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This is a little hard to see.<br />
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The pattern has you cut the strips into 8/5 inch strips but I think it is easier to sew them on and then cut them.<br />
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Hey, you can do it either way when you are making your quilt!<br />
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I line up the 3 that now have a brown piece of sashing on them and I sew them in a line.<br />
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I add a fourth one that has nothing on the side.<br />
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Since this quilt has sashing without cornerstones, those ends will be added like a border.<br />
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Once all four are joined, I flip them over and iron the seams into the sashing. <br />
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See, it is laying there waiting for the row with the cornerstones.<br />
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To make that row, I do cut 8.5 inch pieces of the sashing.<br />
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OK, that's all for today.<br />
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We will continue tomorrow. But don't worry, there is a happy ending to this story!<br />
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I was away in NYC and my return flight was canceled so I spent an extra night and dropped some money on a hotel room just to sleep nearby and return for a 6:30 am flight. Grr, I could have spent that money on fabric. Flying just isn't as much fun as it used to be! I spent all of yesterday just drooling and recovering so this top might not get put together as quickly as you might expect! I was pooped and a bit stressed out. I am glad to be home and thinking about quilting but before that, I did have a great time!<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-40381354639313552502012-08-02T08:00:00.000-05:002012-08-02T08:00:09.005-05:00Downton Abbey and Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNwim6h96is/UBXbYL2-VvI/AAAAAAAABiQ/OZlmWZVSY-M/s1600/DowntonAbbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNwim6h96is/UBXbYL2-VvI/AAAAAAAABiQ/OZlmWZVSY-M/s320/DowntonAbbey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My husband and I just finished a two week marathon of watching Season One and Two of Downton Abbey. Oh, fine, we did sometimes try to speak with British accents after watching say three episodes in one night.<br />
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Now I know what you are thinking, there was no quilting in this program.<br />
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Sadly, you are correct.<br />
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But there was sewing!<br />
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The servants did the necessary sewing.<br />
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And the family members did decorative stitching.<br />
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I would love to know who actually did that stitching.<br />
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Do you think Cora could really sew? I mean, I like her, I do! Well, most of the time. (When she isn't being hoodwinked by O'Brien.)<br />
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But what are her talents? I don't hear her singing, playing an instrument or really anything.<br />
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Maybe stitching is her main talent!<br />
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In this period soap opera there is at least that, they do more than just drink beverages and change clothes. <br />
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Why here they are having a regular sewing bee! Probably making something we will never see finished on the show.<br />
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I will miss Maggie Smith, she was a hoot! She was at least consistent and had some of the best lines.<br />
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Boo, hiss, here is the evil O'Brien.<br />
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Sure she redeemed herself every now and then in the second season but hardly enough to wipe out all her evil doings in the first season.<br />
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Plus don't you think it is handy the way that they label the villains? They smoke! Yes, she and Thomas are always puffing away.<br />
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This show was probably NOT sponsored by any tobacco companies!<br />
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She is doing a little stitching here but probably more plotting!<br />
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Is Ethel sewing here?<br />
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And how about the moral tale with her?<br />
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Whoa, did she pay for her wild oats!<br />
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I wonder if there will be more developments with her next season and more importantly, will she sew more?<br />
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If you haven't watched Downton Abbey I tried to not put any spoilers in this blog entry.<br />
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We will have to wait and see what happens next season, this fall in Britain but not until January for us!<br />
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In the meantime, I am going to NYC tomorrow to see plays with friends in the city on Saturday. No quilting adventures but plenty of fun.<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-63892935480367455922012-07-31T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-31T08:00:05.740-05:00Quinceañera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjTHqYKwfvA/UBXZN49A6BI/AAAAAAAABg4/rVMopxmUyX4/s1600/DSC01193+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjTHqYKwfvA/UBXZN49A6BI/AAAAAAAABg4/rVMopxmUyX4/s320/DSC01193+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday night we were lucky enough to attend a Quinceañera of a lovely girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look at that dress! Many of these gorgeous dresses are hand made. Can you imagine?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9tCqPdErp8/UBXZP_vBEuI/AAAAAAAABhw/hDmZasO2Un0/s1600/DSC01204+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9tCqPdErp8/UBXZP_vBEuI/AAAAAAAABhw/hDmZasO2Un0/s320/DSC01204+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She also had a lovely sash which had been embroidered with Mis Quince Años on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were so lucky to have been included. And I marveled at all the work involved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Look at the flowers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just cutting up the oranges for 30 tables and putting sashes on 300 chairs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were two live bands and a DJ plus all kinds of choreographed dances. What a fiesta!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toKb5BOpDU8/UBXZZ9c_WpI/AAAAAAAABiA/STXESqooE6g/s1600/q3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toKb5BOpDU8/UBXZZ9c_WpI/AAAAAAAABiA/STXESqooE6g/s320/q3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The theme was masked ball and the main color was orange with the secondary color being the yellow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We loved being there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just hope I never have to sew a dress for a Quince!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here I am with my student who invited me. It was the Quinceañera of her sister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was so grateful to her and glad I had those orange polka dots in my dress, hey, I kindof matched!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope all your fiestas are as swanky and fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that you don't have to make the dresses!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Sew happy! </span>Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-78663408702010276842012-07-30T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-30T08:00:07.138-05:00Valentine's day quilts - Emily and Shelby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_3hvytXGVI/UBXWk5gbyPI/AAAAAAAABgY/NBdy-Q0xZb4/s1600/DSC01234+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_3hvytXGVI/UBXWk5gbyPI/AAAAAAAABgY/NBdy-Q0xZb4/s320/DSC01234+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I finished all 40 blocks, 20 for Emily's quilt and 20 for Shelby's quilt.<br />
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I will pause while you finish your applause.<br />
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It was a long time coming, I know! What I liked about it was once I had all the pieces cut and some of them joined, it was mindless work I could do whenever.<br />
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But it is done now! <br />
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I looked through the project boxes for the other fabrics and really had to reread the pattern to make sure I got the right browns for the different areas of the quilt.<br />
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I cut 6 strips of brown for each stack.<br />
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This is the brown I will use for the sashing.<br />
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I poked around looking for pinks or reds for the cornerstone.<br />
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This is what remained of the fabrics.<br />
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The brown is for the outermost borders and the reddish stripe for the inner borders.<br />
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That left the blackish red for the cornerstone fabric and I didn't like it.<br />
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Later, I found a much better red which was hiding but not sure I had enough of that.<br />
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So I did kind of a naughty thing, I went into the project boxes for the brown and pink quilt I am making with my friend in DC and stole this pink.<br />
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Yes, I did feel a little guilty as a matter of fact. BUT this fabric began with another fabric which I used in a different project and then transferred to this box at the end of that project. PLUS this project has been stalled since 2010, hey you snooze you lose fabrics around here!<br />
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I cut two strips of this for each quilt. Now tomorrow I can start sewing them. Well, after swimming, my dentist appointment and some tutoring! Life is full and fun lately.<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-37952184907765148072012-07-26T10:14:00.002-05:002012-07-26T10:14:34.245-05:00Olympics and Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv3GQeU-fyE/UBFaUFbWwwI/AAAAAAAABfs/ZH2Z0jYWOhE/s1600/rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv3GQeU-fyE/UBFaUFbWwwI/AAAAAAAABfs/ZH2Z0jYWOhE/s320/rings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Quilts and quilters are always part of any major life event be it personal or international.<br />
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The Olympics beginning in London on Friday, July 27, 2012 are no exception.<br />
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Here in the US, our quilt celebrations might be on a smaller scale. I love these rings!<br />
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But in London, it's on a much larger scale.<br />
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There is an incredible project entitled Quilts4London. Here is a link to the whole project. <a href="http://www.quilts4london.org.uk/">Quilts4london</a> This project made 17,000 pennants, one for every athlete to take home as a gift. Can you imagine organizing this? And a full sized quilt was made for each nation.<br />
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There are exhibits as well about this project. It is stunning to read about.<br />
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But the quilts don't end there. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvgjfpM9phs/UBFaQ5NT1KI/AAAAAAAABfk/LLk5CeiNxrk/s1600/The-Olympic-quilt-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvgjfpM9phs/UBFaQ5NT1KI/AAAAAAAABfk/LLk5CeiNxrk/s1600/The-Olympic-quilt-004.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzLoOQ5ysuQ/UBFcSIXVquI/AAAAAAAABgE/nCupMW-WzO8/s1600/olympic+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KzLoOQ5ysuQ/UBFcSIXVquI/AAAAAAAABgE/nCupMW-WzO8/s200/olympic+quilt.jpg" width="200" /></a>Here is the bed covering on the bed of every athlete.<br />
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Obviously these are mass produced. I really like them because they have the sports but it is made in a quilt design. <br />
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I think the photographs have very different color values for the quilt. The darker print was used in a web site objecting to these quilts. Sew silly!<br />
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I wonder if these will be sold commercially after the event?<br />
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Want to learn and see more about this project? Me too!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8T67nv7nOQ/UBFapNwq1eI/AAAAAAAABf8/lxrNtzlubZ0/s1600/GOQGiftOfQuilts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8T67nv7nOQ/UBFapNwq1eI/AAAAAAAABf8/lxrNtzlubZ0/s320/GOQGiftOfQuilts.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
I plan to buy this book to learn all about the various quilts made for the Olympic games. Here is the link if you would like to purchase one yourself. <a href="http://shop.traplet.com/product.aspx?c=3723">Quilt book</a><br />
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I am in awe of the giving nature of quilters, a quilt for every nation and a pennant for every athlete. Sew generous!<br />
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I am glad this project went smoothly, unlike the knitting controversy which has since been settled. If you haven't read about it, here's the story. <a href="http://london2012.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/u-s-o-c-knits-a-controversy/">knit controversy</a><br />
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Quilts and the Olympics, wrapped together in gifts of love.<br />
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Now let the games begin, I hope to watch and quilt in solidarity with the quilts4london group!<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-71998525968401784462012-07-24T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-24T08:00:07.548-05:00Hobbies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I saw this on either Facebook or Pinterest, quite frankly sometimes all of my computer fun blends together. Going on the computer is one of my hobbies and I love Facebook, Yelp, Goodreads and my blog. Infrequently I look at Pinterest or Twitter plus a dabble or two in Instagram. I can really get into it!<br />
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But my main hobby is sewing and while I agree that my sewing is my therapy, I disagree that it is cheaper than a psychiatrist. No way! I have machines, threads, needles, patterns, books, furniture and then the fabric.<br />
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Sew much fabric!<br />
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Speaking of fabric (and really when am I not?) my friend Gina and I went to Thimbles quilting store in Lockport and bought the fabric for the sashing and cornerstones for our heart quilts.<br />
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I have all of my blocks, 6 made by me and 6 made by Gina. They are all red and white, all shades of red and white into cream. So we got the black with some dots for the sashing and the geometric red and white for the cornerstones. We hope to find a red and black for the back. First we have to make the tops!<br />
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I finished the second table runner. I was going to give it as a gift but I wasn't satisfied with the tension on the back so I gave it to Emily. I kept the first one for the same reason and it looks great on the island. You can see both of them.<br />
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I have to get that tension issue solved once and for all. Apparently there is a device that can "read" the bottom tension of whatever thread you have in there and tell you what adjustments to make. Natch, I will be buying one!<br />
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Tomorrow I will be downtown again so no blog. I am working on the heart blocks for the second quilt, I have 8 of them finished. Maybe they will all be done when I write again. I will let you know on either Thursday or Friday. I have to enjoy my summer as well as my sewing!<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-83814374600539299292012-07-23T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-23T08:00:07.119-05:00Summer quilts and musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I start off summer by putting a flag quilt up on Memorial day weekend, sometimes it stays up until the 4th of July. Different quilts for the door in the summer and different activities.<br />
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Something I want to make sure I do in the summer is go to the concerts on the Green here in Frankfort. Sometimes we go to Ravinia as well. I just think summer is a great time to listen to music out of doors. Tonight's band here in Frankfort was named 1969!<br />
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They sang songs from my high school days, or what they called Classic Rock. My husband, who is stuck in the same music time warp as me, also loved it. We got to sit and eat our dinner and watch people dance and enjoy it all for free out of doors.<br />
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I have a watermelon quilt I put up next and it reminds me of another favorite summer activity - going to the Farmers' Market. I hope you get to enjoy one by you! The fruits and vegetables change as the summer moves on. We've already enjoyed strawberries, asparagus and raspberries. There are blueberries now, green beans and corn. Plus our Farmers' Market has cheese, knife sharpening, pies; there are just all kinds of fun things. I miss the produce when fall closes it down.<br />
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Here is a tiny picture of my summer quilt. Not quite sure why it is so small and I could do take a picture of it, it's on my door right now. But summer is also for indulgences!<br />
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One of my favorite summer indulgences is eating al fresco. I try to eat on the patio of every restaurant in Frankfort plus some more! Friday my daughter and I ate at the marvelous patio I have ever seen and the food was fabulous also. If you live near Chicago, try to eat there. Here's a link to it. <a href="http://piccolosognorestaurant.com/">Picolo Sogno</a> It's a tough reservation to get on the weekend for dinner in the summer so go earlier! You will love it.<br />
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I also adore swimming out of doors in the summer. I swim indoors most of the year but for a couple of months I feel the sun on my back as I swim. It's glorious. I hope you have a pool or a beach you can enjoy or maybe a hammock or a field.<br />
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I also have been lucky enough to travel this summer, one of my favorite all time things to do when the weather is nice. I think having been a teacher has made me focus on summer travel. There are many other ways to enjoy the summer that don't involve being indoors. I know, it is hot out there and yes, you probably will sweat. You can always take a second shower! Just get out there and enjoy the summer! <br />
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I hope you get to enjoy music outside, go to a Farmer's market and enjoy a summer indulgence. (Ice cream is a yummy one!) Enjoy the summer months and the quilts as well.<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-90868239845053861852012-07-20T08:30:00.000-05:002012-07-22T08:40:29.607-05:00Fifty Shades of Grey, the quilting version<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiB9BstMsuM/UAiPdlcwkiI/AAAAAAAABeA/YQkviLRDD2Y/s1600/Grey+Quilt3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tiB9BstMsuM/UAiPdlcwkiI/AAAAAAAABeA/YQkviLRDD2Y/s320/Grey+Quilt3.png" width="319" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">I am trying to read the latest Mommy porn book, Fifty Shades of Grey. Trying because really, just don't think I will make it through. I read one sentence I liked, where she pulls her Mom's quilt up around her. I was surprised having a quilt in her life would not have led her to better choices. (Or even better writing!)</span></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"> I thought, how would a quilter react to this guy. Would she be impressed with his money and go along with these contracts?</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Um, NO! </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">She would say, hey bud, you can have your fifty shades in a grey quilt.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">We can even add a little black to that quilt.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Heck you can even have a little yellow.</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">But this isn't romance and I am not converting my quilting room into the red room of pain!</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GihFCW7hiJE/UAiPe22LxVI/AAAAAAAABeY/KbyeXdOnHHs/s1600/grey4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GihFCW7hiJE/UAiPe22LxVI/AAAAAAAABeY/KbyeXdOnHHs/s320/grey4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> If you want some control, hey, I am willing to make your quilt more modern.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But no matter what your story is I am not eating, exercising and behaving how you want me to!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">I am a quilter and we have better sense than that!</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">Now if you behave and stop acting like a bossy butt, you might even get a masculine quilt. But keep acting like a jerk and no self respecting quilter will have anything to do with your billionaire self. </span></span></b><br />
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<b>The End of the Quilter and Fifty Shades of Grey</b></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Sew Happy!</span> <span style="background-color: #0b5394;">(and in color!)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/marin/13889060-452/tossing-out-50-shades-of-yuck.html">50 shades of Yuck</a> I am not alone in my feelings about this book and not finishing it. Read Carol Marin's reaction here. Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-32500594665503736792012-07-17T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-17T08:00:03.002-05:00Fabric shopping on vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is a vacation without buying some fabric? Why not even a vacation at all!<br />
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I used the Find a Quilt shop app on my husband's iPad to locate a great shop in Sioux Fall, North Dakota called Heirloom Creations. I could have spent all day wandering around but when your husband is waiting in the car, you have to chose much more quickly. I selected the grey and yellow for Emily's baby and the other one, well, just because I liked it!<br />
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I used the same app to find The Quilt Block in West Des Moines, Iowa. Another great shop! In all my travels I have only encountered one stinker of a quilt store and luckily it wasn't on this trip.<br />
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I loved the blue checks just because. The other two are Kaffe Fassett who is one of my favorites. The yellow is to mix in with my huge collection for the baby quilts. <br />
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This past weekend I traveled to Washington D. C. for a birthday party of a dear friend who is a quilter. So this time, it was reverse vacation shopping. I got things here at my shop and brought them with me. Fun!<br />
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I have been having such a great summer and one of these days, it will rain and I can stay in and sew! In the meantime, I am having fun while the sun shines.<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-4895025762091147142012-07-12T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-12T08:00:15.582-05:00Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was pretty excited to visit this cool little museum which you can check out at its own website if you want.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kalonaiowa.org/KQTM.htm">Museum link</a><br />
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I didn't take many pictures of the quilts because I was so bedazzled by the spool cabinets.<br />
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Sigh of pleasure.<br />
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Last year I saw pictures of spool cabinets in a Quilt magazine and I thought, wow, I want one of those.<br />
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Then I found out the prices! Yazow, upwards of a thousands dollars.<br />
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That is a lot of money for what is just a fun piece.<br />
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Then, I got to see them in person.<br />
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Oh boy, they are gorgeous!<br />
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And this is the largest collection in the world. I didn't photograph all of them, I was drooling too much<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NV9Q4UscVKY/T_pA_4mnI3I/AAAAAAAABb0/xDKcVp7x_7A/s1600/k7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NV9Q4UscVKY/T_pA_4mnI3I/AAAAAAAABb0/xDKcVp7x_7A/s320/k7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And to think that they used to give these away for FREE. Yes, you read that right, for FREE!<br />
<br />
The idea was that if you displayed the thread in a cool cabinet, women would buy more thread.<br />
<br />
I know I would have.<br />
<br />
All of these have been restored and even have thread in them.<br />
<br />
And the thread is color coded. Sigh of love.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_E59m9vU_E/T_pBOaxZGXI/AAAAAAAABb8/JryMC09BIa4/s1600/k8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_E59m9vU_E/T_pBOaxZGXI/AAAAAAAABb8/JryMC09BIa4/s320/k8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
There were also English quilts which were okay and Amish quilts which were superb.<br />
<br />
I should have taken more pictures of the Amish quilts but I did get this bed.<br />
<br />
I love the sweet Amish dolls without faces as the Amish don't like to make images or get their pictures taken. I saw four darling Amish children by the side of the road while we were looking at the Barn quilts but I didn't snap their pictures.<br />
<br />
It seems like such a violation. I know some people do it and if they are working, the Amish are okay, sortof, with it. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GIoUgHjwA8/T_pBU2RTLxI/AAAAAAAABcE/eTaSDIWN6_Y/s1600/k9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GIoUgHjwA8/T_pBU2RTLxI/AAAAAAAABcE/eTaSDIWN6_Y/s320/k9.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I leave you with one final fabulous picture.<br />
<br />
I used to say that if I were really rich, I would have the really expensive season tickets and close parking to the Illini games. Not any more. I have a new fantasy purchase I will make when I hit it big.<br />
<br />
I will buy a spool cabinet. <br />
<br />
Admit it, you want one also!<br />
<br />
At least I have the pictures...any my dreams!<br />
<br />
Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-4464144572859218512012-07-11T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-11T08:00:12.704-05:00Kalona, IA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4g5iaHsMmc/T_o7HU7-AgI/AAAAAAAABaw/YMHNMeVXehA/s1600/k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4g5iaHsMmc/T_o7HU7-AgI/AAAAAAAABaw/YMHNMeVXehA/s320/k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My husband and I were on our last day of our trip and were searching for a certain barn quilt. Ha, says my hubby, I think I saw it. <br />
<br />
I will just go around the block.<br />
<br />
I glanced out the window and saw some quilt designs.<br />
<br />
STOP! I yelled.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSUvwmB8G1s/T_o7PGPqrlI/AAAAAAAABa4/6Vz4JzxEgJc/s1600/k0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSUvwmB8G1s/T_o7PGPqrlI/AAAAAAAABa4/6Vz4JzxEgJc/s320/k0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What is this fabulous building?<br />
<br />
Why are there are these amazing quilt design ON the building?<br />
<br />
Where are we? What is this?<br />
<br />
My husband is a bit frustrated as he was on a quest to find all the barn quilts and I had interrupted his single minded pursuit.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2kEFCz_jhY/T_o7YBzDilI/AAAAAAAABbA/cUB9c4SCnHg/s1600/k1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2kEFCz_jhY/T_o7YBzDilI/AAAAAAAABbA/cUB9c4SCnHg/s320/k1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
As we approached the building, I noticed a quilt.<br />
<br />
In the sidewalk.<br />
<br />
Made with bricks!<br />
<br />
You can even see my shadow as I take the picture.<br />
<br />
I don't care what this is, I lust after this sidewalk quilt.<br />
<br />
Why don' I have one?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfyCdiyuZCA/T_o7gwBC_ZI/AAAAAAAABbI/Ji1sj-amUc4/s1600/k3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfyCdiyuZCA/T_o7gwBC_ZI/AAAAAAAABbI/Ji1sj-amUc4/s320/k3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And this door?<br />
<br />
Why aren't all doors like this?<br />
<br />
Or more specifically why isn't my door like this?<br />
<br />
I was wiggling with excitement to get into this building!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nUR9D7wfwM/T_o7lO2-cCI/AAAAAAAABbQ/dzKj0bKWnF0/s1600/k4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nUR9D7wfwM/T_o7lO2-cCI/AAAAAAAABbQ/dzKj0bKWnF0/s320/k4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
But first I had to enjoy the two images of Amish quilts that flanked either side of the porch.<br />
<br />
I had stumbled upon a Quilt museum!<br />
<br />
It also houses the world's largest collection of Spool Cabinets. I know! I could hardly stand it either!<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I will show you some of the pictures I took inside.<br />
<br />
It is the reason I didn't hit all of the barn quilts. Well, MORE of the barn quilts. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXUbH1ZuG4A/T_o7qNH4VQI/AAAAAAAABbY/QSaPAiwFJm8/s1600/k5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXUbH1ZuG4A/T_o7qNH4VQI/AAAAAAAABbY/QSaPAiwFJm8/s320/k5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This museum was part of the Historic Kalona Village in, yep, Kalona, Iowa.<br />
<br />
Kalona is a mere 18 miles from Iowa City and it is fabulous.<br />
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Can't you just tell from the street banners? <br />
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<a href="http://kalonaiowa.org/">Town of Kalona web site</a><br />
<br />
There are about 1600 Amish citizens of this area as well. It is just an amazing spot. <br />
<br />
More pictures tomorrow!<br />
<br />
Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-69315793918813189192012-07-10T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-10T08:00:11.053-05:00More Barn Quilts from Washington County, IA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzylRVCO7yo/T_oMexREwBI/AAAAAAAABZc/PLdpnXXRsAw/s1600/e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzylRVCO7yo/T_oMexREwBI/AAAAAAAABZc/PLdpnXXRsAw/s320/e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh you thought I was done yesterday?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh no, I have more cool photos. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hey, I took these in 100+ temps, I am using ALL my best ones.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYm5NqKZbiI/T_oMig64dII/AAAAAAAABZk/ZIg04Eb3pl8/s1600/e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BYm5NqKZbiI/T_oMig64dII/AAAAAAAABZk/ZIg04Eb3pl8/s200/e3.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This album block seemed the most weather-worn but I still love it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I imagine it will be tough to repaint these!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RcvcNq4IDQE/T_oMzl5SGwI/AAAAAAAABZs/W4nqtA5_dyw/s1600/f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RcvcNq4IDQE/T_oMzl5SGwI/AAAAAAAABZs/W4nqtA5_dyw/s320/f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This block was a little smaller but at least it is easy to identify what the block is!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc1KzA8qQ9c/T_oM3g2izhI/AAAAAAAABZ0/OjPc2UkZeTg/s1600/f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qc1KzA8qQ9c/T_oM3g2izhI/AAAAAAAABZ0/OjPc2UkZeTg/s200/f1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> I do like the older barns better, I will admit it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOkDjxmUrvE/T_oNMJ8sERI/AAAAAAAABZ8/DkqhQMd22Bg/s1600/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOkDjxmUrvE/T_oNMJ8sERI/AAAAAAAABZ8/DkqhQMd22Bg/s320/h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is a cool barn and block but I couldn't get a shot without the power cords.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I take the pictures from public roads, I want to respect the privacy of the families that live there. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miEMYZhhy4Y/T_oNOBqhhHI/AAAAAAAABaE/wkx9YJlFClE/s1600/h1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miEMYZhhy4Y/T_oNOBqhhHI/AAAAAAAABaE/wkx9YJlFClE/s200/h1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Double Aster is double cool!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love the red accents. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLt5RHwzfyI/T_oNosztq_I/AAAAAAAABaM/Wjs84xkdmAU/s1600/i1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLt5RHwzfyI/T_oNosztq_I/AAAAAAAABaM/Wjs84xkdmAU/s320/i1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> How I love the colors in this fabulous block and then red of the barn itself.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbMoWNlz4ww/T_oNrVmdZSI/AAAAAAAABaU/b0PlBI_f0TQ/s1600/i2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbMoWNlz4ww/T_oNrVmdZSI/AAAAAAAABaU/b0PlBI_f0TQ/s200/i2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I am pretty sure this is Merry Kite.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had the print out and I took the pictures in order but somehow, they got a bit mixed up when I uploaded them to my computer.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jdOeZPuEKA/T_oN3ZdXqAI/AAAAAAAABac/eu4ifk5J650/s1600/j1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jdOeZPuEKA/T_oN3ZdXqAI/AAAAAAAABac/eu4ifk5J650/s320/j1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">What a great barn!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But sometimes not only was it hot, but, well I could smell if they had just fertilized. Manure smells like...well...you know!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0gAaYBj-20/T_oN4qswz-I/AAAAAAAABak/gBaLEsoAN6M/s1600/j2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0gAaYBj-20/T_oN4qswz-I/AAAAAAAABak/gBaLEsoAN6M/s200/j2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Goose tracks!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Better than goose poop which is all we seem to get from the geese around here!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That's all the pictures I liked. I have about 100 + more barns I could photograph. I wish it wasn't three hours from my house. If you have a child attending Iowa, you are in luck, you could go every time you are in Iowa City!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sew happy!</span>Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-33784885094036239612012-07-09T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-09T08:00:05.937-05:00Quilt Barns - Washington County, IAWe are back from our vacation out west! We had a good time except for those days in the lodge at Sylvan Lake. I knew I was not a camper girl, but I am not a Lodge girl either. So now I know!<br />
<br />
I visited a few quilt stores which I will discuss in this blog but first I want to start with the last part of the trip, driving East on 80 across Iowa. When you are near Iowa City you are also near Washington County which list 115 barn quilts on its web site. <a href="http://www.barnquiltsiowa.com/">Washington County Barn Quilts</a> I got to visit about a dozen of them so I have to make about ten more trips here! <br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorites! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fy_t7PbqLoo/T_oLlTwVhtI/AAAAAAAABYc/3N5vPEFTkt8/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fy_t7PbqLoo/T_oLlTwVhtI/AAAAAAAABYc/3N5vPEFTkt8/s320/a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> It was super hot in Iowa but it is easy to find the Quilt barns with a GPS and then you just pop out of the car and take the picture.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7oDxE_oYgM0/T_oLmkdKzTI/AAAAAAAABYk/-7XeSB81WAM/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7oDxE_oYgM0/T_oLmkdKzTI/AAAAAAAABYk/-7XeSB81WAM/s200/a1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is a cool Dutchman's puzzle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I try to get a close up with my camera but with only a 210 lens, I do what I can there and then edit them on my computer.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMNNnUvhtpA/T_oLsatsCFI/AAAAAAAABYs/AKkn3z5-Vw4/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMNNnUvhtpA/T_oLsatsCFI/AAAAAAAABYs/AKkn3z5-Vw4/s320/b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> I love this one, I am a sucker for blue plus I love the old barns. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This Barn Quilt project began in 2007 and it involved a ton of work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I didn't find any updates since 2010 so I hope the fervor hasn't gone out of the community. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHA0f5W6MTY/T_oLtv_drpI/AAAAAAAABY0/SOPxEGWx2-c/s1600/b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHA0f5W6MTY/T_oLtv_drpI/AAAAAAAABY0/SOPxEGWx2-c/s200/b3.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love the close up of this one which is Mosaic $</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I even like the weather worn look of it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OJiEASpneU/T_oLyWpNMwI/AAAAAAAABY8/ZUa_9DUZKkk/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OJiEASpneU/T_oLyWpNMwI/AAAAAAAABY8/ZUa_9DUZKkk/s320/c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I ordered a book on Barn Quilts. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0804011389/?tag=mh0b-20&hvadid=1453715019&ref=pd_sl_9hfk5cllfe_e">Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement</a><br />
<br />
It didn't have a lot on these quilts so I found most of my information on line.<br />
<br />
My husband and I also photographed barn quilts in Kankakee and Door County.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-352Hzf3eVyg/T_oL1MuevKI/AAAAAAAABZE/xfyR_BVglSg/s1600/c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-352Hzf3eVyg/T_oL1MuevKI/AAAAAAAABZE/xfyR_BVglSg/s200/c3.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love Basket Quilt blocks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This one is Barbershop Baskets and I adore it. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uO7sM-brCQw/T_oL5GtAZ8I/AAAAAAAABZM/H4lZxOEVLQk/s1600/d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uO7sM-brCQw/T_oL5GtAZ8I/AAAAAAAABZM/H4lZxOEVLQk/s320/d1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Next time you are driving on 80, you could pop off and go take a look at the Barn Quilts yourself but make sure you print off addresses from the web site ahead of time. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWnWP6YKZh8/T_oL7m1JGGI/AAAAAAAABZU/Q-GbUyd-ef4/s1600/d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWnWP6YKZh8/T_oL7m1JGGI/AAAAAAAABZU/Q-GbUyd-ef4/s200/d3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I used to make all kinds of Log Cabin blocks, even made vests with them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a terrific block!</span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am home for four days now so I will write some more blogs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sew happy!</span>Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-18507003365755325742012-06-27T21:56:00.000-05:002012-06-27T21:56:17.278-05:00Dakota vacay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tomorrow my husband and I leave for eleven days in the Dakotas plus a bit of Montana. I have never been to any of these states so I am excited. I want to see a buffalo, not sure why I just do. I must have some Dances with Wolves fantasies?<br />
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I also am looking forward to seeing Mount Rushmore. This picture and the one of the buffalo are probably better than the ones I will take but for one small detail. I am not in the picture! Oh yes, I want pictures with me in them! Then when I look at my photo album years from now I will remember that I went there!<br />
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I also hope to visit some quilt stores, duh! <a href="http://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/south-dakota-quilt-shops.html">Quilt stores in South Dakota</a> I found a listing of them and I am really pretty hopeful we will hit some. If not there, then maybe on the way back, heck up the street from here if needs be!<br />
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I will be back July 8th but probably won't post until a couple of days after that what with laundry and all. You thought I was joking about enjoying the weather over the summer and not focusing on the blog? Nope! I am having lots of fun and sewing whenever. <br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-56891370683653767582012-06-25T15:58:00.003-05:002012-06-25T15:59:19.896-05:00Book review - Anna Quindlen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-DpLC35aR0/T-jQ50ThtlI/AAAAAAAABX8/BxPw_X4_78Q/s1600/12752313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-DpLC35aR0/T-jQ50ThtlI/AAAAAAAABX8/BxPw_X4_78Q/s320/12752313.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
I gave this book one star and that's unusual, I love to read.<br />
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I got fooled, I admit it. I have enjoyed Anna Quindlen's novels in the
past but I should have done more research on it. This is a pretty lame
excuse for a book - let me write essays that basically all deal with the
same thing so I can make some more money. I used to feel that I had
something in common with her because both of our mothers died young of
ovarian cancer. But that's all I have in common with her and quite
frankly that event happened primarily to our mothers not us. <br />
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Anna
describes her self satisfied, smug old age and reveals what a
privileged life she has had. Her hair is still thick! She barely has
any gray! She has the same husband, three terrific children, an urban
life and a country home. Her crosses to bear in old age? Glasses. I
am sobbing for you, honey. She happily tells us that she has had no
other diseases, pains or misfortunes but oh those pesky glasses of which
she has multiple prescription pairs but can never find one. Wow, that
is such a compelling story. She brags about a lot but seems to find
such pride that she is just taking old age in stride because botox,
facial fills, laser and a personal trainer are apparently such
courageous ways to view the aging of your body. She is so brave that
she stands on her head, her head I tell you! And she is working on a
one armed push up.<br />
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I asked for this book for Mother's day and now
I am so mad I did, because Ms. overly proud of herself got more money
and believe me, she doesn't need it.<br />
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If you want to read it, let
me know and I will lend/give you my copy. Or get it from the library
but for goodness sake this paragon of annoyingly cloying contentment
doesn't need the money of hard working people who have known real
challenges in life.Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-29532544756906359272012-06-22T21:51:00.001-05:002012-06-22T21:51:32.253-05:00Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yay!<br />
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I finished quilting the table runner, they are so fun to quilt because they are, obviously, quite small in comparison to a quilt.<br />
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I quilted flowers in the squares, circles in the yellow borders and tulips in the outside borders.<br />
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I did feathers in the other table runner but I didn't think they were good enough to do for a present. <br />
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Here you can see the details of the quilting.<br />
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Flowers!<br />
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Circles!<br />
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Tulips!<br />
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All done in pink and I am pretty happy with it.<br />
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This weekend I will get it off the long arm and do the binding. I want to get it done before we go on vacation.<br />
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I also finished that apron for Emily's friend and delivered it to Emily.<br />
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I think the colors are fun and maybe she will make the rest of the present match the theme?<br />
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I know that it's just an apron and maybe Emily's friends at one point in their lives thought I would make them quilts. Maybe when they have babies? Or bibs....<br />
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I am also working on the heart blocks for the second heart quilt. <br />
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Two done! Two with the strips done and 16 more to go. Slow progress but progress!<br />
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Today I got some sewing done because I went walking with a new friend. It's fun to make a new friend when you are 59! Walking takes so much less time than swimming. I will try to get some more done and get a few more blogs done before we leave on vacation.<br />
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Sew happy!<br />
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<br />Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2968771377533304529.post-72696304074637520122012-06-20T09:30:00.000-05:002012-06-20T09:30:03.407-05:00ExerciseYou may have noticed that I changed my blog parameters for the months of June, July and August. Instead of sewing 4 hours a day and then blogging about it, it's enjoy the weather.<br />
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Call me a teacher for life (OK, Hi teacher for life) but I think of the summer months as being "off" time. Give me a break, you are thinking, you are retired! Yes, I am but this was my job and now it's the summer!<br />
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I will still sew and blog but on a more whimsical schedule.<br />
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Plus, I am trying to exercise more. Sigh.<br />
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I am swimming, I even swam a mile. <br />
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I am biking, may even try my every summer ride to Harlem.<br />
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And I am walking which led to 5 bee stings on my arm. Yikes! But I will prevail and you know why? Because you can eat more then! You work off calories then you get to consume treats. Yes, I have always been consuming treats but now I am trying to be a bit healthier. I record my food and my exercise at Myfitnesspal.com. <br />
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I am trying! But it does take time away from my sewing. It is hotter and sweatier. I need to balance it all a bit better. I need my sleep, reading time, computer time, reading time, family time, friend time and now time to exercise. <br />
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I will work it out but it's the summer, it's meant for outdoor fun.<br />
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I will still blog, just maybe not as much!<br />
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Sew happy!Kathy4adayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01992750095183990664noreply@blogger.com2