tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18674130030217940422023-12-28T06:57:04.786+00:00Silly Banana SewingSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-51769643086547203322015-04-26T13:50:00.000+01:002015-04-26T13:50:21.239+01:00Blue shoos - do.Good Stitches Comfort Circle May 2015Hello,<br />
<br />
It is my turn to be quilter again and I have decided to go for a classic block - the Shoo Fly.<br />
I've seen some lovely quilts recently using a single block in different sizes so that is what we are going to make.<br />
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This is a straightforward 9 patch variation using squares and half square triangles (HSTs). The following is a brief tutorial - not because I think any of you lovely ladies need it but sometimes it is helpful to have all the info in once place. <br />
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The cutting directions are based on my preferred method of making HSTs but of course you should use whatever method you prefer.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Colours and sizes</span></b><br />
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I'd like you to use a blue print fabric and a pale solid neutral (white, off-white, cream, beige) and I'm asking that everyone make one 12.5 inch block and one other block, either 9.5 inch or 6.5 inch.<br />
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Cut fabric as follows:<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Block size</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Blue fabric</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Background fabric</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Trim HSTs</span></div>
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<b>12.5 inch</b></div>
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2 – 5”x 5”</div>
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1 – 4.5” x 4.5”</div>
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<td style="background: #CCCCCC; border-bottom: solid #666666 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid #666666 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 39.7pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 112.7pt;" valign="top" width="150">
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2 – 5”x 5”</div>
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4 – 4.5” x 4.5”</div>
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4.5” x4.5”</div>
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<b>9.5 inch</b></div>
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2 – 4” x 4”</div>
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1 – 3.5” x 3.5”</div>
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2 – 4” x 4”</div>
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4 – 3.5” x 3.5”</div>
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3.5” x 3.5”</div>
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<b>6.5 inch</b></div>
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2 – 3” x 3”</div>
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1 – 2.5” x 2.5”</div>
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2 – 3” x 3”</div>
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4 – 2.5” x 2.5”</div>
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2.5” x 2.5”</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sewing</span></b><br />
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1) Take your two larger blue squares and two larger background squares and mark a line diagonally from corner to corner on the background squares<br />
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2) Place one blue square and one background square with right sides together and sew a seam 1/4 inch either side of the mark. Repeat with the other two squares.</div>
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3) Cut along the marked line and press.</div>
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4) Trim the HST's to the appropriate size (I was making a 9.5 inch block so I trimmed to 3.5" square).</div>
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5) Take your four HSTs and the remaining pieces and place in the following layout</div>
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6) Sew the blocks into rows and then sew the rows together. You are done!<br />
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Looking forward to seeing what you make and hope you enjoy this block.<br />
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Thanks<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-727872162151453162015-03-21T20:07:00.001+00:002015-03-21T20:07:19.546+00:00A bundle of baby quiltsI love making baby quilts - they are nice quick projects because of their size and I don't let them become UFOs (which I have a bad habit of recently!)<br />
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So when I found out my cousin was expecting twins I knew I'd have the chance to make at least two baby quilts this year. At the end of January she gave birth to two adorable boys and so I immediately started trying to decide on a pattern - I wanted something that was fun, not babyish and relatively simple (as I'd be making it twice).<br />
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I have been eager to make something from Beyond Neutrals by John Q Adams (<a href="http://www.quiltdad.com/">Quilt Dad</a>) ever since I bought it last year and this seemed a good opportunity. I decided to use the top left 4 x 4 block section of Pacific Crest (the quilt featured on the cover of the book).<br />
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I shopped my stash and following a colour consultation with my Mum by Skype, settled on a colour scheme of navy, jade/turquoise and orange with a sort of royal blue for background. <br />
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I decided that I would do one quilt as per the pattern and then for the second I'd make a mirror image, so that they would be similar but individual, just like Aidan & Charlie.<br />
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I backed them with a blue minky/plush fabric as my kids love minky and think that all quilts should have it. Luckily <a href="http://www.plushaddict.co.uk/">Plush Addict</a> stock a great range and offer a colour matching service so my backing and blue solid were a great match, which I like when I back with minky as I bind by folding over the backing.<br />
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They ended up being quilted very simply with diagonal lines in the direction of the Vs - not my original plan but I was struggling with horrendous tension problems with my machine (thankfully now fixed) so it was the best compromise.</div>
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Then last month we discovered that one of my husband's university friends had just had a little girl. Whilst we haven't seen her or her husband that much recently, they are good friends and so a quilt was in order.</div>
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I had bought Hazel Hedgehog II by Elizabeth Hartman (<a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/">Oh Fransson</a>) planning to make a large cushion cover but I was so inspired by all the fabulous Hazels made during the <a href="http://gnomeangel.com/hazel-hedgehog-qal-link-party/">Hazel Hedgehog QAL </a>run by Angie of Gnome Angel that I decided to made a rainbow Hazel.</div>
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I love it and will definitely be making more Hazel's in the future. It was backed with a lovely Riley Blake flannel and quilted with a cross hatch.</div>
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All the quilts have arrived at their destinations and will hopefully be used and snuggled for years to come.</div>
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I'm feeling pretty chuffed to have finished 4 quilts already this year (still haven't photographed my son's new quilt as he is sleeping with it every night).</div>
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And I am now in the exciting position of having no sewing commitments/bee blocks etc for the next couple of months. Shall I - a) use the time wisely to finish up some of the UFOs that are taking over one cupboard or b) start something new - guess which one I'm leaning towards!!</div>
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Happy sewing</div>
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Sarah</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-63204753156503918702015-02-13T21:22:00.001+00:002015-02-13T21:22:41.838+00:00Testing, testing... can anyone hear me?Well, I know I'm an infrequent blogger but I never intended to be away so long!<br />
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So, where were we, oh yes sewing! 2014 did turn out to be a better year than 2013 but it got off to a slow start. Radiotherapy knocked me for six and then I went straight back to work so I basically had no energy for the next few months. But slowly, slowly life got back to some form of normality and I started sewing again, kicked into action by a request from my nephews - the Mammoth Minecraft project, but that is for another post.<br />
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Fast forward to more recent stuff. My daughter started school in September and she found the transition hard (thankfully things are much improved now). Although she had been going to nursery for three days since the time she was tiny she suffered terrible separation anxiety. Her teacher, two classroom assistants and the lady who runs the school breakfast club were so fantastic with her that when Christmas was approaching I wanted to make them something nice.<br />
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A photo on Instagram led me to the fabulous <a href="http://www.lilipopo.co.uk/">Lilipopo</a> and it didn't take long for me to buy some of her gorgeous patterns and get stitching. Once the embroidery was finished I used Elizabeth Hartman's Perfect Zip Bags pattern<br />
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We filled them with chocolate and they went down a treat.<br />
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I enjoyed making them so much that I made a couple more for my sewing buddies<br />
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And then I remembered that I had still not got round to making anything for my Craft it Forward bods, which gave me the perfect excuse to make some more! Yes I did get a little obsessed (I actually made another one for my hairdresser but I forgot to take a photo of that one) but they are so cute and so much fun to stitch. And over the Christmas holidays I always try to be more sociable so it was lovely to have some handwork to do in the evenings.<br />
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They were well received which is the important thing and I definitely see more Lilipopo in my future!<br />
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Bye for now<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-67285446092759019462014-01-03T17:05:00.003+00:002014-01-03T17:05:59.334+00:002013: That was the year that wasHappy New Year!<br />
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As regular readers will know 2013 wasn't exactly the best year for me (massive understatement alert) but whilst I look forward to 2014 being rather less stressful it hasn't been all bad.<br />
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A breast cancer diagnosis in May was a big shock but as I come to the end of the year I'm in a pretty good place. I made it through chemotherapy and surgery and although neither is the most pleasant thing in the world my body coped with both better than I expected. And thankfully it has all been worth it. Chemo shrank my tumour by 80% and only two of my lymph nodes were involved rather than three as originally suspected. I still have radiotherapy later this month but less than originally planned. <br />
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I am incredibly grateful to my wonderful husband and Mum who coped so well and did all the stuff I couldn't do. My kids coped amazingly well and cheered me up even on my worse days. So many great friends helped out of let us know they were thinking off up - and that includes those of you who I've got to know via this silly little blog, thank you so much for the messages of support.<br />
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Sewing wise it was definitely a year of two parts with January to May being much more productive (funny that). Overall I finished 6 quilts and a further quilt top and made some other bits and pieces.<br />
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Finished quilts (clockwise from top left): <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-starburst.html">Starburst</a>; <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/finish-along-q1-results.html">Siblings together zigzag</a>; <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-highland-star.html">Highland Star</a>; <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/this-and-that-and-craft-it-forward.html">Bluebird park stars</a>: <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/q2-finish-along-results.html">MIL quilt</a>; <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/what-i-did-on-my-summer-holidays.html">Beach huts</a><br />
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Other stuff: Handle with care quilt top; Sisters Ten BOM (so want to get on with this as I love the design and the fabric); Crafty Cooks apron and pot holder; cross stitch Christmas decorations.<br />
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Also this year, one of my all time favourite makes:<br />
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Velocity Girl bag by Sew Sweetness in Echino Buck in Turquiose - I've had so many compliments on this and it is such a great design.<br />
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As for 2014, well if the last year has taught me anything it is that you can make all the plans you like but life can happen instead! But I want to keep sewing and hopefully be a bit braver about fabric choices and keep improving.<br />
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I hope that 2014 brings you all health and happiness<br />
Bye<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-55059594901728335312013-11-16T13:23:00.000+00:002013-11-16T13:23:06.506+00:00Craft it ForwardLast December I spotted that Hadley of Flying Blind on a Rocket Cycle posted a <a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/craft-it-forward.html">Craft it Forward</a>. I'm usually too slow off the mark but this time I got a slot and I was seriously chuffed as Hadley make lush things.<br />
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So fast forward to Thursday, I was having a bit of a rubbish morning when I heard the postman and what should there be but a fabulous parcel.<br />
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Inside was the most gorgeous needle book (there was also chocolate but that lasted about 3 minutes and certainly not long enough to make it into a photo!). Look at those tiny liberty hexies!!<br />
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And inside the loveliness continues - I will have to keep an eye on that badge as the little lady wants it.<br />
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And it arrived at an excellent moment - I'll be in hospital for a week of so this month and I was putting together a sewing bag to take with me. I'll mostly be working on this:<br />
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Christmas on Gingerbread Lane by <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/">The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a> - how cute is that!</div>
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So if anyone fancies continuing the fun of Craft it Forward and you can fulfil the criteria below then please let me know (make sure I can contact you - if you are a No-Reply Blogger I'm afraid you'll miss out and that would be sad).</div>
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Here's how you do it:</div>
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If you have a blog and fancy a little something handmade by me leave me a comment on this post. Sometime in the next 365 days I'll send it to you. When it arrives you need to blog about it and repeat the offer. Go on spread a little happiness!</div>
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Sarah</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-15695937553370375402013-11-15T19:59:00.002+00:002013-11-15T20:05:27.195+00:00This and that I can never think of good post titles but that pretty much sums up what I've been up to - at bit of this and some of that.<br />
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I have been sewing as I'm feeling much better (apart from tiredness), chemo is now done (hooray!) and my ultrasound at the end of last month showed that it has been worth it as my tumour has shrunk be two thirds (hooray again!). I'm having surgery (mastectomy & reconstruction) next Thursday and then radiotherapy after Christmas. Still some way to go but I feel like I'm past the worst of it now.<br />
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Anyway back to the sewing. I've been doing quite a lot of cross stitch - before the kids arrived that was my main craft hobby and so I have loads of stuff and it was an easy option when I felt like doing something but didn't have the energy to haul out my machine.<br />
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Looking ahead to Christmas I've been doing some ornament kits I'd never got round to.<br />
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They are Mill Hill bead kits and are a nice quick project.<br />
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I've also made a quilt - unfortunately the 3 year old daughter of one of my work colleagues has recently been diagnosed with liver cancer. As hard as my own diagnosis and treatment has been I think it must be so much harder to watch your child go through it all.<br />
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Obviously we aren't in a position to offer much practical support at the moment so I went for a quilt - I really felt the cold during my treatment. I ordered a layer cake of Bluebird Park by Katie & Birdie and put together some wonky stars. It is a lovely collection, sweet without being saccharine and a lovely mix of colours. I quilted it in a loop pattern using Aurifil 50wt - Aurifil is the only cotton thread my machine will happily FMQ with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucRfKFjobMTCpJ5kv92hHddWaMBhpuCAmvouMiQzs_-gksk1AFLP6d-QwsVBfFSFIpO_GQ8MrDm7xwn9W3ZQKeTE8xwyGqbW0Z4lXNF64NSBVTcTp8iprdS-AgTQzia13TvRNCkovzr0/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucRfKFjobMTCpJ5kv92hHddWaMBhpuCAmvouMiQzs_-gksk1AFLP6d-QwsVBfFSFIpO_GQ8MrDm7xwn9W3ZQKeTE8xwyGqbW0Z4lXNF64NSBVTcTp8iprdS-AgTQzia13TvRNCkovzr0/s640/IMG_0696.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The squirrels are my favourite</td></tr>
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My mum had to pop back to Dubai (where she usually lives) and purely by chance brought back some flannel that happened to coordinate well (Riley Blake Peak Hour) - it turns out that a lot of fabric is shipped via Dubai and any split or damaged rolls are sold off there at bargain prices (£2-£3 per yard).<br />
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I have also started making blocks for the wee chap's Cat in the Hat quilt (no pictures, sorry) and I'm setting myself a goal of Christmas to finish it, which may be a bit optimistic given the surgery but I'll never hear the end of it if I don't get it done soon!<br />
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I'm linking up with the lovely Liz at Dandelion Daydreams<br />
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<a href="http://lizofdandeliondaydreams.blogspot.co.uk/" title="Liz of Dandelion Daydreams"><img alt="Liz of Dandelion Daydreams" src="http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp46/Nevey2006/dandelionbuttonwordsbigger-1-1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
<div class="Maybush Studio button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 150px;">
<a href="http://www.maybushstudio.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="Maybush Studio" height="150" src="http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk154/claremansell/bstl_badge.jpg" width="150" /> </a> </div>
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Bye for now but check back tomorrow when I'll have a Craft it Forward post :-)</div>
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Sarah</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-47335596764181919092013-09-14T18:03:00.000+01:002013-09-14T18:03:58.549+01:00What I did on my summer holidays......is not as much sewing as I would have liked.<br />
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After initially feeling pretty good, the pesky health stuff (update at the end for those that are interested) has been taking its toll a bit and hence I've not done much sewing for the last couple of months. Blogging has also suffered although I am over on Instagram slightly more often - I'm <a href="http://instagram.com/sillybananasewing">sillybananasewing</a><br />
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However before I started to feel really rough I got a few things done. I decided I would make myself a quilt so I rummaged through my stash and found a Hometown layer cake and some Kona Cream I bought for a project that I never got round to (like about half the fabric I own!).<br />
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I had purchased some patterns from Alison of <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/">Cluck Cluck Sew</a> when she had a sale and so decided I'd use her Suburbs pattern.<br />
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It came together really easily and I love it - I can definitely see myself making it again.<br />
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The soft, slightly faded colours and the cream background remind me of the seaside so I'm calling this one 'Beach huts'. Inspired by Trudi's Free Motion Quilting workshop at the Fat Quarterly Retreat I decided to try quilting it with swirls - the fact that the quilt was for me meant that I could relax and not fret if it wasn't great.</div>
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Not perfect but I was really pleased with how it turned out - I need to work on my consistency and spacing but I'm glad I bit the bullet and tried something new.</div>
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I backed it with Ikea 'Britten' number fabric as I felt like I wasn't a proper modern quilter without having a quilt backed with it!<br />
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Quilt stats:</div>
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Beach huts </div>
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<i>Size</i>: about 60" by 70"</div>
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<i>Pattern</i>: Suburbs by Cluck Cluck Sew</div>
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<i>Fabric</i>: Hometown by Sweetwater for Moda; Kona Cream; Bella Solids (random blue)</div>
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I also finished a quilt top for the little lady (much to the disgust of the wee chap who informed me in no uncertain terms that he has been waiting long enough for his Cat in the Hat quilt and made me promise I would not make any other quilts until it is done!)</div>
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I bought a half yard bundle of Handle with Care with coordinating solids from Pink Castle Fabric last year and wanted some nice easy sewing that would showcase the fabric.</div>
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It badly needs pressed but at the moment I am seriously lacking in energy and it was a case of press the top or blog about it!</div>
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And whilst we were doing the photos my two little monkeys decided to join in!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by</div>
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Sarah</div>
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<u>Pesky health update</u></div>
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Well I have now had 4 of my 6 cycles of chemotherapy - all three cycles of Taxotere and one of FEC (which I can't say without wanting to add "Drink! Arse!"). </div>
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My oncologist is pleased with my progress and says I'm tolerating the chemo well, which I suppose I am but I will be glad when it is over as it is starting to take its toll. I just have no energy (hence the lack of sewing) - I made tea last night and microwaving some spuds, defrosting some bolognese sauce and grating some cheese left me knackered and needing a sit down! In addition the FEC is making me feel really queasy - like really bad morning sickness.</div>
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And unfortunately I've ended up in hospital after the last two cycles because I keep spiking really high temperatures. I have felt fine on both occasions but got admitted for IV antibiotics because of the risk of having an infection which can be dangerous if your immune system weakened by chemo. Both times my blood counts have shown my immune system has been fine and other tests have shown no sign of infection so they think it is just how my body is dealing with the chemo. It is frustrating and disruptive but I keep reminding myself that there are plenty of people who have much worse side effects and a much poorer outlook than I do, so while I have had some down days, by and large I'm staying positive.</div>
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And talking of the positive, I had a mid point ultrasound and that showed that my tumour has shrunk substantially and broken up and the three abnormal lymph nodes have all shrunk too. This shows that the chemo is working (thank goodness - I'd hate to be going through it if it wasn't!!). </div>
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But at least it is only another two cycles so by the end of October it will be over and done with and I'll be on to the next phase - surgery!</div>
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Take care</div>
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S</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-38592532805189146152013-07-11T15:30:00.001+01:002013-07-11T15:30:19.396+01:00Fat Quarterly RetreatHello<br />
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Since I'm going to the FQ Retreat next weekend I thought I'd join in with the getting to know you linky party. I watched in envy last year so I bought a ticket as soon as they went on sale this time round.<br />
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I'm Sarah, a 40yr old (well almost, my birthday is tomorrow) Scot living in the East of England. I'm married to a wonderful bloke and we have a 6yr old son and a 3yr old daughter. I work part time as a forensic scientist which I love.<br />
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I've always sewed or embroidered (my mum is a fantastic seamstress and taught me when I was young) but that tailed off after the kids were born. Then when the little lady was about a year old I was looking for a new hobby and I stumbled across quilting and off I went. and through quilting I've rediscovered my love of sewing in general.<br />
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I'm coming to the retreat with two friends Jill (<a href="http://thenocturnalstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/">The Nocturnal Stitcher</a>) and Anna (who doesn't blog).<br />
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Below is one of my most recent and favourite quilts, <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-starburst.html">Starburst</a>.<br />
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I love bright, rich colours and have a soft spot for star blocks in general. <br />
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This is me<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/AVvXsEhfnn057ugHfGNTsjLvYivIfyjD3uFDDQSmwjTp-rPH7Qam2DfzpFHDwj6rag-ZbFI4f9rQV7Z_2iA5R0BnGKHT0Ltnt9O_bmSPf0WwAb8a5CBjdtXhD92vLHeZPx1OxpgQy0GKLMM0Kss/s1600/Natasha+Biggs+Photography-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnn057ugHfGNTsjLvYivIfyjD3uFDDQSmwjTp-rPH7Qam2DfzpFHDwj6rag-ZbFI4f9rQV7Z_2iA5R0BnGKHT0Ltnt9O_bmSPf0WwAb8a5CBjdtXhD92vLHeZPx1OxpgQy0GKLMM0Kss/s1600/Natasha+Biggs+Photography-73.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
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But as a result of some pesky health stuff by the time of the retreat I'm probably going to be looking more like this<br />
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So if you see me in one of my little hats please say hi.<br />
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I'm doing<br />
Crochet with Laura Taylor<br />
Free Motion with Trudi Wood<br />
Portholes with Lu Summers<br />
Blog Design with John Adams<br />
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See you soon!<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-30672099253364037082013-07-07T16:04:00.001+01:002013-07-07T16:04:40.784+01:00Q2 Finish along results<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.blogspot.com/" title="she can quilt"><img alt="she can quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjtQg2Y0nLi76OaqjnVL12wGxWLAw4LleNLA7xlGrl6AFUy9HG0tZll8x9r-lLC38tKsobQ7SrJlVXozdl9yU8nD9ejv9V0srhwnENkG2MnFHYiSMz9Yqp7-TFNU-e0cetrFDm1mkFgtm/s170/DSC_0273+4.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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Time to link up with all the other lovely finishes. I laid out my hopes for the quarter <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/2013-finish-long-q2-goals-one-where-i.html">here</a> - one apron, three quilts and a cushion.</div>
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And amazingly, despite having done almost no sewing for the past month (because of pesky health stuff and a complete kitchen remodel) I completed four out of five!</div>
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I've previously blogged about the <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-highland-star.html">memory quilt</a> I made my aunt, and the <a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-starburst.html">Starburst </a>quilt I made for my friend's wedding. Both were well received which was great.</div>
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I also finished the apron for the Crafty Cooks Apron & recipe swap which was great fun and good to do something different.</div>
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My final finish is a quilt for my Mother-in-law, Jill. When she came to stay at Christmas she asked if I would make her a quilt so I said I'd do it as a birthday present.</div>
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We have totally different tastes in fabric so this quilt is much softer and more muted than others I've made but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I used a jelly roll of Athill Range by Cabbages & Roses and quilted it in a loopy design using a Gutermann variegated thread.</div>
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It was finished in time for her birthday at the beginning of June but it still hasn't made it to the post office (hangs head in shame)!</div>
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So all in all I'm very pleased. I'm not joining in with Q3 because of the pesky health stuff but I may be back for Q4.</div>
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Bye for now</div>
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Sarah</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-40091406474909062922013-07-03T17:56:00.001+01:002013-07-03T17:56:39.933+01:00Definitely NOT a quilting postI know those of you that stop by here occasionally do so for quilt & sewing related stuff so I just wanted to let you know that this post will not be about that.<br />
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I've thought long and hard about whether to post this here are it was never my intention for this space to be too personal but rather a record of my sewing exploits. But sometimes things happen and life gets in the way of your plans and I just decided I'd rather be open.<br />
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In the middle of May I found a lump and after a battery of tests it was confirmed on 31st May that I have breast cancer - only a small tumour but it has spread to my lymph nodes.<br />
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Needless to say it was a bit of a shock - the whole 'why me?' stuff went through my head - I'll be 40 next week (not exactly the present I was after!) and I have two small kids. But after a few days and a few tears we got over the initial bombshell and started to get on with things.<br />
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The initial plan was surgery followed by chemo but further scans revealed a number of additional tiny tumours, which doesn't change my prognosis but did change the treatment plan so now it is chemo first. I started last Friday and although I wouldn't do it by choice it wasn't as awful as I feared.<br />
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I'm lucky that it has been caught early, that I have an excellent chance of survival and that I have a wonderfully supportive husband, family and group of friends.<br />
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And I live close to a centre of excellence for cancer treatment and have a fab oncologist who has arranged for me to have my second dose of chemo on Monday 22nd July rather than Friday 19th July as originally scheduled so that I can still go to the Fat Quarterly Retreat - woohoo.<br />
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So in all likelihood I'll be the one wearing a selection of little hats. And guess what - you can even get Liberty print chemo beanies! Every cloud.........<br />
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Right, there we go. Now that is dealt with normal sewing service can resume!<br />
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Take care<br />
Bye<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-21596791435763556612013-07-01T08:38:00.001+01:002013-07-01T08:38:19.433+01:00Claiming my blog<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3711051/?claim=2rs3dyfb8eq">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
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I'm late to the whole claiming my blog malarkey because of a whole lot that is going on just now. But better later than never!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-29400705486321370082013-05-19T20:47:00.003+01:002013-05-19T20:47:57.830+01:00Blogger's Quilt Festival - Highland Star, a quilt for Anne<div align="center">
<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/" title="AmysCreativeSide.com"><img alt="AmysCreativeSide.com" src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Spring-2013-BQF-button-e1365396620338.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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The second quilt I'm entering in the Blogger's quilt festival is very different to any other quilt I've made for a couple of reasons.</div>
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The fabric would not be my normal choice and the process of making it stirred very different emotions than usual and I'd like to explain those differences.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6O80lipFX0rR6twTHCPFRnPnLYtK9z174UtQpmPxFeBInJEPHdCSIEfah6jYSFZwFzlr9uL5gIYJ9MrHaqcMv6QwirR5jZXZhl4K3rGQ6R_6zl2XzQDziXs0RYv7-0JsT4I_2BTE0ns/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6O80lipFX0rR6twTHCPFRnPnLYtK9z174UtQpmPxFeBInJEPHdCSIEfah6jYSFZwFzlr9uL5gIYJ9MrHaqcMv6QwirR5jZXZhl4K3rGQ6R_6zl2XzQDziXs0RYv7-0JsT4I_2BTE0ns/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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We start with this man</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD6nHcSiZgTrNaCTTd5NQ8uVmNzMVYou-3j6ZAJrGQCLeEnSn1x4BnC9_wDtU080J4tfPUK1Rmteo4_BHQt7XujCvNZ0ZYxPwGjjPbbFNSc_mPjSTFxi6cXXdXblvdQviI7c0nZJSWJs/s1600/Eric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD6nHcSiZgTrNaCTTd5NQ8uVmNzMVYou-3j6ZAJrGQCLeEnSn1x4BnC9_wDtU080J4tfPUK1Rmteo4_BHQt7XujCvNZ0ZYxPwGjjPbbFNSc_mPjSTFxi6cXXdXblvdQviI7c0nZJSWJs/s1600/Eric.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is my Uncle Eric. He was a wonderful man, kind and gentle with never a bad word to say about anyone. He loved his family, his friends and was always there for anyone who needed help. Unfortunately a few years ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and despite the best efforts of his doctors he died in September 2012.</div>
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Understandably my aunt, Anne, was devastated and I felt at a bit of a loss to know how to help. We are a close family and as a child I was at boarding school as my parents were expatriates and during half-term holidays I would stay with Anne & Eric but I now live in Cambridgeshire, some distance away from the Scottish Highlands where my aunt lives.</div>
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So I asked my Mum if she thought Anne would like a quilt and I suggested I could use some of Eric's shirts. Anne said she would so I got going. I wanted to use a traditional quilt block and I found a tutorial by the fabulous Bonnie Hunter called <a href="http://quiltville.com/smokeymtstars.shtml">Smokey Mountain Stars</a> which seemed to fit the bill perfectly.</div>
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It wasn't plain sailing as some of the shirts were polyester cotton blends and one was lyocell and as a result the fabric shifted much more than I was used to with quilting cottons but it all turned out well in the end.</div>
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I've made quilts for babies, for a wedding, for my kids, because I wanted to try something new or just because I loved the fabric and I've always enjoyed the process but the making of this quilt allowed me time and space to reflect on my uncle's life in a way that I don't think I would otherwise have done and for that I will always be grateful.</div>
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I called the quilt 'Highland Star' as everyone used to say that Eric was a true Highland gentleman. I'll be delivering it this weekend when we are up in Scotland. Hopefully my aunt will like it.</div>
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Quilt stats:</div>
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Name: Highland Star</div>
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Size: 56" by 64"</div>
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Quilting: Free motion loop by me</div>
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Fabric: Shirts and various Kona & Makower solids</div>
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Category: Throw quilt</div>
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Thanks for stopping by</div>
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Sarah</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-85620286545286593172013-05-19T20:13:00.001+01:002013-05-19T20:13:56.893+01:00Blogger's Quilt Festival - StarburstIts that time of year again when quilting bloggers around the world show off their quilts and tell the stories behind them.<br />
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<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/" title="AmysCreativeSide.com"><img alt="AmysCreativeSide.com" src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Spring-2013-BQF-button-e1365396620338.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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And as an added bonus this year Amy is letting us each enter two quilts which is great because I really wanted to show off my two most recent finishes, for different reasons.</div>
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My first quilt is Starburst</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW72HZiZY1zybkY0vc7hwQzA6Yy8NZJNqNKpmRyiPkoxSWr43be76-1bkqQXIZU0XZMHfSrFUsApIn9MntFKtPEBMNgnznAPO6jcsVnjbhcm2HUN3znewWA7d-NfiwbWbZ3ZDzSDlho0/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzW72HZiZY1zybkY0vc7hwQzA6Yy8NZJNqNKpmRyiPkoxSWr43be76-1bkqQXIZU0XZMHfSrFUsApIn9MntFKtPEBMNgnznAPO6jcsVnjbhcm2HUN3znewWA7d-NfiwbWbZ3ZDzSDlho0/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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I follow Melissa of <a href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.co.uk/">Happy Quilting</a> and love her style so when she started the Starburst quilt along earlier this year I was very tempted to join in but held off as I had various other quilts I was trying to finish.</div>
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However halfway through I found out that one of my oldest friend was getting married (this coming Saturday) and that was all the excuse I needed. I had several Juggling Summer prints that I had purchased and I felt they would suit my friend's style so I ordered some additional fabric and jumped in. I chose the main backing print as a nod to the traditional double wedding ring pattern.</div>
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I love this quilt, so much so that it will be a big wrench to give it away. I love the pattern and the fabric and I love how it represents how far I have come since I first started quilting. It is definitely the best quilt I've made and while it is still far from perfect I am really happy with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vJUn75zI1naUkdGEH7hA16l_spf9g2y_YH9EOuH6mUfkfzT3it1d0JWrFIaFv53jNJHeRlenu8AtyM699ioO1Qt2u6Gc4Q7_OLrjsSv5YgehBj1C5X2zc3csx_nJgr43mIOuSr5MQMc/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vJUn75zI1naUkdGEH7hA16l_spf9g2y_YH9EOuH6mUfkfzT3it1d0JWrFIaFv53jNJHeRlenu8AtyM699ioO1Qt2u6Gc4Q7_OLrjsSv5YgehBj1C5X2zc3csx_nJgr43mIOuSr5MQMc/s1600/IMG_0539.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I quilted it all over with a loopy free motion design. I'm still a novice at FMQ so I stuck to the design I feel most confident with but I took my time and it was definitely an improvement on previous attempts, particularly as this is a big quilt at 82" by 82".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dyRvlVf9_37XRkxIS2EpamN7trIi42pXLwqovOy68Rt76akC8NCIvYZ3C0a-4SXGM3HXyghKYLlh_QcS4ruS-OMguoTY8OXyPjNSAPW_LnpvV-KcXp2kcFn92UtLsn7FStXMWSU5780/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dyRvlVf9_37XRkxIS2EpamN7trIi42pXLwqovOy68Rt76akC8NCIvYZ3C0a-4SXGM3HXyghKYLlh_QcS4ruS-OMguoTY8OXyPjNSAPW_LnpvV-KcXp2kcFn92UtLsn7FStXMWSU5780/s1600/IMG_0540.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is also the first quilt I've labelled. I used a <a href="http://www.freckledwhimsy.com/2013/02/quilt-label-tutorial.html">tutorial </a>by KarrieLyne of <a href="http://www.freckledwhimsy.com/">Freckled Whimsy</a> and I really like the subtlety of it.</div>
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Quilt Stats:</div>
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Name: Starburst</div>
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Size: 82" by 82"</div>
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Pieced and quilted by me</div>
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Fabrics: Juggling Summer by Zen Chic and Kona Iron</div>
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Category: Bed quilt </div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by</div>
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Sarah</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-61272435799528670772013-04-16T16:21:00.000+01:002013-04-16T16:21:27.676+01:00My new favourite bag!Hello!<br />
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Thought I would do a little post featuring my latest finish (I finished it a couple of weeks ago but I am just not very good at finding the time to blog at the moment).<br />
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I was lucky enough to win a competition at <a href="http://www.fabricyard.co.uk/">Fabric Yard</a> last month and choose a metre of Echino Buck in turquiose as my prize.<br />
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When it arrived it was so lovely I knew I wanted to use it to make a bag and as luck would have it I had recently purchased the Velocity Girl bag pattern from Sara at <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/">Sew Sweetness</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8638075552/" title="Velocity Girl Bag by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Velocity Girl Bag" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8638075552_d21e841f59_z.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a><br />
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I am so delighted with the end result - it makes me smile every time I pick it up and the wealth of pockets means that I don't spend 10 minutes rummaging around whenever I need something. <br />
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The pattern was clear and easy to follow and when I was a bit uncertain about one step (due to me being a bit dim) a quick email to Sara got a response within hours - seriously good customer service!<br />
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In fact I love it so much I made another one for my Mum using a Zen Chic Juggling Summer print and she loved it too (unfortunately I forgot to take a photo).<br />
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I'd definitely recommend this pattern and I look forward to more Sew Sweetness bags in my future.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-88965346987825912082013-04-10T14:45:00.001+01:002013-04-10T14:45:35.048+01:002013 Finish-A-Long Q2 Goals - the one where I bite off more than I can chew!<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.blogspot.com/" title="she can quilt"><img alt="she can quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjtQg2Y0nLi76OaqjnVL12wGxWLAw4LleNLA7xlGrl6AFUy9HG0tZll8x9r-lLC38tKsobQ7SrJlVXozdl9yU8nD9ejv9V0srhwnENkG2MnFHYiSMz9Yqp7-TFNU-e0cetrFDm1mkFgtm/s170/DSC_0273+4.jpg" height="125" style="border: none;" width="125" /></a><br />
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Hello!</div>
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Well after a rather disappointing first quarter I have high hopes for Q2 as well as some trepidation! Three of my WIPs must be finished this quarter and I'll definitely need to be more organised if that is going to happen.</div>
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So without further ado here is my list:</div>
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<b>1) Crafty Cooks Apron</b></div>
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I signed up for the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/craftycooksapronswap/">Crafty Cooks Apron & Recipe swap</a> and posting deadline is 30th April so this is my top priority.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70nQn3oJC6ceLBFbSfNgR4YkBGbYhL6oG0YCMqzvk45D-HJ88LmbTLY_Xg7UW9DNJsPEmO6D8D94agaJuDa0WdXMUFvM62tbuSOdQILu4k4GMxFZqMStn12FnYaOCEdEj_aWkKsLiqFk/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70nQn3oJC6ceLBFbSfNgR4YkBGbYhL6oG0YCMqzvk45D-HJ88LmbTLY_Xg7UW9DNJsPEmO6D8D94agaJuDa0WdXMUFvM62tbuSOdQILu4k4GMxFZqMStn12FnYaOCEdEj_aWkKsLiqFk/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My fabric is cut out and I made a trial apron to iron out any design kinks so I'm confident that a couple of evenings of sewing will sort this one out.</div>
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<b>2) Starburst quilt</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZgmMYD0eawBqFrI09NDcyH1lPO0qW_2DeVVTbKuRlFvIiLjUyPGRImIUPsWw0E0hLY-8ycpUELZnCNB7wGB44-Koamtjv7pGfIXitSpgB62tYq1PgJtlEDVbp9J_BoNFrQKsXQrwukI/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZgmMYD0eawBqFrI09NDcyH1lPO0qW_2DeVVTbKuRlFvIiLjUyPGRImIUPsWw0E0hLY-8ycpUELZnCNB7wGB44-Koamtjv7pGfIXitSpgB62tYq1PgJtlEDVbp9J_BoNFrQKsXQrwukI/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This quilt is going to be a wedding present for one of my oldest friends. She gets married on 25th May so it has to be done before then!</div>
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The top is finished and fabric for the back has arrived so I need to piece the back, baste, quilt (no idea how to quilt it) and bind.</div>
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<b>3) Mother-in-law's quilt</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHi7bxkPGUNDDB8h5FY4Rx34npc0w289xEyJ4zPJUHob6jMtkyVwO8T5r-gGFatVn13QZq9k9E-Bql5wykInfSGujMwvCYTDQP0uy8FUhgu2BPfFkYyZSkDjLXYpOTJfZ5kQHz23Iubw/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHi7bxkPGUNDDB8h5FY4Rx34npc0w289xEyJ4zPJUHob6jMtkyVwO8T5r-gGFatVn13QZq9k9E-Bql5wykInfSGujMwvCYTDQP0uy8FUhgu2BPfFkYyZSkDjLXYpOTJfZ5kQHz23Iubw/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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When my MIL was here for Christmas she asked if I would make her a quilt. She offered to pay for it but my husband & I said it would be her birthday present. Her birthday is at the beginning of June.</div>
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The blocks are now pieced but I still have to assemble the quilt top, and quilt it.</div>
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<b>4) Memory quilt for my aunt</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7L7co2N-k4j7xbSx0a2dDygYbEZNCRdPp-8AijsGKqh8av3rDpgp3g-5CjeE_eYmJFHnCoBf6x_YMBJ5JLrbiyg2RjltGqGWiP9Btef0WxEezngieqUO9AAAD-wiVKVLLsQg5I9EhDc/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7L7co2N-k4j7xbSx0a2dDygYbEZNCRdPp-8AijsGKqh8av3rDpgp3g-5CjeE_eYmJFHnCoBf6x_YMBJ5JLrbiyg2RjltGqGWiP9Btef0WxEezngieqUO9AAAD-wiVKVLLsQg5I9EhDc/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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While this quilt doesn't have a deadline per se, because we are going up to Scotland for the wedding it would be great if I could take this one as well and deliver it to my Aunt.</div>
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Blocks are all pieced (including replacements for the dark red blocks shown above after I decided they were too dominant) but the top needs to be pieced, borders added, find backing fabric, quilt.</div>
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<b>5) Simply Color cushion</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomGvKaKtSx79H5UDFKUWJ6Lsn0MWjHE42CpCn3aeTDzH51NHDIlK8q9x7SmGX_rQW_NGynQj4P406RxBdmtdXV1SFLbJONB-KQUmsrH3fJcw9GfRHWVLQC6skgn1bhw_zLx6pZF4Pby4/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomGvKaKtSx79H5UDFKUWJ6Lsn0MWjHE42CpCn3aeTDzH51NHDIlK8q9x7SmGX_rQW_NGynQj4P406RxBdmtdXV1SFLbJONB-KQUmsrH3fJcw9GfRHWVLQC6skgn1bhw_zLx6pZF4Pby4/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little stack of HSTs will become a cushion. I've included it as knowing me I'll get weary of all my quilts and want a quick finish. I've got fabric for the back and a zip so fingers crossed I'll get round to it.</div>
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So there we go. Quite ambitious but hopefully achievable - all I need is to knuckle down and sew like a mad woman!</div>
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Off to see what everyone else has planned.</div>
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Bye</div>
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Sarah </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-73428148455906022822013-04-07T16:31:00.000+01:002013-04-07T16:31:33.651+01:00Finish along Q1 resultsHello,<br />
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<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.blogspot.com/" title="she can quilt"><img alt="she can quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjtQg2Y0nLi76OaqjnVL12wGxWLAw4LleNLA7xlGrl6AFUy9HG0tZll8x9r-lLC38tKsobQ7SrJlVXozdl9yU8nD9ejv9V0srhwnENkG2MnFHYiSMz9Yqp7-TFNU-e0cetrFDm1mkFgtm/s170/DSC_0273+4.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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Well leaving it to the last minute but here is my progress report! I set myself a reasonable goal of four items (<a href="http://sillybananasewing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/final-finish-of-2012-and-plan-for-more.html">post here</a>) at the beginning of the quarter but I've only managed to finish two. Both kids have been sick and then I caught a flu bug at the end of February which left me totally wiped out for a couple of weeks afterwards.<br />
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On the plus side I managed to complete a new quilt top and make two bags - just a shame they weren't on my list!<br />
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So here we go<br />
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<b>1) Siblings together quilt</b><br />
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Finished!<br />
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Although only just as I finished the binding this morning!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8627188373/" title="Siblings Together quilt by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Siblings Together quilt" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8627188373_ae56bfaab2_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8628299306/" title="Siblings Together back by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Siblings Together back" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8628299306_71a7683792_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm soooooo glad it is done and annoyed with myself for letting it sit so long.<br />
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<b>2) Memory quilt</b><br />
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Not finished.<br />
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I have made some progress - all the blocks are done and I have a layout (I've actually remade the dark red blocks in pale blue as the red was too dominant). This one will roll over to Q2 as we are going up to Scotland at the end of May and I want to take it up with me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8534124628/" title="Layout for my aunt's memory quilt by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Layout for my aunt's memory quilt" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8534124628_9dd190397c_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>3) Alice Mixtape Quilt</b><br />
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Not finished.<br />
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In fact no progress (well I now have backing fabric) and this one won't make it into Q2 as I have other more pressing things to do.<br />
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<b>4) Lynnebob Squarepants pillow</b><br />
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Finished!<br />
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I had no excuse with this as it was the smallest item on my list. It will shortly be posted off to its new home.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8534125060/" title="Lynnbob Squarepants pillow finished! by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Lynnbob Squarepants pillow finished!" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8534125060_de91fcf34b_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />
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So all in all I'm okay with how things have turned out but I've got big plans for Q2 - lets hope that things go more smoothly the next few months!<br />
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Bye<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-28296284153052563892013-03-06T12:40:00.000+00:002013-03-06T12:40:15.467+00:00I have been sewing......just not blogging.<br />
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Things have been ticking along in our house but a combination of more illness (I feel like a broken record) and half term meant that my time to do things other than work, kids, house etc has been limited and so I've spent in sewing!<br />
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So apologies if this is a long post but I thought I'd get down all the stuff I've been up to in case it is another 6 weeks before I get round to posting again!<br />
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First up I have made some progress on two of my finish along 1st quarter goals:<br />
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<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.blogspot.com/" title="she can quilt"><img alt="she can quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjtQg2Y0nLi76OaqjnVL12wGxWLAw4LleNLA7xlGrl6AFUy9HG0tZll8x9r-lLC38tKsobQ7SrJlVXozdl9yU8nD9ejv9V0srhwnENkG2MnFHYiSMz9Yqp7-TFNU-e0cetrFDm1mkFgtm/s170/DSC_0273+4.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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<u>Lynnebob Squarepants pillow</u></div>
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Finished!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8534125060/" title="Lynnbob Squarepants pillow finished! by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Lynnbob Squarepants pillow finished!" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8534125060_de91fcf34b_c.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8533017333/" title="Lynnebob Squarepants pillow - back by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Lynnebob Squarepants pillow - back" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8533017333_0c39a45746_c.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a>
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It is made using Lynne's <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/zombiebobsquarepants-mahusive-pillow.html">tutorial </a>and part of a charm pack of Verna by Kate Spain. The back is a cotton/linen mix from <a href="http://www.backstitch.co.uk/">Backstitch </a>and it is bound with a Lizzy House jewel print.<br />
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It is about 24" square and apologies for the flat picture but I don't have a pillow form that big!<br />
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<u>Memory quilt</u><br />
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I have finished making the blocks for the memory quilt I'm making my aunt and I've decided on a layout.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8534124628/" title="Layout for my aunt's memory quilt by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Layout for my aunt's memory quilt" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8534124628_9dd190397c_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a>
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I changed the outer blocks slightly from the <a href="http://quiltville.com/smokeymtstars.shtml">original design</a> adding plain blocks as I felt it was a bit too busy for my taste. I'm pleased with how it is shaping up - just need to press on with sewing it all together!<br />
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One of the reasons I'm not as far along with the memory quilt as I thought I might be is because I was seduced by the <a href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/introducing-starburst-tutorial-and.html">Starburst </a>quilt along organised by Melissa of <a href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.co.uk/">Happy Quilting</a>. I love Melissa's style and had bookmarked the Starburst tutorial when it first appeared but although I was sorely tempted with the quilt along started I held firm and stuck to trying to finish my WIPs.<br />
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That all changed at the start of February when I found out that one of my oldest friends is getting married in May - now I had the perfect excuse to jump on board! I had some Juggling Summer by Zen Chic that I bought from Annie when the Village Haberdashery had its open weekend last year and so I bought some additional prints and dived right in. I decided to go for a different layout using three blocks rather than four and Melissa's assembly line method meant they came together really fast - I finished the quilt top in a week, definitely a new record for me!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8483823534/" title="Starburst Quilt top finished by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Starburst Quilt top finished" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8483823534_9da1ae77d6_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It is 80" square and I adore it. I will definitely use the Starburst tutorial again - I think one big block would make a fab baby quilt. <br />
<br />
I've also been keeping up to date with the Sister's Ten BOM. Here are my February blocks:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8534126372/" title="Sisters Ten BOM - February block 1 by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Sisters Ten BOM - February block 1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8534126372_87e6752093_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8534124198/" title="Sisters Ten BOM - February block 2 by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Sisters Ten BOM - February block 2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8534124198_64d3469d3d_z.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And I've signed up for a fun swap run by the lovely Fiona of <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/">Celtic Thistle stitches</a> and Sam of <a href="http://cupofteaandasliceofcake.blogspot.co.uk/">A Cup of Tea and a Slice of Cake</a> (who I'm sure is equally lovely!).<br />
<br />
<div class="Celtic-Thistle-Stitches-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 125px;">
<a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/"> <img alt="Celtic Thistle Stitches" height="125" src=" https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X_CcwE0vz3I/URvL96lc_sI/AAAAAAAAB20/3eA9GhX3jmQ/s128/Crafty%20Cooks%20Apron%20and%20Recipe%20Swap%20button.jpg " width="125" /> </a></div>
<br />
Who doesn't need a new apron!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8518450018/" title="Apron Mosaic by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Apron Mosaic" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8518450018_0f63f8d520_z.jpg" height="481" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Right well that was a massive post - I definitely need to post more often! I am off to the Duxford Quilt Fair on Saturday so maybe I'll have some fabric goodies to post about!<br />
<br />
One last thing - my real life sewing pal Jill has just started a blog so if you have five minutes drop by and meet her at <a href="http://thenocturnalstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/">The Nocturnal Stitcher</a>.<br />
<br />
Bye<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-61975589981757196862013-01-27T20:07:00.002+00:002013-01-27T20:07:27.993+00:00Sickness, snow, more sickness......Yes that has been my life over the last couple of weeks *sigh*<br />
<br />
First off the little lady threw up at nursery a week past Tuesday and so was excluded from nursery for 48 hours (Tuesday-Thursday are my working days) and because J was away with work I had to take time off/work in the evenings so not much sewing last week at all.<br />
<br />
Then there was snow last Sunday night which meant school was closed on Monday and Tuesday (not very impressed about the Tuesday - for the second year the wee chap's school was virtually the only one who couldn't get their act together and was closed a second day). So much snowman building and sledging and hence a worn out me!<br />
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<br />
And then on Thursday the wee chap was poorly and I was up half the night with him. I'm hoping that is it for a while but who can tell!<br />
<br />
I did manage to get a little bit of sewing done (squeezed in to the odd little gap). I have been pattern testing for Kirsty of <a href="http://quietplay.blogspot.co.uk/">Quiet Play</a> - her new Just My Type alphabet is great and she asked for words for a charity quilt and I was assigned<br />
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<br />
It is the most complicated paper piecing I've done but it came together really easily and I already have a plan for another project using the patterns. I'll also be looking forward to see what the final quilt looks like.<br />
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My only other sewing this week has been decidedly out of my comfort zone. It was the wee chap's turn to have Patch, the class bear, over the weekend and since we were going to get the kids new shoes Patch came too and had his feet measured (with obligatory photo - and our thanks to the Clarks assistant who played along!). But then of course the wee chap wanted Patch to have shoes too so I had to cobble (forgive the pun) something together. Luckily after a couple of false starts I came up with something not too horrendous!<br />
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<br />
At least the wee chap was happy!<br />
<br />
And finally to my giveaway - sorry it has taken me so long to pick a winner!<br />
<br />
Despite my best efforts I cannot get the Random.org box to show but the winner was number 3<br />
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<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_2M" kind="m" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Emily of <a href="http://strawberrypatchramblings.blogspot.co.uk/">strawberry patch</a></b></span><br />
<br />
A slightly intimidating result as Emily makes wonderful pouches of her own but hopefully she will find a use for her prize!<br />
<br />
As for my blog name - in the 6 months before I started the blog the wee chap was obsessed with Mr Men books and in one of them (I think it is Mr Silly or Mr Nonsense) is the line 'You Silly Banana' and that became his favourite phrase to say to me or J if he thought we had done something funny. So when I started this blog it was a phrase that came to mind.<br />
<br />
No one guessed exactly by Amy of Amy's Crafty Shenanigans came pretty close so there will be a little something winging her way too.<br />
<br />
Hopefully I will have more sewing to report soon.<br />
Bye for now<br />
Sarah<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-12210674835157913662013-01-14T20:18:00.000+00:002013-01-14T20:18:04.807+00:00Making progress and a giveawayHello<br />
<br />
Well we had some snow today which excited the kids no end. Not enough to cancel school but it really started coming down around 3pm so the kids went straight out in the garden when we got home. We had a snowball fight and the wee chap's aim has seriously improved! The little lady mainly just ate snow.<br />
<br />
Anyway I don't know if it is the influence of signing up to the Finish Along but I resisted the lure of something new and sewed up the giant Lynne Bob Squarepants block that I'm making into a cushion (using Lynne's tutorial <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/zombiebobsquarepants-mahusive-pillow.html">here</a>).<br />
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I quilted 1/4 inch either side of any seams between background and print. I usually quilt cushions much more heavily and had intended to with this one but I do like how this emphasises the block design. I'll have a think about it for a couple of days and decide whether to leave it or do some more.<br />
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I've also signed up for the <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/p/block-of-month.html">Sister's Ten Modern BOM</a> that Gen X Quilters. I'm using Madrona Road in the ocean colourway and I've done my January blocks<br />
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There are some gorgeous examples popping up in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/ladiesartcomodernbom/">Flickr pool</a>. It always amazes me how varied the same block can look in different fabric choices!<br />
<br />
And finally a little giveaway - it is just over a year since I started blogging (I thought it was a year ago today but when I checked it was actually the 12th January 2012) and although I am not the most regular of bloggers I do enjoy being able to look back over what I've made and I particularly appreciate all my lovely readers.<br />
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So I'm as a little thank you I've got a couple of things for you:<br />
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A zip pouch (made using Elizabeth Hartman's Perfect Zip Bag pattern) and two fat quarters of Summersville which was one of my favourite collections of last year. The pouch is about 9" by 9" in size and is lined with hot pink fabric.<br />
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Just leave me a comment, any comment for a chance to win but if you feel like it you could tell me where you think my blog name comes from. <br />
<br />
Giveaway closes 6pm GMT on 21st January 2012.<br />
<br />
Linking up with<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.plumandjune.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Plum and June" src="http://i1054.photobucket.com/albums/s494/PlumandJune/linkupbutton2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>
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<br />
Bye for now<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-60676259156259109162013-01-09T13:11:00.000+00:002013-01-09T13:11:10.928+00:00Final finish of 2012 and a plan for more finishes this year......Hello again<br />
<br />
Well everyone is back at work/school/nursery as of yesterday and the kids are not impressed about having to get up earlier - much moaning and lying on our bedroom floor. But we made it and things were a little easier today so hopefully we will be back into our normal rhythm soon.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd share my final finish of 2012 (binding was sewn on on New Year's Eve!). I grabbed a couple of Oh Deer charm packs from <a href="http://simplysolids.co.uk/">Simply Solids</a> when Justine had a sale when she took over last year because I loved them but had no real plan.<br />
<br />
But the bird print caught my eye and got me thinking. The wee chap's teacher is expecting her first baby at the end of February and the classes in Year One are all named after birds so it seemed like a good fit. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8363449701/" title="Oh Deer baby quilt by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Oh Deer baby quilt" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8363449701_a6893701f1_b.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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I used a pattern by Miss Rosie Quilts called Domino and it went together really fast - I'd definitely use it again for baby quilts in the future.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8363449219/" title="Oh Deer baby quilt - back by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Oh Deer baby quilt - back" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8363449219_6b7bef2bc8_b.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />
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I backed it in the bird print - I picked it up when I went to the <a href="http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/">Village Haberdashery</a> open weekend in December (Annie is so lovely!).<br />
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I love how bright and cheerful this quilt is and hope that she likes it.<br />
<br />
That was a project that went from start to finish in a couple of weeks but I've got a few projects that have been hanging around and are making me feel guilty about my planned makes for 2013. So in an effort to get them done I decided I would link up with Q1 of the 2013 Finish-a-long in the hope that it motivates me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.blogspot.com/" title="she can quilt"><img alt="she can quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjtQg2Y0nLi76OaqjnVL12wGxWLAw4LleNLA7xlGrl6AFUy9HG0tZll8x9r-lLC38tKsobQ7SrJlVXozdl9yU8nD9ejv9V0srhwnENkG2MnFHYiSMz9Yqp7-TFNU-e0cetrFDm1mkFgtm/s170/DSC_0273+4.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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1) <b>Siblings together quilt</b><br />
<b><br /></b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/7281241328/" title="Siblings together - quilt top 2 by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Siblings together - quilt top 2" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7281241328_ecd669c098_b.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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This top was completed back in May and I pieced a back only to find that when I went to baste it the back was a few inches too short. Now I had plenty of fabric left over but I was annoyed at myself for miscalculating and so I shoved it in a corner and moved on to other things. It needs to be finished and donated! I have the batting and binding ready.<br />
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2) <b>Memory quilt for my Aunt</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8364514620/" title="Memory quilt by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Memory quilt" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8364514620_c256bb14d1_b.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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After my uncle died last year I offered to make a memory quilt from some of his shirts. I chose a pattern and made a start but it got put to one side when Christmas related sewing needed to be done. One of the shirts she sent is lyocell which is a bugger to sew with but I'd really like to get it done. About half the blocks are made.<br />
<br />
3) <b>Alice Mixtape quilt</b><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/6808496031/" title="Alice Mixtape quilt by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Alice Mixtape quilt" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6808496031_6262cf574d_b.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is my oldest UFO, started nearly 2 years ago. It was about the 4th quilt I started and brought home to me that an accurate quarter inch seam is important. The rows wouldn't line up and after much unpicking I left it to languish until the beginning of last year when I finished up the top. The little lady really likes the fabric and I want it finished - I am going to try and FMQ it in something other than a stipple or loopy design.<br />
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<b>4) Lynnebob Squarepants pillow</b><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8363447555/" title="Lynnebob Squarepants cushion in progress by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Lynnebob Squarepants cushion in progress" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8363447555_05d59feae3_b.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Another one that got pushed aside by Christmas sewing. All HSTs are made & trimmed just need to sew it. This is intended to be a thank you gift and although it is a surprise so no particular deadline I'd like to be able to gift it sooner rather than later.<br />
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I've got other WIPs but I think three quilts and one cushion is achievable so I'll stop there!<br />
<br />
Off to link up and drool over everyone else's projects!<br />
<br />
Bye<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-6846785926718254862013-01-02T13:41:00.000+00:002013-01-02T13:41:26.914+00:002012 in reviewThis post has taken me a little longer to write than intended - I sat down to do it on New Year's Eve but I made the mistake of checking Reader first and say Katy's <a href="http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/it-wasnt-my-fault.html">post</a> and the idea of making #scrappytripalong blocks seemed more exciting than blogging.<br />
<br />
Well four blocks down I decided that my sadly neglected little blog needed some attention and it has been fun looking at the stuff I've made over the last year and it turns out there was more than I thought!<br />
<br />
<strong>Quilts</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8334491351/" title="Quilts 2012 by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilts 2012" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8334491351_ed1d3fbb15_b.jpg" height="769" width="1024" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've finished 10 quilts this year (even if most of them are baby quilts) and two further quilt tops (the last two in the mosaic).<br />
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Most are relatively simple in design but I do feel that my accuracy has improved and I have conquered my fear of free motion quilting! I want to try and move on from stippling this year and also improve my consistency.<br />
<br />
<strong>Other makes</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/8335579894/" title="Other makes 2012 by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Other makes 2012" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8335579894_371a0e4706_b.jpg" height="769" width="1024" /></a>
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I also made four cushions, five bags, a mini quilt, three dolls/softies (only one pictured as I realised I never got round to photographing the others) and ten zip pouches.<br />
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I'm frankly amazed I managed to do that much and am looking forward to 2013. I've got several things I plan to do but I want to try and get some of my five WIP finished in the early part of the year so I might join in with <br />
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<a href="http://www.shecanquilt.blogspot.com/" title="she can quilt"><img alt="she can quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjtQg2Y0nLi76OaqjnVL12wGxWLAw4LleNLA7xlGrl6AFUy9HG0tZll8x9r-lLC38tKsobQ7SrJlVXozdl9yU8nD9ejv9V0srhwnENkG2MnFHYiSMz9Yqp7-TFNU-e0cetrFDm1mkFgtm/s170/DSC_0273+4.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
to try and keep myself on track!<br />
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Right I'm off - wishing everyone a Happy & Productive New YearSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-837620351939885852012-12-09T10:36:00.000+00:002012-12-09T10:36:35.508+00:00A little bit of sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello,</div>
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I've not been blogging much recently partly because the whole family has been struck down with various lurgys over the past few weeks and partly because I've been sewing instead.</div>
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So I apologise for the photo overload!</div>
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I finally finished my Mum's 60th Birthday quilt!! Her birthday was in March and the quilt has been sitting basted since April/May time.</div>
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She has been very forbearing but she did drop some big hints that she would like it finished when she visited in September. So when she & Dad were scheduled to visit at the end of November I knew I had to get my act together!</div>
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I'd had an idea of quilting it with the handprints but after a couple of attempts it became clear that I just don't have the control when I'm FMQ to do that yet.</div>
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So I decided to do a big stipple and it turned out really well. This is the biggest quilt I've made (82" square) by some margin so I was quite chuffed that I managed to wrestle it through my machine. It definitely gives me some confidence to try and improve my FMQ and to tackle things other than baby quilts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-YI3_BIgqveyhX9dvgZMGsj-2ka4j7mmWuLRh1UdRt5_r3lJZrBoTo-MAr7YiDJAIi0-2REIcJdEKIOM_LaAXwEB5Qeaq6xdoqhXUaKunzJwwVyvqvGIqOiyBtLrgVo00eMnvenf82I/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-YI3_BIgqveyhX9dvgZMGsj-2ka4j7mmWuLRh1UdRt5_r3lJZrBoTo-MAr7YiDJAIi0-2REIcJdEKIOM_LaAXwEB5Qeaq6xdoqhXUaKunzJwwVyvqvGIqOiyBtLrgVo00eMnvenf82I/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKQrwZle4wJ-o1SB_3RUsoiaw204kZ1AH7NGoMVbHXSQsq1-g0pJbL_oMqijxGBHS6Akw9dBGQZI4jwraOMzfCHm2q46QOdDMn_cd2x1nx2atHQeX13lFgX4OuDcnl6sCV-K9mL83uIg/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKQrwZle4wJ-o1SB_3RUsoiaw204kZ1AH7NGoMVbHXSQsq1-g0pJbL_oMqijxGBHS6Akw9dBGQZI4jwraOMzfCHm2q46QOdDMn_cd2x1nx2atHQeX13lFgX4OuDcnl6sCV-K9mL83uIg/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
The pattern is Large Lattice by Amy Smart on Moda Bakeshop and I made it using Twiggy fabrics and two Klona solids.<br />
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So having got a long standing UFO off my back (with an enormous sense of relief) what did I do? Did I get going with another WIP? No, I started something new!<br />
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I chopped in to my FQ stack of Summersville and made Jeni Baker's Side Braid pattern<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpNC67Rh2itODAQ7pwd8hHf_Nd1jVbzZd8jvcXi_6JQWBkgcUjoQfSXHhiwNFnvraI9oB6w0n3L5jZdvYs1RVhBZC_M5V6Apui6dDy1rTpsI81q7wc75KM5h0uUtpVDo34ATojM3Z0WM/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpNC67Rh2itODAQ7pwd8hHf_Nd1jVbzZd8jvcXi_6JQWBkgcUjoQfSXHhiwNFnvraI9oB6w0n3L5jZdvYs1RVhBZC_M5V6Apui6dDy1rTpsI81q7wc75KM5h0uUtpVDo34ATojM3Z0WM/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the top is looped over the line but I didn't want it trailing in the mud!</td></tr>
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It is a great pattern - I wanted some nice, easy, instant gratification and it certainly was. I cut the pieces one evening and sewed the top the following day.<br />
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I've still got quite a lot of Summersville left so I think I'll add in a coordinating solid and make some wonky log cabins for the back. I'm thinking red at the moment but not sure.<br />
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After that I decided I did have to get on with stuff. I finished all the panels for the Perfect Zip Bags I'm making as teacher gifts using Elizabeth Hartman's pattern. I'm now part way through construction so hopefully I'll have them done in good time for the end of term - I'd rather not be madly sewing the night before term ends!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vGx0rZpChQ7ZfxDces7cGO-8dGcUq0FRIBsblIO2xtAimRamLc0bRyr0TMAdv9kVGWdyR4bzPP-ERQBcLrjl5TmjBCOe-_47Wl_g7yzqaY5YWnZCM8eL03CGSiVnKc6-SU6-rgmaMck/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vGx0rZpChQ7ZfxDces7cGO-8dGcUq0FRIBsblIO2xtAimRamLc0bRyr0TMAdv9kVGWdyR4bzPP-ERQBcLrjl5TmjBCOe-_47Wl_g7yzqaY5YWnZCM8eL03CGSiVnKc6-SU6-rgmaMck/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seven are made from a Tradewinds charm pack which I split by colour and the remaining two are from a Verna charm pack.<br />
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Right I'm off to find the Christmas decorations in the loft. The wee man is determined we should do the tree this morning but I'd like to wait until this afternoon (mainly because I like a glass of mulled wine whilst I do the tree and 10.30am is too early for that!)<br />
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Bye<br />
Sarah<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-22288856708843218322012-11-07T10:35:00.002+00:002012-11-07T10:35:13.985+00:00WIP wednesdayHello<br />
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It has been a while since I linked up with<br />
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<a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/"><img alt="WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced" height="150" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/5159705972_49be14a673_m.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
But I've got some things I need to crack on with so thought it would help motivate me!
So lets start with finishes:<br />
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<b>Hurricane Sandy blocks</b><br />
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Last week I saw this <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/2012/11/helpless.html">post </a>by Jennifer of Knotted Thread and thought I'd lend a hand<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_7XZ-wyoe0YdzNvSgtbvUse3_gHC7TWiqNRhH8r3SyQArM_E2Sgd2e150rO5BFDe8KL_RmgKFaGbi8jiKhixVbhkqBxNBx4PNHJxpvxClsYO2xBHELvVHA1ozPOdSSC6YyOq1gjf3Ys/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_7XZ-wyoe0YdzNvSgtbvUse3_gHC7TWiqNRhH8r3SyQArM_E2Sgd2e150rO5BFDe8KL_RmgKFaGbi8jiKhixVbhkqBxNBx4PNHJxpvxClsYO2xBHELvVHA1ozPOdSSC6YyOq1gjf3Ys/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jennifer now has enough blocks but is still accepting donations of batting, backing and binding.<br />
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Then the comments on Jennifer's post lead me to this <a href="http://vesuviusmama.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/taking-action-wanna-help.html">post </a>by Erin of Vesuvius Mama so I decided I could make a couple of blocks for her too<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjAbxk9n7DvEx3tNKQeraMC8qNASajEEJSK5iAaGXP3yipLwoLJfjBEoKFVcf5KhVm6Pji_gzMFLMH498TIJ5X7rOQK74VfTGYOJReZwbNhHJ_eeNc8Nz-fVMZSXnXIVO9YDbnxNpYgo/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjAbxk9n7DvEx3tNKQeraMC8qNASajEEJSK5iAaGXP3yipLwoLJfjBEoKFVcf5KhVm6Pji_gzMFLMH498TIJ5X7rOQK74VfTGYOJReZwbNhHJ_eeNc8Nz-fVMZSXnXIVO9YDbnxNpYgo/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is nice to be able to help out in a small way.<br />
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<b>In progress</b><br />
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Memory quilt - the shirts my aunt sent have now been cut up as have the solids<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNzOkgdeEqSDtKU5Bo30th0gAdvzrto-VKbOo2_3OnB-DKEVmf3QKhYY-yKwmDcu3l-RKFr87XIJRlSenOMxRvnKA3uSSbmMMOC23yTB0KYzPlM3JXx99cAiszddZjs1yFCJZIS3ur3g/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNzOkgdeEqSDtKU5Bo30th0gAdvzrto-VKbOo2_3OnB-DKEVmf3QKhYY-yKwmDcu3l-RKFr87XIJRlSenOMxRvnKA3uSSbmMMOC23yTB0KYzPlM3JXx99cAiszddZjs1yFCJZIS3ur3g/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm hoping to get sewing with these tonight but it depends how much progress I make with my mountain of ironing!<br />
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<b>No progress</b><br />
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Mum's quilt - after my quilting fail I haven't touched it but I have to get on with it as she is coming to stay in three weeks and I'd really like to be able to give it to her then (given that it was meant to be a birthday present and her birthday was in March!)<br />
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Teacher gifts - I'm planning to make zip pouches. Supplies are purchased but I've got until the end of December so these are low priority at the moment.<br />
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Right I'm off to see what everyone else is up to - always dangerous as the temptation to start something new always increases with all that eye candy!<br />
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Bye<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-88168808029936499462012-10-27T20:58:00.001+01:002012-10-27T20:58:16.350+01:00Blogger's Quilt Festival - Fall 2012Yes it is that time of year again!<br />
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<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/?p=7495" title="Amy's Creative Side"><img alt="Amy's Creative Side" src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Fall-2012-BQF-button-e1347251460705.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
One of the biggest events of the online quilting community run by the fabulous Amy of <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/blog/">Amy's Creative Side</a>. There are already over 300 quilts linked up and I stayed up way to late last night looking at a fraction of those.<br />
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So this time round it was quite easy to choose which quilt to share - the mini I made for round 3 of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/britquiltswap/">Brit Quilt Swap</a>.<br />
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One of my goals of 2012 was to join in more and after testing the water with a Rainbow charm Swap I decided to brave the Brit Quilt Swap and actually make something for someone I didn't know! To all you seasoned swappers that might not seem like a big deal but I was anxious, particularly considering some of the amazing quilters in the group.<br />
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I was assigned my parter and found that she didn't have a blog and had only a few photos on her Flickr stream so didn't have much to go on. But she liked rainbow colours, cute embroidery and her mosaic featured a couple of appliqué trees so almost immediately the idea of a rainbow tree with embroidered animals popped into my head.<br />
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I had a leftover Layer cake square of a woodgrain print and my rainbow charms from the swap and was pleased by how close to my original idea it turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/7620446674/" title="Brit Quilt Swap 3 - applique finished by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Brit Quilt Swap 3 - applique finished" height="683" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7620446674_6252f46272_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
Then I set to work with the embroidery. I used Doodle Stitching Motifs by Aimee Ray, although I altered her racoon into a fox as I thought that was more appropriate for the UK.<br />
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The fox did cause some issues as initially he rather disappeared<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/7758313334/" title="Brit Quilt Swap 3 - disappearing fox by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Brit Quilt Swap 3 - disappearing fox" height="683" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7758313334_8824e7fbd5_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a>
But I replaced the white with a pale brown and that sorted that problem.
Originally I had planned a pieced rainbow border but I got as far as the piecing before realising it was going to overwhelm everything else. I kicked about some other ideas but in the end decided it didn't need a border.
I wanted to keep the quilting simple (mainly as my skills in that department are a work in progress) so I quilted round each leaf and then quilted 'grass' using two shades of green.
I bound it in brown solid, although I found I was just short so I added in a scrap of an Ann Kelle print with a brown background.<br />
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Once it was bound I loved how that scrap seemed to carry the rainbow leaves out onto the binding - funny how these things work out!<br />
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So here is the finished item
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68659514@N06/7887202560/" title="Brit Quilt Swap 3 - Finished! by Silly Banana, on Flickr"><img alt="Brit Quilt Swap 3 - Finished!" height="534" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7887202560_21fdb610a9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
I was so pleased with it, completely different from anything else I've done but I would happily have kept it. I loved the whole swap and enjoyed getting involved and trying something new. The only tiny downer was that although I know the mini arrived at its new home, I never got any acknowledgement. But hey, I don't know what was going on in the recipient's life and I had a blast making it so that was enough for me (that and receiving my own fabulous mini!).<br />
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So thanks for stopping by. Be sure to visit some of the other wonderful quilts in the festival.<br />
Sarah<br />
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The stats: </div>
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Size: 12" by 12" </div>
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Special techniques: Raw edge appliqué, Embroidery </div>
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Quilted by: Me </div>
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Best Category: Mini quilt/ROYGBIV quilt</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867413003021794042.post-91603578196125150472012-10-26T20:55:00.001+01:002012-10-26T20:55:01.388+01:00Ups and downsWhy is it that sometimes the things you thought would be straightforward turn out complicated and vice versa?<br />
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That has certainly been the case with my sewing this week!<br />
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But before we get to that how about a little finish? I made this little quilt for a work colleague's new baby girl:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zqhb5dNRxIpWEmOygrPkbO8_5snrTJUpLv5_GCbUziUS4zOlUlLB8AnWbvSvCaYdZZkXgRg3Noit9GjCM1TmZ9RLJ0swWHRSrVu832MgpS4g0BtnDhh6ENVG1wac5_Y6o9JD6d4SEzs/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zqhb5dNRxIpWEmOygrPkbO8_5snrTJUpLv5_GCbUziUS4zOlUlLB8AnWbvSvCaYdZZkXgRg3Noit9GjCM1TmZ9RLJ0swWHRSrVu832MgpS4g0BtnDhh6ENVG1wac5_Y6o9JD6d4SEzs/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g88_bxyE9CJWbXRy9Syf-ms5wyFHqghtexQe1bSslguTk3e6IOIlBDalZIIgx35TrXzT_ewaZdmRzRVfLzDcXGW0dj6t1K5SZt-Dfjltrgm9iOocb1gasm20HFBTYI_oiJlvY3N_0sw/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g88_bxyE9CJWbXRy9Syf-ms5wyFHqghtexQe1bSslguTk3e6IOIlBDalZIIgx35TrXzT_ewaZdmRzRVfLzDcXGW0dj6t1K5SZt-Dfjltrgm9iOocb1gasm20HFBTYI_oiJlvY3N_0sw/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I decided that there was nooooo way I could justify buying more fabric so I searched through my stash and found a bundle of five pink fat quarters from Modern Meadow by Joel Dewberry together with a yard of the pink dogwood I bought in John Lewis when I spotted it for £5 per metre.<br />
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So I googled 'baby quilt five fat quarters' and that led me to <a href="http://imagingermonkey.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/what-to-do-with-5-fat-quarters.html">I'm a ginger monkey</a> and a gorgeous little quilt. So a few calculations and a decision to throw in some cream as all the Modern Meadow prints were quite large scale and off I went. I was pleased by how well it came together.<br />
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It took a bit longer to finish than hoped because of my sewing machine going AWOL but once back I quilted it in about an hour! My free motion quilting is definitely getting better (on small items, at least) - I gave stippling a go for the first time on an actual quilt and although there are one or two sharp turns I'm pleased with the effect.<br />
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It will be packaged up and posted off tomorrow.<br />
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Talking of FMQ that was also my down this week. I finally got round to making a start on quilting my Mum's Twiggy lattice quilt and it was a bit of a disaster. Buoyed up by how much better my FMQ has been I was feeling pretty confident, particularly as my plan was to quilt a handprint on each block so I thought I wouldn't have to worry about getting stuck in a corner or anything like that.<br />
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Unfortunately I failed to realise the different the weight of a massive quilt would make! At 83" square it is the biggest quilt I've made and the weight of it made it hard to manoeuvre and as a result my quilting was jerky and basically a mess! Ah well that is overconfidence for you! I will unpick, regroup and rethink how to roll & support the quilt to allow me to move it more easily!<br />
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On the plus side I made a zip pouch that turned out much better than expected! No photos (again) as I finished it last night and completely forgot to photograph it until mid afternoon by which time it was too dark.<br />
I'm not great with zips - I put them into the cushions I made as teacher gifts and they turned out ok but my previous attempts at pouches were not great.<br />
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However it turns out that some good instructions can work wonders. I used Oh Fransson 's Perfect Zip Pouches pattern and it was great.<br />
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Other news - I offered to make my aunt a quilt from some of my uncle's shirts. We are a close family and it is difficult being the other end of the country and not being able to offer more support during this difficult time. So I asked my mum to float the idea and once she had explained what I meant and that it wouldn't just be the shirts 'cut up and sewn together higgledy piggledy' (to quote my aunt) she was keen on the idea. <br />
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So these arrived last weekend<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRIbTptTsposAA0Lmw4Av8INMtDvib1pNDHzGoixQBlfdB-kPheTki94EH4YRdrrsFQuCoxGd5bKAi2GARvaDWJOYZJZRS4xYnyFbhb-qCtSHqE2_6X9v_ZrIJFIFk_uoOlUIgXMdV1I/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRIbTptTsposAA0Lmw4Av8INMtDvib1pNDHzGoixQBlfdB-kPheTki94EH4YRdrrsFQuCoxGd5bKAi2GARvaDWJOYZJZRS4xYnyFbhb-qCtSHqE2_6X9v_ZrIJFIFk_uoOlUIgXMdV1I/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And after some thought and surfing I have decided to make a version of <a href="http://quiltville.com/smokeymtstars.shtml">Smokey Mountain Stars</a> by Bonnie Hunter.<br />
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I'm planning to reverse the light/dark because the shirts are predominantly pale blue so the stars will be lighter and I'll use dark blue/navy for the background. I'm wondering about adding a couple of fat quarters into the mix - possibly rust red and gold to pick up the colours of the top shirt and the yellow in the second from top.<br />
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Right I'm off - J is away visiting his best mate this weekend so I can sew as long as I want without feeling.<br />
guilty!<br />
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Bye<br />
Sarah<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09445794496318065595noreply@blogger.com4