tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59270958048300189122024-02-22T08:09:26.386-08:00Alderwood QuiltsThe Alderwood Quilts blog is for customers, friends and quilt enthusiasts. . Sue and her husband also own run a small lavender farm along with the quilt shop. You'll see lavender and other gardening topics, as well as knitting, recipes, photos of kids and pets.. and whatever else comes to mind.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.comBlogger429125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-12227894952761955242016-01-17T14:33:00.001-08:002016-01-17T14:33:34.375-08:00Pattern Winner- Congratulations, MichelleCongrats, Michelle! Michelle is a sock knitter and loves applique! OOOOOhhhhh...... we have SOOOO much in common, Michelle! I just spent the weekend relaxing at the coast with my hubby- and on the drive, and evenings watching movies, I finished a pair of socks and made an applique block. FUN!<br />
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I'll send you an email and I'll get your Spring Fling pattern on its way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7IqEoF3GELDZ7cOmXq3qDegj0XLHxr4xcR2y35q5D7k52hAwmP0hfVLaob3XFJpqecKXm1t_bxzsZpRVWf2FQR_b_zY1mrODOS13oqoodv4KVUR_cqiMgFR6g3iiDkr5p6J9Z7sA9hY/s1600/SpringFlingAlexA_Prod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7IqEoF3GELDZ7cOmXq3qDegj0XLHxr4xcR2y35q5D7k52hAwmP0hfVLaob3XFJpqecKXm1t_bxzsZpRVWf2FQR_b_zY1mrODOS13oqoodv4KVUR_cqiMgFR6g3iiDkr5p6J9Z7sA9hY/s320/SpringFlingAlexA_Prod.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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Watch for another giveaway soon!<br />
Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-56375865263223861632015-12-31T22:50:00.000-08:002016-01-01T08:11:44.432-08:00Pattern Giveaway- Spring Fling by Alex Anderson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprJ-D8VQyXzFTecmzz1T6y9UjrYjafjWn1HiK1-nNraKByG82RvTKtEUZr1MdDRpZgTJwYCq_I68kTYwIrni4mz0i6hm_ZNwBrVjpRxXYNUAESJbVG8tg8i58TIyDUiiTuGIZsMO8-wk/s1600/SpringFlingAlexA_Prod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprJ-D8VQyXzFTecmzz1T6y9UjrYjafjWn1HiK1-nNraKByG82RvTKtEUZr1MdDRpZgTJwYCq_I68kTYwIrni4mz0i6hm_ZNwBrVjpRxXYNUAESJbVG8tg8i58TIyDUiiTuGIZsMO8-wk/s400/SpringFlingAlexA_Prod.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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Spring Fling by Alex Anderson</div>
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I haven't blogged for a long time and I'm feeling the urge to get back to it! What better time than the start of a brand spankin' new year, and what better way to start than with a giveaway!</div>
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I'm giving a way a great pattern designed by the very popular Alex Anderson. To enter, all you have to do is comment to <b>THIS POST</b>. That's it!</div>
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Want a second entry? Do a <b>SECOND COMMENT</b> to <b>THIS POST</b> and tell me that you are a follower of this blog. It doesn't matter if you started following years ago or if you start following today. </div>
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Want a third entry? Share the news! Do something to spread the word. Post this on your own blog, or post it on facebook, or tell all your friends at a sewing circle. Just tell others in some way and make <b>ANOTHER COMMENT</b> to <b>THIS POST</b> to tell me what you did. You only get one extra entry for sharing the news, though.... not one for blog, one for facebook, one for a tweet, etc. </div>
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This giveaway will run through January 15, 2015. I'll use a random number generator to pick the winner. If you are a "no reply" commenter, and I have no way to contact you, that would be very sad.</div>
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If you don't win, but you just have to have this pattern, you can purchase one on my website<a href="https://alderwoodquilts.com/shopping/Product.asp?ID=0318303903" target="_blank"> <b>HERE</b></a>.</div>
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Thank you for entering, and GOOD LUCK!</div>
Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-53885218087278256792015-03-06T16:53:00.001-08:002015-03-06T17:56:46.277-08:00More finished Sashiko pieces!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm working on 2 different Sashiko projects. I do that with most of my hand work (knitting, Sashiko, quilting, etc). I like to keep from getting bored. :-)</div>
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One of my projects is Sylvia Pippen's Chinese Bird Series. I did the owls last month and just recently finished the albatross. This series is pre-printed on the fabric so it's super easy to stitch over it. A very relaxing project. I'm not sure yet how I will use them. When I'm finished stitching the whole series, they will most likely become the focus blocks of a quilt. In the meantime, I'm just enjoying the process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2tIlW8LSFAOviRo_DTaFTKm-rQsQEDBBolkRCiZQwAlvwnQxNyid7SPZH19eSzcaq3djz0g70r4PgOdwGJZKNpB5qnGgvlq9IQDX31So1AwE_XqheQ9QfltO5hJM9GU_WevR0ZR5LWE/s1600/DSC01601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2tIlW8LSFAOviRo_DTaFTKm-rQsQEDBBolkRCiZQwAlvwnQxNyid7SPZH19eSzcaq3djz0g70r4PgOdwGJZKNpB5qnGgvlq9IQDX31So1AwE_XqheQ9QfltO5hJM9GU_WevR0ZR5LWE/s1600/DSC01601.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then, there are the background blocks for my Tropical Sashiko Sampler quilt. There are 16 different blocks (hence the title- sampler). I finished 4 of them last month and here are my latest 4.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s2fFbFZEWV3cKod577tqysZ_UIvwB1cEOjyR38V8mqr-BxoOc9HgHOjGWntMLzo75Ef6yxateZao_SAlI4xT_ZNXNCnLne60soKBhyegN4A7MCfpYg5C0JV7oMti6Z21ixd_NHnT-q8/s1600/DSC01596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s2fFbFZEWV3cKod577tqysZ_UIvwB1cEOjyR38V8mqr-BxoOc9HgHOjGWntMLzo75Ef6yxateZao_SAlI4xT_ZNXNCnLne60soKBhyegN4A7MCfpYg5C0JV7oMti6Z21ixd_NHnT-q8/s1600/DSC01596.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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And close-ups:</div>
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Hemp Leaf</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO67_IksqsmrhOOUwIJgOfASTbrjP9nq9d7x8z64ypPRJyBYONa1pejGgLnTrpbIkS3MIhwGgbsEQVSsyYG43gdM9hEUvlUYCwTI9JN8SYWaldFJl3QzZXgED_WyVJoz2rOi4fwtsAECg/s1600/DSC01599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO67_IksqsmrhOOUwIJgOfASTbrjP9nq9d7x8z64ypPRJyBYONa1pejGgLnTrpbIkS3MIhwGgbsEQVSsyYG43gdM9hEUvlUYCwTI9JN8SYWaldFJl3QzZXgED_WyVJoz2rOi4fwtsAECg/s1600/DSC01599.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seven treasures</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHp646pbJ4phLjlpoMCxs-T6pZDO9cswhyphenhyphenIrlozrRNnnyWlOsWnPG1y9Z8quEjRFQ-iYU8tKv54RCpyFS7xwSAcsIugJoTK5gndJtK79lecICOPy8Pi-zRnXkzkYxyohLeJHlocVaXVo/s1600/DSC01598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHp646pbJ4phLjlpoMCxs-T6pZDO9cswhyphenhyphenIrlozrRNnnyWlOsWnPG1y9Z8quEjRFQ-iYU8tKv54RCpyFS7xwSAcsIugJoTK5gndJtK79lecICOPy8Pi-zRnXkzkYxyohLeJHlocVaXVo/s1600/DSC01598.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mountains</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-mkcvNg7FvrGvllFWZw_xVFCNgfX0Ea1abk3xDjLa4ksFFZutkoPtncqO_1FHGTcxaf9G7wo_n2g8SZfr-ZhlyRQn65l-rynql3pv2v_s-MhqzFMMmCB5pqoQA1UcP8PdDqeglyNy0w/s1600/DSC01597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-mkcvNg7FvrGvllFWZw_xVFCNgfX0Ea1abk3xDjLa4ksFFZutkoPtncqO_1FHGTcxaf9G7wo_n2g8SZfr-ZhlyRQn65l-rynql3pv2v_s-MhqzFMMmCB5pqoQA1UcP8PdDqeglyNy0w/s1600/DSC01597.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Overlapping Diamonds</div>
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I'm far from at expert at this, but since I believe that "practice makes perfect" (or at least it makes you better), I started this sampler to improve my skills. So far, I think it's working. I improve with each block.<br />
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-12417870143435560012015-02-15T16:28:00.001-08:002015-02-15T16:35:10.999-08:00Snug as a Bird in a Boot!New home for the birds....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UNJjGgIWpHrv8xb6dDWqFfc3OopbL4qsgvzLv0YUuqbNIgm8ALd4tdgtWCP6TL9h1nkj6KkgDkQQCPxn0BhgcPJQ9sedSqWYOHycocXRLb6RiwhsKzZnXRHs9OnuUkfVycuXxPlSncw/s1600/DSC01545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UNJjGgIWpHrv8xb6dDWqFfc3OopbL4qsgvzLv0YUuqbNIgm8ALd4tdgtWCP6TL9h1nkj6KkgDkQQCPxn0BhgcPJQ9sedSqWYOHycocXRLb6RiwhsKzZnXRHs9OnuUkfVycuXxPlSncw/s1600/DSC01545.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
It's always fun to run into an old friend after years apart. That's what happened to me last week. Since we last saw each other, my friend, Ted, has retired. Now that he has time to spend being creative in his garage, he turns cowboy boots into bird houses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF6qSxHwLWehFXia3GsmVQVTOzc0hBNM_S92wrj-dUjOoSSPmbm-x2cM0uBXQ_XNbmB3NLJo8p8g0bmNtG7J-Rjt3T8Zj967IJKKWmeG3HBc9a9vxtLhyphenhyphen44uXBUOAbijPGSCaUYFts4c/s1600/DSC01546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF6qSxHwLWehFXia3GsmVQVTOzc0hBNM_S92wrj-dUjOoSSPmbm-x2cM0uBXQ_XNbmB3NLJo8p8g0bmNtG7J-Rjt3T8Zj967IJKKWmeG3HBc9a9vxtLhyphenhyphen44uXBUOAbijPGSCaUYFts4c/s1600/DSC01546.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Ted sells his boots to the Backyard Bird Shop in the Portland, Oregon area. Each one is unique and very well made. He gave this one to me as a gift. WOW! How cool is this!?!?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-j773Xfk4pJ-rxOQ05EhQXc0RHZfBgzsFMoqIf6B_6mcTtRzA-lVHHgaYSQ16qx2caZkMkN51tzrH1vYqXCUTYEzVi0yRqtGAZn5v3j22ftaeCzAbggR_9hvhu0anPs-xup9wDe3c0U/s1600/DSC01547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-j773Xfk4pJ-rxOQ05EhQXc0RHZfBgzsFMoqIf6B_6mcTtRzA-lVHHgaYSQ16qx2caZkMkN51tzrH1vYqXCUTYEzVi0yRqtGAZn5v3j22ftaeCzAbggR_9hvhu0anPs-xup9wDe3c0U/s1600/DSC01547.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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If you want to see more, you can find them at the Backyard Bird Shop. Or you can contact <a href="mailto:ted.trout2@gmail.com" target="_blank"><u><b>Ted</b></u> </a>directly.<br />
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My birds are gonna be livin' in style this spring! Thank, Ted!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-689889736681533552015-02-05T19:58:00.002-08:002015-02-05T19:58:59.153-08:00Diamonds are a Quilter's Best Friend- my table runner in progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I posted this pattern as a giveaway, I said I was going to work on mine. And I did!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-2k6LN8tg4ft_9X4pgtZ3Vy_eNL96nuHqjWXzLnzp08fZx2eQSGHGC-KmB1NnQVxtRTkRWUCQvy-PQD3q-1NrSj9EPMCeTMf5wTPa5jkrf4UM2LBKDwPS28f7rpNSNdGmlY_mheEvwo/s1600/DSC01512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-2k6LN8tg4ft_9X4pgtZ3Vy_eNL96nuHqjWXzLnzp08fZx2eQSGHGC-KmB1NnQVxtRTkRWUCQvy-PQD3q-1NrSj9EPMCeTMf5wTPa5jkrf4UM2LBKDwPS28f7rpNSNdGmlY_mheEvwo/s1600/DSC01512.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
Here is my finished table runner (just the top). I still have to quilt it. I think I'll do some cross-hatching to echo the diamond setting.<br />
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I love the batiks in this. I'll try to get it quilted soon, but for now it's making me happy adorning my design wall. :-) But, it will make me smile even more when it's on my kitchen table!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-4033024900890047522015-02-05T09:18:00.002-08:002015-02-05T19:59:32.407-08:00Diamonds Table Runner Pattern Winner- Congrats, Kathy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got a nice surprise yesterday when I learned that I won a giveaway on another blog (see the previous post on the Close to my Heart giveaway). Then I remembered that I forgot to select a winner for my OWN giveaway! BAD Sue!<br />
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So I went right to the trusty random number generator and asked it to select a winner of the Diamonds are a Quilter's Best Friend table runner pattern. Congrats to Kathe E. from Dubuque, Iowa. Kathy's blog name cracks me up. <a href="http://sparklessprinklesandeverydaycrap.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's called Sprinkles and Sparkles and Everyday Crap</a>. Thanks so much to all who entered. There will be a new giveaway soon, so keep watching!<br />
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I'll be posting my progress on making this table runner in another post. Sadly, the remaining patterns have sold and they are now gone.<br />
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-50102882774692697572015-01-22T21:59:00.000-08:002015-01-22T21:59:37.538-08:00CTMH Scrapping GiveawayIn my "spare time", when I'm not sewing or knitting or playing in the garden or playing with my granddaughter.... I like to play with paper. I love paper crafting. (If only I had more time!!!). I used to make a lot of cards, but now I'm doing more scrapbooking. That probably has something to do with the fact that both of my sons were married in the last handful of years and I now have a granddaughter.<br />
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My friend, Tamara, is a Close to my Heart consultant. She sells wonderful paper crafting supplies, and takes good care of me when I have a scrapping project going and cry for help. It's funny--- I help others with their quilting or knitting and I LOVE to teach. But with paper crafting, I sit back and just remain the student. Tamara takes good care of me and bails me out whenever I need it. Gotta love having a friend like that! Tamara and I have a mutual friend, and the three of us spend a weekend at the beach about twice a year---- cutting and gluing all weekend. It's a blast. </div>
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So Tamara has a blog and she's having a cool giveaway, so I thought I'd share it. Check out the giveaway <a href="http://thescrapbuzz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>on her blog HERE</b></a>. Good luck!</div>
Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-60553697593357614202015-01-20T22:12:00.000-08:002015-01-20T22:12:53.662-08:00Diamonds Are a Quilter's Best Friend pattern- Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Feq_Wwwhedt2Yz_4bDnRb_XT603vJKiktVG1mYpVHDKA5q3Uet0O26YNTTZQHOOlNkFxYm74TxyiQyT9sQ2ajk9vXOFds-V_ESI6drbkjnK8MSmIfB7RHCs0ut5hEVIMCZrzzLENr5c/s1600/DiamondsAreAQuiltersBestFriend_Prod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Feq_Wwwhedt2Yz_4bDnRb_XT603vJKiktVG1mYpVHDKA5q3Uet0O26YNTTZQHOOlNkFxYm74TxyiQyT9sQ2ajk9vXOFds-V_ESI6drbkjnK8MSmIfB7RHCs0ut5hEVIMCZrzzLENr5c/s1600/DiamondsAreAQuiltersBestFriend_Prod.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
My next project--- and maybe yours, too! I picked the fabric and got a start on this a few years ago, and then it... well.... sat on a shelf in a zip lock bag. I dug it out today and decided to finish it. I have 2 of these patterns left. I'm going to put one in <a href="http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/shopping/Category.asp?c=LastOne" target="_blank"><b>LAST CHANCE</b></a> on my website<b>. </b>When it's gone, it's gone. I don't think I can order more of them. And I'm going to give the other one away.<br />
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This is a really cute table runner. I saw one that the designer made and liked it so much I wanted to make one. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far on it at the time! <br />
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So here's how you enter to win the one I'm giving away:<br />
For one entry, just comment on THIS POST and tell me you'd like to win the pattern. That's it! You'll be entered!<br />
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For a second chance, be a follower of this blog. It doesn't matter if you just signed up or if you've been a follower for years. But you have to say you're a follower in a SECOND COMMENT. I'll be counting comments to determine the number of entries, so you have to put it in a second comment if you want a second entry. Make sense?<br />
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For a third chance, help me spread the news. Post it on your own blog, put it on Facebook, tweet it, or tell your quilting group about it. I don't care how you spread the word. Just come back and make a third comment to this post and tell me how you shared it. Just one entry for spreading the word, though, You can't tweet it 17 times and get 17 extra entries. Ok?<br />
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And just for fun, for another entry, tell me if you've ever made a table runner. I'd love to see a picture! If you'd like to show me your table runner (s), send your pictures to me<a href="mailto:sue@alderwoodquilts.com" target="_blank"><b> in an email</b></a> and let me know what pattern you used and if it's ok for me to share your picture on my blog.<br />
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I'll let the random number generator pick a winner on February 1st. Good luck!<br />
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And don't forget- there's ONE pattern on sale on my website. When it's gone, it's gone!<br />
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I'm going to get busy. I'm going to try to finish my table runner and show it to you by Feb 1st.<br />
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-62826869755150757602015-01-15T11:53:00.000-08:002015-01-15T12:24:38.526-08:00Tradewinds Pattern Winner- Toni Anne!Congrats, Toni Anne!<br />
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You win the Tradewinds pattern! I'll get in contact with you and get it shipped right out!<br />
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Thank you to all who entered, and a BIG WELCOME to the new followers of this blog! I hope you enjoy reading along.<br />
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I'll post a new giveaway tomorrow that will run for two weeks, so be watching!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-19443124052739187042015-01-14T06:50:00.001-08:002015-01-14T06:50:08.097-08:00Machine Thread DeliveryThis is one of the latest videos with Bob Purcell of Superior Thread. Superior has the best education tips and videos! <br />
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Do you ever wonder if it matters whether or not the spool of thread is in the horizontal or vertical position in your machine? Most people think it's important but don't know why... or when to put the thread in which position. Watch this short video and the mystery will be solved! <br />
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I'm sorry the video is a little shaky... or at least it was when I watched it (It's not the blog- it's shaky on YouTube). But you can still see what he's doing and it's worth the watch.<br />
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-81748719992974931682015-01-13T10:41:00.001-08:002015-01-13T10:44:20.461-08:00More knit finishes....I've done a lot of sewing in the past week, but I need to take pictures. So for today, I'll just show you some more knit finishes from recent months.<br />
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I do a lot of test knitting for a designer friend of mine. Her designer name is VeryBusyMonkey and you can buy her patterns through <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. A while back, she designed a series of 4 little shawls inspired by gardens. I love them all!<br />
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<b>Alpinarium Shawl</b> is made with Serenity Yarn in the Salt Water Taffy colorway. It's a blend of Alpaca, Merino and Tencil and it's ooooooo so soft! Available through Knitter's Brewing Company.<br />
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The second one is called the <b>Knot Garden Shawl</b>. I made it with Achilles in the Pumpkin Moonlight colorway. Achilles is merino wool with just a tiny bit of nylon for strength. It's available through Barking Dog Yarns and is beautifully hand-dyed one skein at a time.<br />
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This is the <b>Orchard Shawl</b>. I bought this beautiful kettle dyed yarn on vacation in Lancaster, PA a couple years ago and I lost the ball band so I can't tell you more about it. I do remember that it's Merino. Beautiful color!<br />
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And the last one in the series is the <b>Border Garden Shawl</b>. I had a little trouble getting the color right in the photographs on this one. It's a beautiful deep red-burgundy color with a hit of purple. The yarn is hand-dyed by Abstract Fiber and is their Merino Silk in the Cosmopolitan colorway. It has a beautiful drape.<br />
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I tend to wear these shawls as scarves. They do drape over the shoulder, but I like the look of them scrunched around my neck. They really do keep me cozy on cold days! I need to remember to wear the last one (Border Garden) on Valentine's Day. :-)<br />
<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-60952316103302861322015-01-07T15:14:00.000-08:002015-01-14T06:55:02.336-08:00My New Knit Sacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are these cute or what?!? My friend, Peg, has a business on Etsy making little project bags for knitters. Her Etsy site is<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pgprcrst8n" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pgprcrst8n" target="_blank"><b>Peg's Procrastinations</b></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pgprcrst8n" target="_blank">.</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> </a> They're so handy to carry your knit project around. This photo shows one large and two small sacks and two needle holders. She also has a spindle sack and an XL sack for big projects like sweaters.<br />
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I asked her for an assortment of cute sheep fabric for my sacks, but she has a HUGE assortment of fabrics of all kinds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQeXsxkM-P5DOdMlw317ZWB_T9DiRIameDr-DdYP0fMY2g0ZXVHqksS3otleINaAASQxKwd6cdhU3AJYYTuoc8wb7GUY7mTY_mOYfuqScaK0j10Qeyc6hG1s8x3Fhdohy6Jaa4pX0rSo/s1600/DSC01424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQeXsxkM-P5DOdMlw317ZWB_T9DiRIameDr-DdYP0fMY2g0ZXVHqksS3otleINaAASQxKwd6cdhU3AJYYTuoc8wb7GUY7mTY_mOYfuqScaK0j10Qeyc6hG1s8x3Fhdohy6Jaa4pX0rSo/s1600/DSC01424.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
I assume that most people who are reading this blog are quilters or knitters or crafters of some sort. So I think a lot of you might relate to this. All my life, I have made things for other people. I remember knitting and sewing for people when I was a child. Well... when you're one of those people who makes things a lot, other people who "make things" don't tend to make things for you. There are exceptions, of course, and I treasure the things my friends have made for me. But I hear people say, "Why would I make her a quilt? She's a better quilter than I am!". Or... "Why would I knit for her? She doesn't need anything knitted- she knits all the time!". Well, nothing could be farther from the truth. I have a friend who made me a little pin cushion trash/thread catcher thingie and I LOVE it! I use it all the time. But what I love most is that she made it for me. And I have a few pin cushions made by friends that make me smile whenever I look at them. I never judge the workmanship. I just look at them and think about the care and time that went into them, and I think about how my friend spend her time making something for me. It's a big warm fuzzy, I tell you!<br />
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So.... could I make these bags? Probably. Although Peg's workmanship is beyond compare. She really has these bags down to a science. They're beautifully made with high quality materials, fully lined, enclosed seams, and very sturdy construction. The designs are well thought-out, with pockets and closures in all the right places. But still... I could make something to fit my needs. But there's just something about having hand made items that are lovingly crafted by someone else. It's just a treasure. I'm sold on these little bags on so many levels. They are well priced, they're useful, cute, and well made. But best of all.... PEG MADE THEM! Check out her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/pgprcrst8n" target="_blank"><b>Etsy site</b></a>. She's a terrific lady and she makes terrific project bags.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-59379993472462452952015-01-05T23:22:00.001-08:002015-01-05T23:25:32.645-08:00Some Recent KnitsI thought I'd do a little catch up and show you some things I've knit that I missed posting here on the blog. I'll show a few here and there until most of them are on here.<br />
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I do a lot of test knitting for VeryBusyMonkey, a popular sock and shawl designer. Last summer, she ran a mystery Knit-Along on her Ravelry group. She had two patterns- one for a pair of socks and one for a shawl. Both were released as a series of clues- one per week until the pattern was complete. It was very popular and lots of people anxiously awaited the clues each week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eFr8tqhfHBiGIfFMlbbGZsy1KCbgOOPSf_pZ0AgeRi1QDo8xPIlw5qzYFOxAj0gBiXF3HrdxcxbLqqSdEjBtrkHy6f38_f0tryRItdw6m2LfbnUtHNA1jc4z0P9biRzp3D2QKxoVKFk/s1600/Clue+Socks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eFr8tqhfHBiGIfFMlbbGZsy1KCbgOOPSf_pZ0AgeRi1QDo8xPIlw5qzYFOxAj0gBiXF3HrdxcxbLqqSdEjBtrkHy6f38_f0tryRItdw6m2LfbnUtHNA1jc4z0P9biRzp3D2QKxoVKFk/s1600/Clue+Socks.JPG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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"Clue Socks". The yarn I used for the socks was dyed by Hazel Knits.</div>
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And here is the "Clue Shawl". This yarn is by "Crave Yarns". It's 50/50 Merino wool and Silk. It's sooooo soft and luxurious and drapes beautifully. </div>
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And a couple more pairs of socks: These are designed by Valerie Hobbs, called "Lazy Day Socks". The yarn is Achilles by Barking Dog Yarns in the "Siesta" colorway.</div>
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And last but not least, this is another pair designed by VeryBusyMonkey. The pattern is "Centrifugal Force Socks. I must admit that I lost the yarn band and I forget exactly what the yarn is. I think it was dyed by "Miss Babbs",</div>
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I'm on a hat and mitten binge now. I'll show you some of those another time. :-)</div>
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And I always put a plug in for Ravelry when I post photos of my knitting. If you're a knitter (or if you crochet), you HAVE to check out <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>!. It's not optional- you just HAVE to do it! My user name in Ravelry is SueHauser. Everything I've knitted in the past 4 years is documented on my project page on Ravelry. It's kinda scarey- I have over 200 projects on there! I wish there was something like that for quilters. I'm guess that's where the blog comes in! I'm working on binding my Tradewinds quilt. You 'll see that soon.</div>
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-21654316476930763152015-01-03T09:37:00.000-08:002015-01-03T10:03:11.617-08:00Wrangle those plastic bags!<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a random organizational tip for the new year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyLvjOAsNu_sVIKg-Wee5C3gD8AAxWRVhAplIIjtFcdbOkv2o3SN4kEn1QErVAydOQDjCta5WDJMmBBqa_WUCcIuUtDSZ10_UZ0Gpkf8SH8ej__NAXRV-3eQJzaacgwgfLXTpZI7PC1c/s1600/DSC01496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyLvjOAsNu_sVIKg-Wee5C3gD8AAxWRVhAplIIjtFcdbOkv2o3SN4kEn1QErVAydOQDjCta5WDJMmBBqa_WUCcIuUtDSZ10_UZ0Gpkf8SH8ej__NAXRV-3eQJzaacgwgfLXTpZI7PC1c/s1600/DSC01496.JPG" height="225" width="400" /> </a></div>
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I don't know about you, but I had a mountain of plastic bags under my kitchen cabinet. I just keep the ones you get produce in under my kitchen sink.... I keep the store bags in another spot. The bigger store bags I just put inside one of the larger bags and I have it hanging on a hook in the laundry room. Every once in a while I recycle the whole mess and start over. </div>
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But I use the smaller grocery store produce bags a lot in the kitchen. I saw this idea on Pinterest (where else!). I just stuffed a bunch of them in an empty tissue box. I was amazed and how many it holds! I did sort of flatten them. I wasn't fussy or neat about it. I just wanted them to fit a lot in and I wanted them to pull out one at a time. I'm not sure if that's an important step, though. It works GREAT! You put them in here in seconds and pull them out one at a time. Best of all? My under-sink cabinet looks almost empty!<br />
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If you have dogs and take bags with you to clean up after them, this would be a perfect answer. I'd keep one of the smaller (square and tall) tissue boxes near the leash. Then pull out a bag when you go for a walk.<br />
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Edit to add:<br />
Somebody asked me where to recycle the overflow of plastic bags. I live in the Northwest. Around here, most grocery stores have a container somewhere near the door for clean plastic bags (all kinds- just clean). Every once in a while, I take the overflow with me when I go grocery shopping and pop them in the recycle container. I also pop a few in my reusable shopping bags. When I do my grocery shopping, I pull out my old produce bags rather than taking new ones. But I stress that they are CLEAN bags. I never re-use the ones that were wet inside. Oh- and if you want to save the wet ones, just turn them inside out and leave them on your counter for a while- they'll dry out.<br />
OK- this is MUCH more than you ever wanted to read about plastic bags. I'll stop now. :-) <br />
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-6053069249331135092015-01-02T11:31:00.001-08:002015-01-02T11:38:45.527-08:00Sashiko.... I think I have a new addiction!Oh, MY! I think I have a new addiction! I started a couple of new Sashiko projects and I can't stop!<br />
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The first is my Two Owls piece. Sylvia Pippen has a series of panels to make Chinese Birds. This owl piece is my first one. I'm starting on the doves next. I don't know how many different birds she'll have in the series. I'll just keep making them and figure out what to do with them when they're all done.<br />
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The owls are done on Moda Marble fabric with traditional Sashiko thread. I just love these little guys. I think I need to put them up on my design wall so I can look at them often. They make me smile.<br />
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The next project will take a little longer. It's a quilt with 16 sashiko background blocks and 9 blocks that combine hand applique flowers with sashiko stems and leaves. I'm starting with the 16 background blocks. Here are the first 4:<br />
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Key Fret</div>
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Persimmon Flower</div>
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Double Cypress Fence</div>
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Bishamon</div>
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The pieces will be trimmed to 7 1/2 inch squares when I use them to make my quilt top, but since this fabric frays, I think I'll wait for the last minute to do that. I'm using Essex fabric because I like working with the open weave. I'm not sure if that was a good choice for the quilt, though. I should have used a flat cotton. Oh, well... it's all part of the learning curve. </div>
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Speaking of learning curves-- I'm new at Sashiko As I make these pieces, I can see my work improving. We're going for even stitch length, crisp turns and intersections, no pulls, and no long thread pieces on the back, so you need to plan your stitching path. I won't point it out (because you should NEVER point out your mistakes when you show other people your work!), but I can tell which pieces were my oldest and newest. I don't look at the first piece and cringe at the blooper spots. I look at the most recent one and pat myself on the back because I can see improvement. </div>
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I LOVE doing Sashiko! It's a lot like machine quilting when you meander around... you just keep going, and going, and going...... </div>
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Time for a little plug.... I carry a wide range of <a href="http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/shopping/Category.asp?c=Sashiko" target="_blank"><b>Sashiko products on my website</b>.</a> I don't have the bird panels on there yet, but they're coming soon. The 16 Sashiko blocks are on there now. They originally went into a quilt, but that pattern and the floral blocks are being discontinued. If you really want them, let me know soon and I'll see if I can still get any. I'll also be doing more Sashiko posts and tutorials. This is so much fun- I'll be doing a lot more of it!</div>
Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-75035155939840925572015-01-01T11:01:00.000-08:002015-01-01T11:06:44.270-08:00Magnetic Snap Application TutorialEver wonder how to apply magnetic snaps to your projects? It's a SNAP!<br />
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Lots of bags use magnetic snaps. These pictures demonstrate the use of magnetic snaps using the "Girlfriend Bag" by <b><a href="http://www.amongbrendasquilts.com/" target="_blank">Among Brenda's Quilts</a></b>. Brenda graciously gave me permission to use her photos.<br />
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I plan to add some of the Among Brenda's Quilts bags to my shop, and I already have the Girlfriend Bag pattern on order. If you are interested in any particular patterns, let me know. Brenda has some great designs!<br />
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I don't have the snaps on my website yet, either (they're also on order). But if you're having trouble finding these or any bag hardware, let me know and I'll do my best to help you find what you need. I have a <a href="http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/shopping/Category.asp?c=HandbagsTotes&p=1&source=menu" target="_blank"><b>Handbag and Tote category</b> </a>on my <b><a href="http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/" target="_blank">website</a>,</b> and it will be expanding throughout the year.<br />
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The Girlfriend Bag is a cool design. It uses 3 magnetic snaps. One is used as the bag closure, and the other two are used on the sides. You can leave the side snaps open, or closed, to change the look and functionality of the bag. Gotta love it when your bag gets overloaded and you can just open the snaps and make it bigger! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOn8IggTper-PICeEBA6dAdPF3kJBE-LpzgPQIlyTE-L_ZcLUnErgF7re91wHj-1Ls_dN3YI9Ojx-BbUjrtd9wFtWgxBMZJR1UXVcEs80H-gdE4Eu77OcYA6IaIP66dfV7Msj3GEcPEg/s1600/GB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOn8IggTper-PICeEBA6dAdPF3kJBE-LpzgPQIlyTE-L_ZcLUnErgF7re91wHj-1Ls_dN3YI9Ojx-BbUjrtd9wFtWgxBMZJR1UXVcEs80H-gdE4Eu77OcYA6IaIP66dfV7Msj3GEcPEg/s1600/GB3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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One side, with the snap open.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrPTQMbiPzF1cd6qMqKuldiNvBk8b1vKHWx-iP1mcy6sXJlc-ksjlJRxNu6wm4whiWjlYz49bxaIvSnRGNqpgRUVRcfT7WblUInPM1NiYoYh7yzX2R9YDYUfzF4qhVl-Z_qaPUHC_KKk/s1600/GB4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrPTQMbiPzF1cd6qMqKuldiNvBk8b1vKHWx-iP1mcy6sXJlc-ksjlJRxNu6wm4whiWjlYz49bxaIvSnRGNqpgRUVRcfT7WblUInPM1NiYoYh7yzX2R9YDYUfzF4qhVl-Z_qaPUHC_KKk/s1600/GB4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Bag closure, shown open</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoTFiddfiS1jyd9cqxxL1_2Y-TZxAV-UnVT4mtD8aw8d13KtkCFQxM4bA2P4bOFKTaEgORzyUXlxfbMCpjbEkZ9Kp7CBxf1815qR0h6EgDNEQ1TbqNlQUGkHSPBuQw8QddHr9pp_yI0I/s1600/GB5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoTFiddfiS1jyd9cqxxL1_2Y-TZxAV-UnVT4mtD8aw8d13KtkCFQxM4bA2P4bOFKTaEgORzyUXlxfbMCpjbEkZ9Kp7CBxf1815qR0h6EgDNEQ1TbqNlQUGkHSPBuQw8QddHr9pp_yI0I/s1600/GB5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You'll need Âľ inch magnetic snaps for this particular project. Dritz makes them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls1I8vmRqOdcw7QOjWvBgYX2HeLQ_818HkBTbpqzj3C7tJq49ZZsPbUAjA6x3ps4OvhAFmt-k6lB4nHNSGKF_iR0merZqSSyjGnS7UtsLzeXxfmb7q3jZOB8F51qR1qaonzY8bhxDkqs/s1600/GB6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls1I8vmRqOdcw7QOjWvBgYX2HeLQ_818HkBTbpqzj3C7tJq49ZZsPbUAjA6x3ps4OvhAFmt-k6lB4nHNSGKF_iR0merZqSSyjGnS7UtsLzeXxfmb7q3jZOB8F51qR1qaonzY8bhxDkqs/s1600/GB6.jpg" height="397" width="400" /></a></div>
. Magnetic snaps have two halves and two washers. Note that there is a
male half and a female half. (Insies and outsies!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1N4F1GqsgdlNxz9tcgROMckODCwW7a42-vqAj20_DVDqpquhwJ6uAgkrkMaEwDHhdeH-nPd_-6AIhCDP0h_ZuIQvSt7c_YUoUmufOW2qzjT24ihOEavZIdgBXYzvzRjq33rpFfrma4U/s1600/GB7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1N4F1GqsgdlNxz9tcgROMckODCwW7a42-vqAj20_DVDqpquhwJ6uAgkrkMaEwDHhdeH-nPd_-6AIhCDP0h_ZuIQvSt7c_YUoUmufOW2qzjT24ihOEavZIdgBXYzvzRjq33rpFfrma4U/s1600/GB7.jpg" height="212" width="400" /></a></div>
Shown here for demonstration purposes, are two 4.5 inch squares basted to foam
stabilizer, just like you'd do with the bag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXx8suOHnMmWqVOE_4VbY0YWmmL9q5ZV_KtNG5TqZ8l59RiE6ZCnSuSZZ9TCsEcBf2eIoX1bc5h-JoFXOX6CMfvj-vVH03INwRXHX-VDear0rRGF2dQB_OrabHyY_BTfsNSaFzVyJpRM/s1600/GB8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXx8suOHnMmWqVOE_4VbY0YWmmL9q5ZV_KtNG5TqZ8l59RiE6ZCnSuSZZ9TCsEcBf2eIoX1bc5h-JoFXOX6CMfvj-vVH03INwRXHX-VDear0rRGF2dQB_OrabHyY_BTfsNSaFzVyJpRM/s1600/GB8.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a></div>
Mark where you want the snap. Center one of the washers over the mark on the fabric. Using a Frixion
pen, mark in the long slots to either side of center. Repeat for the
other fabric piece. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf-sxCgxmlaOgwwIfbeN4DlHwSI8JWrH72wN91U3CKvV9yA595YU9YwixNVIjUibik7u0wupMYD7Pku_mwzbuua8SBkQfJMWzMEzmGDsyNOGs_XwY7g1NlwQ-tR-BIGKW4ibBFEFkMs4/s1600/GB9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkf-sxCgxmlaOgwwIfbeN4DlHwSI8JWrH72wN91U3CKvV9yA595YU9YwixNVIjUibik7u0wupMYD7Pku_mwzbuua8SBkQfJMWzMEzmGDsyNOGs_XwY7g1NlwQ-tR-BIGKW4ibBFEFkMs4/s1600/GB9.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></div>
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You'll have a dot with two lines marked on each piece. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sYiWO0SiL6BoqFSJSGarvjDTPMni8oiD5aEnG_8sBZ6kjwsojhxDv4CLHeTXIlWjS683SMZ-PrNfT4KtcgRkGXHiR0v0uS-Xx-ySnvt14RqpSrbZLXGpC340HN73PNKtgqlv1aDJVjg/s1600/GB10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sYiWO0SiL6BoqFSJSGarvjDTPMni8oiD5aEnG_8sBZ6kjwsojhxDv4CLHeTXIlWjS683SMZ-PrNfT4KtcgRkGXHiR0v0uS-Xx-ySnvt14RqpSrbZLXGpC340HN73PNKtgqlv1aDJVjg/s1600/GB10.jpg" height="353" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are two ways to puncture the fabric. Using an awl does not cut the threads of the fabric....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY4AMwJ154b-SgRpTgXO3pnRyuVTkgReHliGeNs6WNjYJRhvBQK0dYFcOmcKCR50ljNHuWX1BYLL-8qFXdOaY3ld6R3ZNN-ef2vuye0UZmDvRBNSNwD5FakZQhJg8TjTFMwqpQGHRoNk/s1600/GB11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY4AMwJ154b-SgRpTgXO3pnRyuVTkgReHliGeNs6WNjYJRhvBQK0dYFcOmcKCR50ljNHuWX1BYLL-8qFXdOaY3ld6R3ZNN-ef2vuye0UZmDvRBNSNwD5FakZQhJg8TjTFMwqpQGHRoNk/s1600/GB11.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...snipping along the two lines with sharp scissors is easier but it does cut the fabric. I usually snip. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_HRnVL5HY3LXxQkgRGWMPq-hjKsyq3INGh1faaevSsnAm-fr7Uv35dpfDF_dpTMnOxp_mqt_pdm1Qp9UjLNkWLJeTnzgTjFgDIvJO0OL6GWSj6ghOT1ASsfWHdBhIEl5YiboojhBDPQ/s1600/GB12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_HRnVL5HY3LXxQkgRGWMPq-hjKsyq3INGh1faaevSsnAm-fr7Uv35dpfDF_dpTMnOxp_mqt_pdm1Qp9UjLNkWLJeTnzgTjFgDIvJO0OL6GWSj6ghOT1ASsfWHdBhIEl5YiboojhBDPQ/s1600/GB12.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></div>
To save wear and tear on the fabric from the edges of the magnet I like
to cut small 1 inch squares of clear vinyl. I center them over the
marked lines on the fabric and trace those lines on the vinyl using a
Sharpie marker.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUDpEH8GhnKMPJ53Q0cDHEeOZvn5bDLMGvoXFYgUXHJOs7Yu5uR3DDxiY8hYuprRMh8gVCgULDnOIMNZqCI2sT53EfK6WA-IbK47fiYImyMuls8iQjhLNSpJHbRhdWZWz_YuU-cC_1ss/s1600/GB13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUDpEH8GhnKMPJ53Q0cDHEeOZvn5bDLMGvoXFYgUXHJOs7Yu5uR3DDxiY8hYuprRMh8gVCgULDnOIMNZqCI2sT53EfK6WA-IbK47fiYImyMuls8iQjhLNSpJHbRhdWZWz_YuU-cC_1ss/s1600/GB13.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I fold the vinyl in half and snip along the lines using my sharp scissors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgnGXTXu1A9yG4wvsc6f_t7XbgHr3MEamrqevNaS9Sck68x_bpmg0hwTFp1C1iSI4_fA4JshphAp-iCSLFAMTRhfdLS0KsINczukm5-BIHV8hhwuAvGtp-bpAQ3mQmyc2tCjyNXBCwf8/s1600/GB14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgnGXTXu1A9yG4wvsc6f_t7XbgHr3MEamrqevNaS9Sck68x_bpmg0hwTFp1C1iSI4_fA4JshphAp-iCSLFAMTRhfdLS0KsINczukm5-BIHV8hhwuAvGtp-bpAQ3mQmyc2tCjyNXBCwf8/s1600/GB14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The vinyl gets placed over the snipped area...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIAB1e-guJyeubWjbmXmlB8wG0L3AVu9D3mSD5ca7m7hBCJ7DpkI6CUcAS0wOgzSWcm7KTV4jjLWZgMo33GG3cMDy3b_x91ZOSkCH2ag3hk4pz7bEshj5evfPxSz7pX1IeAtWxYma1wE/s1600/GB15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIAB1e-guJyeubWjbmXmlB8wG0L3AVu9D3mSD5ca7m7hBCJ7DpkI6CUcAS0wOgzSWcm7KTV4jjLWZgMo33GG3cMDy3b_x91ZOSkCH2ag3hk4pz7bEshj5evfPxSz7pX1IeAtWxYma1wE/s1600/GB15.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and a snap is pushed through the holes to the opposite side. In this case we are using an outsie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sn2sYlHZmC-3ZzJrTUJUPZWEC7EBdcXPWtgd0lQssYJBtnILsG14G726xbTmzHlD9EgoSfIX1kG8bu5nxNwYF0medNqypGZ14lKGGaOR5p2wSXYPsmIzNy1ZR4tYzRB-oFy189xyPkY/s1600/GB16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sn2sYlHZmC-3ZzJrTUJUPZWEC7EBdcXPWtgd0lQssYJBtnILsG14G726xbTmzHlD9EgoSfIX1kG8bu5nxNwYF0medNqypGZ14lKGGaOR5p2wSXYPsmIzNy1ZR4tYzRB-oFy189xyPkY/s1600/GB16.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
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The washer is placed over the arms of the magnet.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Then the arms are bend back using the ends of large scissors or a pair of pliers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1zNzzQYLjPXQwi6-7oH7QKXCU7xcR_RgKhGrsEmcQhGoEkCvPU425-xm31VrZ1m14t93iz47FaZrlnfnXInoBPO1CWdgXKHrTlajryJOcltQayfnc-9aPHenWoUPG8uBMhl16wHZ120/s1600/GB18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1zNzzQYLjPXQwi6-7oH7QKXCU7xcR_RgKhGrsEmcQhGoEkCvPU425-xm31VrZ1m14t93iz47FaZrlnfnXInoBPO1CWdgXKHrTlajryJOcltQayfnc-9aPHenWoUPG8uBMhl16wHZ120/s1600/GB18.jpg" height="400" width="370" /></a></div>
The unsightliness of the vinyl can be trimmed
away so that just a little bit remains to protect the fabric from future
wear and tear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuDGw30oMzYP-auIvhnyzml6zkODuVr0Ks_i-yFjKO4niiTj0N7fvdDfFKFyBPuJrYHnwSUepO3Kx9MHf8QfL31cmHh0T_-ImMTEjs6hc4FeUsuMrCPUimJOhqHn2e_kVKWIfkMhm9gY/s1600/GB19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuDGw30oMzYP-auIvhnyzml6zkODuVr0Ks_i-yFjKO4niiTj0N7fvdDfFKFyBPuJrYHnwSUepO3Kx9MHf8QfL31cmHh0T_-ImMTEjs6hc4FeUsuMrCPUimJOhqHn2e_kVKWIfkMhm9gY/s1600/GB19.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Repeat this procedure for the other fabric piece using an insie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-sWgTcAX-txwFPLex2F-75O1bCdhMYVIM6XA3wVhxel0CNU-eYQjT25xQ58V_ZvPVX43jh5JoE2I1MM9AXh_mhyQzBf2l6HZU8CuyTk4kaWm5tx9ClRe4cqZqbgjWFWkuLb01Gq2cr0/s1600/GB20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-sWgTcAX-txwFPLex2F-75O1bCdhMYVIM6XA3wVhxel0CNU-eYQjT25xQ58V_ZvPVX43jh5JoE2I1MM9AXh_mhyQzBf2l6HZU8CuyTk4kaWm5tx9ClRe4cqZqbgjWFWkuLb01Gq2cr0/s1600/GB20.jpg" height="400" width="388" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And presto you have completed a successful application! </div>
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-13386419261381570802014-12-31T15:50:00.002-08:002014-12-31T15:54:56.268-08:00No-Reply commentsI'm so pleased to read your comments. I love hearing from readers! But I have tried to reply to several of you today, only to see that you are "no reply bloggers". Now I respect the fact that you are entitled to your privacy! Really, I do! But I think that most "no reply" people don't realize that their settings are what they are.<br />
<br />
I always try to send an email reply to everyone who comments to one of my blog posts. (Sometimes I get overwhelmed, but I do try).. If you commented and didn't hear from me, there's a good chance that you have your privacy settings such that I can't contact you.<br />
<br />
SOOOOO..... if you win...... I can't send you an email! This is ok with me, but if a no-reply person wins, I'll post their name in a blog post- and if they don't happen to see it and contact me in a few days, I'll have to select another winner.<br />
<br />
Make sure I can reply to you.... or make sure you check back on ANY blog if you enter a drawing.<br />
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This is just a thought.... but if you really don't want your email address out there on the internet, and if you like to keep your email uncluttered, you might consider opening a different email account (a free one like yahoo or gmail or many others). Then just keep that one for "junk" or newsletters and blog posts. A lot of people do that. (Just make sure you check it once in a while, though!) Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-81715117014441932092014-12-31T07:23:00.001-08:002014-12-31T07:23:25.824-08:00Giveaway- Tradewinds Pattern (Ends Jan 15, 2015)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD1J2z3uLcL6DniiDTj-TQI6ijLmxUzBYyV7KPK7dg3Ud7gNhoWpVEfcAtjFoqlehn1zEtsxA8vaHSGlTavxDIb4szK5XMJLZlO2ESTRSMt9q6X8vBhFqSMzxe36Y149bTK3DXxeEMCU/s1600/TradeWinds_Prod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD1J2z3uLcL6DniiDTj-TQI6ijLmxUzBYyV7KPK7dg3Ud7gNhoWpVEfcAtjFoqlehn1zEtsxA8vaHSGlTavxDIb4szK5XMJLZlO2ESTRSMt9q6X8vBhFqSMzxe36Y149bTK3DXxeEMCU/s1600/TradeWinds_Prod.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
It's a new year and time for a new giveaway! Let's run this one for 2 weeks. I'll draw the winner at random sometime on January 15, 2015. The winner will receive a Tradewinds quilt pattern. This is a beautiful quilt. I'm making this one myself. When I get the binding on it, I'll show it to you. :-) In case you're wondering, the Strip Tube Ruler MAY be used to make this pattern, but it's not necessary. It's a great ruler, but you can make this quilt without it.<br />
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For the month of January, I'll putting this pattern and the Strip Tube Ruler on sale <a href="http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/" target="_blank">on my website</a>.<br />
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There are lots of ways to gain entries. For one entry in the drawing, all you have to do is comment to THIS POST that you would like to be entered. That's it!<br />
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For extra entries, you MUST make ADDITIONAL comments! (So I can keep count of them).<br />
For extra entries, you may do any or all of the following:<br />
*Be a follower of this blog. You can be a long-time follower, or a brand new one.<br />
*Help spread the word. You may have one entry for each DIFFERENT post telling others about the giveaway. You may post about the giveaway on your own blog, do a Facebook post, tweet, or whatever. Just spread the word.<br />
* Just for fun.... tell us about your favorite specialty ruler.<br />
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This is just the first giveaway of the year. I'll be running one or two per month, so keep checking back!<br />
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Happy new year, everyone! I hope 2015 is the best year ever for you and those you love.<br />
<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-74898177162271068402014-12-30T11:54:00.000-08:002014-12-30T12:15:09.986-08:00My New Bottle Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Look what Santa brought me for Christmas- a BOTTLE TREE! I've wanted one of these for a long time. But it's not as if you can just drive on down to your local bottle tree store and pick one up- especially in the northwest. My son, Steve, has a welding hobby and this year he surprised me with this beauty. <br />
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Bottle trees originated in the southern U.S. Their history is based on superstition, but I don't know much about it and if I write anything, I'll probably get it wrong. If you're curious, just type "bottle tree" in your search engine and you'll get lots of info. For me- it's yard art. And with all of the wineries in the northwest, there is no shortage of empty wine bottles around here. I've seen bottle trees made from wood, but they are most often metal. My son welded metal rods and twisted the ends upward so a bottle could be slipped on. <br />
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This is just the beginning. We'll sink it into the ground and anchor it with metal (and maybe concrete) so it will withstand the rain and wind. We're also going to wire it with little white lights, and insert a few lights inside each bottle. I'll be planting some sort of flowering vine at the bottom and train it to climb the "trunk" and provide foliage around the branches. We'll also be hanging a few hummingbird feeders that are made from upside-down bottles. This is going to look SOOOOOO cool! And my other son and his wife gave me a blown glass bird bath that will look beautiful next to this. I can hardly wait for spring!!!! <br />
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I sew things for Steve and he welds things for me. Gotta love it. THANK YOU, STEVE!!!!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-51960985541284617362014-12-29T11:54:00.000-08:002014-12-29T12:00:30.657-08:00Festive Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It may be a little late to show these, since the holiday baking is pretty much over, but maybe I'll show my goodies now and re-post it earlier next year. :-)<br />
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I have this great little gingerbread tray that I made at a do-it-yourself ceramic studio a few years ago. I love to make gingerbread men. I've been doing it since my sons were little. This year, I made my gingerbread from scratch, using the recipe in the Betty Crocker cookbook. Sometimes I just use a boxed mix. It's all good. The faces and buttons are just a little confectioners' sugar and a few drops of water. I used a toothpick and dotted the icing on.<br />
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But the really fun things were the little marshmallow mugs! I got the idea on Pinterest. (Gotta love Pinterest!)<br />
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Here's the Gingerbread pan. It's made by Wilton. Mine is pretty old, but I think they still make it.<br />
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For the mugs, I broke off the top of little candy canes and stuck them in the side of large marshmallows. Then I melted a few chocolate chips and spooned a little on top to be the hot chocolate. For the tiny marshmallows, I had to get creative. I snipped a large marshmallow into little pieces. But I couldn't get them on the chocolate because they were so sticky, I couldn't get them to let go of my fingers. So I rolled the little pieces in a bit of confectioners' sugar and poof! They just dropped wherever I wanted them!<br />
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I make the gingerbread men every year. We love them. But the hot chocolate cups were new this year and were a big hit. SO EASY, too! Oh--- and the rest of the candy canes got smashed to use for chocolate peppermint bark. I forgot to take a picture, but all you do is melt chocolate and sprinkle the chopped up peppermint on top. When it's set, just break it into pieces. Easy peasy!<br />
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-40912831272249110912014-10-17T20:22:00.003-07:002014-10-17T20:22:58.898-07:00Sashiko Mug Rug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL7QV6sbFYNRyiLgwVbh-T4G_2hjw9KQ3cyO7oiF4dHOslE0-rgxtoXdAGPhZTVBcC8ASledkPxm1feCEN40oPseskHjMEcYdImeKpOetPAT0jYw-Q-85NGPHXOxdPLK9oHZ-svi9_-g/s1600/DSC01350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL7QV6sbFYNRyiLgwVbh-T4G_2hjw9KQ3cyO7oiF4dHOslE0-rgxtoXdAGPhZTVBcC8ASledkPxm1feCEN40oPseskHjMEcYdImeKpOetPAT0jYw-Q-85NGPHXOxdPLK9oHZ-svi9_-g/s1600/DSC01350.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finished a little sashiko project that I started a long time ago. It was just a little practice piece that I bordered and lightly quilted with a puffy batting. <br />
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The solid fabric in the center that holds the needlework is called Essex. It's 50% linen and 50% cotton. The weave is a bit looser than flat cotton, so it's nice to work with. The large sashiko needle and thick thread glide between the threads. The border is Japanese Indigo fabric. <br />
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I love my little mug rug. Perfect for a drink and a little snack.<br />
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I carry Sashiko supplies and Essex fabric on my website, along with some patterns and books. <a href="http://www.alderwoodquilts.com/shopping/Category.asp?c=Sashiko" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-76188164759650503032014-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:002014-10-17T10:00:28.989-07:00Bounty of the SeasonI'm putting the garden to bed.... harvesting the last of the bounty. Now I have to clean, chop, freeze and can these lovelies. Thanks to my friend, Julie, for all the green tomatoes! I'll be making my Nana's green tomato hamburger relish today. Mmmmmmm<br />
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A few weeks ago, I was the recipient of a whole trash bag of fresh corn. That doesn't sound right. It was a clean trash bag, and a good way to drag around 50 ears of corn. This is going to keep me in corn chowder all year! I sliced and dried all those pears (and a few more bags of them) and I also dried a few bags of Italian prune plums.<br />
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I'm going to miss the garden and the farmers' markets with all the wonderful fresh produce.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-12915648274435092852014-06-17T07:44:00.001-07:002014-06-17T07:44:38.637-07:00Tips on Machine Tension <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">I use a variety of threads and there are many great brands out there. But more often than not, I find myself selecting products from Superior Threads. (I do a lot of my piecing with Masterpiece thread and all of my hand applique with Superior Kimono Silk thread- it's amazing!) They have great education articles on<b><a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/" target="_blank"> their website. </a></b>The following us used by permission from Superior threads.</span><strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">When I'm having machine problems, the answer is ALMOST ALWAYS to change the needle or use the appropriate needle, or something to do with the thread. A NEW needle and GOOD thread are often the answer. If you inherit 75 year-old thread from your grandmother, use it for decoration in a pretty container. Don't use it to make a quilt!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">Anyway- I found the following interesting and I thought you might, too. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></strong><img alt="http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/uploads/2008/11/26/images/diagram.gif" class="decoded" src="http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/uploads/2008/11/26/images/diagram.gif" /><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">HOME MACHINES</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Q</strong>. Can I rely on the automatic tension system to adequately adjust the top tension?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>A</strong>.
No. If you use different threads, fiber types, and sizes, your
automatic tension setting most likely will not be adequate to adjust
properly for all situations. Learning to manually adjust an
auto-tensioned machine is very important when using a variety of
threads.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Q</strong>. How do I know when the top tension is too loose?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>A</strong>. The top thread loops on the back. You may also get what is called a birds nest, where the top thread bunches up underneath.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Q</strong>. How do I know when the top tension is too tight?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>A</strong>.
Thread breakage, thread shredding or fraying, seeing a lot of lint from
a high quality thread, and/or feeling excessive resistance when pulling
the thread through the needle. Make sure you also check the needle size
because these symptoms may be related to using a too small a needle.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Q</strong>. Do some threads require looser tension settings even though they are not heavy threads?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>A</strong>. Yes, especially metallic threads, hologram threads, and other sensitive threads.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Q</strong>. Is it necessary to adjust the bobbin tension?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>A</strong>.
Sometimes, but not nearly as often as the top tension. If a good bobbin
thread is breaking, check the bobbin tension. It might be too tight. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Q</strong>. It seems like the top tension doesn’t change even though I adjust the setting. Why?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>A</strong>. There might be lint or debris caught between or behind the tension discs prohibiting them from opening and closing properly. </span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Q</strong>. Can you help me reduce the tension and stress in my life?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>A</strong>. Yes. Have a grandchild.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">View Bob's Tension demonstration.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Video 1</strong> (3 minutes) <a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs252GEmqajkQWHuktXNIVwarSPB0s8Si0vI2JqCBljCCQJSssmHx80naG2z7sGHcdwE-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGlti8YlT3cLm49GRSSs6EfCj0qYWiHZ0jEorBauW7KWgggOxb36m2DJRotdYZ4wrbmAIx5TfddeG23qn-2B3uButpKzbSsc7Yder-2B4riTtcDPumbbTHkIJe8UfCmpL2MrgH-2BgftvY5Lt-2BUcyuvyGG5xJtpaO-2FyJq1bYZKk8is1EQIrrnM1rmws3vnzErSJ3GH3EQcHC003IlMZTdy-2FE9puC-2ByiFFOfmObVyzO-2Fp8OQt0pKwRq3Qx44enR9tvzsEZIjTMCS35qnqk56tDw5SE-2F61pgSUb-2BHQUBLsyEGFvfyViecN6E8ZKkcN-2F6k1ojtC7m8PA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Why adjusting tension is important</a><br /><strong>Video 2</strong> (6 minutes) <a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs252GEmqajkQWHuktXNIVwar3-2FO75xO-2FZvbVIV-2F-2F4-2BYjfF14zYrwpYRh5pSFvGzkSes-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGork3qGb9VRv9RX64D-2BRbOYvmHik5afl9Qkl1y7f3Zea1MCL6pOFDAd-2BO4jcBBxOaFRWLYVhnCRYv7k6LTV8GXCkFEMmb8VMh4x3KrKF3YXNQaeSP06Y2R3c9DNHkdDGCX9pSNklHMkqTD1IYjxOyAPrZ2ibqeV-2FzTULT-2FTksJJMQWu4x88rKeRyK3jGXt1ZuvE6TJxIQCYWHlJMRQPmWCQsoJp-2Bklh8ZW3g5YV-2FT574w9-2BXENWJVumuGNVItLYo95K3n0Vog0BOMyqD0ngx2yb409FDdgj-2BFKaNiR77JNUwijfpBt-2FvEw097NTUgacJCg-3D-3D" target="_blank">How tension works</a>View an interesting illustration showing how tension works, <a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs27XA3u6Bn-2BWi-2FLrrveXSAsOGAZKUNIJfKM20pZ-2F00JjpNfcjQh4mF-2BIn2AoSYJN8xSUnfaKp4N2hWHZh4rOO8kOqBS2xgGoLJIJLMkUNVvg9hozXLMiBMUKcsO-2BQ5SIe78-2FysuA2AkZVfWC6H7aWu2n_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGtVTE5VXSJTCtYk2LfDjjWzWynu1NadfwfL-2Fx16YVZMuueYqeuGhu69oackEBxsFoYuNiE1dMMxSYHt5SUPNk07njGaNrKcwV2IrKiUcQCa25IA7UiaDVY5XjCIL0ani4b3BjQs-2BjGPpP2jxZTpm-2FOV17rRHObz5cYucQKdFSS92kfYSUjMnViq8hY4b1CV3tYntFHLkvfYfsINfkW-2Fv4S1E0FnG3gEYMDpEgS-2B8akp0JbwZpw-2B0QZQy9YVvO487CRDoIDzU9R8ZWGi8v-2Bq9-2BTtKoMi4vk-2BwkWSHn-2FV7YCbVDpE4UOxuRcbl2L6-2BY8sAGQ-3D-3D" target="_blank">The Thread Tug-of-War </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><strong>LONGARM MACHINES</strong></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">Tension
is move involved on longarm machines. Until recently, there has been
no way to measure top tension on longarm machines so it required
constant experimenting and guessing. Bobbin tension also requires
frequent adjusting, usually every time a the thread combination changes.
<br />There are two tools available for longarm tension measuring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">1. <a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs26G35VizrS4OkG142RBo8UnZsXbbjhJRfsOA8b-2BRxQo62qJT9uJMx2U9GoCXFR0VVACOCdFhE5l86NUtCHp8Q96WaRLdEi7CN-2FqnV1DIeWJNYsPkn-2B6jcCWMrFop55qR1o-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGtChfpNT0Yf3ulaZSb4jQBVLk9cm-2FmmunJc07c-2BWAU8cI5-2FNkgleEBkv9S3YL3s9xVnuWJ62QvMwKE34VqaHvCgjqX93ikn-2FaZ-2FvfhvTM2g8uYbDBu7-2FTgfqbocuMkNZLC7HO7fSHXTMFgLcxVs2TsU8qVnC-2F-2FxjZFWK9K1DwaQZHPktJFJM8rnvPeWEU2OJnfSrr7I1UjN1m2qTBZpk8emRhwUDuXhuXLPeEO5L8M8Up9zNxCXNwlurrjz0h5AlK6qPr68SlxNSarksJgg8g-2FFpLr28-2B-2BGOqoyAJwcRDSYp5rAgbw8lGtAL4jkuq40t5Q-3D-3D" target="_blank">Top Tension Pro</a>, an electronic device that measure top tension. Designed mainly for Handi Quilter and Baby Lock longarm machines. <br /><a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs26G35VizrS4OkG142RBo8UnZsXbbjhJRfsOA8b-2BRxQo62qJT9uJMx2U9GoCXFR0VVACOCdFhE5l86NUtCHp8Q96WaRLdEi7CN-2FqnV1DIeWJNYsPkn-2B6jcCWMrFop55qR1o-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGoTI0-2FTvqahnl1Cci2dJzMe9aFXt3-2FfNvM7pbcAr7J0o-2BCXUoqOt-2FrC4u434xlMnq6N5CvCbAus7kBguStdSHnimVvq2bqW5vphrFH-2FfOW3aQzUabr8Biz1uw0U93-2FPay9RdChYlhDpfYewdrrOcLz79zpNrCecmhwBkV-2BpvgQ2xx0ALmtbrUq9-2BWV4npMiFRGOVA1EXxuCXk-2FL3yXWEWNxR1H-2Bte1AZpsLvg0-2F-2FWxoLp9mwtTwdzEcckpQxbz69M76EXxPRhhH-2BlkFnAU3ZLVhoTHRZQVBl4mj-2BzVFuLlSw7g8vErMBPrzNYMr5C067QA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Click here for details</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=pP-2Bu-2FS8Mv0ripLShB-2FXvXoMIZXrdxZVrLIqP7iRoyp3C9zTZy2zWjEzvb6-2FniML4CQFCmNl0DAQaflTAYnnz9w-3D-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGtZH-2FZDWL99Orj9faIpCCYgz57sQ8x-2FjpY5MhynLgYz-2BJZ6apoqsOc3guRgOqlYIteX15Ird3gLYR5-2FvzTvDa4zzwGFJVz6KmZgsKnczO7Pld-2F16-2BFMhHMu32tor45HL9th7Fcd2Zs7lcrPNdI1QrIbfFhHvvIJ83Ca3Z3vhl8ZBErcYq-2B0By51E9jsOMNwNDQ9Vp2pdfg-2BMr1CZGFh7gsbnjI8sCzomPs1QGFGivXcrD8cS-2Bo48lhOijSg9Yxkvm5VtNORpn32uosaVx9H7pIM3nL9qAH9MLygc81b06gtLjsHSQMWDYGm25DFkrceLbA-3D-3D" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">View a 3-minute video demonstration</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs24k7SWwJEXj4Osw7qeQjY9c-2FuXttcN80WUJ4wcKNfTjGt4uG-2BdewRzhd1gG5-2BvIBBg-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGpP1t5hM2RqyLb2JIou8DGU42WWX1EOf-2F962zA6l-2BWOQHQq6EWhH-2Fs1jRCrz0C8MxrM33TBsEi5Z3pMk61bKYhUl-2FvvSMSNUYIhmra22WrueZltIPX5Yiq6z0VdMafP-2Fxq18DYdV0JKZ5iFGDGjg5Fez7aLm0mGhaFaz6eacVv2qnqidyyrteVqCkosr9I-2FpUBPJ7nu4CJAI62No-2BVhQJR3GcW-2F0ZBk0djBWEOuoffDe-2BJBOrcUWe0qL8Z8aS3QM1z3vu3Yxut9ZbbOKedwQl2tT-2Fx5c9dzBTnkMgFbJEYNkGcQT6R-2FMEPIPUzNQhHa2Wg-3D-3D" target="_blank">Instructions and Tension Guide showing recommended tension settings</a><br /><br />2. Towa Bobbin Tension Gauge<br /><a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs25qz-2B9Jd2nuAFR-2F7mdtXO7W3bfsAkn3OEjZsKNTmb0AHw-3D-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGiBHrDKX9EFe4n0kado8FOckXkuAVhLLYX8w3mosuuW1RYb6qPfG6XYY9UCmJiSb-2BIK6EblMidGdajw7mHM31KxI9W4-2FORocMf-2FgcB7U6xftV7trVokjV2-2Fi2md-2FKXh3-2B6tsF0JWPnlQhAn93Z-2FTAGvWOpaOkm-2FfIdSv56kFeMA2oVrZWOdQW0gkk71U0ecTDSwj4zccbxEPPNpVHKnJl8Ms-2FnVB1Onpij5nTikvmp0SPhixbyz25yqX-2FuHbrqRHnxkXmW8LCOMm-2F2RjFDdel6jdQa1q5tJXZU6-2FLGimrwJNdKiEOOzOhxDT-2FQjFsEXurg-3D-3D" target="_blank">View product</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://u1109206.sendgrid.org/wf/click?upn=0TZD8DWSPrXAkj5DSVeGmRELRp35dsSmkiBB9mbDs26bV2VccPUa0EMQadyqITZwLrtzzR4aLS12jjF8F11t3YItYsJ1SEe-2Fpj7lpi-2FpVOk-3D_45JGRCJwFpY4aYKah-2BtDsvIK9dYYakoy8YWENCA8yWfU0BLLt726n7lmhLqPh-2FoYZvOGMNTsBMUmhjmICtBLGsQORBWzfnlmGYblT-2Bbpwk4CEsv6YGMQjlJD2bEPfoaShCAVFFx5w5YyYUOYWNYAuSX3KKaZCh-2Fvk6P1ytUWeDTEfDhFcEEe2Ekyl2nnNvh6Q6UHMoqIRV6kikKg-2FonLxRveFdmP-2B4HnV9V18zpGa5rO-2FtD4E3jWjjOb57ySdwi5lqCs0rhzFvz7cDqy5NdLUQjydIZCStDwT4wavzAjfziC0HUwitDhRbz-2FMpcor0OvzYbQY8d0AWFi7JexNMw0ISlCMMX9zD4-2FHTQKtLLavxBfuakViz7E3FsUXmONVJYxbAzp0ATOwIHBzezR7fntOg-3D-3D" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: 10pt;">View a 2-minute video demonstration</span></a></span><strong></strong></div>
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Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-59456112635553785632014-06-03T08:55:00.001-07:002014-06-03T08:55:38.292-07:00Giveaway Winner- Congrats, Sandra!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSeWrITD-qupzIybffsSz5oUO-MwmIdudlxS58-GoRtGouNVEJL46tMLv4iTijuGKIrWKPE8YlvtqrP8dGeRkSdEO1tWw0XFlEewWkMggrsYbK0nB5iVJgOCYhRke8CM4cl0d6sTktLI/s1600/PansyFacedPooch_Prod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSeWrITD-qupzIybffsSz5oUO-MwmIdudlxS58-GoRtGouNVEJL46tMLv4iTijuGKIrWKPE8YlvtqrP8dGeRkSdEO1tWw0XFlEewWkMggrsYbK0nB5iVJgOCYhRke8CM4cl0d6sTktLI/s1600/PansyFacedPooch_Prod.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
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OOps.... June 1st came and went and I forgot to pick a winner. The trusty random integer generator tells me that Sandra from Utah is the winner of the Pansy Faced Pooch pattern. Yea Sandra! I'll send you an email to get your address so I can get your pattern on its way. Sandra blogs at <a href="http://sandrascraftcorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sandra's Craft Corner</b></a>. Check it out. I just took a peek.... oooo.... her Spiral Lone Star is gorgeous!<br />
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I'll post another giveaway soon!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5927095804830018912.post-76774307022314728422014-06-01T09:41:00.003-07:002014-06-01T09:42:11.460-07:00Apple and Pear Cozy's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_K4SM45teA83kuS7b-5LwmeuN4GmIIVBwSugu-_feYtDhTM7CyLXN2ujoEk6wkd2pYIgRYhmGaT_q6hQ61tDMGHRhKIsheMFgfOTiyQV6zUlIEfhb3F24fqMTHPueRvII3N7qzSiS4/s1600/DSC01021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_K4SM45teA83kuS7b-5LwmeuN4GmIIVBwSugu-_feYtDhTM7CyLXN2ujoEk6wkd2pYIgRYhmGaT_q6hQ61tDMGHRhKIsheMFgfOTiyQV6zUlIEfhb3F24fqMTHPueRvII3N7qzSiS4/s1600/DSC01021.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are these cute, or what?!? My friend, <b><a href="http://www.ctmh.com/Tamara" target="_blank">Tamara</a>,</b> surprised me with a little gift of an apple cozy and a pear cozy. I can just hear you out there.... "What does a person need with fruit cozy's?" It's not a matter of "need", my friends. They're CUTE! Seriously, they make people smile. And what a conversation starter when you pull one of these babies out of your lunch bag at work!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL-B-12O-_dqh8StOSdtGMoxpYZ29NxT1YVdLeOxVMBHwzFwkw73kbLbEpN1kXaMx0WkdzMnfO1gL5V1x0_EDCdzNowMtRgjZwrTgL-OuKVXvjbGvbf7gd5hdCsTlAulVYqVhU6avpGQ/s1600/DSC01015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL-B-12O-_dqh8StOSdtGMoxpYZ29NxT1YVdLeOxVMBHwzFwkw73kbLbEpN1kXaMx0WkdzMnfO1gL5V1x0_EDCdzNowMtRgjZwrTgL-OuKVXvjbGvbf7gd5hdCsTlAulVYqVhU6avpGQ/s1600/DSC01015.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tamara used worsted weight kitchen cotton- the stuff you use to make pot holders. She got the free patterns on<b> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a></b>. By the way- if you like to knit or crochet and you haven't heard of Ravelry- you HAVE to check it out! My user name on Ravelry is suehauser. (Original, I know).</div>
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10969380139188461208noreply@blogger.com1