tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67549280925456451232024-03-05T18:19:46.860-08:00Melissa Loves Colorsewing, crafting and coloring my world one stitch at a timeMelissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-33322094796958752852020-06-25T18:46:00.002-07:002020-07-01T07:47:13.827-07:00Origami Mask Directions<font face="georgia">I've been working on masks for months now and this is one style I particularly like. This is my version of the popular origami, octagon or 3D mask. If you make it, I'd love to see!</font><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><div><font face="georgia">Origami Mask Instructions.</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">(Use 3/8" seam allowance for adult size and I found 1/4" seam allowance works best for the child size mask.)</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">For ties, cut 2 strips of t-shirt material 10-12” long by 1” wide. Pull the ends of the material to cause the strips to curl.</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">How to cut out the pattern:</font></div><div><p><font face="georgia">Cut 2 rectangles of fabric: </font></p><p><font face="georgia">Main: 7.5” x 11.5" (child size; 6.5" x 10")</font></p><p><font face="georgia">Lining: 7.5” x 10" (child size; 6.5" x 8.5")</font></p><p><font face="georgia">Optional: 7.5” x 10” interfacing (child size; 6.5" x 8.5")</font></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCyVhp56a2vflfItwUlqnUtNTddVi37OBSxe0dFTmGSAqwVQd3BzDsZyAfp3BvFqVt8LsKzAFr4GsxMMQF6gxuB1j5K6qfVPLJ3bc1q-ZleBQZcHbPKCOqfo3zizAVPFEommERM1MGnOI/s4032/origami1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCyVhp56a2vflfItwUlqnUtNTddVi37OBSxe0dFTmGSAqwVQd3BzDsZyAfp3BvFqVt8LsKzAFr4GsxMMQF6gxuB1j5K6qfVPLJ3bc1q-ZleBQZcHbPKCOqfo3zizAVPFEommERM1MGnOI/w480-h640/origami1.jpeg" width="480" /></a></font></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"> Center lining over the main fabric with right sides facing.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUaQcSixWX1EZNSzJd9bG7kfQYzKMxM4FUv9pvU1YN_h0CD9-vS2TqFI9ODQm_hSd40sV-KneYIPCUjr1JqSroQQVDA2NFsVCxyYA8Fzh9b_dpqH4ufDtqDN8lWq533vPCXvyYeqNUfkC/s4032/origami2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUaQcSixWX1EZNSzJd9bG7kfQYzKMxM4FUv9pvU1YN_h0CD9-vS2TqFI9ODQm_hSd40sV-KneYIPCUjr1JqSroQQVDA2NFsVCxyYA8Fzh9b_dpqH4ufDtqDN8lWq533vPCXvyYeqNUfkC/w480-h640/origami2.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Flip both pieces over and fold excess from main fabric back over itself. Press folds.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xPipfxwLhs-MdPvFcdX5suPLuwVvtDzTg3Muc_CJoTrDpqc5COkGz3JS8tMPBBCZf4P5ifLqEpkZgBgxJz8hwH8OFfVaFS0UO07oV2_Zzxos2VO7IBW7hVRNugV3teWzhhL4RR4mfzuG/s4032/Origami+3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xPipfxwLhs-MdPvFcdX5suPLuwVvtDzTg3Muc_CJoTrDpqc5COkGz3JS8tMPBBCZf4P5ifLqEpkZgBgxJz8hwH8OFfVaFS0UO07oV2_Zzxos2VO7IBW7hVRNugV3teWzhhL4RR4mfzuG/w480-h640/Origami+3.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"> Mark 2” in on each corner (1.75" for child size).</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBzFuqF9SJ7gWlubDyA_fA6jz_KW0CoYTmQwflE0wfRP420S4y2A1PPZtVKOeInhxE9fIgCx4d9aFz1RqSNcp9o5LvKiuDDBGDI9D80kI7Cq9kqczkzARa3NLp1SUpPApKezaO-7nNSQM/s4032/origami+4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBzFuqF9SJ7gWlubDyA_fA6jz_KW0CoYTmQwflE0wfRP420S4y2A1PPZtVKOeInhxE9fIgCx4d9aFz1RqSNcp9o5LvKiuDDBGDI9D80kI7Cq9kqczkzARa3NLp1SUpPApKezaO-7nNSQM/w480-h640/origami+4.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"> Cut corner triangles off.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78BKgevU3wGzivTrtJ7tToUK8uzP0lmzErWDL_j_SpegEw5AaCaM-bKKYGNRwxusMsiiNICBZzsXOrGgp5lqO2MMYXDfM9Z864oB1gvyezA14qmecbsa80JQ1aL9pLDR5f4tzaOWOUWmR/s4032/origami+5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78BKgevU3wGzivTrtJ7tToUK8uzP0lmzErWDL_j_SpegEw5AaCaM-bKKYGNRwxusMsiiNICBZzsXOrGgp5lqO2MMYXDfM9Z864oB1gvyezA14qmecbsa80JQ1aL9pLDR5f4tzaOWOUWmR/w480-h640/origami+5.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Unfold excess sides of main fabric and snip the little triangles off.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08VFP7n2_TFvmsye9NGtyFsR8XLgJaqq2hsEN58u17V6HhsnVP2QIhz0jumgILadS3_S9qsoqSnnzxLsB6rCW3amoQ-i1BIKStMBKogMbVJoO6BM4ZLLZXY7x7glkBNKR6nIztzAINWpJ/s4032/Origami+6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08VFP7n2_TFvmsye9NGtyFsR8XLgJaqq2hsEN58u17V6HhsnVP2QIhz0jumgILadS3_S9qsoqSnnzxLsB6rCW3amoQ-i1BIKStMBKogMbVJoO6BM4ZLLZXY7x7glkBNKR6nIztzAINWpJ/w480-h640/Origami+6.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">After cutting out fabric...</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">With right sides together, using a 3/8” seam allowance (1/4" for child size), stitch corner, top, corner and corner, bottom, corner; leaving sides open.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHijDc3vuzLIfZl7lwjVFuIJeZmHl6NFwVPILs3n5EinxytEM8f9IKC29uCJjQojUgogFRd003gmcoAUfEGHND7QwuYjjZy17MtRjH_vfwcHGUbbZNXkkmHfLcQuui8nIMUIRJQXvRkltt/s4032/origami+7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHijDc3vuzLIfZl7lwjVFuIJeZmHl6NFwVPILs3n5EinxytEM8f9IKC29uCJjQojUgogFRd003gmcoAUfEGHND7QwuYjjZy17MtRjH_vfwcHGUbbZNXkkmHfLcQuui8nIMUIRJQXvRkltt/w480-h640/origami+7.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia">Turn right sides out through one of the sides and press. I let the casing fabric form angled edges.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSXwuZ6Tsfz_BUCNcSLxIoUw0H9mIwQzM6eQLIJUbrNwOuH2Tx0_76tvlmA8-ZjCYYDPcYhF6d3PX0Ah-_u40-p2yCzKZPwehy17IvirkX9HLeOeBcqPMlmbI0umwfDO0Vc1CMLQuyVIa/s4032/Origami+8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSXwuZ6Tsfz_BUCNcSLxIoUw0H9mIwQzM6eQLIJUbrNwOuH2Tx0_76tvlmA8-ZjCYYDPcYhF6d3PX0Ah-_u40-p2yCzKZPwehy17IvirkX9HLeOeBcqPMlmbI0umwfDO0Vc1CMLQuyVIa/w480-h640/Origami+8.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia">Top stitch corner, top, corner and corner, bottom, corner (this step is optional and gives the mask a more finished look, but it works fine without it).</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36sruiIW3Vl7KNfys2rLdMUNhXMznWT5t-GqXTwb0Ax5nT4rnYCDKfv3-Iehhh8s0vYQhpuF5Rxd_8Zds1ZtIShEz8Rd8RTQ1UsYvANHZ4aYXe91tgqqVQ2sBiiiJWKq8U1sgJWOOoWSE/s4032/origami9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36sruiIW3Vl7KNfys2rLdMUNhXMznWT5t-GqXTwb0Ax5nT4rnYCDKfv3-Iehhh8s0vYQhpuF5Rxd_8Zds1ZtIShEz8Rd8RTQ1UsYvANHZ4aYXe91tgqqVQ2sBiiiJWKq8U1sgJWOOoWSE/w480-h640/origami9.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia">Note: if you would like to add a nose wire, now is the time to do it. Simply mark where the nose wire will be placed, sew 2 sides of a 3 sided channel. Keeping needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot up and, through the side of the mask closest to you, insert the nose wire in the channel. Lower presser foot and complete 3rd side of the nose wire channel. (I'm hoping to add pictures of this step soon!)</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia">Evenly fold top and bottom to the center. It should be 3” tall (2.5" tall for child size).</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76atN7upiJIP4zUfpPcDy19Xe8ahjajcXWZz8CsMc53Bzo-NmUvnBl0JUIq-YG9D0e9pmSOhuzr2TNBrg46R4kV8o5rJOTLlLx3eEY75xdP98kScQ3iKSZd4kIxQD2gCn6vbf_s8RRPbt/s4032/origami10.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76atN7upiJIP4zUfpPcDy19Xe8ahjajcXWZz8CsMc53Bzo-NmUvnBl0JUIq-YG9D0e9pmSOhuzr2TNBrg46R4kV8o5rJOTLlLx3eEY75xdP98kScQ3iKSZd4kIxQD2gCn6vbf_s8RRPbt/w480-h640/origami10.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Measure 7” in the center and mark for sewing (6.5" for child size). Then, sew the flaps in place by sewing a rectangle (3”x 7”) in the middle of the mask (2.5" x 6.5" for child size). The rectangle secures the flaps in place while also top stitching the main part of the mask.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOalJa7-6OJY0cgFOMgvvuhij4GsvYhM9_BYn8E2g5V41jTrLFbASP_kv_AsfvW7gWGlJjmbiRhahU7WU0pFsyHu8bOiOPkHYwjeL4nBOxGgFl8uNMq8EAs9MSkT0EptfN0ugMhmC_EkCz/s4032/origami11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOalJa7-6OJY0cgFOMgvvuhij4GsvYhM9_BYn8E2g5V41jTrLFbASP_kv_AsfvW7gWGlJjmbiRhahU7WU0pFsyHu8bOiOPkHYwjeL4nBOxGgFl8uNMq8EAs9MSkT0EptfN0ugMhmC_EkCz/w480-h640/origami11.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia">Place t-shirt tie as shown.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-qfwVzJXksyx2zFlcgYRN7M5dfgzIf5tgNwcIE2Z47X9jQ9SDkZTSRDYkvq3z3KKf4f4tS6uUOpZsn-e3UAHhNg1bIxAVd2mOzYOD7oGUi_OuJAVbKLRVqX0Vwi9BrrWTpHRGATWkf_b/s4032/origami12.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-qfwVzJXksyx2zFlcgYRN7M5dfgzIf5tgNwcIE2Z47X9jQ9SDkZTSRDYkvq3z3KKf4f4tS6uUOpZsn-e3UAHhNg1bIxAVd2mOzYOD7oGUi_OuJAVbKLRVqX0Vwi9BrrWTpHRGATWkf_b/w480-h640/origami12.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Fold edge over tie.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ENY_hoWgzgclc-LdVmd6yymDTQv9QxxVg25gsn8jc8uOyF52CKc5ewjEYBztYWyb4KockFkJ52tTJN4gO9tG5znq2jyn9BVGdnZB-FiPwtkjk7zQcJFdKI9-bl55jBDFJUmclOAL24Wt/s4032/origami13.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ENY_hoWgzgclc-LdVmd6yymDTQv9QxxVg25gsn8jc8uOyF52CKc5ewjEYBztYWyb4KockFkJ52tTJN4gO9tG5znq2jyn9BVGdnZB-FiPwtkjk7zQcJFdKI9-bl55jBDFJUmclOAL24Wt/w480-h640/origami13.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Fold over again to create casing and pin in place.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoMynBvG-puCIwLHoWkH4NpGGwzC2ybsy37aklERkaef2TRdDiDTV37wiw0j3R-8NZgHlGT6nD4kW7SzMP461eESGUi9lU0xP5CVG-lu1S1RkRmZoQZaLJt0RD_aWLELswJ3QppxNgLOv/s4032/origami14.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoMynBvG-puCIwLHoWkH4NpGGwzC2ybsy37aklERkaef2TRdDiDTV37wiw0j3R-8NZgHlGT6nD4kW7SzMP461eESGUi9lU0xP5CVG-lu1S1RkRmZoQZaLJt0RD_aWLELswJ3QppxNgLOv/w480-h640/origami14.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Stitch casing closed, catching the tie in the seam.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl8jb05Gy3gsIdZsspLYT2UHQOFcLUgeqnixTPiyAE64hXfz1VCaIQcrfxSsesVq4aIMdsTkbK8mWomrP9lddD-Dzbwc3jXXDaduHjVOxwDHey9mAL5ZofXM7sY4376V-fvxWw8_PJd1F/s4032/origami15.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl8jb05Gy3gsIdZsspLYT2UHQOFcLUgeqnixTPiyAE64hXfz1VCaIQcrfxSsesVq4aIMdsTkbK8mWomrP9lddD-Dzbwc3jXXDaduHjVOxwDHey9mAL5ZofXM7sY4376V-fvxWw8_PJd1F/w300-h400/origami15.jpeg" width="300" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"> Using a tapestry needle, thread ties through casing. If you don't have a tapestry needle, you can use a safety pin.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAeVcXuvC2CrtqFPXIBgaI3xddEtuH8YBe6gkroF3kPkeZ1FinVTdKRbyP4vSzndxj6uQMMHMvthuU1iHS0Afdg_rHzUdlB3U71LMsVyAnuCL-F9zrfkC_1y6zveVQkJTmb648BCPCo2W/s4032/origami16.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAeVcXuvC2CrtqFPXIBgaI3xddEtuH8YBe6gkroF3kPkeZ1FinVTdKRbyP4vSzndxj6uQMMHMvthuU1iHS0Afdg_rHzUdlB3U71LMsVyAnuCL-F9zrfkC_1y6zveVQkJTmb648BCPCo2W/w300-h400/origami16.jpeg" width="300" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0czfwwpWcowEYZEAAqtwCMkjFBzOAYX1Gs1V3zXEpqgR0iTy4B4w3rqOVFGwQmk5XTT2TdPyovnH0_2J3gThYfFg4tzYzqL_SJ6Zgtd5CjuQIc7-ojCVyjuXCPhbOxX_dqcwvWzBPNAj/s4032/origami17.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix0czfwwpWcowEYZEAAqtwCMkjFBzOAYX1Gs1V3zXEpqgR0iTy4B4w3rqOVFGwQmk5XTT2TdPyovnH0_2J3gThYfFg4tzYzqL_SJ6Zgtd5CjuQIc7-ojCVyjuXCPhbOxX_dqcwvWzBPNAj/w300-h400/origami17.jpeg" width="300" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Tie a knot in the end of each tie.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHxV0L-jNiza2fFbiWRW2j-Pfock4pp02Tb9lY-6XFTMMFHfxncsGdd_utlhPY-2-8pf8DDHDRGDJemQsn9u9CohitJ62aLE6v5a1axVLzRyc3TQIXRcGv5tbfxmKhz_WwplnrHhjMRzn/s4032/origami+18.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHxV0L-jNiza2fFbiWRW2j-Pfock4pp02Tb9lY-6XFTMMFHfxncsGdd_utlhPY-2-8pf8DDHDRGDJemQsn9u9CohitJ62aLE6v5a1axVLzRyc3TQIXRcGv5tbfxmKhz_WwplnrHhjMRzn/w480-h640/origami+18.jpeg" width="480" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">Iron the flaps down on the mask.</font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_9oDz-YKE3o6daay7yM5by9_3IMLEP0qAwuFN5nQr6v9pI-fFdg9NTid_vIPCdoBOkLhyphenhyphenP7EcAYHd1bWVKnSHHzGxeJ5k9YMnVf8i7yQxPMS9MFPjEvg0kownMfBuQZPUL-UxGARedY8/s3038/origami19.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="3038" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_9oDz-YKE3o6daay7yM5by9_3IMLEP0qAwuFN5nQr6v9pI-fFdg9NTid_vIPCdoBOkLhyphenhyphenP7EcAYHd1bWVKnSHHzGxeJ5k9YMnVf8i7yQxPMS9MFPjEvg0kownMfBuQZPUL-UxGARedY8/w395-h400/origami19.jpeg" width="395" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgp5HbU_g9_TeTPbA6EigHw-6rlGD1mcuQyzIU9G1g-4A_iENIsve9HZIXXytgfMsdxWfISpKs_ypd7Fm3tQ2yFJsb5K7KNBYEYwSeME2Ttn5odihUh4fCBN10U98UsWAZwHBq3ANvJrE/s4032/origami20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="georgia"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgp5HbU_g9_TeTPbA6EigHw-6rlGD1mcuQyzIU9G1g-4A_iENIsve9HZIXXytgfMsdxWfISpKs_ypd7Fm3tQ2yFJsb5K7KNBYEYwSeME2Ttn5odihUh4fCBN10U98UsWAZwHBq3ANvJrE/w300-h400/origami20.jpeg" width="300" /></font></a></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font face="georgia">You can fold it like this and pop it in your back pocket:</font></p></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPnB_e3kxseVw6sAGX2trID-hYWdyh-ikK22s_s5wlF4bBVGMO7kMw82x7JPaRRlumfjUNiUIs0k71v37-MZOo1dA5x6sZ_NIl61inT_Io08IDEgAINoHjTXg3Ub6t_9EfHW2Z0-t-JEL/s4032/origami21.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPnB_e3kxseVw6sAGX2trID-hYWdyh-ikK22s_s5wlF4bBVGMO7kMw82x7JPaRRlumfjUNiUIs0k71v37-MZOo1dA5x6sZ_NIl61inT_Io08IDEgAINoHjTXg3Ub6t_9EfHW2Z0-t-JEL/s320/origami21.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-71410373590361209752018-10-20T15:40:00.004-07:002018-10-20T15:40:40.275-07:00Getting creative after a long break!In July I decided I wanted to make a new quilt. It feels like I haven't done anything very creative in a long time and I am ready! I designed the quilt I wanted to make and just kept avoiding getting started because it didn't feel right. Then, I decided I'd just do an improv quilt and see what happens. I remember that two years ago I purchased "The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters: A Guide to Creating, Quilting & Living Courageously" by Sherri Lynn Wood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2MPhCYqQHBM7jNbn2P7CeZYri1IesgRfYJzObWdVQXbsZnfLYN-SLhUTnJyqBEoOBfweeQ6mFnMvtaeuJ7MW88Y7ysCpw64tg0C8DYQ4W4wZ5M4z44pp3RgsO2eqYG7750FuLuzP6Q9r/s1600/IMG_2739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2MPhCYqQHBM7jNbn2P7CeZYri1IesgRfYJzObWdVQXbsZnfLYN-SLhUTnJyqBEoOBfweeQ6mFnMvtaeuJ7MW88Y7ysCpw64tg0C8DYQ4W4wZ5M4z44pp3RgsO2eqYG7750FuLuzP6Q9r/s400/IMG_2739.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I started flipping through the book but I WAS NOT going to follow the directions...no way! I just wanted ideas to get me started. Buuuutttt...then....I decided to actually start to read the book and thought, "why not give it a try?" Maybe a little structure would help my creativity! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWERDXfyvehbdSl9gzZlaJqnIr-bFTq1gXDm99dEQo7_IU7GQfqqwMK12Mqx9b9ocSlLBZuQGSguK26TnRT5rf9IaT1rHzX1DYit90lVpX7ZrtwYmrIXQa4SXL-GiFEWQGk901b9okE8HC/s1600/IMG_2742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1588" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWERDXfyvehbdSl9gzZlaJqnIr-bFTq1gXDm99dEQo7_IU7GQfqqwMK12Mqx9b9ocSlLBZuQGSguK26TnRT5rf9IaT1rHzX1DYit90lVpX7ZrtwYmrIXQa4SXL-GiFEWQGk901b9okE8HC/s320/IMG_2742.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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So, I'm starting with Score #1 Floating Squares. I started with red and a denim linen and my daughter asked me if it was going to be all red or in rainbow colors. Rainbow colors, of course! (Though, I do want to do a monochromatic quilt soon, too.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_dgjp67pJVKLjFbT0a-CpY6DKW5nXo-CpP8ekFTtO4PMfDj7SwG6km2Z4v9PU-chBDuax-bcXBC11j6p9nrGRWrOvMxB9APpk0ANJ8qV7UpgpWVZjYPtS6uldeebOn9_6pT-Y5UM9_M1/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_dgjp67pJVKLjFbT0a-CpY6DKW5nXo-CpP8ekFTtO4PMfDj7SwG6km2Z4v9PU-chBDuax-bcXBC11j6p9nrGRWrOvMxB9APpk0ANJ8qV7UpgpWVZjYPtS6uldeebOn9_6pT-Y5UM9_M1/s320/IMG_2747.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzHWJp_X6uzB2ZGloKv1qIjbqfp6EqxVYVRx7BgFlvjucIKN8iWWRaPyOT_0mQxV7U3YJvXjUBDiGVxOOITUG5lQg7SRmNOpGb_gy3kqq4AqDd1xlKV_qdvg73qIb6vbzFfVIQ2WOZEDY/s1600/IMG_2743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzHWJp_X6uzB2ZGloKv1qIjbqfp6EqxVYVRx7BgFlvjucIKN8iWWRaPyOT_0mQxV7U3YJvXjUBDiGVxOOITUG5lQg7SRmNOpGb_gy3kqq4AqDd1xlKV_qdvg73qIb6vbzFfVIQ2WOZEDY/s320/IMG_2743.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I got started today and time flew! In fact....I gotta run or I'll be late to church tonight!Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-69412678758994147782016-04-27T09:56:00.000-07:002016-12-20T08:29:17.496-08:00The Gift of Growth<span style="font-size: large;">I learned to sew when I was 18. My mom bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and I never looked back. I think of some of my early projects and chuckle. They were full of mistakes, but I was always so proud of them. There was no way to learn and perfect my craft without mistakes. I've been sewing now for 27 years and I can still learn and grow. I still make mistakes. No matter what it is we are learning, we will make mistakes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, why, when it comes to parenting, do we expect ourselves to be perfect from the start? I suppose it's because our mistakes affect these little people that we love more than life itself. But, I've been thinking about the gift we give our kids when we let them see our growth. When we screw up, especially in our relationship with them, we can try to hide it or acknowledge the mistake and choose growth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I've grown as a sewist, I've learned what works for me. I've found the fabrics I love. I know how to read a pattern. I know when to ask for help. I know the nuances of my sewing machine. And still, there is so much more to learn!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's similar to my parenting journey. I've learned that there is no one parenting book that has all of the answers. There is no one right way since we are all so individual. God chose me to be my kids' mom. When I mess up, acknowledge it and choose to grow, I think God smiles at me and says, "Good job! You are showing them how to embrace growth!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's time to let go of perfection, do the best we can and when we do mess up, be vulnerable with our kids and give them the gift of getting a close up view of how to do growth.</span>Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-33606713527398097442016-04-16T09:19:00.002-07:002016-04-16T09:40:11.170-07:00I get to be their mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44UndHS4uoJOgn7oEJkfxzV9nYSSe1djZomt-vKZgIXpl3zyBApSzx5sc2SWKKBnmEdyIM9_06H48lY-oSbEkQ0530zrOnjej97-0rDpy0VYByGR71zdS5O5jLYJeLRxryHrBUrxTiYAU/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44UndHS4uoJOgn7oEJkfxzV9nYSSe1djZomt-vKZgIXpl3zyBApSzx5sc2SWKKBnmEdyIM9_06H48lY-oSbEkQ0530zrOnjej97-0rDpy0VYByGR71zdS5O5jLYJeLRxryHrBUrxTiYAU/s640/kids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Saturday morning and our oldest has just left for an early shift at his job at In N Out. Our younger son is asleep, and will stay that way for a few more hours. Our daughter is watching TV on her tablet in her room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a trip to the store this morning, I sat down for a second cup of coffee and an overwhelming sense of gratitude came over me. I get to be their mom. And, Doug gets to be their dad.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08c6nXLKI73ASsMgGYfE-9J2bqD-TSaBdztjprad-diNFviUGGwdyIAEMF8ZpI3Zll4NSZIIC4WXxgeMZpvwpghffROt8Ujuofypy1hYHwSL-ESIUpiIIoPGreUmNFMm1qSF6ma__Xp9u/s1600/dougandkids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08c6nXLKI73ASsMgGYfE-9J2bqD-TSaBdztjprad-diNFviUGGwdyIAEMF8ZpI3Zll4NSZIIC4WXxgeMZpvwpghffROt8Ujuofypy1hYHwSL-ESIUpiIIoPGreUmNFMm1qSF6ma__Xp9u/s400/dougandkids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I write this, Jackson is 19. Nathan is almost 18. And, Gianna is 12. They are at such a fun age. I've felt this way at every age. As they grow, more of who they are is revealed and Doug and I get to watch from the best seats in the house. It is fun to see them....be...to see them be and embrace and walk out whom God created them to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Thursday I got to watch Jackson trade Pokemon cards with a group of kids who seemed to be around 7 years old. He may as well have been hanging out with a group of friends. It was so easy for him to be kind to and even enjoy these younger people. I got to see that and chuckle with him later about how cute they were. I got to enjoy the moment again when I told Doug about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After spending weeks looking for just the right one, Gianna ordered a swimsuit online that arrived in the mail yesterday. It fit! She liked it! I got to celebrate with her. Then, I got to celebrate with her and Doug when she showed it to her Dad when he got home from work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nathan has been trying to get his schedule at work adjusted so he isn't working so much. This has involved him having some not so comfortable conversations with his boss. At age 17, he has dealt with conflict with courage. Doug and I get to be in awe of his maturity together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These days, parenting feels easier. It seems like the really hard work of parenting is more behind than ahead of us. You always hear how quickly it goes by...the time that you get the best seats in the house. It really does. But, it is as it should be and I get to bask in the deep sense of gratitude that comes from getting to be their mom. If I could give one piece of advice to moms who are early on in their journey of motherhood, it would be to not worry so much about your kids' accomplishments...what they do...and focus on your relationship with them and who they are.</span><br />
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Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-8654736952028015372013-11-07T09:39:00.003-08:002013-11-07T09:39:36.830-08:00Herringbone Mason Jar Cozy {Tutorial}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4rWUcpZboOkYkBHg1HdKWO-brSUy5fK1TSvBGH4GMxysdHnvCZ1LXeEE1DR8AME4OkgM7oE9JsceJte28ZxJw3cSEVPWEpgy_NhfiA_JaNBYPkEdHCOlPGFbieCgk8LqdM0TZBd36X-y/s1600/herringbonecozy16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4rWUcpZboOkYkBHg1HdKWO-brSUy5fK1TSvBGH4GMxysdHnvCZ1LXeEE1DR8AME4OkgM7oE9JsceJte28ZxJw3cSEVPWEpgy_NhfiA_JaNBYPkEdHCOlPGFbieCgk8LqdM0TZBd36X-y/s400/herringbonecozy16.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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I am sorta done with chevron stripes, but I still LOVE herringbone! I was involved in a fall gift exchange and wanted to send a gift that I loved, but that I also thought my friend would love. Her favorite color is orange and she loves bright colors. <br />
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I discovered <a href="http://www.cuppow.com/" target="_blank">Cuppow</a> mason jar drinking lids a while ago and my whole family loves them. And...they come in <a href="http://www.cuppow.com/collections/cuppow-jar-drinking-lids/products/original-cuppow-wide-orange" target="_blank">orange</a>! The lids can be used with hot or cold drinks. And, either way, the mason jar needs a cozy to keep hand from getting too hot or too cold.<br />
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I looked around for a mason jar cozy that I liked and couldn't find one, so I decided to design my own. I snapped a few photos so I could write this tutorial.<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/AVvXsEi4MeYVG1k0IrhPZz12kRW6B1lEc-UxdID_hP7qS4APJlCDvsPNJ96ugbzHFHybkaTZjfIqcxRP4NDBzdaZNM6mPkCakVb-2BQZYPkUYlkm_9Tt75rcohKCSLn64GRsoAWDWSL-M59ZjnXH/s1600/herringbonecozy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MeYVG1k0IrhPZz12kRW6B1lEc-UxdID_hP7qS4APJlCDvsPNJ96ugbzHFHybkaTZjfIqcxRP4NDBzdaZNM6mPkCakVb-2BQZYPkUYlkm_9Tt75rcohKCSLn64GRsoAWDWSL-M59ZjnXH/s400/herringbonecozy1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drawing the design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Herringbone Mason Jar Cozy {Tutorial} </span></div>
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Supplies:<br />
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- 1 piece of cotton fabric 12" x 4" for the inside of the cozy<br />
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- 2 pieces of cotton batting 12" x 2.25"<br />
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- 20 scraps of fabric (will be cut to 1.5" by approximately 4.5")<br />
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- 1 hair elastic<br />
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- 1 button<br />
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Directions:<br />
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{Note: You could easily make this without the herringbone design. In that case, you would just cut two pieces of fabric and one piece of batting 12"x4" and then follow the directions for putting the cozy together.}<br />
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For making the herringbone top, I followed <a href="http://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-herringbone-quilt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Maureen Cracknell's Herringbone Quilt Tutorial</a>, adjusting the size. (You will need to refer to her tutorial since I don't go into exact detail on how to sew herringbone strips to the batting.)<br />
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First, I cut my strips of cotton batting to 12" by 2.25":<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwWLg1n1sV7PiyUqAQQqhPrPCvpfw8nQyvz1B6gD7eBD9AgZkIT1Mp-CPuHvMptY3oXvgvhrrfFXpNZYWEv6o8p-SKpRnsqo35N7sb5V_cJBTFkUP_36tjoYZiCIh10rG9vYmpduwagem/s1600/herringbonecozy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwWLg1n1sV7PiyUqAQQqhPrPCvpfw8nQyvz1B6gD7eBD9AgZkIT1Mp-CPuHvMptY3oXvgvhrrfFXpNZYWEv6o8p-SKpRnsqo35N7sb5V_cJBTFkUP_36tjoYZiCIh10rG9vYmpduwagem/s400/herringbonecozy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(I
currently don't have a rotary cutting board, so I've been using my
Pampered Chef cutting board! See, if you don't have the right tools, <strike>ruin</strike> use what you've got!) <br />
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Draw diagonal lines, 1 inch apart, onto each strip of batting:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAUsWyim5uyvFQmL62nzcjWLuE-mXTn_yr9VrU9QIxdH1NFzcMF_6bfwrlCEG2Py_02JAqTMqQ7s06eXJr6FBntEoHFsV18HKDYezPUDn4-tlyr2iIvS99jXJFsvZfKc5nM6Zx8v0DAdl/s1600/herringbonecozy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAUsWyim5uyvFQmL62nzcjWLuE-mXTn_yr9VrU9QIxdH1NFzcMF_6bfwrlCEG2Py_02JAqTMqQ7s06eXJr6FBntEoHFsV18HKDYezPUDn4-tlyr2iIvS99jXJFsvZfKc5nM6Zx8v0DAdl/s400/herringbonecozy3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GW_6FyBxGrxtuYqmYpr6w042YChufLEa87i3VQlA5MzkSmu7Y-tnGAaqUoZybtbj75frQzJzD5S89xliM-gQWXUNMdWiEG-EZGLZF4I1pMwtg94W-RHEphopL38I1kOZ-WaRsELW2bmz/s1600/herringbonecozy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GW_6FyBxGrxtuYqmYpr6w042YChufLEa87i3VQlA5MzkSmu7Y-tnGAaqUoZybtbj75frQzJzD5S89xliM-gQWXUNMdWiEG-EZGLZF4I1pMwtg94W-RHEphopL38I1kOZ-WaRsELW2bmz/s400/herringbonecozy4.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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Cut scraps of fabric into 1.5" x approximately 4.5" strips and lay them out in the order you want them:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yML0Bm9RiAWPeSHeJRO6vU9oOXEO99GhLyVaaIoAJPoQVWQFno2FrhdpkmWYq5dkdHiyGkBMGo0jWtqfX7APIJpbEldZCi3WaJWl5pbcHKcwgOKjNegZG6P11yA37yL_D1yt6yzlJ13q/s1600/herringbonecozy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yML0Bm9RiAWPeSHeJRO6vU9oOXEO99GhLyVaaIoAJPoQVWQFno2FrhdpkmWYq5dkdHiyGkBMGo0jWtqfX7APIJpbEldZCi3WaJWl5pbcHKcwgOKjNegZG6P11yA37yL_D1yt6yzlJ13q/s400/herringbonecozy5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Follow <a href="http://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-herringbone-quilt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Maureen's directions</a> for sewing the strips onto the batting in the herringbone pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9pOeOvnDwqXpkaR3aFnVzrt4jZ2zu53MRYKotSUNPp3xHqes4rz0paV1gFmX2QNPSK_5T2IM0YKrCnEtZmUOCM7VR2koqyIH080i7mBEDReIUgzoaL8Wo60kzgTEa5EJ-vVGFGKZtOaX/s1600/herringbonecozy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9pOeOvnDwqXpkaR3aFnVzrt4jZ2zu53MRYKotSUNPp3xHqes4rz0paV1gFmX2QNPSK_5T2IM0YKrCnEtZmUOCM7VR2koqyIH080i7mBEDReIUgzoaL8Wo60kzgTEa5EJ-vVGFGKZtOaX/s400/herringbonecozy6.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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Turn each half over and trim down to 12" by 2.25":<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak5MhNwV33DKOzViSWbJir2VSq4L0TacYzhmQbplL786NtcCfeRP1jdP876wWRtmulod5_cOhZfgcO0Ozt7NM9BvIj7b9hiIKWKU_38W_9WpWmBu54m0b3UOxPbW2cbE-k2slsRr7NKuP/s1600/herringbonecozy7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak5MhNwV33DKOzViSWbJir2VSq4L0TacYzhmQbplL786NtcCfeRP1jdP876wWRtmulod5_cOhZfgcO0Ozt7NM9BvIj7b9hiIKWKU_38W_9WpWmBu54m0b3UOxPbW2cbE-k2slsRr7NKuP/s400/herringbonecozy7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Sew the halves together at the center using a 1/4" seam and matching the herringbone seams:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5pEkcFfy-a8yTbMXw957hMGtIWuyhiBTYkvDipZJEuzonwHgLzCDWJLFp0cHy43E0ifg759ZC-90MeTCZzPXKQN7T__UZ_z3aspWGzxaTqaOY5jGivYuoVEqHWkxD2Aqm1Bd_WMDazF7/s1600/herringbonecozy8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5pEkcFfy-a8yTbMXw957hMGtIWuyhiBTYkvDipZJEuzonwHgLzCDWJLFp0cHy43E0ifg759ZC-90MeTCZzPXKQN7T__UZ_z3aspWGzxaTqaOY5jGivYuoVEqHWkxD2Aqm1Bd_WMDazF7/s400/herringbonecozy8.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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Assemble the herringbone front, the fabric back and the hair elastic:<br />
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Place the herringbone front on your table, batting side down and herringbone design up.<br />
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Put the hair elastic on top of one of the the short edges of the herringbone panel at the center seam.<br />
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Lay the fabric back, right side down on top of the herringbone panel
and hair elastic and pin together. (In this photo, it looks like the right side
of the orange fabric is up, but that's only because it is a solid kona
fabric with no "right" and "wrong" side.)<br />
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Starting at the short end with the hair elastic, sew around all 4 edges of the layers, leaving a 3" opening on one of the long sides for turning.<br />
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Snip the corners and turn right side out.<br />
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Iron the cozy, turning in the raw edges of the opening you used for turning the cozy right side out. <br />
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Top stitch all around the cozy, sewing the opening closed as you go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQfYKlLnvr2jEboVa9xIAokyBr2plUeKt4d6OxQmn0LjEhT2gO5QzbiqOoqHv5_ssG0jtYZI5JSG2Cjom10BC78tPOZfChP15yIu53d9DEC2C0lt6AdoD5ucmO8VdO_lnHPjIGAx4SnsS/s1600/herringbonecozy12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQfYKlLnvr2jEboVa9xIAokyBr2plUeKt4d6OxQmn0LjEhT2gO5QzbiqOoqHv5_ssG0jtYZI5JSG2Cjom10BC78tPOZfChP15yIu53d9DEC2C0lt6AdoD5ucmO8VdO_lnHPjIGAx4SnsS/s400/herringbonecozy12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wrap the cozy around your mason jar to determine where you want to place the button.<br />
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Using a disappearing ink fabric pen, mark where you will sew the button.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitD7zntdwtwonaqkFAwUl1GwEMkbQQDVIFa7nNTnK6CcHuBuNSR8U4YTRla_gjjmAVUzvYRzV779cnP917qy7zbz_euMXgbcn27BDxGBFnBy-yDp3CYQYTHYyufyDy6US8KDLWIphELXw0/s1600/herringbonecozy13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitD7zntdwtwonaqkFAwUl1GwEMkbQQDVIFa7nNTnK6CcHuBuNSR8U4YTRla_gjjmAVUzvYRzV779cnP917qy7zbz_euMXgbcn27BDxGBFnBy-yDp3CYQYTHYyufyDy6US8KDLWIphELXw0/s400/herringbonecozy13.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>
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Sew button on with a needle and matching thread.<br />
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And....voila! You've got yourself a herringbone mason jar cozy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKBjn9NcA0QfLrgmMvf6hKnhywpWJc5iWb5B2PirOakoJFpFDPFfhytYOUEU4zkWLxxeIpB8i2DsKKhXXjFe1FPt5XVPPRIgHhVnuOna2ku4R3y8rq7HxGq8QcGN08Fgx5mbRxgVTKF9b/s1600/herringbonecozy15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKBjn9NcA0QfLrgmMvf6hKnhywpWJc5iWb5B2PirOakoJFpFDPFfhytYOUEU4zkWLxxeIpB8i2DsKKhXXjFe1FPt5XVPPRIgHhVnuOna2ku4R3y8rq7HxGq8QcGN08Fgx5mbRxgVTKF9b/s400/herringbonecozy15.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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Let me know if anything is unclear or you have any questions!<br />
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Happy Sewing!<br />
Melissa Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-8353577165235274202013-10-24T10:21:00.001-07:002013-10-24T10:21:29.462-07:00Wool Dryer Balls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2GXwyHQO9m1HzuJMraR7rPdV6rPIfrLgoRglspPmC2mR873bW30M_QQew3CHPBvK6BLlNwf5BGDaldnjVlyQZyx5uj5RoCFH8T9V6vNbL0t-zkrGygx_RySapBfHsINvCdTOLPIZfqGk/s1600/dryerballs6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2GXwyHQO9m1HzuJMraR7rPdV6rPIfrLgoRglspPmC2mR873bW30M_QQew3CHPBvK6BLlNwf5BGDaldnjVlyQZyx5uj5RoCFH8T9V6vNbL0t-zkrGygx_RySapBfHsINvCdTOLPIZfqGk/s400/dryerballs6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This was one of the most fun projects I've completed in a while. These are wool dryer balls that you put in the dryer with your washed clothes and they are supposed to cut drying time and static by quite a bit! They are super easy and fun to make. <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/AVvXsEg13skyQKZdMnu5XxLA6I423UxCmB2rJxIrSQ4Os-whmAzP93e6ZnYxjhpRKCYTX3jlx9evbxqj-R3eWsfTCvlrNusuPAK9LHd-Wa2u1VvE6WOfXm8QxbmYp9QNH4syZqvmeKmzlTt8E8oQ/s1600/dryerballs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13skyQKZdMnu5XxLA6I423UxCmB2rJxIrSQ4Os-whmAzP93e6ZnYxjhpRKCYTX3jlx9evbxqj-R3eWsfTCvlrNusuPAK9LHd-Wa2u1VvE6WOfXm8QxbmYp9QNH4syZqvmeKmzlTt8E8oQ/s400/dryerballs1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black yarn balls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There are several tutorials out there, but basically, you wrap feltable wool yarn (not superwash) into balls, stick them in pantyhose or tights and wash and dry them a few times. Voila! Dryer balls!<br />
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I have a lot of black wool yarn, but wanted my balls colorful, so I used black wool for the middle then covered them with fun colored wool yarn. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLTfVuyN9iyqSI9ZvlCFIucqHlsea4f-j9SsThY3j_tatJap-3RdZuPPt0UQhZM1dvtacQRWk2yNDwP9zZA_919uwwto8manav36ZpX_e2l6Jo3ulLm_HVgRrodMTdOTvMo42XiasUH-z/s1600/dryerballs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLTfVuyN9iyqSI9ZvlCFIucqHlsea4f-j9SsThY3j_tatJap-3RdZuPPt0UQhZM1dvtacQRWk2yNDwP9zZA_919uwwto8manav36ZpX_e2l6Jo3ulLm_HVgRrodMTdOTvMo42XiasUH-z/s400/dryerballs2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black no more!</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEh-f-sYlWebf0MNOcYb1mYiIqZ7xWf9YOWAZoetx30yG5xtI9FPt4BKyptrqT4Suqd10APvLszgq3CpS84kwpdDAHAnfhdQ8bj1JM8RYPGpMLhd4wSTgPEsKOWTru26NFkBWUnC2tJ8bVTH/s1600/dryerballs5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f-sYlWebf0MNOcYb1mYiIqZ7xWf9YOWAZoetx30yG5xtI9FPt4BKyptrqT4Suqd10APvLszgq3CpS84kwpdDAHAnfhdQ8bj1JM8RYPGpMLhd4wSTgPEsKOWTru26NFkBWUnC2tJ8bVTH/s400/dryerballs5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrapped in tights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/AVvXsEj2YEEJcS7c81A3usz0h2nLur7oD8wtXcSvETtebDNIUxHGk7cn2lYy_KVpUbT08Qm_yITPvO6Bmy9rJf9gisTRdKGUM4xZeEkIV9ljBsGF5_VRtjEF4tdWxjSDQLv3OPIV3oiuiRfBqqrs/s1600/dryerballs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YEEJcS7c81A3usz0h2nLur7oD8wtXcSvETtebDNIUxHGk7cn2lYy_KVpUbT08Qm_yITPvO6Bmy9rJf9gisTRdKGUM4xZeEkIV9ljBsGF5_VRtjEF4tdWxjSDQLv3OPIV3oiuiRfBqqrs/s400/dryerballs7.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dryer Balls!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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They are so cool! We tossed them around for a while. Doug juggled them. Lucca wanted to play fetch with them. I think I need to make a basket full. They are way better than stress balls!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFrKT1127eGSNY9uQInyWUZU5Pij3VR3bDcmo7BA_2wW9vF-w8a2x3e9nzIj0gtmvfI58IVw2V2ZJcbAIkapWcdJUkQZP_iJcO6vYOf3Dh5r-gLIOb-F2pDqsNHQkHvJBc6tmF1f0QomQ/s1600/Lucca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFrKT1127eGSNY9uQInyWUZU5Pij3VR3bDcmo7BA_2wW9vF-w8a2x3e9nzIj0gtmvfI58IVw2V2ZJcbAIkapWcdJUkQZP_iJcO6vYOf3Dh5r-gLIOb-F2pDqsNHQkHvJBc6tmF1f0QomQ/s400/Lucca.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Sweet Pup, Lucca</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Have you ever made and/or used wool dryer balls? What do you think?Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-17574849140767327782013-10-08T10:38:00.002-07:002013-10-08T10:48:35.627-07:00Why I'm Passionate about Unschooling<div style="text-align: left;">
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am a very open person. I will talk about pretty much anything. I am emotional, opinionated and expressive. As Adrian Monk would say, "It's a gift....and a curse."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oddly, the topic I have been reluctant to blog about is unschooling: the style of homeschooling our family settled into after years of searching for the right fit. I've always gone against the grain. But, somehow, turning my nose at formal education feels...almost sacrilegious. When our homeschooling style comes up in conversation, I'm happy to discuss it, but broadcasting it to the world (ok, a very small, tiny, portion of the world) feels big to me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">But, when the opportunity to write an article "Why I'm Passionate about Unschooling" came up, I jumped at the chance. I consider it a coming out of sorts. Writing it was therapeutic and strengthened my confidence in our choice.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yesterday, the magazine arrived in the mail. I gotta say, I'm very excited to be in an <i>actual</i> magazine!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I would love to hear your feedback. I am happy to answer any questions you have about unschooling and our process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, here you go! My article in <a href="http://nche.com/greenhouse/issue/842/fall-2013" target="_blank">Greenhouse</a>, a publication of North Carolinians for Home Education. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why I’m Passionate About Unschooling</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="null" style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My name
is Melissa and I’m an unschooler. I will admit that I’m more
comfortable saying that now than I ever have been before. These days
nobody blinks at the idea of homeschooling. But, I usually get some
sort of reaction to telling people that we unschool. Sometimes, it’s
genuine curiosity (Really? What is unschooling?) Sometimes, it’s
confusion (How will your kids learn to speak if you don’t teach them
grammar?) Sometimes, it’s good-hearted teasing by family members who
think I’m just a little bit nuts (I think she even unschools her dogs!)
However it comes up, I’m always willing and happy to talk about it!<br />
<br />
There
are five in our family: my husband, Doug; me; our 17 year old son,
Jackson; our 15 year old son, Nathan; and our 9 year old daughter,
Gianna. We started homeschooling Jackson in kindergarten “just to see”
and have never looked back. The first few years, we followed a
curriculum. Actually, we were never very good at following a
curriculum, but the first few years, we tried.<br />
<br />
We started moving
toward unschooling after reading <i>Dumbing Us Down</i> by John Taylor Gatto.
It was great for me because it got me thinking about education beyond
the institution of school. After that I read a few books by John Holt.
I had never read books that so resounded with me. The idea of
unschooling really made sense to Doug, too. It was a gradual transition
toward unchooling. Letting go of formal academics is not easy when it
is all you’ve ever known. But, now, we are full-fledged unschoolers.<br />
<br />
There
are about as many different ways to unschool as there are families who
unschool. We focus mostly on interests, natural strengths and
relationships. More than just trying to encourage our kids to learn,
though, Doug and I model curiosity and daily learning. We mostly learn
just by living life: going for walks, watching TV, playing games,
having conversations with a wide variety of people, going places,
discussing ideas, going to the store, volunteering, looking at
magazines, hanging out with friends, listening to music, asking our dear
friend, Google, lots of questions, doing nothing, and yes, sometimes we
even learn by reading a book!</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="null" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
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I heard a fellow unschooler say
that when she is asked when they do school, her answer is, “always and
never.” I love that! Learning in our life isn’t compartmentalized at
all. We fundamentally trust that our kids will learn what they need to
know to function in life, and to be lifelong learners without coercion
from us, but with an open mind and a willingness to help them succeed.<br />
<br />
I
recently read this quote by Robert Brault and my heart leaped. Yes!
This is how I want to be with our kids! "Do not ask that your kids live
up to your expectations. Let your kids be who they are, and your
expectations will be in breathless pursuit." With that, let me tell you a
little about the kids that my expectations are pursuing.</span></span></span><br />
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Jackson,
17, is our oldest child. He is a kind, bright, devoted, funny, and
sometimes rigid guy who loves music, video games, Minecraft, physics and
astronomy. He is one of the most loyal and considerate people I know.
He has taken Latin with his best friends for the past four years. With
minimal preparation and a relatively small amount of formal academics
in his lifetime, Jackson passed the GED and has begun taking classes at
Grand Canyon University.</span></span></span><br />
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Nathan is 15. He is incredibly fun,
funny, and quick-witted, sensitive, creative and boisterous. Nathan is
amazing with people. I remember when he was about 8 or 9, a new family
had moved in next door. One afternoon he said to me, “Mom. I’ll be
right back. I’m going to go meet the new neighbors.” That’s just
Nathan. He also loves video games, Minecraft, music, Latin and Lego.
He is just as happy playing music with Jackson as he is playing “Spies”
with his younger sister.</span></span></span><br />
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Gianna, our 9 year old daughter, is
spirited, creative, shy, and has a laugh that is absolutely contagious.
Gianna chooses her friends very carefully. She has a great sense of
style. She loves learning about the U.S. presidents, animals
(especially baby animals) and China. Gianna is a spelling whiz and the
only one of our kids who has always been unschooled. She knows more
geography than I do!<br />
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I think the best thing unschooling has done
for our family is that it's taken the power struggle out of our day.
What has been so cool for me, personally, is seeing how learning really
can happen without coercion. Because they get to choose most of what
they do throughout the day, the kids are usually happy to help out or
change directions when I ask them to.</span></span></span><br />
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The way Doug and I see
things is that it is very important to help our kids know who they are
and what they are good at. We want them to love learning, know how to
think, know how to develop close relationships and to love and serve
God, be tolerant of others, etc., etc.<br />
<br />
We have discovered a lot
through our unschooling journey – a journey that we are still on. One
thing is that this lifestyle really works for us. I know it isn't for
everyone, just like I know homeschooling isn't for everyone. It works
very well with our parenting style. I have actually been amazed at how
much "school" stuff my kids have learned on their own or with my help,
but at their request. They remember just about everything they learn and
they do what they do well.<br />
<br />
I’m passionate about unschooling because it’s just who we are.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-35613300851794661222013-02-28T12:33:00.000-08:002013-02-28T12:33:04.573-08:00do. Good Stitches Wonky Star Blocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSyFkltUMfUBgvOFYz2qlPxhd-uUZ8SzwbEgSpiGTtBl2LLoF2Qb-IbfliaJZtZ4m-WmC5sU-nMbfMyqwr7ssM_oEvcjIOYV51KU7LK32IB01pdIUMsQ51-J5X5y2I-uvvXtM8e-K1Fhl/s1600/wonkystar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSyFkltUMfUBgvOFYz2qlPxhd-uUZ8SzwbEgSpiGTtBl2LLoF2Qb-IbfliaJZtZ4m-WmC5sU-nMbfMyqwr7ssM_oEvcjIOYV51KU7LK32IB01pdIUMsQ51-J5X5y2I-uvvXtM8e-K1Fhl/s400/wonkystar2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Louise at <a href="http://feelincrafty.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">I'm Feelin' Crafty</a> is the quilt designer/quilter for the Nurture Circle of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dogoodstitches/" target="_blank">do. Good Stitches</a> for our February quilt. </div>
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She came up with a great quilt idea...wonky stars!</div>
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(Louise has a thing for stars.)</div>
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I had so much fun making these blocks and I can't wait to see the finished quilt!</div>
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If you want to make a wonky star block, check out Louise's <a href="http://feelincrafty.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/a-wonky-star-quilt-block-tutorial/" target="_blank">tutorial here</a>!</div>
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Before making this block, I'd never made a star.</div>
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Do you have a favorite star quilt block?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYV8SOaR4X37FtBD4sI5DwnFSUsve76j6xuUihaSRHMwlGzxw-pK45egRMiCx2yAmAZM9FX1Xurbs0BWvutOYP7qyKYZ3dB0bzDOzp_mngKITMiEQctt51f2PM2VmF76EQSt37w7P7ip8/s1600/wonkystar7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYV8SOaR4X37FtBD4sI5DwnFSUsve76j6xuUihaSRHMwlGzxw-pK45egRMiCx2yAmAZM9FX1Xurbs0BWvutOYP7qyKYZ3dB0bzDOzp_mngKITMiEQctt51f2PM2VmF76EQSt37w7P7ip8/s320/wonkystar7.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Happy block making!</div>
Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-39544852683697046112013-02-26T13:32:00.001-08:002013-02-26T13:32:32.654-08:00Inspiration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BFMAUBOnwX3kGpVSThjibDeRwaEL0YRIr03XMXN8M3r7zgF0hvFXhfe77CN69k7Fztl-nXvfKX5sNckiUaTcPFHcYlv2seYeB1o_x513yiD-nR23uAQrCGCHPYSNXUCNy6pc1NTGIBRw/s1600/TulleDress5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BFMAUBOnwX3kGpVSThjibDeRwaEL0YRIr03XMXN8M3r7zgF0hvFXhfe77CN69k7Fztl-nXvfKX5sNckiUaTcPFHcYlv2seYeB1o_x513yiD-nR23uAQrCGCHPYSNXUCNy6pc1NTGIBRw/s400/TulleDress5.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I have so many doll ideas. There is a list on the wall of my studio (yeah, dining room) with lots and lots of ideas. Between filling doll orders, wanting to work on things other than dolls, and life, it's not often I get around to making something new for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygigidoll" target="_blank">My Gigi Dolls</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep7z_mx751dpEmIyHjhdnhwRloQ5j7joKa8fdM5nh1vND49pbpk7oHAFjSKPqLocmzDW2eKbuqBq8O4HRfvmXKDQFQhjECvgiQ-PDupjtRrd1WTl-JA0kWncqE3BavSds9SDrY4kfhlCQ/s1600/TulleDress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep7z_mx751dpEmIyHjhdnhwRloQ5j7joKa8fdM5nh1vND49pbpk7oHAFjSKPqLocmzDW2eKbuqBq8O4HRfvmXKDQFQhjECvgiQ-PDupjtRrd1WTl-JA0kWncqE3BavSds9SDrY4kfhlCQ/s400/TulleDress1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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So, these days, inspiration to make something new for the dolls comes from my customers! This dress turned out so cute! A woman ordered a doll and asked if I could make a dress for the doll based on a dress her niece wore. </div>
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I really hope she likes it. I LOVE it! </div>
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And, now it's in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygigidoll" target="_blank">My Gigi Doll Etsy shop</a>!</div>
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In your creative endeavors, what inspires you to actually create something new?</div>
<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-19852621754170406602013-02-21T07:43:00.000-08:002013-02-22T03:02:50.666-08:00Why I Give...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I give because it brings me joy and freedom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As an adult, I started out giving in a consistent way because that is what was modeled for me and I felt like it was the right thing to do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The irony is that the more I give the richer I feel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I began making My Gigi Dolls, I was at first surprised that I loved making them. I never would have expected that. Truly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, the real beauty came when I began giving them away...to a little girl with Down's Syndrome...to military kids....to hospitalized children. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I give a doll away, I am sending out a little bit of myself - my creativity, my time and my passion - with each doll with no strings attached. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love the feeling of sending a doll that has been purchased, too, but there is something a little magical in sending something out there to someone you've never met, in hopes that it will bring them a bit of joy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">In all honestly, I'm not an especially selfless person. Remember I said giving brings me joy and freedom? Yep. I get something out of it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I explained the joy I feel in giving, but what about freedom?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, the more I let go of things - not because I should, but because I want to - the freer and more satisfied I am with my life. The times I give when it is difficult for me are the times I am the most blessed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What prompted this post is that my family and I are in the process of downsizing from an 1800 sq ft, 4 bedroom, 2 car garage home to a 1472 sq ft, 3 bedroom, carport home. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, I couldn't be happier. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, I have a LOT to get rid of! At least a 2 car garage and full bedroom worth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I started out selling things. But, yesterday, I was given an unexpected gift of $110. I gave each of my kids $10 and when they asked me why, I told them that I wanted to bless them because I had been blessed. It was easy for me to part with $30 I hadn't been expecting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This morning, I thought: I'm going to give away all of the things I've been planning to sell. Because I've been blessed; because giving brings me joy and freedom; because I have what I need today; I will give with no strings attached. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And, I promise you, after I've given away what I no longer have room for, I will feel richer.</span></span></div>
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This is a more serious (and far less PRETTY) post than usual. And, harder to write, ya know? But, I felt like I needed to put it out there, whether anyone reads it or not.</div>
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Since you are reading it, I'd love to know: How has being generous impacted you?</div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-67193609828214554502013-02-19T13:16:00.002-08:002013-02-19T13:16:42.630-08:00do. Good Stitches Charity Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UoNu2ZpJ-HYDShBABnJbivIOkGtElqVpDDgbJ1y8c6mG0SMpMqhbEaFA0mxu8x_KeWEltQxfVV5RuD5czysg4fwEtJWjfyDOuEXGsw0xmmFE0C-BOlb1pwKinHF6Cr2wF9grhe0Qa9yg/s1600/NurtureHerringbone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UoNu2ZpJ-HYDShBABnJbivIOkGtElqVpDDgbJ1y8c6mG0SMpMqhbEaFA0mxu8x_KeWEltQxfVV5RuD5czysg4fwEtJWjfyDOuEXGsw0xmmFE0C-BOlb1pwKinHF6Cr2wF9grhe0Qa9yg/s400/NurtureHerringbone2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I've been excited to share about something new! </div>
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Last year I stumbled upon a great blog: <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/" target="_blank">Stitched In Color</a>. Rachel's blog is great. She has awesome tutorials and she is just fun to "listen" to. I noticed right away that she likes to give back - so much so that she created an online quilting bee called "do. Good Stitches". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7ahWyvbpwEaWcRI6PBpeRCO0zoR0BFzEhATTXu9eupfh7uHUGJSwR0E3s_SUSsGlJtyMu-LV4MslLjgyWU7opskd_BrlHsrWsBIwaSy7WW3XzeisH8lFc_1WLdwGD0clzpqKyRFwhN26/s1600/dogood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7ahWyvbpwEaWcRI6PBpeRCO0zoR0BFzEhATTXu9eupfh7uHUGJSwR0E3s_SUSsGlJtyMu-LV4MslLjgyWU7opskd_BrlHsrWsBIwaSy7WW3XzeisH8lFc_1WLdwGD0clzpqKyRFwhN26/s200/dogood.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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do. Good Stitches is a charity quilting bee that makes quilts for all kinds of people in need: foster kids, battered women, kids in need, sick people, and more. It is a beautiful thing to make something for someone in need. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfX5aRWWU2ECwxnIuRAnXB1W5uDwqh1K8X9b2uUjiLS_V4ziKfpC2KOIMDaMcvFOb9Kk0HwOTKfzE-y3v00cy2_XXhqNie2OXxttmTUo-MYDkuJ6d_CcQh1TcOM9WRXpd2FDwXeRmP2mm/s1600/NurtureHerringbone10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfX5aRWWU2ECwxnIuRAnXB1W5uDwqh1K8X9b2uUjiLS_V4ziKfpC2KOIMDaMcvFOb9Kk0HwOTKfzE-y3v00cy2_XXhqNie2OXxttmTUo-MYDkuJ6d_CcQh1TcOM9WRXpd2FDwXeRmP2mm/s400/NurtureHerringbone10.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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In December, I signed up to host a do. Good Stitches circle. Each circle has 10 members from all over the country. We are the Nurture Circle of do. Good Stitches. Our quilts go to <a href="http://www.mvob.org/Site/Welcome.html" target="_blank">My Very Own Blanket</a>, a charity that gives blankets to children in foster care. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhQDu1VQP0VhRKp-ovhyqb3H6g6MM0flzK2W0suLgV1-PHE9u6dDdxhGzQbppCXCYqIEHlQjQ8Wob1nAPKvW7u_ovytDJBl3FXVROVmFScBGob8RrK_RRzp7YwQnjrUlpSa5tYnABsp9h/s1600/NurtureHerringbone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhQDu1VQP0VhRKp-ovhyqb3H6g6MM0flzK2W0suLgV1-PHE9u6dDdxhGzQbppCXCYqIEHlQjQ8Wob1nAPKvW7u_ovytDJBl3FXVROVmFScBGob8RrK_RRzp7YwQnjrUlpSa5tYnABsp9h/s400/NurtureHerringbone1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We started in January with a herringbone quilt! We followed Rachel's <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/2011/12/herringbone-block-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Herringbone Block Tutorial</a> using cool colors. The Nurture Circle members mailed me their blocks and I got to piece and quilt it. It was so fun to see all of the blocks as they came in! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsbUwiE6yt9S4mEJkDzdjPR8glw0ym26G0cMqfl4rfswkhr9CF4wV-0kLVnD864Jk-8t3_nSPHweaAwDq0UqSiHvFNSLO42-tCdwp8dmRULjqY3AUbdLwXtpzLdJX-EGlGCA8l672pD3t/s1600/NurtureHerringbone4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsbUwiE6yt9S4mEJkDzdjPR8glw0ym26G0cMqfl4rfswkhr9CF4wV-0kLVnD864Jk-8t3_nSPHweaAwDq0UqSiHvFNSLO42-tCdwp8dmRULjqY3AUbdLwXtpzLdJX-EGlGCA8l672pD3t/s400/NurtureHerringbone4.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I backed the quilt with Amy Butler Love Water Bouquet in Midnight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5peTOKVjiFwHxTKw0QLxIDl1Te85g__t_wzhfMx-J80L8RDDy9wyslV-vDEaSAhEHt2oC_T0HHbdkOeRvQbytZRX7u4Un6RO9ZQelb7QgzjoVzP_M_BDvLBqmCAvup8ZFvVKPjRiKyJKx/s1600/NurtureHerringbone9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5peTOKVjiFwHxTKw0QLxIDl1Te85g__t_wzhfMx-J80L8RDDy9wyslV-vDEaSAhEHt2oC_T0HHbdkOeRvQbytZRX7u4Un6RO9ZQelb7QgzjoVzP_M_BDvLBqmCAvup8ZFvVKPjRiKyJKx/s400/NurtureHerringbone9.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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One of the things that makes me the most happy is making things for other people. </div>
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Being a part of do. Good Stitches makes me happy.</div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-35708296783294818032013-02-14T16:26:00.000-08:002013-02-14T16:26:34.663-08:00 We're Becoming Minimalists!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2DUD91osRBYpGWj7mlgz1BwRivv8DVo4Xwaw3LOnlAxrZvtxNgPhFTzcdgEaOh5KcyVMUITmq02_UXGunNEOKqV1l563yFKzdA_haPN6Fq2Ed6ueapBX7hBkikG-LibqwBb3pl_JnALV/s1600/ChevronWrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2DUD91osRBYpGWj7mlgz1BwRivv8DVo4Xwaw3LOnlAxrZvtxNgPhFTzcdgEaOh5KcyVMUITmq02_UXGunNEOKqV1l563yFKzdA_haPN6Fq2Ed6ueapBX7hBkikG-LibqwBb3pl_JnALV/s400/ChevronWrapped.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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The past few weeks have been a whirlwind! We decided to move closer to Doug's work (Doug is my neat-o husband). We found a house and are moving...like soon!</div>
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I've been in de-cultter-get-loan-docs-together-de-clutter-get-tax-paperwork-together-de-clutter mode. </div>
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Did you see de-clutter in there? </div>
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Yes. It's true. We are becoming minimalists. Ok, that may be a stretch. But, we are definitely SIMPLIFYING! </div>
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When we moved into our current home over 5 years ago, I was so happy to be in an 1800 sq ft, 4 bedroom with a pool, single story home! I vowed never to have more than 2 toilets or stairs to clean EVER AGAIN. </div>
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So, when we found our new home, it was a bit tough to wrap my mind around 3 bedrooms in 1472 sq ft. With....get this...a carport. Yes, you read that right. A carport. A carport and a garage? Nope. Just a carport. </div>
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OK! I can do this. We are no longer going to be keep-the-box people. No sir. Those boxes are all going into the recycle bin. </div>
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3 bedrooms? Yep. The teenagers will be sharing a bedroom: something they haven't done since they were youngsters. One of them is less than thrilled with the upcoming arrangement (hint: the clean one), but is staying positive. </div>
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I've been de-cluttering like a madwoman. I am only keeping what I love or what I really need. </div>
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As a sewist, getting rid of fabric and WIP (Works In Progress) can be tough. But, I'm doing it. </div>
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Here is the first sewing project to go. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy2XQMuZEE8BlJ80ZebRrUAR5Nc_FqlG_8dtMYXEUbqYMejHYrkxC0usiO_wOPo27ryDSPxYIfB0ZNDv9SES7XUXMtKl1QSuMnvFcb0FHuAcHNkPvEDXN6-7DQyr2cXhTxXiKBoYCJBOd/s1600/chevron2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy2XQMuZEE8BlJ80ZebRrUAR5Nc_FqlG_8dtMYXEUbqYMejHYrkxC0usiO_wOPo27ryDSPxYIfB0ZNDv9SES7XUXMtKl1QSuMnvFcb0FHuAcHNkPvEDXN6-7DQyr2cXhTxXiKBoYCJBOd/s320/chevron2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is a chevron quilt top that I made and then didn't love. But, luckily, I found someone who does love it! </div>
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YAY! I can't wait to see the finished product.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAkc5nv0hsbNlGZioemGTWr1SK8ae_mbdEeiFF-tY5Tq9vTGLUnMIgKqkYHz6mQnwDww-j76WSBjAjAWi-we97JWoDE-chueusYSvG3m2h9Zm_ouRemjT7lYhoPF9zBX9mJMWOLC2d-oR/s1600/chevron1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAkc5nv0hsbNlGZioemGTWr1SK8ae_mbdEeiFF-tY5Tq9vTGLUnMIgKqkYHz6mQnwDww-j76WSBjAjAWi-we97JWoDE-chueusYSvG3m2h9Zm_ouRemjT7lYhoPF9zBX9mJMWOLC2d-oR/s320/chevron1.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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We are embarking on a new and simpler adventure. I'll blog about it as I can. I'm interested in how this will all turn out. Hopefully you are, too.</div>
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Wish me luck!</div>
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xo,<br />
Melissa</div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-31978843113554893422013-01-15T14:32:00.001-08:002013-01-15T14:32:53.060-08:00Back to the Drawing Board and a New Tutorial!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX59FBzB7JIXWseRxVdJbATSC3YZ7rOgqlEu2pDi47otZfNef7YcPWqfhpBuBK7X6qtDjqJgiNAGLiHw60LWRSU2exBnrz238aPnBoid8QyDyNi3kaSinTWvX7YYw6guwaYZC9FY2VAIN/s1600/uninspired8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX59FBzB7JIXWseRxVdJbATSC3YZ7rOgqlEu2pDi47otZfNef7YcPWqfhpBuBK7X6qtDjqJgiNAGLiHw60LWRSU2exBnrz238aPnBoid8QyDyNi3kaSinTWvX7YYw6guwaYZC9FY2VAIN/s640/uninspired8.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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You know how I wish things worked? </div>
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I come up with a great idea. </div>
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I try it out. </div>
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It turns out just right. </div>
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I take pictures and blog about it and everyone loves it.</div>
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(CHEER!)</div>
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You know how things usually actually work? </div>
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I get an idea. </div>
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I try it out. </div>
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Something needs to be fixed. </div>
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I fix it. </div>
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It still stinks.</div>
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I fix more. </div>
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Eventually (<i>hopefully</i>) it is exactly how I like it. </div>
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Or, I forget about the whole idea.</div>
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I have a bin full of dolls that I would ONLY show my closest friends. Seriously, they are <i>that</i> bad. </div>
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I also have a quilt top that I may never actually make into a quilt because I hate it.</div>
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When things don't work out how I imagine they will, it makes me feel so uninspired. Like looking out on the morning rain, ya know? </div>
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And when I knew I had to face another project</div>
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Lord, it made me feel so tired</div>
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(are you singing it?) </div>
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So, my GREAT idea last week was to make a pea pod baby doll. I actually think it might still be a great idea, it just needs some work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhebLv5qFqU96b5p8_3b5xvl8USRMY-XsdIjEjUGpFZCbMwrUUgDo_I0-L1LN1lhyphenhyphenPwqOuFtlScR1htUMG8sfkwaNP0hgzjRlmpnKR-Q6xWTb09Zth5WcN48544fAQ4-drjN6c63Bq2ZJZ/s1600/uninspired7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhebLv5qFqU96b5p8_3b5xvl8USRMY-XsdIjEjUGpFZCbMwrUUgDo_I0-L1LN1lhyphenhyphenPwqOuFtlScR1htUMG8sfkwaNP0hgzjRlmpnKR-Q6xWTb09Zth5WcN48544fAQ4-drjN6c63Bq2ZJZ/s400/uninspired7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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The reason I am posting about this today is because when things turn out really well, it is SO much fun to come blog about it. But, when they don't turn out well, they get ignored. I mean, who wants to take photos of a sucky project?</div>
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Ready to see the pea pod doll, take one? </div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lrqzmH05BIS2UUEB2NOLe-OUW37i2MyvU-_zPF2wnkmX_Xn_8hagnKg-dVyCDGA27AwC8mESYr-XSXA2-F59bRjHQUlXH9fGr49nhQJjGTJk44kkC7jyArxAFklnZ2KAxxysZTPJvvUJ/s1600/uninspired3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lrqzmH05BIS2UUEB2NOLe-OUW37i2MyvU-_zPF2wnkmX_Xn_8hagnKg-dVyCDGA27AwC8mESYr-XSXA2-F59bRjHQUlXH9fGr49nhQJjGTJk44kkC7jyArxAFklnZ2KAxxysZTPJvvUJ/s400/uninspired3.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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Stuffing her just was NOT working...grr...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f-dLH3PfGhl6VyNY2sHnLoDsPl3ieFM32ji6cJOaVq0-HvbqPo3xQyDNso3eoaGWEFsV9tWQ7xnljC9JpSvwkigeNQ8BjlTRAukDkc6TsQjYZtrc65lK-oDOilVtmJ_StcKiTP2JNM2j/s1600/uninspired2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f-dLH3PfGhl6VyNY2sHnLoDsPl3ieFM32ji6cJOaVq0-HvbqPo3xQyDNso3eoaGWEFsV9tWQ7xnljC9JpSvwkigeNQ8BjlTRAukDkc6TsQjYZtrc65lK-oDOilVtmJ_StcKiTP2JNM2j/s400/uninspired2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I think she needs an outer pod, not just the round peas on her belly, don't you?</div>
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I'd love to hear your suggestions!</div>
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One good thing about having a project flop is that it forces me find a way to get inspired. </div>
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And, you know what inspires me? </div>
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An organized sewing area! </div>
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<b>Before:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4IP_K6xTJ_0C9rjGbJqRxIh6LFOkWYTJaLl0emCsfK8s0TVBIUSyw4QI3zrywbb2Kayg59HYNiUVOO2HKwGN3zWwnwxte-02c_8nwoYFkr-PVIbcfoJYh8m7W3mWDXufV-BsUqH2YucV/s1600/uninspired1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4IP_K6xTJ_0C9rjGbJqRxIh6LFOkWYTJaLl0emCsfK8s0TVBIUSyw4QI3zrywbb2Kayg59HYNiUVOO2HKwGN3zWwnwxte-02c_8nwoYFkr-PVIbcfoJYh8m7W3mWDXufV-BsUqH2YucV/s400/uninspired1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>After:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSw1_Xd-1YlAbQ1MM_i2dYen86mUABWzWwGsWfbgWq7y1aK_zdJBJN5KUWYbuXm5bZ2eQ72F6iL_NVMbKjIO6BS_2rOEUUysruQn65y5_h0kE0QKYsxbyK1wurqcBNh-qLBWP7HxCdWeW/s1600/uninspired4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSw1_Xd-1YlAbQ1MM_i2dYen86mUABWzWwGsWfbgWq7y1aK_zdJBJN5KUWYbuXm5bZ2eQ72F6iL_NVMbKjIO6BS_2rOEUUysruQn65y5_h0kE0QKYsxbyK1wurqcBNh-qLBWP7HxCdWeW/s400/uninspired4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(CHEER!)</div>
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OH! I almost forgot! I wrote a new tutorial. </div>
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Check it out here: </div>
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<a href="http://melissalovescolor.blogspot.com/2013/01/easy-seed-stich-dishcloth-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Easy Seed Stitch Dishcloth {Tutorial}</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GJ2EOwduF7LcKCDE2yHCXzzi_42XuN8f_aIa7oSCt_xtCbnFN0ByNasOaKzB0PoUmL8YMzzXjfZFT7SLlaZR8BkxFz3Z3GpZO_kE0XRO6TawHdERjtCW1jQHETRBo6q4pxz88hQZlCqN/s1600/Seedstitchtutorial5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GJ2EOwduF7LcKCDE2yHCXzzi_42XuN8f_aIa7oSCt_xtCbnFN0ByNasOaKzB0PoUmL8YMzzXjfZFT7SLlaZR8BkxFz3Z3GpZO_kE0XRO6TawHdERjtCW1jQHETRBo6q4pxz88hQZlCqN/s400/Seedstitchtutorial5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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I'd love to hear about a project that just isn't (wasn't) working for you? </div>
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xo,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melissa </div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-86971924913441984592013-01-15T13:58:00.000-08:002013-01-15T13:58:07.914-08:00Easy Seed Stich Dishcloth {Tutorial}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUMcQQFXmPQbE4Zb9b_C3evO-pAbgvMojW5S4mNSEvCLrJDRllHdLjs9QmxEPKnkR-lCiUR0iAQnZEKMc7OaQbDDxUnoutoHGVZfh62O8N2UNwJzjklDK8HL3IsiJyjvwfpIXLAO8x3ex/s1600/Seedstitchtutorial5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUMcQQFXmPQbE4Zb9b_C3evO-pAbgvMojW5S4mNSEvCLrJDRllHdLjs9QmxEPKnkR-lCiUR0iAQnZEKMc7OaQbDDxUnoutoHGVZfh62O8N2UNwJzjklDK8HL3IsiJyjvwfpIXLAO8x3ex/s400/Seedstitchtutorial5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This will likely be the easiest tutorial I ever write. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7zVo3twHLzEuiCLRZFzJ5EhZoUAU6RNe3-pO3bmCsfSAEKZvk2-iH5rWiBmHbhJ0zuTm6MVHNlgiWFQrV4PPQwO9G2lS4VMrFF92AkOl_10EhUOKno_5JTvuO5e5LaQTNdJ_pTmwLirV/s1600/Seedstitchtutorial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7zVo3twHLzEuiCLRZFzJ5EhZoUAU6RNe3-pO3bmCsfSAEKZvk2-iH5rWiBmHbhJ0zuTm6MVHNlgiWFQrV4PPQwO9G2lS4VMrFF92AkOl_10EhUOKno_5JTvuO5e5LaQTNdJ_pTmwLirV/s400/Seedstitchtutorial1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most knitters could very easily figure this one out, but I kept forgetting how to make it and couldn't find a pattern, so I'm making one! Probably as much for me as for you. </div>
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Ready?</div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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- cotton yarn</div>
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- knitting needles in the size recommended on the yarn label</div>
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- tapestry needle for weaving in ends </div>
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A note about cotton yarn: I usually use sugar 'n cream or peaches 'n cream...the stuff you find at Michael's (and, of course, I always want to call it, "cookies 'n cream"). But, even more lovely to work with is Pima cotton. I found a nice one that comes in great colors at my LYS (local yarn shop). I also heard from a very reliable source (an online friend!), that <a href="http://www.yarn.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/E777BEE5-7D17-40FA-8DF3-79567E5A3E83/productID/E1102CF0-6CE4-46D2-8A29-FF92FBB6FDCD/" target="_blank">Hempathy</a> is wonderful for dishcloths!</div>
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Got your supplies? </div>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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Cast on 39 stitches (or any odd number)</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXKqQHYHmOHN5DAPv96VxwJEsNj9E1A655q6FqXzIMUweS1d0UkPlWf7xyxrBpE1gZPWkvcio2lGlowjoqHFEPNRyEHeTabQ18Iw5s7EACB4YsQbipz8pK-F9_eim5hc3UwdQwRhY6wIZ/s1600/Seedstitchtutorial2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXKqQHYHmOHN5DAPv96VxwJEsNj9E1A655q6FqXzIMUweS1d0UkPlWf7xyxrBpE1gZPWkvcio2lGlowjoqHFEPNRyEHeTabQ18Iw5s7EACB4YsQbipz8pK-F9_eim5hc3UwdQwRhY6wIZ/s400/Seedstitchtutorial2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All rows: k1, p1</div>
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Cast off when dishcloth is the size you want it to be and weave in ends</div>
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See? Wasn't that easy? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeHnkZCP6vJ-pel_wbe52y6hZJoMWjnCETtQVcS8HGwt3ATtdAezfffE5uJY96w_du745NFSqDCA2qjZpzwznSyEbdDjTI2ke6TI4heQblgj2B5QQ8bmQjUkWRytsKNOng-ALFqOb66Vm/s1600/Seedstitchtutorial3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeHnkZCP6vJ-pel_wbe52y6hZJoMWjnCETtQVcS8HGwt3ATtdAezfffE5uJY96w_du745NFSqDCA2qjZpzwznSyEbdDjTI2ke6TI4heQblgj2B5QQ8bmQjUkWRytsKNOng-ALFqOb66Vm/s400/Seedstitchtutorial3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let me know if you make any! </div>
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xo,</div>
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Melissa</div>
Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-71148269177548935192013-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:002013-01-08T13:30:44.077-08:00Meet Elizabeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLi5vOwA6gCdUdcVv1NiuU1WKj1R5Qm7jlxNpG1UaN8lHVLPI9zrRxmXaoD_KhJgMXX7OUPBYmN_0L4R80wfQSus-lXwAR3fjbmeDwWJ4sivPtn0od9XzJKbpZCdEuz1_1LaBJWYOfBfS/s1600/ElizabethModel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLi5vOwA6gCdUdcVv1NiuU1WKj1R5Qm7jlxNpG1UaN8lHVLPI9zrRxmXaoD_KhJgMXX7OUPBYmN_0L4R80wfQSus-lXwAR3fjbmeDwWJ4sivPtn0od9XzJKbpZCdEuz1_1LaBJWYOfBfS/s640/ElizabethModel2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Hey there and Happy New Year!</div>
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May I start out by saying that it is a lot of work to sew AND blog? Sewing is fun and exciting and I love to do it every day. Blogging is harder for me. I want to rush through it and just get to the project photos already! </div>
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This year, I want to make this blog have meaning and add value to the people who take the time to read it. I haven't quite figured out the how yet, but I'm hoping that my blog will add value to others this year. </div>
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And, that is as close as I am getting to making a New Year's Resolution.</div>
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I want to introduce you to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/118149379/handmade-cloth-doll-blonde-ballerina" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a> today. I listed her in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyGigiDoll?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">My Gigi Doll Etsy Shop</a> in December and I have been using her as my model today. </div>
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I am really drawn to this doll, and think I may keep her. </div>
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From the Etsy listing, here is Elizabeth's description, "Elizabeth is a giggly girl who loves to dance and romp through the
woods. She can get lost in her thoughts for hours while exploring
nature. A crown with leaves and flowers is the perfect accessory for
her. She is a true nature princess!" </div>
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Doesn't she should like fun? </div>
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I'll let you in on a little secret: Elizabeth is based on me as a little girl (my middle name is Elizabeth). Her hair should be a bit more messy, okay, a lot more messy, and she should have dirt smudged across her face, but besides those things, this doll is pretty close to me as a girl (YES, I had light blonde hair when I was little.) I actually seriously thought about adding a tiny smear of dirt to her face, but just couldn't do it. Models don't have dirty faces.</div>
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Hope you liked meeting Elizabeth!</div>
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Another thing I'd like to tell you about today is that I have something really fun coming to the shop soon: </div>
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Doll/Child felt crowns! </div>
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Not only do the doll crowns fit My Gigi Dolls, but they also fit American Girl dolls! You've already seen the crown on Elizabeth, but here is a sneak peek at the doll AND girl/boy crowns:</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by. </div>
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If you have a minute to leave a comment, I would love to hear what makes a blog valuable and meaningful to you. </div>
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xo,</div>
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Melissa</div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-44808024240545989192012-12-30T10:27:00.001-08:002013-01-03T08:44:12.596-08:00Gianna's Library Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWel4lO2DEr_YxoIwT8ZgV_g5DBz0JrmAkXxSikdoXcpK1O0yMrGNkhyphenhyphen89_teq2VmsyPbKg-cL2m6UPDTeGTdWgWtv9GQ5-5v7QWkJTSWb5uJeOJ34VDMIFdEauD8wv_Tu3I3pY9c_Gzr3/s1600/librarybookbag4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWel4lO2DEr_YxoIwT8ZgV_g5DBz0JrmAkXxSikdoXcpK1O0yMrGNkhyphenhyphen89_teq2VmsyPbKg-cL2m6UPDTeGTdWgWtv9GQ5-5v7QWkJTSWb5uJeOJ34VDMIFdEauD8wv_Tu3I3pY9c_Gzr3/s400/librarybookbag4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whoa. It's been almost 3 weeks since I last blogged.</div>
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That's really too long!</div>
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The good news is that I've got a LOT of fun projects to show off in the new year, and a lot of things I'll be working on in 2013!</div>
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Today I want to show you the library bag I made for my daughter's 9th
birthday. She will be so excited to head to the library with this bag
sporting her favorite insect - a ladybug! </div>
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I found the pattern in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Liberated-Meg-McElwee/dp/1596681616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356891282&sr=8-1&keywords=sew+liberated" target="_blank"><u>Sew Liberated</u> by Meg McElwee</a>. </div>
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Gianna has been asking me to make this bag for her since I checked out Meg's book at the library. I hope she loves it! </div>
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I thought it would have been fun to fill her bag with library books before giving it to her, but I didn't finish it in time. So, she gets the joy of filling it up for the first time!</div>
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Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. See you in 2013!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYa46h5nAtVnY5BtZpnCVOOq38Guj1hkJp0kwhv5vgZCchlcNT-EogRqCeuUddssvLd2HHV0iZeKcDZkv2_j-qCT96awJJfCgQbfLdAz_TyniNtCa0s96OyOmuD3BzrpnVgWxqQacu4Jg/s1600/librarybookbag5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYa46h5nAtVnY5BtZpnCVOOq38Guj1hkJp0kwhv5vgZCchlcNT-EogRqCeuUddssvLd2HHV0iZeKcDZkv2_j-qCT96awJJfCgQbfLdAz_TyniNtCa0s96OyOmuD3BzrpnVgWxqQacu4Jg/s400/librarybookbag5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What fun projects have you been busy working on?<br />
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Update: She LOVES it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NbAw5B9Zk6CJcMJO9IwxT7NewOFVB-WUVwRkNqg2Yy_tOHJ8nwmRpD9ZslRJgCpHvD9qlSCRVeCIDiuausP1uoIAEo_NRSh2Ikp4Cs_W278NeOmaJR8RqlVV1oxxC0Cj5kf_9SCTr2hk/s1600/Giannawithherbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NbAw5B9Zk6CJcMJO9IwxT7NewOFVB-WUVwRkNqg2Yy_tOHJ8nwmRpD9ZslRJgCpHvD9qlSCRVeCIDiuausP1uoIAEo_NRSh2Ikp4Cs_W278NeOmaJR8RqlVV1oxxC0Cj5kf_9SCTr2hk/s400/Giannawithherbag.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-73401492791560974532012-12-12T14:11:00.001-08:002012-12-12T14:12:21.975-08:00What's In The Mail Today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oM-dOaJcuV0lQcvgB4xaDzuBCnnaijjhvSp1W__YdzV9sBwYegUaoU_caQsvCHgm-Bn3bzYEnHzL11FRkKrGxgflVpobwpIUovE9Xc7vEXmeReFMl8VlXoKNaccy5pANdEYUQw3tmM6E/s1600/doctorwhobag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oM-dOaJcuV0lQcvgB4xaDzuBCnnaijjhvSp1W__YdzV9sBwYegUaoU_caQsvCHgm-Bn3bzYEnHzL11FRkKrGxgflVpobwpIUovE9Xc7vEXmeReFMl8VlXoKNaccy5pANdEYUQw3tmM6E/s640/doctorwhobag.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Guess what is in the bag?</div>
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Yep, it is a Doctor Who doll!</div>
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I will be posting pics of the doll in about a week when I finish making the 10th and 11th for my sons for Christmas. This one is for a customer and I want her to see the doll first. :)</div>
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Lots of pink in this little blondie! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwKGlGGN7MTcR_jYqC7enQryDt0DzHSh6kJo6zieeS9FqaPriZttj9EmEH2vxECmXLn-HXGL_mFXM_HTY-7lNl89vpVloTsxhdcnFZf-ZMy2OMLb_9KMKnsNAwS1Lrbne6IsUtzciXK8E/s1600/harper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwKGlGGN7MTcR_jYqC7enQryDt0DzHSh6kJo6zieeS9FqaPriZttj9EmEH2vxECmXLn-HXGL_mFXM_HTY-7lNl89vpVloTsxhdcnFZf-ZMy2OMLb_9KMKnsNAwS1Lrbne6IsUtzciXK8E/s640/harper.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Her name is embroidered on the tummy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb47akB5Cf9-CivHXPe9HkuQqx4WWOSbZjMMZYBqprgM-0XnIuo7uTUYyxmAUn_FhZPhyF7bfGl4hPCD4OfO_HV4T2OqbhvhxesQOZoTLufRjEkgyawWNGmnnkT84I8NXcIUeezYkd9H2/s1600/harper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb47akB5Cf9-CivHXPe9HkuQqx4WWOSbZjMMZYBqprgM-0XnIuo7uTUYyxmAUn_FhZPhyF7bfGl4hPCD4OfO_HV4T2OqbhvhxesQOZoTLufRjEkgyawWNGmnnkT84I8NXcIUeezYkd9H2/s640/harper2.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
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And...I made this, but it's not in the mail, it's on the tree. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq-HwD1MkgS6gAcLcN7Gdsn8nk8kDIJiaYnks4JarkLPxIpOC46XCFTs12o7Q6yu8kpCoholZPlWfgr0dxQMRIZC3jc2RIe0JNZRt5KBb4p8_U30DiTivKXwXExiywjeFEFNbK1w0p8tb/s1600/countdowngarland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq-HwD1MkgS6gAcLcN7Gdsn8nk8kDIJiaYnks4JarkLPxIpOC46XCFTs12o7Q6yu8kpCoholZPlWfgr0dxQMRIZC3jc2RIe0JNZRt5KBb4p8_U30DiTivKXwXExiywjeFEFNbK1w0p8tb/s640/countdowngarland.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Every year my kids grab red and green construction paper to make a paper
chain to count down to Christmas. The other night at dinner my husband
asked my daughter why she hadn't made a paper chain. She told him we
didn't have red and green paper. I jokingly piped up and said, "I can
sew one!" (I kinda sew a lot) And he said, "No! You don't have to make
one!" To which I (of course) said, "Don't boss me!" (imagine Puddy is
saying it to Elaine - like that)</div>
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So, I made one with felt and velcro! Maybe next year I'll add numbers or some kind of decoration.</div>
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That's it for today. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-20174166497925724592012-12-07T12:20:00.001-08:002012-12-07T12:21:12.210-08:00Artist's Smock for Little Claire...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15VYldLHjDzyR_QK_zo6uwexVpea9zPVkqEhaucNAogij22ySY_2xmCFJC-nYAn_hyniI8_8nuua7SDGJYy6Aw6cbpp-jhqYiyH4s2XbSZl-6SCusa4E2aF84bu_zr89lEThYxTz_2FXT/s1600/smock5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15VYldLHjDzyR_QK_zo6uwexVpea9zPVkqEhaucNAogij22ySY_2xmCFJC-nYAn_hyniI8_8nuua7SDGJYy6Aw6cbpp-jhqYiyH4s2XbSZl-6SCusa4E2aF84bu_zr89lEThYxTz_2FXT/s400/smock5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been really excited to blog about what I made for my youngest niece Claire for
Christmas.</div>
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I'm excited because it's such a cute pattern, but mostly because I get to show off how STINKING adorable
Claire is! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYobSz08Mzr0Oz-tkRdKir-9zIu6e8OBqV0jfV7vLelBpbMhCgJGsBA7tGWxYaRjkJbxZis4cAoUkmCiZY7K3m7Zu0vlcdVAkYkbCnuAACmF5GYMc5wNIEnqdIL3dk7BcXUSU6xzXpbvFv/s1600/claire1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYobSz08Mzr0Oz-tkRdKir-9zIu6e8OBqV0jfV7vLelBpbMhCgJGsBA7tGWxYaRjkJbxZis4cAoUkmCiZY7K3m7Zu0vlcdVAkYkbCnuAACmF5GYMc5wNIEnqdIL3dk7BcXUSU6xzXpbvFv/s400/claire1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's Claire getting her first haircut.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgEeP2gVjjkPlQg79G-sTYhVIS68lsWiCPJzn29ObeIUKhfaFqLNTH5Js24rWVhZwsF8N2NMLJfmWpXcDNr4vyzdl_h3WRiEn9HygEhfj06XV6ccYGzSv2sG8Xs4zcVgty8gSjGIuVGpO/s1600/claire3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgEeP2gVjjkPlQg79G-sTYhVIS68lsWiCPJzn29ObeIUKhfaFqLNTH5Js24rWVhZwsF8N2NMLJfmWpXcDNr4vyzdl_h3WRiEn9HygEhfj06XV6ccYGzSv2sG8Xs4zcVgty8gSjGIuVGpO/s400/claire3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Adorable, right? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbnJT8rbT3TJCbOa8ZIfaW7PY2Xk85wA9pYOqah9Sdk4fdcSzcqmMeDQhDBdXsXoEsdjUe18lG3ixq7UmeilBl1bfqcNV-W4dIfRYU9ZXJRHZUjQjWFzBqmB1YrzmqdQbISZr4Ykmje0D/s1600/claire4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbnJT8rbT3TJCbOa8ZIfaW7PY2Xk85wA9pYOqah9Sdk4fdcSzcqmMeDQhDBdXsXoEsdjUe18lG3ixq7UmeilBl1bfqcNV-W4dIfRYU9ZXJRHZUjQjWFzBqmB1YrzmqdQbISZr4Ykmje0D/s640/claire4.jpg" width="380" /></a> </div>
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I bet you wish you looked that good in jeggings!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GcE_AKD0J7p4v5UV1lJ5zsKJ3Le2Iti7_BMAHQORBtVWgSoVtgcrv-dAX-T_dmOBp-ZtYpz2PI8TtNfH8lWzJrfv7v7HKXzcT0mmjE8SAzAiM0TR4lzqd9xLHhCs8peEdSPMQOmIJrES/s1600/claire5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GcE_AKD0J7p4v5UV1lJ5zsKJ3Le2Iti7_BMAHQORBtVWgSoVtgcrv-dAX-T_dmOBp-ZtYpz2PI8TtNfH8lWzJrfv7v7HKXzcT0mmjE8SAzAiM0TR4lzqd9xLHhCs8peEdSPMQOmIJrES/s400/claire5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Yeah, I'm just hangin' out, bein' cute."</div>
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Are you dying of cuteness yet?</div>
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Trust me, I could post a million pictures of Claire, but there is an ever-so-slight-chance that you all would not enjoy that as much as I would.</div>
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But, you have to admit that a cutie pie as adorable as Claire really needed a super duper cute handmade Christmas gift, right? </div>
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Then, read on... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj643vb2er-GDCSyJLuSG65BVl6FIP9OJoS8VNv7l6imzmRc6oJ88HfDCZUl4lMP4cGXwfb-L-RzB1kk4VdJqfOFV0QPw0Id95lg8VeF3AgBXMtkQAmFKmkifMpkKrZtED5gOsaDckUKg3d/s1600/smock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj643vb2er-GDCSyJLuSG65BVl6FIP9OJoS8VNv7l6imzmRc6oJ88HfDCZUl4lMP4cGXwfb-L-RzB1kk4VdJqfOFV0QPw0Id95lg8VeF3AgBXMtkQAmFKmkifMpkKrZtED5gOsaDckUKg3d/s400/smock2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As soon as I saw the artist's smock pattern in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Liberated-Meg-McElwee/dp/1596681616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354909880&sr=8-1&keywords=sew+liberated" target="_blank"><u>Sew Liberated</u> by Meg McElwee</a>, I knew I would be making one for Claire. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHwdGywm-ncHPEzevqIktOsuVN-NJdtY7aep34K9R8UPbZWNo1eaTnlEbv13vvQpv4Gi-hkjdD8bSEfVpZopyTezGTdlHdQRqn_rjy1M5FWJktNeytdpSBVlnPDFDnPDu5Vz_ATJS0OdN/s1600/smock1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHwdGywm-ncHPEzevqIktOsuVN-NJdtY7aep34K9R8UPbZWNo1eaTnlEbv13vvQpv4Gi-hkjdD8bSEfVpZopyTezGTdlHdQRqn_rjy1M5FWJktNeytdpSBVlnPDFDnPDu5Vz_ATJS0OdN/s400/smock1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The smock is designed to fit ages 2-6, so it needs to last, which is why I chose navy blue kona cotton instead of white for the main color. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SCAJljw4QNmJElaKtX5UcaSaq8barhCE05o-AEbEZDWn9IVs-VNFxJzR9yu4UISYnbPFpf2TFLftnmnMjLkwp9Y3ga9lUG4kzVwLNw3BxqX5KHIzQHz-vpODeLK1DzKMYLZloscSyD6b/s1600/Lartista2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SCAJljw4QNmJElaKtX5UcaSaq8barhCE05o-AEbEZDWn9IVs-VNFxJzR9yu4UISYnbPFpf2TFLftnmnMjLkwp9Y3ga9lUG4kzVwLNw3BxqX5KHIzQHz-vpODeLK1DzKMYLZloscSyD6b/s400/Lartista2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since Claire will be spending Christmas at Grandma and Papa's home in Italy, rather than embroider "L'aritiste" on the smock as the book directs, I chose to go with Italian and embroider, "L'artista". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VQJodcq7FEywTv5waUJj7djxkICybHMbHB-aLKMvt9GeO7R9x722fUp8qJiYwPOtjBi8asm4x2m0XnXc5dEmDgRELYKr4tznKtOAs09eLT1Or2egadzf5MBdq9sgvLaVlyH8JYaQSioF/s1600/smock3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VQJodcq7FEywTv5waUJj7djxkICybHMbHB-aLKMvt9GeO7R9x722fUp8qJiYwPOtjBi8asm4x2m0XnXc5dEmDgRELYKr4tznKtOAs09eLT1Or2egadzf5MBdq9sgvLaVlyH8JYaQSioF/s400/smock3.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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The pattern really was very easy to follow. There were a few techniques that I had never done before and the directions made it very easy to follow. </div>
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I would say that a beginner could definitely make this smock.</div>
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Here are full photos of the front and back:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtih4ZMfCwZe7fZkdJNhXCcmSNdEG8XTnDvoZqXeC-5y2jyz9tu4pUTsPuQH0lIYPdEFop2mYoyQwJxFlSrhsGqDYmy06EbpOixlL2z88p69dm98lAyPy9OW_2V09yCIbzLRnsCz8O7FzN/s1600/Lartista6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtih4ZMfCwZe7fZkdJNhXCcmSNdEG8XTnDvoZqXeC-5y2jyz9tu4pUTsPuQH0lIYPdEFop2mYoyQwJxFlSrhsGqDYmy06EbpOixlL2z88p69dm98lAyPy9OW_2V09yCIbzLRnsCz8O7FzN/s320/Lartista6.jpg" width="218" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_bxEUpJvm5T6rF0qVHEqO01U8gqMs4Ccy0yOkv-sldq6bWrdIx1kmeCSwGVkEPeRuHb2rx4OX2znWYtBzKooXxKYtmhbHTA4vxLL1GCHVoY9xyyLbCW9n-aRnVHKaY2tiU3kG6G0QUIT/s1600/Lartista7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_bxEUpJvm5T6rF0qVHEqO01U8gqMs4Ccy0yOkv-sldq6bWrdIx1kmeCSwGVkEPeRuHb2rx4OX2znWYtBzKooXxKYtmhbHTA4vxLL1GCHVoY9xyyLbCW9n-aRnVHKaY2tiU3kG6G0QUIT/s320/Lartista7.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I love how it just slips over the head with no fasteners to worry about. It can easily be hung from a hook. And, it grows with the child.</div>
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It's really a great pattern! </div>
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I'm trying to do some re-usable gift wrapping this year and I thought the perfect little bag to wrap Claire's smock in is this one that I made using Jeni's <a href="http://www.incolororder.com/2011/10/lined-drawstring-bag-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Lined Drawstring Bag Tutorial</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg4HBRTIitSx8TqWnnsPdLPTAPLQtg0w0lvOttzdgTPmjkqEQP5_jHpmO70jctZnd4sEYkei3AOa1oKzdUnquTM6SzpwmsPLcM3UuOEZP7q32JFj0bJJCA_TiZOKRwKQQG7keggtYZN8t/s1600/drawstringbag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg4HBRTIitSx8TqWnnsPdLPTAPLQtg0w0lvOttzdgTPmjkqEQP5_jHpmO70jctZnd4sEYkei3AOa1oKzdUnquTM6SzpwmsPLcM3UuOEZP7q32JFj0bJJCA_TiZOKRwKQQG7keggtYZN8t/s400/drawstringbag1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISlN0OKONpnknTMtMPyS2nHrnZU2iGsfeThCLreHzC1TDDa3PaASFQDLR24s1lrkaltDE6uJvoUdAomcjSDu7rEq-2gfZE52d7qvQeW9q60AbJTO_Qq2L8MlLkNLNRx1WFkWIcJ11Gylp/s1600/drawstringbag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISlN0OKONpnknTMtMPyS2nHrnZU2iGsfeThCLreHzC1TDDa3PaASFQDLR24s1lrkaltDE6uJvoUdAomcjSDu7rEq-2gfZE52d7qvQeW9q60AbJTO_Qq2L8MlLkNLNRx1WFkWIcJ11Gylp/s320/drawstringbag2.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aUvtk6z0lB9x2BvNKvMXuJQojwtHI7hkSa7QwCXwSsFY4RLTR4K_6mniBWW29yHaOCCw0u0yZJZzfuru_90lslGPPl8QsdBIcBDtY8miwv2b0bPZZSCzY-Auh8uYgavft9ePg0JNJ0Xc/s1600/drawstringbag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aUvtk6z0lB9x2BvNKvMXuJQojwtHI7hkSa7QwCXwSsFY4RLTR4K_6mniBWW29yHaOCCw0u0yZJZzfuru_90lslGPPl8QsdBIcBDtY8miwv2b0bPZZSCzY-Auh8uYgavft9ePg0JNJ0Xc/s320/drawstringbag3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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So fun!</div>
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I'd love to hear how cute you think Claire is too, so feel free to comment. ;) </div>
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Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-72634394187448790442012-11-30T07:44:00.000-08:002012-11-30T07:54:46.275-08:00Value Added QAL {Quilt Top}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgXSi6d1JAg5PXOpo2x6AjIvXsHYXQKGFnJekwYI8OWG853sSzhGa04rOu2scHDD3hMDh7QvjGu2bOdq4cYbNbIxbuDMMUSnKArHYrqct-WrGIzgyqFNxqeYJJ4rwpaxNo4h5ZmRNHApU/s1600/valuesquilttop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgXSi6d1JAg5PXOpo2x6AjIvXsHYXQKGFnJekwYI8OWG853sSzhGa04rOu2scHDD3hMDh7QvjGu2bOdq4cYbNbIxbuDMMUSnKArHYrqct-WrGIzgyqFNxqeYJJ4rwpaxNo4h5ZmRNHApU/s400/valuesquilttop2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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What a FUN project this has been!</div>
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I had been wanting to do a chevron quilt when I saw that Rachel at <a href="http://www.stitchedincolor.com/" target="_blank">Stitched in Color</a> was planning a quilt along (QAL) with Leila (<a href="http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com/">Where the Orchids Grow</a>), Amy (<a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com/">Badskirt</a>), and Jolene (<a href="http://blueelephantstitches.blogspot.com/">Blue Elephant Stitches</a>). I thought joining the QAL would be a great way to make that chevron quilt. </div>
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I learned so much about value from these amazing quilters! </div>
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Converting a color photo to black and white, I learned, is a great way to see value. Isn't that cool?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Fmc4oR9eKwhNxHwALLR36hbFc9l_VuizOO1kNXOauWbdO8SmC0pTmJWRLum8FjL6O7UtwpXssrHykcyiWxtqO3Sxc8hW6lyIWUmjpbhDBvaQuOHOOTYE_iRhyev6u0Czqnu8zYplGjbm/s1600/valuesquilttop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Fmc4oR9eKwhNxHwALLR36hbFc9l_VuizOO1kNXOauWbdO8SmC0pTmJWRLum8FjL6O7UtwpXssrHykcyiWxtqO3Sxc8hW6lyIWUmjpbhDBvaQuOHOOTYE_iRhyev6u0Czqnu8zYplGjbm/s400/valuesquilttop3.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JWShpX9205dOBGgdOSN5WP283cRjV5n2HwEMZP-iGjggHjk4QAQyGeuwqpUPKTO7__LTEAePqyCKjikeT3OLMEQPaR6OUZGNviy4wISinAkmA2PeUzlC15S9-pNQae6aEBC9LnM7Na5l/s1600/valuesquilttop10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JWShpX9205dOBGgdOSN5WP283cRjV5n2HwEMZP-iGjggHjk4QAQyGeuwqpUPKTO7__LTEAePqyCKjikeT3OLMEQPaR6OUZGNviy4wISinAkmA2PeUzlC15S9-pNQae6aEBC9LnM7Na5l/s400/valuesquilttop10.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Until making this quilt, I didn't give value a thought. I would just
choose fabrics that I loved - usually bright, bold (and relatively dark)
fabrics. The way I chose to study
value in this quilt also involved a color study. I wanted it to have a simple and clean look.</div>
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The inspiration for this quilt came when I saw a very bright and colorful Mexican serape blanket like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Serape-Blanket-Table-Runner/dp/B005CIRZWQ/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1354287499&sr=8-10&keywords=mexican+blanket" target="_blank">this</a>. I wanted to do something similar using colors I loved and a chevron pattern.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYzq1qkboDnkBSwHRs1UmHoCp5XVvZdYHd5YWdMShYG2X_E07xBIA7JQagx1JRkmnaykTRn9zoEv5JE_ToXtpkNHrHS60BCbtPIlkbMt9SRRTMDcCJuG0RLWWYhPqBSMdmDQLS4-72TVk/s1600/valuesquilttop5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYzq1qkboDnkBSwHRs1UmHoCp5XVvZdYHd5YWdMShYG2X_E07xBIA7JQagx1JRkmnaykTRn9zoEv5JE_ToXtpkNHrHS60BCbtPIlkbMt9SRRTMDcCJuG0RLWWYhPqBSMdmDQLS4-72TVk/s640/valuesquilttop5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Learning something new in sewing (in this case making a chevron top) takes so much mental energy for me that I didn't want to have to also worry about numbers. I just purchased the smallest cut of fabric my fabric store would cut and that determined the size of the quilt. I chose a dark in value patterned fabric then 3 solids in the same color but each differing in value for each color: orange, green, blue, purple and pink. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZJWNeKP2npFMv0x1fnvyipDWKDYexPJ872it62faR1T7UhGQek4vk8k2BZRE0Hj7pv8mrOrrNDldiSjvmy3shAX0lAC30dnnxu-fkd8vt3_EhFxKq8DDqza1TzXXoG0T4lg8wAC8zjx8/s1600/valuesquilt10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZJWNeKP2npFMv0x1fnvyipDWKDYexPJ872it62faR1T7UhGQek4vk8k2BZRE0Hj7pv8mrOrrNDldiSjvmy3shAX0lAC30dnnxu-fkd8vt3_EhFxKq8DDqza1TzXXoG0T4lg8wAC8zjx8/s320/valuesquilt10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After using white in <a href="http://melissalovescolor.blogspot.com/2012/11/scrappy-stash-qal-quilt-along-finished.html" target="_blank">my last quilt</a> and not really loving it (love the quilt, not the white), I knew I was going to use a natural linen to make the colors stand out. Linen isn't soft and isn't that much fun to work with, but I absolutely adore the rustic and natural look next to the bright colors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrMV9JhcjdGUW1H87yveJj5LGx4FMkvcW_VeXKSlC9mYYanIlG7LY97IHXU4EKzXSAwtHC7f-7uW2tUnKcJKUQ6U2sf5-3LqNnuzV8wv3N_cRY20EpYiQYuQOB6LFsjyJgQuk315bbfmW/s1600/valuesquilttop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrMV9JhcjdGUW1H87yveJj5LGx4FMkvcW_VeXKSlC9mYYanIlG7LY97IHXU4EKzXSAwtHC7f-7uW2tUnKcJKUQ6U2sf5-3LqNnuzV8wv3N_cRY20EpYiQYuQOB6LFsjyJgQuk315bbfmW/s400/valuesquilttop4.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I will set this quilt aside for a week or so while I work on some Christmas <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mygigidoll" target="_blank">doll </a>orders. In the meantime, I'll decide how to finish the quilt. I am trying to decide whether or not to add a linen border. Do you think I should add a border or leave the top as is? I'd love to hear your input. </div>
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As always, the kids and I had fun taking quilt pics! </div>
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Here they are throwing rocks in the desert:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG6wB6F2uelmt3XklMOqkQeLR5t1-qv5jvC7mmovYZ0xoT_DRdTqAg1d9EMYeSyBO5mojOjLMuz1TnvTgYvDwr8ePxPbb5TyXwVydsomnXhwZVLu27vlTsEvTrbhUZC3Yyp2XiMY0518B/s1600/throwingrocksinthedesert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG6wB6F2uelmt3XklMOqkQeLR5t1-qv5jvC7mmovYZ0xoT_DRdTqAg1d9EMYeSyBO5mojOjLMuz1TnvTgYvDwr8ePxPbb5TyXwVydsomnXhwZVLu27vlTsEvTrbhUZC3Yyp2XiMY0518B/s400/throwingrocksinthedesert.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
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My quilt holder finding a good spot to stand:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBRVH4JmPP9QV4MrrqzpR62zRJ6e3nVNL9vd7uZcJt4Vl3PEDW0v5EgwyfgBtCHmgZYuN9xaA-XyfaNNNPFKnf1LxXgAVGEhNJD7GuyUuxnig-iTkmjWWSsr0HiFUAljal65dU60INys1/s1600/valuesquilttop6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBRVH4JmPP9QV4MrrqzpR62zRJ6e3nVNL9vd7uZcJt4Vl3PEDW0v5EgwyfgBtCHmgZYuN9xaA-XyfaNNNPFKnf1LxXgAVGEhNJD7GuyUuxnig-iTkmjWWSsr0HiFUAljal65dU60INys1/s400/valuesquilttop6.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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My totally-not-photo-shy 14 year old:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsuKlomKQ_KqGMrj5dfp2hm3IMcCAous9BQRJhBKLBwNdcfeSCSx-juEOff1wT5EIoU8BmevFzeiSPZtG5om1bT6RbhHhY6D6PSNhzrHTOtZtWeA1DeoV7E-Mv2LXi3f41Bzl2mL8yQcx/s1600/valuesquilttop8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsuKlomKQ_KqGMrj5dfp2hm3IMcCAous9BQRJhBKLBwNdcfeSCSx-juEOff1wT5EIoU8BmevFzeiSPZtG5om1bT6RbhHhY6D6PSNhzrHTOtZtWeA1DeoV7E-Mv2LXi3f41Bzl2mL8yQcx/s400/valuesquilttop8.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Thank you Rachel, Leila, Amy and Jolene for hosting this QAL!<br />
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The next value quilt I am going to make will focus more on value and less on color. It is the second picture in<a href="http://sewkatiedid.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/value-quilts-tutorial/" target="_blank"> this tutorial </a>by <a href="http://sewkatiedid.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sew Katie Did</a>. </div>
Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-35629815384743470482012-11-26T13:36:00.002-08:002012-11-26T13:36:26.011-08:00White {yes, WHITE} cloth napkins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ApWYRm3TRbAmeyXIRiD2h3CNPy3mzcsF5BKomtQiy8Wb8xcUFSISaKcdzL2T5BtFxsYe6z-23zbZAKBmsaq8lcTvTMXwDiKTO0NosqNQuajvjxHwSbne8QWzfQfe2SbXn_nTAdJuKWRh/s1600/napkins1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ApWYRm3TRbAmeyXIRiD2h3CNPy3mzcsF5BKomtQiy8Wb8xcUFSISaKcdzL2T5BtFxsYe6z-23zbZAKBmsaq8lcTvTMXwDiKTO0NosqNQuajvjxHwSbne8QWzfQfe2SbXn_nTAdJuKWRh/s400/napkins1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you do when:</div>
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you are too sick to be out and about but not too sick to be in bed all day;</div>
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you are depressed because you realize you are going to need to lose a good chunk of weight before you can train for that marathon you wanted to run;</div>
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you are disgusted that your house hasn't been thoroughly cleaned in forever;</div>
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and </div>
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you are avoiding a huge project that needs to be finished?</div>
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I don't about you, but, I make white {yes! WHITE} cloth napkins for my family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXoNaU44EIq3M0mV7bpR1xEXC8MFwSV7CcmsehL2pDSWirSYB6lTie5XFji2gzw8XO9bfH19SoAsOmWqz-5KqQn-5QtrGlOt10DQwebgCc7WkDd9x3FZxpxCl7YQDgVaFIihMTD1kYBEM/s1600/napkins2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXoNaU44EIq3M0mV7bpR1xEXC8MFwSV7CcmsehL2pDSWirSYB6lTie5XFji2gzw8XO9bfH19SoAsOmWqz-5KqQn-5QtrGlOt10DQwebgCc7WkDd9x3FZxpxCl7YQDgVaFIihMTD1kYBEM/s400/napkins2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Could this be the sign of a deranged mind? </div>
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White everyday napkins for the messiest family in the world?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R1CprnWYUCyDatKBR2CQiiVIMPK2GOkBIKEtsLtCuocoZAY22-3nSxDePvnvzwBB43tVxYTlmtUzYVpFiXehFMi8GxmC9XsAhgFpECNCv5E3qx_Rfw1fp1cLcy1UB7HbHlSBaJoicKuA/s1600/napkins4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R1CprnWYUCyDatKBR2CQiiVIMPK2GOkBIKEtsLtCuocoZAY22-3nSxDePvnvzwBB43tVxYTlmtUzYVpFiXehFMi8GxmC9XsAhgFpECNCv5E3qx_Rfw1fp1cLcy1UB7HbHlSBaJoicKuA/s400/napkins4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It just so happens that I had the fabric on hand and I really wanted to embroider each one with an initial in our favorite colors. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Se2a-W7L0UHuq2ds4qeEFQQbsclWOmkn1BHmU-0Q-s7arGLhOXD8ipUkNfnyowR76LdF6w7eLibVEk9G2Jrxt-BJanAqvmIcGNFnH3N-gyAHZWgfBP4H8aJgiLFFwGzxTLbVEjS6DsJ/s1600/napkins5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Se2a-W7L0UHuq2ds4qeEFQQbsclWOmkn1BHmU-0Q-s7arGLhOXD8ipUkNfnyowR76LdF6w7eLibVEk9G2Jrxt-BJanAqvmIcGNFnH3N-gyAHZWgfBP4H8aJgiLFFwGzxTLbVEjS6DsJ/s400/napkins5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I followed two tutorials to make these: <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2010/04/cloth-napkin-tutorial.html#" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-your-own-everyday-cloth-napkins.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_r42uOQXHHecUR-pQ1M_AyYbx0xdRHaYkE5wx5-EEMm_SiNQD4V2cTzkkC1adPnY9IuIeee5gq8JHw8m1a-bD3iLz4ENTh703Ad5Ho0PIEWxeKSYW37uAjY0oPJdBpBQJktCY0FJXVSp/s1600/napkins3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_r42uOQXHHecUR-pQ1M_AyYbx0xdRHaYkE5wx5-EEMm_SiNQD4V2cTzkkC1adPnY9IuIeee5gq8JHw8m1a-bD3iLz4ENTh703Ad5Ho0PIEWxeKSYW37uAjY0oPJdBpBQJktCY0FJXVSp/s400/napkins3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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So, there you have it. White embroidered napkins. Tell me I'm not crazy. </div>
Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-56623165594878900402012-11-15T15:51:00.000-08:002012-11-15T15:51:39.951-08:00What's In The Mail Today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsg3vfOvx81uDTnVDvfpb5HLGgUpA1F5V6wWO_2jBkhHY8YaISRiozkNkpVF18S6iWvUuk1iVGBPpNlUINnfTkNDqwdFE282YYW2spTltmbwTpGlXtlAj7uc-s-MfIquEPPr3vHbr_h7f/s1600/9:15whatsinthemail5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsg3vfOvx81uDTnVDvfpb5HLGgUpA1F5V6wWO_2jBkhHY8YaISRiozkNkpVF18S6iWvUuk1iVGBPpNlUINnfTkNDqwdFE282YYW2spTltmbwTpGlXtlAj7uc-s-MfIquEPPr3vHbr_h7f/s640/9:15whatsinthemail5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Three fun dolls are in the mail today on their way to their new happy owners!</div>
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First, here is sweet little Norah:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8czTh899ShqU38mjXpk_6ZZ1irHiXNpkBA9UZF41qoRHGQRdHm_KEBfDWZ4IpEK81ZkfIQCo67NfG4eDaZsrqeCrIk8AEXRuMPj_vhZhyphenhyphen_gKqYMumR53emD_2FbkvD7fLhRRwm-27q_8Q/s1600/9:15whatsinthemail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8czTh899ShqU38mjXpk_6ZZ1irHiXNpkBA9UZF41qoRHGQRdHm_KEBfDWZ4IpEK81ZkfIQCo67NfG4eDaZsrqeCrIk8AEXRuMPj_vhZhyphenhyphen_gKqYMumR53emD_2FbkvD7fLhRRwm-27q_8Q/s640/9:15whatsinthemail1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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She's super cute, but I think she needs a tutu, don't you?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXlRCAyyP1-Qz1p0RB545zyX9j4nzWVWHWfDXkMsrqxZG6qoFxfB3P0KyKUjgeIG4ussuCRYH-_UZI_qDFM9LJfIHlLwTA8-i7_k7ti1OzLgW89lobCXTfXeS3XW6UiOroMVaZbXTO082/s1600/9:15whatsinthemail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXlRCAyyP1-Qz1p0RB545zyX9j4nzWVWHWfDXkMsrqxZG6qoFxfB3P0KyKUjgeIG4ussuCRYH-_UZI_qDFM9LJfIHlLwTA8-i7_k7ti1OzLgW89lobCXTfXeS3XW6UiOroMVaZbXTO082/s640/9:15whatsinthemail2.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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That's better!</div>
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These two Super Dolls are headed to Oregon. They have their trusty Super Dogs with them!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaM4A7j7w5eHMM2WzH5tZ876TuBxlOsTAcPNZOARIQId3LGZu8Rj825G5vmtBiqbOb1HzHw02U6a4DT_kMJFEVQHbasXgWTxG0gW_NyvgUtaXtR5L8FtSPDWJZmfy-nLcnCmWcPoeYkSJ/s1600/9:15whatsinthemail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaM4A7j7w5eHMM2WzH5tZ876TuBxlOsTAcPNZOARIQId3LGZu8Rj825G5vmtBiqbOb1HzHw02U6a4DT_kMJFEVQHbasXgWTxG0gW_NyvgUtaXtR5L8FtSPDWJZmfy-nLcnCmWcPoeYkSJ/s640/9:15whatsinthemail3.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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It feels good to have all 3 dolls on their way. </div>
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Tomorrow it's back to quilting. I'll also be making curtains for my sister's bathroom. Fun!</div>
<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-56109454629452220882012-11-14T13:43:00.002-08:002012-11-14T13:44:11.875-08:00What I'm Working On Today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY2fLc9yfer2aSJpAyo4NusTCFvNK_hcf20qjSo9sq3clyzR1oR8t9MChu2-ttLbd0yUloydUENF1XwIEpKL-elamVmplAHLFtFgAPPMkDJRFTdYwZEmfp6Fd9MwuSC5PoNyvB0aTK7sQ/s1600/WhatImWorkingOn11:14_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIY2fLc9yfer2aSJpAyo4NusTCFvNK_hcf20qjSo9sq3clyzR1oR8t9MChu2-ttLbd0yUloydUENF1XwIEpKL-elamVmplAHLFtFgAPPMkDJRFTdYwZEmfp6Fd9MwuSC5PoNyvB0aTK7sQ/s640/WhatImWorkingOn11:14_1.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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It's all dolls, all day today!</div>
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I'm about to turn on the tube and watch a bit while I stuff arms and legs.</div>
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These should be in the mail tomorrow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrltiAg0rm1cfmAvKnIJNL9sycz7OqRtZ2nx090_pYKgOpL7_YXY4rUnyLYwblqS91mGyej8rUgnfCZyCyuwnDgZDBv0Dan6pgnI7dQEajGytdbX_hUiSwyUjtacSuEHCI6xZZPz_GjGS/s1600/WhatImWorkingon11:14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrltiAg0rm1cfmAvKnIJNL9sycz7OqRtZ2nx090_pYKgOpL7_YXY4rUnyLYwblqS91mGyej8rUgnfCZyCyuwnDgZDBv0Dan6pgnI7dQEajGytdbX_hUiSwyUjtacSuEHCI6xZZPz_GjGS/s640/WhatImWorkingon11:14.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
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I just love the bandit Superheros and the sweetie with the blue/green eyes. </div>
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What are you working on today?</div>
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Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-56253714059187307002012-11-13T05:32:00.000-08:002012-11-13T10:59:21.143-08:00Scrappy Stash QAL [Quilt Along] - Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv8kp3SJZ9VrHyzsZ4cTZ8cMGvi_B92TlLU3zItamntppwQJ4r1GsfU_WdYD6kiZib1BMFjRz_2PPDTpm7e3xCvoTHEZfLWSeJb4dYdTbGnFisZFV4FBY4BMrgzJFS4nvWEQdiAj7vzQH/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlv8kp3SJZ9VrHyzsZ4cTZ8cMGvi_B92TlLU3zItamntppwQJ4r1GsfU_WdYD6kiZib1BMFjRz_2PPDTpm7e3xCvoTHEZfLWSeJb4dYdTbGnFisZFV4FBY4BMrgzJFS4nvWEQdiAj7vzQH/s400/ScrappyStashComplete3.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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My first QAL!</div>
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I had such a great time making this quilt and participating in the Scrappy Stash QAL! Jennifer at <a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ellison Lane Quilts</a> hosted this QAL and it was a great experience for my very first QAL! </div>
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I see many more QALs in my quilting future. :)</div>
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My quilt blocks were 10.25" and the finished size of the quilt is 50"x60" - the perfect size for a lap quilt! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4SRuNer8QstQ52ou7s0vhgsU1CJ4SGoogCQF26fT25n3qr5Lo5lRMpbpypWmvP_KiJWE4GjZOH9LwDMdxHjUv-ejvNap1amxg-A_fR1AoMrWpv9XfjmL_qvQr2nwkw19nAvPWTP_uiL2/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4SRuNer8QstQ52ou7s0vhgsU1CJ4SGoogCQF26fT25n3qr5Lo5lRMpbpypWmvP_KiJWE4GjZOH9LwDMdxHjUv-ejvNap1amxg-A_fR1AoMrWpv9XfjmL_qvQr2nwkw19nAvPWTP_uiL2/s400/ScrappyStashComplete13.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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I used the QAYG [Quilt As You Go] method for my blocks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYWH1tN-zI9W1CtUBVBmAAEKkT8qr-NtsjYeZvJNUq2-0mYw7-D54vOALlIxN6q585TooFzGdBjNPrJUftJUfN33ZewGMLFWfSmU9gv7kT1wNcyZerM0nSFdvWcx00x58-Jf8cOXS-53d/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYWH1tN-zI9W1CtUBVBmAAEKkT8qr-NtsjYeZvJNUq2-0mYw7-D54vOALlIxN6q585TooFzGdBjNPrJUftJUfN33ZewGMLFWfSmU9gv7kT1wNcyZerM0nSFdvWcx00x58-Jf8cOXS-53d/s400/ScrappyStashComplete17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love almost everything about QAYG. It is easy and I really like the look of the quilting on the front of the blocks. </div>
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The one thing I don't like about QAYG is that the quilting on the back isn't very beautiful. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXowd4VrVK_2qTxDKQHSvxkmZkFNHQ5vNpY2dNc3CdNXHQDUJMaCU419oTQOYcLdazqbAdo3WmJiBmWj7elTCyvpFBbG35sxhVIU6Jf71EH8EWGMIrf9TIkgMzhGfJz3793awME-hcmlw/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXowd4VrVK_2qTxDKQHSvxkmZkFNHQ5vNpY2dNc3CdNXHQDUJMaCU419oTQOYcLdazqbAdo3WmJiBmWj7elTCyvpFBbG35sxhVIU6Jf71EH8EWGMIrf9TIkgMzhGfJz3793awME-hcmlw/s400/ScrappyStashComplete1.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added 3 strips on the back to tie in some of my scraps in a rainbow order. </td></tr>
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I am pretty proud of how my corners turned out:</div>
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So that the blocks would stand out, I added white to the monochromatic blocks. Half of the blocks have white in the middle and half have white around the outside. </div>
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One fun thing about quilting is taking the photos. I did not love the pictures I took of the completed quilt. I'm still learning about lighting.</div>
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But, my helpers always make me laugh!</div>
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The completed quilt:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8OmAiOHwrs4TSDW-r7iJ-nnowy87YCIbl-8Nn2S7u0dS_z-rskr6IKBKaCFYI9JixK8m0YUJUoGKV9nmDQQnVL2A1v2Uu3WQUl-q0Xph_JchpVHd6LB7lj2Lwg_exjIzoNZdrGHvGq8g/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8OmAiOHwrs4TSDW-r7iJ-nnowy87YCIbl-8Nn2S7u0dS_z-rskr6IKBKaCFYI9JixK8m0YUJUoGKV9nmDQQnVL2A1v2Uu3WQUl-q0Xph_JchpVHd6LB7lj2Lwg_exjIzoNZdrGHvGq8g/s400/ScrappyStashComplete2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0U2CH81dgdC6FtwneMhHPM3wflYGVJjo8eQZWdujtjt_jzoxWLcETrPS2Si6jWAnHGmNZto8GZY9lif_z56WDQHFEAiKsbiSgaxvEjmBTo1FdFpUNYtiCyLV_dHx47FPKaLB9wvILJzpT/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0U2CH81dgdC6FtwneMhHPM3wflYGVJjo8eQZWdujtjt_jzoxWLcETrPS2Si6jWAnHGmNZto8GZY9lif_z56WDQHFEAiKsbiSgaxvEjmBTo1FdFpUNYtiCyLV_dHx47FPKaLB9wvILJzpT/s400/ScrappyStashComplete4.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YdX_8JDEkrioCU0amZUYS8LqD3Quu_szDntdsMOJPM_GWrw7BsELlD8LXXUvVv6p8HPgHuMv8Wjk4f_GcmquisV9nDW1h3oO-gbb7TTSi5GAX74EF0h2HQ_y6YLcpAuOOrJTvyMNkimy/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YdX_8JDEkrioCU0amZUYS8LqD3Quu_szDntdsMOJPM_GWrw7BsELlD8LXXUvVv6p8HPgHuMv8Wjk4f_GcmquisV9nDW1h3oO-gbb7TTSi5GAX74EF0h2HQ_y6YLcpAuOOrJTvyMNkimy/s320/ScrappyStashComplete10.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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I love how it turned out! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW80ZuR3NGTDsuAws-MPEVzhz1yWn0PWkCtfsfFwKjiKSuQ9DTteLgji_NEIejGMpFsCkwL4H1FQ4PCKp8gfkOtayVoC984tVwR4xYFSCXMzBH78gVAprV6vSIiOUS76KUx8UBk0ec5dp/s1600/ScrappyStashComplete16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW80ZuR3NGTDsuAws-MPEVzhz1yWn0PWkCtfsfFwKjiKSuQ9DTteLgji_NEIejGMpFsCkwL4H1FQ4PCKp8gfkOtayVoC984tVwR4xYFSCXMzBH78gVAprV6vSIiOUS76KUx8UBk0ec5dp/s320/ScrappyStashComplete16.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Thanks for taking a look at my Scrappy Stash QAL quilt!</div>
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xo</div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-30532477805582837722012-10-31T13:27:00.001-07:002012-10-31T13:29:37.345-07:00to add a border or not to add a border...that is the question...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGvsKY-hnLlIorOIwtLgMEuQV2F-iU4bKcJPQPsxkXjGd__Xx5bdTPFXUrJWpTbV0zVNAQzRhj8CT_FwbSiCHs3bmZo0ZLfpCKjsNbPy-y46JcCgGZwyCX2vGB6EfF9DixgwTZWh3J1DD/s1600/ScrappyQuilt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGvsKY-hnLlIorOIwtLgMEuQV2F-iU4bKcJPQPsxkXjGd__Xx5bdTPFXUrJWpTbV0zVNAQzRhj8CT_FwbSiCHs3bmZo0ZLfpCKjsNbPy-y46JcCgGZwyCX2vGB6EfF9DixgwTZWh3J1DD/s400/ScrappyQuilt2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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First of all...Happy Halloween! </div>
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I hope you all have fun plans for this evening! </div>
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Our
tradition is to eat chili and cornbread with family and friends and
then get serious about trick or treating. My husband sits in the
driveway passing out candy while I walk around with the kids. It is SO
much fun! My kids are 16, 14 and 8. And, yep, they all still trick or
treat! </div>
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What are your Halloween traditions?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV1GuZtXQZIpezM1wRhY8f-_TkJD9czxIhP1EBBqF4oioIVcChJGedEmudseLg3x37GXaeMc2JSZSAOX1WBhpza3ZET7xObvqc8tfqeoGzh1aHMZ3fH6rCHmQkd_lwmUsUSDeyQwC4Clt/s1600/ScrappyQuilt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV1GuZtXQZIpezM1wRhY8f-_TkJD9czxIhP1EBBqF4oioIVcChJGedEmudseLg3x37GXaeMc2JSZSAOX1WBhpza3ZET7xObvqc8tfqeoGzh1aHMZ3fH6rCHmQkd_lwmUsUSDeyQwC4Clt/s400/ScrappyQuilt3.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-id-Q4g2ZfKVIX066waYIKkr6afX_w3r_CiQFAtCePmcghcQSNGwnO7TXksjv1KhCQCfqoOrO1DlyK2Ix3C-8Er3LyV2LcpuSieOXL4YTP-xG8W5FuRaYIEDoj5U_VvSqs-TpumU0Ppb/s1600/ScrappyQuilt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-id-Q4g2ZfKVIX066waYIKkr6afX_w3r_CiQFAtCePmcghcQSNGwnO7TXksjv1KhCQCfqoOrO1DlyK2Ix3C-8Er3LyV2LcpuSieOXL4YTP-xG8W5FuRaYIEDoj5U_VvSqs-TpumU0Ppb/s400/ScrappyQuilt1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Enough fun stuff. I have serious business. I finished piecing my
quilt blocks for my <a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/2012/10/lets-get-started-scrappy-stash-quilt.html" target="_blank">Scrappy Stash QAL</a> quilt and I can't decide if I
should add a border. Will you help me, please?</div>
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Should I add a border? The quilt measures 49"x59" as it is. </div>
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I think this is the best straight on shot, though it is a bit dark:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU1mgTp0CS5vxcQ3qV_a1gA2Sk35nYP3d3KGnfzIoaOU_bL4kWaJrxxfoF77_N0VAUiWT4DGPgkJDiy4h_3A1JMyBzXv8JKXd0RjddTCvtQUMaWonKdSauBO0913vXoZ2uSM4rCdtgst_/s1600/ScrappyQuilt7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQU1mgTp0CS5vxcQ3qV_a1gA2Sk35nYP3d3KGnfzIoaOU_bL4kWaJrxxfoF77_N0VAUiWT4DGPgkJDiy4h_3A1JMyBzXv8JKXd0RjddTCvtQUMaWonKdSauBO0913vXoZ2uSM4rCdtgst_/s400/ScrappyQuilt7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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If I should add a border, what kind? Solid white?
Natural linen? (I LOVE linen) or? A color? I don't want to detract
from the quilt blocks by adding a busy border. I definitely want simple
if I do add a border.</div>
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And, I can't resist throwing in a picture of my shadow. </div>
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She will be my little Mulan tonight!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsTY_Rrgscen7VjWANnK7RMBkNnw86m2NhIg2PqOZ4AvCujZZJZdMS1LjjBR6et_vF4AAM2vb88D0Qxm5O4s27ewKg43T8Gmk3RlMFVH7IxYQFS0aEToxIHPIrIpgq3xNMSa1AgUqqfC9/s1600/ScrappyQuiltGianna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsTY_Rrgscen7VjWANnK7RMBkNnw86m2NhIg2PqOZ4AvCujZZJZdMS1LjjBR6et_vF4AAM2vb88D0Qxm5O4s27ewKg43T8Gmk3RlMFVH7IxYQFS0aEToxIHPIrIpgq3xNMSa1AgUqqfC9/s400/ScrappyQuiltGianna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I would just love your help with this. </div>
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Thank you so much!</div>
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Have fun and be safe tonight!</div>
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Happy Halloween!</div>
Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6754928092545645123.post-31881812872808209692012-10-24T09:16:00.005-07:002012-10-24T09:20:08.257-07:00The Zipper Won...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UKFvt9NxKJhrgI1oouYizgGQPKEdD8njWDpShQWIPD-Oy1Abmb0Dh-D2ES4cevTZ6H9Ur1kqIV8YXneKZmXVjEP4txhoaAOBjlEcMtVLHqJCviz_8C88N5ZurM_nN7U5jNEo8Zg47HOM/s1600/cosmetic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UKFvt9NxKJhrgI1oouYizgGQPKEdD8njWDpShQWIPD-Oy1Abmb0Dh-D2ES4cevTZ6H9Ur1kqIV8YXneKZmXVjEP4txhoaAOBjlEcMtVLHqJCviz_8C88N5ZurM_nN7U5jNEo8Zg47HOM/s400/cosmetic4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started out making <a href="http://melissalovescolor.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-little-protoge.html" target="_blank">this cute little cosmetics pouch</a> because my daughter wanted to make one. I thought it would be easier for me to help her make it if I was making one also. <br />
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(How cute is she??)</div>
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I have to confess that I am afraid of zippers. I will almost always avoid any sewing project that involves zippers. They freak me out. This cosmetics pouch has a zipper...duh, duh, duh, duh......</div>
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It all started out fine. I loved the look of the linen with the solid blues and purples. My corners were matching up nicely. </div>
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Surely I could conquer a 7 inch zipper, right?!? </div>
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Well, the zipper won. </div>
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It didn't completely defeat me. I finished the project. I wish I felt a bit more victorious about that, but I am so bummed that zippers are STILL so difficult for me! Grrr...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGljxaCDUoTmTbTvk_KMMI_T-Sssq5tUGAbrgch2zZjurExaLYYcVa7IDC0LV7FcmmP4_l9IkP2Q5T2PClz8loy1HpzGlRXIBLqyxCVZa8pw-aTPpjw_o1kNyIAgRP4eyRf23kpcmW9ys/s1600/cosmetic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGljxaCDUoTmTbTvk_KMMI_T-Sssq5tUGAbrgch2zZjurExaLYYcVa7IDC0LV7FcmmP4_l9IkP2Q5T2PClz8loy1HpzGlRXIBLqyxCVZa8pw-aTPpjw_o1kNyIAgRP4eyRf23kpcmW9ys/s400/cosmetic1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9lDYkgpqJIfjVumchJPtPMIMxHJcxP6PRsOt10kTxClULrMzLScobMe27_98ugTVzazp3ru5aBpjhOJLFCzPLfOWtlbmewb4g9SWc2HO0kApIWJYY4Ow_1SXZBV_JDKtIRFourPGJf11/s1600/cosmetic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9lDYkgpqJIfjVumchJPtPMIMxHJcxP6PRsOt10kTxClULrMzLScobMe27_98ugTVzazp3ru5aBpjhOJLFCzPLfOWtlbmewb4g9SWc2HO0kApIWJYY4Ow_1SXZBV_JDKtIRFourPGJf11/s400/cosmetic3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I still have to help my daughter finish her bag and I am SO not looking forward to it! </div>
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Hmmm...maybe she'll just forget about it. </div>
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Not likely.</div>
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Sooo...any zipper encouragement for me? </div>
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Pretty please? </div>
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Oh! Here is a peek at my most recent project:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNyllQQh_0POzvwM9-LV-GFwzbiA2s_mJtKrE952gQLPQwSEb8ZJNf2_zAgdoez_9FBkd2AIXWozDucD7Uq2ebaDnzkUWOAv42IeuVbJB7-QvpY2khRfHV2Lc5r8zGKEJMm_lo4a0L3A2/s1600/orangezigzag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNyllQQh_0POzvwM9-LV-GFwzbiA2s_mJtKrE952gQLPQwSEb8ZJNf2_zAgdoez_9FBkd2AIXWozDucD7Uq2ebaDnzkUWOAv42IeuVbJB7-QvpY2khRfHV2Lc5r8zGKEJMm_lo4a0L3A2/s400/orangezigzag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Melissa Loves Colorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03953905689753037059noreply@blogger.com4