tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27597680182722199382024-03-28T20:30:11.314-07:00San Francisco Stitch Co.San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-41066775812886753532024-03-23T10:50:00.000-07:002024-03-23T12:38:05.698-07:00I left the house!<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It's true, and it's time! We've been up here for a year and a half, and so far, my social life rivals COVID-- for some of us, we were living our best life in isolation, weren't we? But enough is enough. This week, I went to one of my LQSs for some socialization at a sit 'n sew type event. I have quite a few shop choices here within an hour. Are you jealous? Apparently, sewing is a great activity for those of us who live in the middle of nowhere. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I really enjoyed myself-- fortunately, social skills turned out to be like riding a bike-- I could still do it and I was able to burp out a few coherent words. There were six of us, not all quilters. One was making some stuffed Easter bunnies, another hot pads, and another, a puzzle quilt. By the end of the five hour session, we were all cackling away like happy hens. And anyone who dropped in the store was coming back to see what was going on! This is a monthly event-- so I may just make it that-- it was amazing how much you can accomplish without the distractions of home around you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> More than polishing up my social skills attracted me-- I used it as an excuse to start yet another project! They had this sample in the store, and graciously kitted me up for just the cost of the yardage-- about $20.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYNrZ5-afOWNFrM7U2SzYWY-HS3NOtIJSUvYThEbQUM_p_h5xZ6pgbRaz1knUdi6uUfMFW8rIaazArKrSD8kTLfJobI0c4-0NMrCXcK3jSKHhnRL6lStNrHEwpdEUWpJfO1CTVbml-TlORKpvmhO51xFMDvHFS8Z1IpSvYyKY_RBv0ubgSK4r6hVuEO0/s4032/IMG_7130.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYNrZ5-afOWNFrM7U2SzYWY-HS3NOtIJSUvYThEbQUM_p_h5xZ6pgbRaz1knUdi6uUfMFW8rIaazArKrSD8kTLfJobI0c4-0NMrCXcK3jSKHhnRL6lStNrHEwpdEUWpJfO1CTVbml-TlORKpvmhO51xFMDvHFS8Z1IpSvYyKY_RBv0ubgSK4r6hVuEO0/s320/IMG_7130.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It is Robin Pickens's "Posies" tablerunner. You know I'm a fan of her-- the woman is a genius. It's a nice mix of modern sophistication with cute fabrics. Aside from some fussy 3/4" flip 'n stitch corners, which take longer to complain about than to make, the pattern was really well written and broken down into easy units with not a ton of matching needed at all. I had all the units complete after the five-hour session, and a nice tablerunner flimsy after a couple more hours at home!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QmGWrD8V7Q-FM2rG7oy5gFu83_Pe4EW3n8Wd4_3QljLZAw33OGIDjg65akS4WClecillsIGZfHHv6i9HHexNTC-S551YlqG6WntGTIj3x1dKfW8DSOi8dtkNQ168Zt-Y1f3BQcoVMHktr5Fw4TwKMrphV5AfZK0duYn2QDGgEqlppDPzJP_ru5LSwa4/s4032/IMG_7196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QmGWrD8V7Q-FM2rG7oy5gFu83_Pe4EW3n8Wd4_3QljLZAw33OGIDjg65akS4WClecillsIGZfHHv6i9HHexNTC-S551YlqG6WntGTIj3x1dKfW8DSOi8dtkNQ168Zt-Y1f3BQcoVMHktr5Fw4TwKMrphV5AfZK0duYn2QDGgEqlppDPzJP_ru5LSwa4/w640-h480/IMG_7196.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> When I look at my progress over the last year, I sure have pumped out some nice "finishes," but in the back of my mind, is the realization, it's not a quilt until it's quilted, is it? I know it was on my mind, because I had a dream about setting up the longarm, and I just couldn't get it to work. Machinery and I have a very tenuous relationship-- the two years I had it, I was still never sure I was doing tension right! But it should be back and running this summer. I guess I just need to take a very aggressive attitude about learning it and get some of these things over the finish line.</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibISFOJd3Cw5C6bx4npbQkrUwPaEO_S6TnCSCJFxruX5T7k13DJiSsVyZ_xm-eEMWVZ6HNkO2o43638yD-39BkT4GXbnx2ZmnL1ZFkF9obclI5_IIxAK2KqEyipCf36gtLxvl6WLdBfm5t_t4eN8GahOEW3IVyTrWyus9fryVTEAIVwTIILm_DWhb1jb0/s4032/IMG_7197.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibISFOJd3Cw5C6bx4npbQkrUwPaEO_S6TnCSCJFxruX5T7k13DJiSsVyZ_xm-eEMWVZ6HNkO2o43638yD-39BkT4GXbnx2ZmnL1ZFkF9obclI5_IIxAK2KqEyipCf36gtLxvl6WLdBfm5t_t4eN8GahOEW3IVyTrWyus9fryVTEAIVwTIILm_DWhb1jb0/w640-h480/IMG_7197.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> At the class, I felt right at home when everyone started pointed out the flaws in their work-- hee, hee. That's a quilting thing! So I think I grouped too many of the peach flowers together in my layout, but I just decided to embrace it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Here are the pesky 3/4" corners-- those flower buds are size of a quarter. So one person who was just visiting the store commented to me, "What you are doing is hard." And I replied, "No, it's just crazy."</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXX4wpT-S65_MBkLKYHhZdTVOkVEIlBMZG1nznVCaOgAi-Mc9ddNHRFZKYrMkgthvP5qmfnFu18FejaySKwMCjruYLVV3MVgc8HpbmEr_zhc32847qMwhb567VH_xd7HbrVHJPlvR3kYOmGrI2DK0u_-qopAs84UONE0JEDXkJ7Y7hbgdxcEdO1lIeuE/s4032/IMG_7199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXX4wpT-S65_MBkLKYHhZdTVOkVEIlBMZG1nznVCaOgAi-Mc9ddNHRFZKYrMkgthvP5qmfnFu18FejaySKwMCjruYLVV3MVgc8HpbmEr_zhc32847qMwhb567VH_xd7HbrVHJPlvR3kYOmGrI2DK0u_-qopAs84UONE0JEDXkJ7Y7hbgdxcEdO1lIeuE/w640-h480/IMG_7199.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Here's a little tip for you-- I love to throw them into the vast quantity of blather here, every 100,000 words or so, to keep you coming back for FOMO.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I do not press seams open unless absolutely have to-- I am certain the durability of a quilt depends on nested seams. And no stitching in the ditch if you do press open! If you take pains to make sharp, matching points in your work, stitching in the ditch will preserve and accentuate them. <br /> But sometimes you have seams in the back that just don't end up nesting:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZfO_5cnmOjYPkc4wQhvsxuknCmkw_8j2U7l-bJNk1oeUXmeOyZ9p9Odzmr1uvWqmpZI4ivwmFFlaWPx12R_AojuO9ohC35ytmIx7tTX1nAw1dXeUs7Nzol2R5bbNKlzxwEuDAixynoAiFKiSXWS8Rmgh7HE700mqkN7lYAI9hwOVn4qdp7jFkNkZPhU/s4032/IMG_7192%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZfO_5cnmOjYPkc4wQhvsxuknCmkw_8j2U7l-bJNk1oeUXmeOyZ9p9Odzmr1uvWqmpZI4ivwmFFlaWPx12R_AojuO9ohC35ytmIx7tTX1nAw1dXeUs7Nzol2R5bbNKlzxwEuDAixynoAiFKiSXWS8Rmgh7HE700mqkN7lYAI9hwOVn4qdp7jFkNkZPhU/w640-h480/IMG_7192%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> When sewing the horizontal seam above, you can see by the arrows, both of the vertical seams want to be to the left. That is not going to make for a smooth sew! What I do, is force one of the seams to nest-- you can see my thumb pushing it the other way above. Then I sew it that way, even though it will be twisted.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Once sewn, make a tiny 45 degree cut in the seam near the end-- of course, you do not want to snip any threads! As long as you don't, you won't get a hole.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJX6TTqNPx87idecevMDGTA9vKCLFc5Ww22BdQdBW-tV7c_uKLPBYPEM6mZtk8X0KFzBx_cKVPptFls_IVtOhY2ldFRlMXVXjsybM2NLmz9V_p3748WEiJrmzx2UYT9VFFKRr7hYIawYqKniERvGaohOUfVSIEbGksF3Ih9rdXD-5WTSJpmGieQi6h5c/s4032/IMG_7193%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJX6TTqNPx87idecevMDGTA9vKCLFc5Ww22BdQdBW-tV7c_uKLPBYPEM6mZtk8X0KFzBx_cKVPptFls_IVtOhY2ldFRlMXVXjsybM2NLmz9V_p3748WEiJrmzx2UYT9VFFKRr7hYIawYqKniERvGaohOUfVSIEbGksF3Ih9rdXD-5WTSJpmGieQi6h5c/w640-h480/IMG_7193%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then the seam can flip back the way it wants to go. Trust me, this is beautifully nested, and FLAT now, even though the seams both go the same way. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ft-JjZa8Z2jCps3RT8RpFrOmsepshKR7uDAaSboiLENEKtg03xyueumUBJqXY_ZbW3nhhGoKnfrnL_JfxodCeGAXBghRVepxr0EJkl2ctRda8KHVEHOVh73GKWqbX_7hPUIWS-PWHGIkt_3CCqhBeRb8pn8W36Cn7AIech_b3aky1e1KFL-kR3yedZw/s4032/IMG_7194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ft-JjZa8Z2jCps3RT8RpFrOmsepshKR7uDAaSboiLENEKtg03xyueumUBJqXY_ZbW3nhhGoKnfrnL_JfxodCeGAXBghRVepxr0EJkl2ctRda8KHVEHOVh73GKWqbX_7hPUIWS-PWHGIkt_3CCqhBeRb8pn8W36Cn7AIech_b3aky1e1KFL-kR3yedZw/w640-h480/IMG_7194.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> If none of this makes sense to you, just ignore it and keep pressing your seams open. Neither of us will be around long enough to prove the other wrong!</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW7CTFuoZBS8fCtyP2TeFXayoFjlBevy45e_vdlRvUn34BbWa_v_0Wucb_RgdqllQsRKMHlCNunpuwW-MSccBsdBhWwhSqnuxSD0zJU1xzkFntvZ_Cww1Z5DtS43Zm6zl3m6Suxd3hYv1aXKJL5PQtNRXvBlJZeF_O_3Sw0Jtb3ING8H1PfdQkQuoxYM/s223/Capture5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="223" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW7CTFuoZBS8fCtyP2TeFXayoFjlBevy45e_vdlRvUn34BbWa_v_0Wucb_RgdqllQsRKMHlCNunpuwW-MSccBsdBhWwhSqnuxSD0zJU1xzkFntvZ_Cww1Z5DtS43Zm6zl3m6Suxd3hYv1aXKJL5PQtNRXvBlJZeF_O_3Sw0Jtb3ING8H1PfdQkQuoxYM/w125-h115/Capture5.JPG" width="125" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> If you are really paying attention, you'll see that I'm a hypocrite and my leaves are pressed open... someone in the class had already made this and Robin Pickens said so, and I was feeling peer pressure in class. I freely admit I'm a bit of a "sheeple." Their goes the longevity of my too peachy table runner! The older I've gotten, the more time there has been for things to not go well... part of living successfully for me lately has been embracing the less than perfect in my life! Do it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> No progress on leaves this week-- I so wanted to finish the last three big ones and at least show you the smaller leaf I'm going to mix in. I'm giving myself till the end of March to get that done, and it's next on the list. I spent quite a bit of time digitizing this beauty, this week! Cross stitch is so easy to digitize-- this, not so much, but it's where my heart lies and I hope to get more of a balance between the two techniques.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ersy9IrKdIZwTmownT9cSLhKN_npe7bWQeU3DNq9t2gkcJyt9P105DKvS0VD5KjakNMx5rVeOOU4JirZwfbcC3XhIhtLEsS_08ksxBmc04zTH52Ibw9tRt1h2KiGISLZBUknTRkMnyg7qf3Y6XNAkwrkNeuRUxEXxi3FnbWr9UPhfLT-QcZlhneV0UE/s1621/Flower-Basket-Machine-Embroidery-1x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ersy9IrKdIZwTmownT9cSLhKN_npe7bWQeU3DNq9t2gkcJyt9P105DKvS0VD5KjakNMx5rVeOOU4JirZwfbcC3XhIhtLEsS_08ksxBmc04zTH52Ibw9tRt1h2KiGISLZBUknTRkMnyg7qf3Y6XNAkwrkNeuRUxEXxi3FnbWr9UPhfLT-QcZlhneV0UE/w474-h640/Flower-Basket-Machine-Embroidery-1x.jpg" width="474" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In the meantime, the next Sew Sampler box has arrived... and, drum roll, I like the fabric. I really cannot get myself off this ride.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuK8AfXrY4UEhbgojSEwfCF0diuYT9_pWfqDa2TOkO5QTFPjJPp2MK-0iXPxDtx9ZkeED-E0V7tDDFxUx3xwZelxpuSVcIFSY9ydf4kILgrFCOxU2pehEkPILj5VuCBrgAsiGPsEkT8b6DBg-m9loxZS_3wrghYw4ZIrOnuFWYqQuHDfspznPk3GfJ6U/s4032/IMG_7200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuK8AfXrY4UEhbgojSEwfCF0diuYT9_pWfqDa2TOkO5QTFPjJPp2MK-0iXPxDtx9ZkeED-E0V7tDDFxUx3xwZelxpuSVcIFSY9ydf4kILgrFCOxU2pehEkPILj5VuCBrgAsiGPsEkT8b6DBg-m9loxZS_3wrghYw4ZIrOnuFWYqQuHDfspznPk3GfJ6U/w640-h480/IMG_7200.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It is "Vintage" by Sweetwater-- some sort of celebration as they have reached 50 collections with Moda-- wow. So I really love the colors-- they are cheery, without being too bright. There's always someone complaining about these boxes on Facebook-- well, unsubscribe, why don'tcha! But in my opinion Fat Quarter Shop is really hitting it out of the park the past year, after being in a slump. I pay $36.55 shipped to get this each month, and they are saying this month's value is $78.12. We aren't a bunch of greenhorns here, and obviously they can inflate the price to come up with that number, so after reading a bunch of whining on Facebook, I did my own calculation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> For 12 fat quarters, that's three yards of fabric and I'd pay $11 a yd. So just that is $33. I like the pattern, but I'm not going to make it, so it's -zip- for that.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWqcT5fG_i4tfU30IEC8h3Q56tXgm7tpzGPzSMTICarwVOKzWdB1ZIpyww9rU0kPAYAvpV8Z39tWEMhNsXMU0A2enl2ZfRm5cgTffg_PjqlGnQNOvGKm8ihxqbhWB_AOxAAHuDUeaLmK8VNzr0YoNWf0G_pEb48yFa37M-GxigEbNEnCpPuK-YWxUhqw/s4032/IMG_7201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWqcT5fG_i4tfU30IEC8h3Q56tXgm7tpzGPzSMTICarwVOKzWdB1ZIpyww9rU0kPAYAvpV8Z39tWEMhNsXMU0A2enl2ZfRm5cgTffg_PjqlGnQNOvGKm8ihxqbhWB_AOxAAHuDUeaLmK8VNzr0YoNWf0G_pEb48yFa37M-GxigEbNEnCpPuK-YWxUhqw/w640-h480/IMG_7201.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The triangles on a roll, I happen to love! And this is a full roll, folks-- not just enough that you need for the quilt. So that I would give the full $12.48 for that. Then there's a Quilter's zipper pull-- I wouldn't buy that for $4.98, but it's cute and I would pay $2 at a yard sale. Buttercup will have fun pecking that when I bring her out her oatmeal. The thing on the bottom is a pen that you fill with water to help remove foundation papers-- well, I don't have any trouble removing them, but there is also a pair of tweezers-- again, I'd pay $2 for them at a yard sale.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Finally, there is the block of the month--$5-- and the finishing instructions--$5. I'd pay for the block, but not the finishing kit-- I'm doing my own thing as usual for that, thanks, lol. So $5 there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Kpcx9rrOAAcxsVR2f1s8OiFZNHToKq3-oRc_N72XHbEozpIAINbKFztBDOirY_FqR23v7TGDgzbt1vVVamSWRjeh8bwX13xn5FzBdw9IAE58Yo0oZ-Sv3-CwPx2F4EVmXRN-RN9TBZbuI_HxwT8VI1EWmDDOnp8co3lEp-_SeI6PDsa6O4BUGHUaPjo/s4032/IMG_7202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Kpcx9rrOAAcxsVR2f1s8OiFZNHToKq3-oRc_N72XHbEozpIAINbKFztBDOirY_FqR23v7TGDgzbt1vVVamSWRjeh8bwX13xn5FzBdw9IAE58Yo0oZ-Sv3-CwPx2F4EVmXRN-RN9TBZbuI_HxwT8VI1EWmDDOnp8co3lEp-_SeI6PDsa6O4BUGHUaPjo/w640-h480/IMG_7202.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's my own total of $54.48-- what is not included is the fun to get a surprise sewing box each month-- that's just priceless as they say! So I'm continuing on and will keep "complaining" that I like them too much and have to make them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> If you do get these boxes and you don't like the pattern, just research what patterns the designers have come up with-- I found this great "Chatterbox" pattern Sweetwater designed for this collection-- I am going to make it next month. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIflNov0me43fhqse-hjqHGhqOIy59IkWat7rzl2FJNAh0Y8R_MkaaY2HL4sU69jwFkJ7Y65mbdYdaKAWbl0gqCMJvUkSSxTQtriQ2QMlLkhDyPxJyMQXiL3tUmeM7zHpq6ftMiaFpGo1goyxQSOw73au4Es35oAm_ZBUqZ0OVW3U2uJGyrGnCr7TnlNo/s1012/Chatterbox.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1012" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIflNov0me43fhqse-hjqHGhqOIy59IkWat7rzl2FJNAh0Y8R_MkaaY2HL4sU69jwFkJ7Y65mbdYdaKAWbl0gqCMJvUkSSxTQtriQ2QMlLkhDyPxJyMQXiL3tUmeM7zHpq6ftMiaFpGo1goyxQSOw73au4Es35oAm_ZBUqZ0OVW3U2uJGyrGnCr7TnlNo/w640-h484/Chatterbox.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> <br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> If you do want to do something else and need more fabric, you better get on it quickly, because any of the Sew Sampler featured collections sell out quickly. Where does the $105 I just spent for background and backing figure in all of this? That is getting into advanced quilt Calculus and I'm not going there!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Finally the weather. Every time we get a spring snowstorm, I'm running out to take pictures since I think this will be the last one! So, I've done that THREE times now...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua3JKChD_uNohY6l3iiPY-FrVrDcvSHMxlYKLnWwtaBb7nair0yufHQ90YQoIAxDsz8-6Z6_HaP7LxgsB5tCh076Aqmt_z_w6YSZC521N1osvGaYcfD__O0HQt_FjrNk3ljq_6VjaEIPjW4wgJJFdLiYGtd_TW7ucC-Np8mE6_RjJPl-yNtChmJbFhNo/s4032/IMG_7143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua3JKChD_uNohY6l3iiPY-FrVrDcvSHMxlYKLnWwtaBb7nair0yufHQ90YQoIAxDsz8-6Z6_HaP7LxgsB5tCh076Aqmt_z_w6YSZC521N1osvGaYcfD__O0HQt_FjrNk3ljq_6VjaEIPjW4wgJJFdLiYGtd_TW7ucC-Np8mE6_RjJPl-yNtChmJbFhNo/w640-h480/IMG_7143.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It is really beautiful. Winter and I are really getting along.</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT7-KEodoPicD-qw7WlquD081Dr_jzdFfKk0-pjKog5m1It3V48IKG2meOE-nSXRO0YvLp8VaHubFQBCfEROPoQ3R2PZ8xMKG3J6shjLKgqlSH4wGe53pAqxISp-iX2g0dLs2puZJCoyyoO8S62Ej4lmUZeJC18oeRpEzIEX0aZBGTqJyjlWKcif8U24/s4032/IMG_7186.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT7-KEodoPicD-qw7WlquD081Dr_jzdFfKk0-pjKog5m1It3V48IKG2meOE-nSXRO0YvLp8VaHubFQBCfEROPoQ3R2PZ8xMKG3J6shjLKgqlSH4wGe53pAqxISp-iX2g0dLs2puZJCoyyoO8S62Ej4lmUZeJC18oeRpEzIEX0aZBGTqJyjlWKcif8U24/w640-h480/IMG_7186.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Now today, we are getting 12"-18"!! I wouldn't call that a spring snow, I think we are back to winter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPeQOuPIekrSX2jlX0eaMzuM7LzDKUP6FL4xMvvQvxfLKZK8iUgbtLttLSSRi4EXwKBp8PSDzAB3ofhyphenhyphenZU2FW1vZQIsJulolG_lEpmjI2vqvkG5VZsg-M03gGG9Zm40JSkR_Y198zfuFovEkIoN2SAVu-KEfcvKmG2i6uMElABpnS8BaxEENm4PG7j6c/s4032/IMG_7183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPeQOuPIekrSX2jlX0eaMzuM7LzDKUP6FL4xMvvQvxfLKZK8iUgbtLttLSSRi4EXwKBp8PSDzAB3ofhyphenhyphenZU2FW1vZQIsJulolG_lEpmjI2vqvkG5VZsg-M03gGG9Zm40JSkR_Y198zfuFovEkIoN2SAVu-KEfcvKmG2i6uMElABpnS8BaxEENm4PG7j6c/w640-h480/IMG_7183.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I took the opportunity for quilt photography! </span></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo6GHHPVAQkO3VaxMcuUJ5HxfODOmgWjxgY7J54x7-63ARKgVnhcvai8If5BYxEwGncAx23d0xD38n2-zN3ao1uBKfXuSNACulwNvIkWpDQ-cwZGdz8KbHSoW-_EHMUOrmohumv2tbu0lQUxgGm41IhGj0bPnTBE1uA90F2LV-r1sAp27GlsiaTHOuEI/s4032/IMG_7162.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo6GHHPVAQkO3VaxMcuUJ5HxfODOmgWjxgY7J54x7-63ARKgVnhcvai8If5BYxEwGncAx23d0xD38n2-zN3ao1uBKfXuSNACulwNvIkWpDQ-cwZGdz8KbHSoW-_EHMUOrmohumv2tbu0lQUxgGm41IhGj0bPnTBE1uA90F2LV-r1sAp27GlsiaTHOuEI/w640-h480/IMG_7162.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoy2bzzEJJaOSg1YJ0Lsuft8ikL3b5FGhSrtKbmF3-DO2hZtmjQWC_oo90luu3n1aNPwSBEVAdUhvO6WNk-I5W9nCz3UWIrRkftJ4YilGcA-eQhyphenhyphenXtBbW-o1hjaSezBmWnkO3DMUwR7_B2q0fWCJALahshgBdjCO-d8xuofr7z6xwTh7tRLRHKk4O854/s4032/IMG_7167.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoy2bzzEJJaOSg1YJ0Lsuft8ikL3b5FGhSrtKbmF3-DO2hZtmjQWC_oo90luu3n1aNPwSBEVAdUhvO6WNk-I5W9nCz3UWIrRkftJ4YilGcA-eQhyphenhyphenXtBbW-o1hjaSezBmWnkO3DMUwR7_B2q0fWCJALahshgBdjCO-d8xuofr7z6xwTh7tRLRHKk4O854/w640-h480/IMG_7167.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> Professionally long-armed, all hand bound, and FULLY finished! I feel entitled to display it, for as long as the weather is appropriate. Or until Bigfoot retreats back to the North Pole for the summer. (<i>I love my goofy family</i>. :-)</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7osmunm0jJnnoSC7wiuTgGPwJ25qSz-219vQQBizKYTeRfJPJFfkxUaRPS8qX9_eYBHybBeUIRPiiHFqvRJjDnMe86cEvtWkCTVo4XQ6I5y4oqvZIMRrFkyJvPCcFD4vKF_k7Bz9qCbeZKZne0HW-lbw5eesuI0pb-Jd88qGkdAEbTtGKos2gl-yHRHs/s2253/IMG_7165%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2253" data-original-width="2120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7osmunm0jJnnoSC7wiuTgGPwJ25qSz-219vQQBizKYTeRfJPJFfkxUaRPS8qX9_eYBHybBeUIRPiiHFqvRJjDnMe86cEvtWkCTVo4XQ6I5y4oqvZIMRrFkyJvPCcFD4vKF_k7Bz9qCbeZKZne0HW-lbw5eesuI0pb-Jd88qGkdAEbTtGKos2gl-yHRHs/w376-h400/IMG_7165%20copy.jpg" width="376" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Happy Sewing!</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><p></p></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-51355072235361030442024-03-17T10:03:00.000-07:002024-03-17T10:03:00.626-07:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Just a short post today to wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day and to share our shenanigans <br />and maybe hear about yours! </span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The brisket is in the slow cooker...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">(I have never soaked beef in water for ten hours, so fingers crossed-- <br />on the other hand, it can't possibly be as bad as previous years' attempts)</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKnGo8ZmlNDDByfJJHVJ9rBX-nA-6Wn4fPBWINIXjqOXFcWfyRRe_iPm5D_BpaTLdgokI28VUNQSP3na0YESwJ4HcQx4GHn3J_0WFlVZea8ByvojCr_YUc9X35aLF0kvY9-imWXMCuxeKlnrOUjloPOTzC4hSPDzDaWY5rpKpVdcOkIDkoNkZVmr59ac/s4032/IMG_7118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKnGo8ZmlNDDByfJJHVJ9rBX-nA-6Wn4fPBWINIXjqOXFcWfyRRe_iPm5D_BpaTLdgokI28VUNQSP3na0YESwJ4HcQx4GHn3J_0WFlVZea8ByvojCr_YUc9X35aLF0kvY9-imWXMCuxeKlnrOUjloPOTzC4hSPDzDaWY5rpKpVdcOkIDkoNkZVmr59ac/w640-h480/IMG_7118.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Irish Soda bread is out of the oven...<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe9CaLuaiVl9mHFDCdOdpnWKRHGgaozz4xnhbx9H52U-6tCMRUrN6_081xMfPxdCLdtXPv2phieh1EFPWlvkvLk5Hj_-dHysIT_xaigV3oMdoU_z1naAkBpeG3RCMCx19MHLtrRAlWbX3sgbbbbO3eDNTFW6vEaLx1_pF5VhwSDhqKy4QI85-90fUzz8/s4032/IMG_7122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe9CaLuaiVl9mHFDCdOdpnWKRHGgaozz4xnhbx9H52U-6tCMRUrN6_081xMfPxdCLdtXPv2phieh1EFPWlvkvLk5Hj_-dHysIT_xaigV3oMdoU_z1naAkBpeG3RCMCx19MHLtrRAlWbX3sgbbbbO3eDNTFW6vEaLx1_pF5VhwSDhqKy4QI85-90fUzz8/w640-h480/IMG_7122.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">...and the weather outside is miserable. <br />If there were a parade within 100 miles of here, we wouldn't want to be at it today, anyway! <br />It's been freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw-- I think this is our third mud season this year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmp-_ZgA0cnIuZwlt0uXU8Y-uS1_Do_EhSOOusujKicr2dO8cTHlEO-OjTbQ_ATrJDNFYVNsIEna-X9qH8wZEUXVsY6dkMY9_7_SV9DkeJAHVs-9a-vqpXib7JQY8TaK2R4PSxVBvUQcQ0mYT7xxS7DfVaoYqySNhVTZS4_7ngNbJ58SxnECuKORosg4/s4032/IMG_7119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmp-_ZgA0cnIuZwlt0uXU8Y-uS1_Do_EhSOOusujKicr2dO8cTHlEO-OjTbQ_ATrJDNFYVNsIEna-X9qH8wZEUXVsY6dkMY9_7_SV9DkeJAHVs-9a-vqpXib7JQY8TaK2R4PSxVBvUQcQ0mYT7xxS7DfVaoYqySNhVTZS4_7ngNbJ58SxnECuKORosg4/w640-h480/IMG_7119.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> But it's the kind of weather the maple trees love-- the sap is flowing! Who ever decided to try collecting water from trees and boiling it forever to see what happens? It is comical to watch the little bubbles zigzag through the trees, and then amazing how they fill a 40 gallon bucket in no time!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs9zcDCbTOB8zBFDp3s1V9GGP1OWVm-BQ5aR8nQZby9N744TcqK8tPj-Qxrs9q_QDF6gS_VstgjZ4x4HRCdvRrYjX1GJXexvj32PqvuARuu_P5MbluhjNwlqnSGWzBWxNrej-rhLQwY8Um8macoeIqhk1Lt1zKt9DFEAP6jhDk9dMe3iv3RqNLCDX0jk/s1920/IMG_7108%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs9zcDCbTOB8zBFDp3s1V9GGP1OWVm-BQ5aR8nQZby9N744TcqK8tPj-Qxrs9q_QDF6gS_VstgjZ4x4HRCdvRrYjX1GJXexvj32PqvuARuu_P5MbluhjNwlqnSGWzBWxNrej-rhLQwY8Um8macoeIqhk1Lt1zKt9DFEAP6jhDk9dMe3iv3RqNLCDX0jk/w640-h360/IMG_7108%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In the coop, Betsy the blue-egger is laying again-- she was the only one who decided she'd take the winter off. Oh, Lordy, I do love that hen. We saw her, eyeing up the nesting boxes last week. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUbWFEpLNY4Z_33a5rqgTj1fpfUJgKirw6Hh81kKCtwmo2aZicwFHT9NC4wle_Ysi3HslJHSq46rYcnObe11LVWoDo1QoRKTe1TZ97_Ye8yz1Hoal9GN9iYIrpnR2NbpnE8inMPMyLNW4m1rAArr-rTDkNrPfpzAFmRiCF2BAYSOA3qtLv_T3pbSpKAw/s4032/IMG_7123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUbWFEpLNY4Z_33a5rqgTj1fpfUJgKirw6Hh81kKCtwmo2aZicwFHT9NC4wle_Ysi3HslJHSq46rYcnObe11LVWoDo1QoRKTe1TZ97_Ye8yz1Hoal9GN9iYIrpnR2NbpnE8inMPMyLNW4m1rAArr-rTDkNrPfpzAFmRiCF2BAYSOA3qtLv_T3pbSpKAw/w640-h480/IMG_7123.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So you might thing I'm sewing shamrocks today, but it is more than appropriate that maple leaves are falling on the sewing room floor. I managed to get twelve of these done last week-- they are taking longer than I thought (no surprise there.) I'm picking colors and then sewing each individually-- then hand sewing on the stems. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWabOPZmpn8SBRCiRNbU96QEfj96K2Sz28M9lnRStiu6K1k1qGPAMx-4SYwQMYI9S4wCQDi-TYjOIwoBLYYRdFbMvO1l2dSWmTfBIVce2DoVTwZlaRH_KtEZgO80JT1tL2HxZbISIzgcBa5XakaFw2s81HNIbr71CFafbo5sY3rbQPc6baY58sC2NEuc/s4032/IMG_7112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWabOPZmpn8SBRCiRNbU96QEfj96K2Sz28M9lnRStiu6K1k1qGPAMx-4SYwQMYI9S4wCQDi-TYjOIwoBLYYRdFbMvO1l2dSWmTfBIVce2DoVTwZlaRH_KtEZgO80JT1tL2HxZbISIzgcBa5XakaFw2s81HNIbr71CFafbo5sY3rbQPc6baY58sC2NEuc/w640-h480/IMG_7112.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I like a thin stem, so applique seemed the way to go. I cut 3/4" strips, fold the sides back 1/4" each, and machine baste them down.</span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiK2MMKQpgd_C0yoboEJfi-YknBTuVm04QHM5tq-Bi53KihZJCPXbOGz8XWrqtuXB_AqsejU_X7sGx1T1GZ79rub8gE7gN35ZzMAEUxX_VgVFMzC8VULG0uSAYTEB2RrmKKo3QHnz_vaTtDzYyXWaLFWT9SI_0HiX-8Hb4bFaEIbyX5Jva1JwLEK7d18/s4032/IMG_7111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiK2MMKQpgd_C0yoboEJfi-YknBTuVm04QHM5tq-Bi53KihZJCPXbOGz8XWrqtuXB_AqsejU_X7sGx1T1GZ79rub8gE7gN35ZzMAEUxX_VgVFMzC8VULG0uSAYTEB2RrmKKo3QHnz_vaTtDzYyXWaLFWT9SI_0HiX-8Hb4bFaEIbyX5Jva1JwLEK7d18/s320/IMG_7111.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mKI2ybSVEqnYNVnmBKFdRhyphenhyphenRPJqMIS_SWylXfftZ4dFusgK0bP4UOrdT1NFuM9Dz1nrhgB0EwNJ5Io5IeEzYFXGkIWyFWLo76lR1EZhbCP8nQuU0bhTOpCzoH0FrAzLT4cbUsCb8-P3FB4eGPa-dI6OTtupunPAJWH4BPtUITEDf5XiYO0xfG8MsGHQ/s4032/IMG_7110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mKI2ybSVEqnYNVnmBKFdRhyphenhyphenRPJqMIS_SWylXfftZ4dFusgK0bP4UOrdT1NFuM9Dz1nrhgB0EwNJ5Io5IeEzYFXGkIWyFWLo76lR1EZhbCP8nQuU0bhTOpCzoH0FrAzLT4cbUsCb8-P3FB4eGPa-dI6OTtupunPAJWH4BPtUITEDf5XiYO0xfG8MsGHQ/s320/IMG_7110.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I thought I had enough junior jelly roll to make 25 leaves, but after I get to 16, I think I am done! I want to add some smaller leaves-- the big leaves are 10" finished, so if I make these smaller leaf units to 10" as well, I can mix them up for a final layout. I don't want leaves like soldiers in a row-- I want them scattered on the ground. Luv my graph paper.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWSOn7xt_8OqEQ-VrwPd-JFJ-fN48sEkyrZ1ZttinnftK0C3MIa4biCoQrbq_y6IxrZCk1SMAxxEbUFNNJEO6KkxU1REDOxcwobYpO35cvkyms6uyn6pLi5pHFkU9GevdnNN7p-4SR91Co2sdxbD30XQcesN4dnSC4ThzSSA5VpGyZuNsn46vdGNttkU/s3081/IMG_7127%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="3081" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWSOn7xt_8OqEQ-VrwPd-JFJ-fN48sEkyrZ1ZttinnftK0C3MIa4biCoQrbq_y6IxrZCk1SMAxxEbUFNNJEO6KkxU1REDOxcwobYpO35cvkyms6uyn6pLi5pHFkU9GevdnNN7p-4SR91Co2sdxbD30XQcesN4dnSC4ThzSSA5VpGyZuNsn46vdGNttkU/w400-h300/IMG_7127%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This reminds me of a beautiful moment I had years ago-- do you have certain moments that stay with you through life? About 40 years ago, I was on my way to work and had just stepped out of my Brooklyn apartment in the early morning, into our dowdy stairwell with the peeling brown paint, smell of roach spray, and cracked marble tiles. There was a window in the stairwell that was open-- it was floor to ceiling, so you could look out onto a flat roof below. All kinds of fall leaves were stuck there, of every color, and the rain was pattering down on them-- you know, that always makes the colors even brighter. I paused for as long as I could, and dreamed of making a painting-- I hadn't discovered fabric yet. Then off I went, over to the subway and the busyness of the day. Here I am-- whether I had a good day or a bad one it is all lost to memory, but a piece of me stayed with those leaves, and here I am finally making that piece of art! I feel very grateful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhAwP9sl1Xax-E3qYE3C3VxTrzalPLdvrsYPXu6uF-8nJZ_IMrPhLaqKZSpsPdGKXzc6UAN9ln_QTlB00vXxnE4J-6M3biCIWI0aWgEjfy2t6u4OFEobm3JIkvLVuJVVAPCwCo07HQdJE1ewyRLMDaiWxL4FIq97cx3ISydR4zBDBDWdcXPvXkReaeLU/s526/430657101_782589770570884_1807570621794633071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="526" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhAwP9sl1Xax-E3qYE3C3VxTrzalPLdvrsYPXu6uF-8nJZ_IMrPhLaqKZSpsPdGKXzc6UAN9ln_QTlB00vXxnE4J-6M3biCIWI0aWgEjfy2t6u4OFEobm3JIkvLVuJVVAPCwCo07HQdJE1ewyRLMDaiWxL4FIq97cx3ISydR4zBDBDWdcXPvXkReaeLU/w400-h396/430657101_782589770570884_1807570621794633071_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Wishing you a beautiful moment or two, today!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-29327265275810780062024-03-10T11:34:00.000-07:002024-03-10T12:28:32.119-07:00I made five quilt blocks this week...<p> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> A number of years ago, I found this blog where the goal was to see how many quilt blocks you could make each week. It wasn't a competition, and you didn't have to commit to a certain number. So I thought, "Wow! That would be a great motivation to get stuff done!" I signed up and in my head I had targeted (4) blocks to make. I got about 3-1/2 done and went back on the scheduled day to report my progress. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The first person I saw on the leaderboard had sewn 25 blocks. Then next person, 125 blocks. The top person, 600 blocks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Overthink it all you want-- I quickly decided it was not the group for me, never to return. But because I am the awesome, sewing diva, I would like to report this week-- I got FIVE blocks done! Just think of it-- that's about half a quilt-- with just a little more effort, I could have a quilt done every two weeks. Of course, the math doesn't count the 2.5 years it would take me to sew the blocks together, or the 5.8 years it would take to add the borders, and then let's not even count quilting. I hate those parts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> But anyway-- here are my blocks!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I pressed on with Pressed Flowers and completed Block 11 way ahead of time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ri4aDcThWYXvbHhRnvWwIEMrFKY9boUBonUMnUiBNs_ByOSWSgv-DQ5wY8U5uI9_kF-Xv9zpMj84pzFfM8VV-hU7Wjic0SE0hgph47Ru2KDMV300h8cZXoMkwE9chIur1YXV9TZiWFSEbTn6KjyEVrRqP2ZYNsKPZsFK-aMfp_iUms8O8eBhqqIJFJI/s4032/IMG_7025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ri4aDcThWYXvbHhRnvWwIEMrFKY9boUBonUMnUiBNs_ByOSWSgv-DQ5wY8U5uI9_kF-Xv9zpMj84pzFfM8VV-hU7Wjic0SE0hgph47Ru2KDMV300h8cZXoMkwE9chIur1YXV9TZiWFSEbTn6KjyEVrRqP2ZYNsKPZsFK-aMfp_iUms8O8eBhqqIJFJI/w640-h480/IMG_7025.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Last post, I was determined add the sashing blocks and get this to the point where all I will have to do is pop in the last block-- that didn't happen.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqn9Z_FdHgnmTCIKsIKztQUh5L-5a7TWSLyiHlMN0xt7p639WGskayUGXzPFIRZn4CM9_83n45bm5PmMf-r86CIHnAUKIhErA0EAby5TsfdtGnDiVPk2QG8c2mXxd8iO0SN8TFjZ50TgGpVs3zMiDK-NzGpN2mcRYzXceBxErJurSiL5iHBdASoGXuhY/s4032/IMG_6994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqn9Z_FdHgnmTCIKsIKztQUh5L-5a7TWSLyiHlMN0xt7p639WGskayUGXzPFIRZn4CM9_83n45bm5PmMf-r86CIHnAUKIhErA0EAby5TsfdtGnDiVPk2QG8c2mXxd8iO0SN8TFjZ50TgGpVs3zMiDK-NzGpN2mcRYzXceBxErJurSiL5iHBdASoGXuhY/w640-h480/IMG_6994.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I really was very unhappy with the way my blocks were coming out-- as usual, I was doing something different, and I had just the exact amount of fabric to do it. So I don't know if it's me or if it's the fabric, but I pre-washed AND starched-- then when I pressed my final block, in some areas, there was barely a 1/8" seam left. Look at the curve on the lower edge of that block above! I went online to see if Bunny Hill, the designer, had another cream background I could use-- you know, these designers use like colors so you can mix and match collections. There was nothing-- but behold! Fat Quarter Shop had more of the sold out print I needed. How is this even possible? Because there is a God, and He cares about our sewing. So two yards are on the way-- I'm going to wash, starch, AND oversize my blocks this time. I still might be able to have it ready for Block 12 by the end of March. Some one on the Sew Sampler group is almost done, and it is a lovely quilt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Next up-- A Star is Born!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dlmyZDlcMx8GXtNOM6kpO5Bd9b2Cyl3zQRaeopbFEhCHWVqMJv09S4QwrFx7OGDzy3UTd8mPnaIOUvMBnLwBVHp-uUggv42AtJVo76OXOy0EwU8OQp-_VbjYhXn_SMHFtioHxb7W0gLrRdWEqDHvXnZ6fgeHU4GTY-ThWlLmeyd3kJQ9LFYmF3iniWI/s3796/IMG_7067%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="3796" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dlmyZDlcMx8GXtNOM6kpO5Bd9b2Cyl3zQRaeopbFEhCHWVqMJv09S4QwrFx7OGDzy3UTd8mPnaIOUvMBnLwBVHp-uUggv42AtJVo76OXOy0EwU8OQp-_VbjYhXn_SMHFtioHxb7W0gLrRdWEqDHvXnZ6fgeHU4GTY-ThWlLmeyd3kJQ9LFYmF3iniWI/w640-h480/IMG_7067%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> With nothing less than sheer determination, complete focus, and total commandeering of the kitchen table all week, I made it happen! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I just love this star-- the Kona colors are beautiful-- you'd be amazed how many there are in just this range of colors. I started with a completely random placement of just darks and lights, following this diagram--</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk_NiNueRMgRGRPk741gyjwyIbF_8VJ2INAbiYcQPryAzMMnMVvAEaUdjofo0g4kf51HgzIGeOfCbOOvOH8lYP0Mc_0S66GJOnh9_0ePWi0bwJKnusGRC01RKVbSQXWVBe7gS4AQ13-1DIx8694ESdiR5ecycPRpHsTKV7t0fWsmMg8e76MTjYkFapJQ/s464/Capture3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="458" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk_NiNueRMgRGRPk741gyjwyIbF_8VJ2INAbiYcQPryAzMMnMVvAEaUdjofo0g4kf51HgzIGeOfCbOOvOH8lYP0Mc_0S66GJOnh9_0ePWi0bwJKnusGRC01RKVbSQXWVBe7gS4AQ13-1DIx8694ESdiR5ecycPRpHsTKV7t0fWsmMg8e76MTjYkFapJQ/w228-h231/Capture3.JPG" width="228" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I set up on the kitchen table-- then all week, as I walked by, I re-arranged to bring out certain things like the yellows and pinks, and made a highlight corner with the whites, and then a softer blend-y corner. It was like working on a jigsaw puzzle all week!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Tuesday...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd0KEuGOCXfg0pK21c2R02EBzUwHC_c7x9PwBbNUecVyNdRbbqptmO5HYPcCsUinYWu7Mp92lzsv3nu1E0LtcSxMnRI7J7NsasakE0As5O2N4Iplpix496E9TLq9HXbfOdnG0iIk4uwsrt4qvlyIOTSTpGpxVFi1moP3DUtkW3omTtE0VawVsmfFRfgU/s2676/IMG_7006%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2436" data-original-width="2676" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd0KEuGOCXfg0pK21c2R02EBzUwHC_c7x9PwBbNUecVyNdRbbqptmO5HYPcCsUinYWu7Mp92lzsv3nu1E0LtcSxMnRI7J7NsasakE0As5O2N4Iplpix496E9TLq9HXbfOdnG0iIk4uwsrt4qvlyIOTSTpGpxVFi1moP3DUtkW3omTtE0VawVsmfFRfgU/s320/IMG_7006%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Wednesday...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp72MKxoD-MWUQvVVwyEidNOdbIQwK8gvrAyO50-VvDcudueYK3ggyzqqPkwLaV0LxKciQ5WFEz6fYz0wtcdfYPjFzAt6SyO3aW5w8oFCJ7o-yRZ5fhWFAuza1C3Pz9VrQBjYwVkDdaR0I2hD05vZT6w6KXDS-Jm9Kjv-19VqTtR9oYsKc47uiYr696w/s2805/IMG_7010%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2670" data-original-width="2805" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp72MKxoD-MWUQvVVwyEidNOdbIQwK8gvrAyO50-VvDcudueYK3ggyzqqPkwLaV0LxKciQ5WFEz6fYz0wtcdfYPjFzAt6SyO3aW5w8oFCJ7o-yRZ5fhWFAuza1C3Pz9VrQBjYwVkDdaR0I2hD05vZT6w6KXDS-Jm9Kjv-19VqTtR9oYsKc47uiYr696w/s320/IMG_7010%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Thursday...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2qOf_5t2IKzAPfWgseB2e71jnEV2T7PysMIP-fzV-t-jngriDQiCwy2w0HdsczQDf6S-7qFRJWT43ZQsyt0p02Dc_WRVU2vcPhft2Lm3m3pgpK9mdza8GjyOQw7TVQ5zZJACks3R4JhjQQj0AG9XgxkZ2OgaWDefb7MPmqwZDXv-xonoGsSYOXxAc1w/s3132/IMG_7012%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3132" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2qOf_5t2IKzAPfWgseB2e71jnEV2T7PysMIP-fzV-t-jngriDQiCwy2w0HdsczQDf6S-7qFRJWT43ZQsyt0p02Dc_WRVU2vcPhft2Lm3m3pgpK9mdza8GjyOQw7TVQ5zZJACks3R4JhjQQj0AG9XgxkZ2OgaWDefb7MPmqwZDXv-xonoGsSYOXxAc1w/s320/IMG_7012%20copy.jpg" width="309" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It was extremely helpful to take snapshots as I went along-- something about seeing the block smaller really showed me which pieces needed to be moved, and which parts I liked. There are more pictures of this on my phone to show you than I'm sure I will have of my eventual grandchildren-- lol.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Here's the back-- yup, all the points were tough-- so I started with open seams for the HSTs to keep bulk down, and then used nesting seams for the larger assembly. I do not know how anyone gets points to line up with open seams, just sayin'.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdICJ_0y5mqxcMtHxC4hBWdx0pYnJ7QOLWkrOrD2LQpi8b6HlYaDRthqcuHpeyvcibxd9My9XAhl9l_hhOyiZ52R3_ZgaeJ8e3IRjWmYvXGhM5c3wynyGXkHhqxedHaO5P283fUtSudvpmEHx-PnPtENYvt66TYEDtlhNNsoKkrOYZqY-SlW6Cm8o1EI/s4032/IMG_7066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdICJ_0y5mqxcMtHxC4hBWdx0pYnJ7QOLWkrOrD2LQpi8b6HlYaDRthqcuHpeyvcibxd9My9XAhl9l_hhOyiZ52R3_ZgaeJ8e3IRjWmYvXGhM5c3wynyGXkHhqxedHaO5P283fUtSudvpmEHx-PnPtENYvt66TYEDtlhNNsoKkrOYZqY-SlW6Cm8o1EI/w640-h480/IMG_7066.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Fun and done! I am hoping to get the February, March, and April blocks done by the end of April-- surprise, surprise, I'm behind. I'm not make this huge block every month-- I think some of them will just be a couple of 4x4 or 6x6 layouts. I also have some extra pieces to add in to some final glorious layout at then end. I'm calling it "Cosmos"-- it would be a shame if the Cosmos never progressed, wouldn't it? But to keep myself humble-- this is as far as I got with my Barn Star Sampler last year. One block.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPRBe92s9uA1G42NpaW9l4MQARDSrgQi6ikcyiQb-W2tG4tnB4uiwLhOV4M6CyledJ22NR-n22zQGGHZ1xdc9FEZq8cz6KVvgmkuEy4yjieVKuAkcthX_TDqtfTVNe1-dU9LQDbbfRlaYhTDUytG55GJajgWeSD05ECvv-sbEQcG-MUcUbAEB27W7qaQ/s4032/IMG_7069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPRBe92s9uA1G42NpaW9l4MQARDSrgQi6ikcyiQb-W2tG4tnB4uiwLhOV4M6CyledJ22NR-n22zQGGHZ1xdc9FEZq8cz6KVvgmkuEy4yjieVKuAkcthX_TDqtfTVNe1-dU9LQDbbfRlaYhTDUytG55GJajgWeSD05ECvv-sbEQcG-MUcUbAEB27W7qaQ/w640-h480/IMG_7069.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> After all the spilling of creative juice, the Moonbeams stitch-a-long was the perfect counterpart-- two "kitted" blocks done! Nice big pieces, too-- these are 15" blocks!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p29W9EiDzPobwDr8zEdkQ30171x-fwCTUwiDfzDGxAiK2lESpSSL159adiwdIek7q99YkPkW8Oy3Z4NkloXYqZpKz8ferLcLn-8Y6W4AzIfB0MH8GLJuiqU5Jxck_bGqJWUYbIhlAFBWnRzbVJ_YATI_3qcr7ynjoGqrRX5SniTkCKiKkM6qPJehnyE/s4032/IMG_7070.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p29W9EiDzPobwDr8zEdkQ30171x-fwCTUwiDfzDGxAiK2lESpSSL159adiwdIek7q99YkPkW8Oy3Z4NkloXYqZpKz8ferLcLn-8Y6W4AzIfB0MH8GLJuiqU5Jxck_bGqJWUYbIhlAFBWnRzbVJ_YATI_3qcr7ynjoGqrRX5SniTkCKiKkM6qPJehnyE/w640-h480/IMG_7070.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I finished the matching cross stitch last week-- that is Release One-- all caught up until April 1st. For those of you who are wondering, this is Fat Quarter Shop's Make-a-Wish quilt-- it is not free, it is suggested to donate $50 for the quilt patterns and $20 for the cross stitch. Wow, they are really having trouble reaching their $100,000 dollar goal each year in this economy-- so please consider it if you are able.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErz77zW7lTYpfo4QQUh25-NYg_z2natDWU9Te3VlFDc4gHE4yzkgHmySzy8MBp4zoIDDh6Eql5SqdUHJfowSs2XvPpvSqrfLMiFA6ObvbcxQZnN7WlFLuwuc2A_AsGwwJbbGju8OE1ni-ZDSRbZl-UwaUQB8oM2gDbab9Y2aNuQRMwwlM7dykDaqv-30/s4032/IMG_7071.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErz77zW7lTYpfo4QQUh25-NYg_z2natDWU9Te3VlFDc4gHE4yzkgHmySzy8MBp4zoIDDh6Eql5SqdUHJfowSs2XvPpvSqrfLMiFA6ObvbcxQZnN7WlFLuwuc2A_AsGwwJbbGju8OE1ni-ZDSRbZl-UwaUQB8oM2gDbab9Y2aNuQRMwwlM7dykDaqv-30/w640-h480/IMG_7071.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Here's my fifth quilt block-- Kim Diehl leaves... </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1NdUY960NU8JHhtRRFpuxTyGwTqSiUO7lf5p0NghlnIn9HU-1SvHf6rYSRN4u_RAC7aABAKS6juk1MvLMSt0eBxfp9X41b_8auhRx2GJIx2FyMjZXnaQ0ib4Yrr0iHp3fPpxG8VhzDD_vLrVkSqDe6CKIj724eL50yOotGtqxtTKaPH7v0oKBTlrec0/s3399/IMG_7074%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="3399" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1NdUY960NU8JHhtRRFpuxTyGwTqSiUO7lf5p0NghlnIn9HU-1SvHf6rYSRN4u_RAC7aABAKS6juk1MvLMSt0eBxfp9X41b_8auhRx2GJIx2FyMjZXnaQ0ib4Yrr0iHp3fPpxG8VhzDD_vLrVkSqDe6CKIj724eL50yOotGtqxtTKaPH7v0oKBTlrec0/w640-h528/IMG_7074%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> This is made from a jelly roll in the February Sew Sampler box. I did like the included pattern, but I'm starting to have enough of these throw sized quilts. I don't have a leaf quilt-- the colors just smacked of autumn to me. So let's chase the squirrel. I purchased the Butter Churn jelly roll with the coupon they give you each month-- this is the first time I have ever voluntarily bought a jelly roll. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP10hGAVfvC3QJxwmlSc-kia7uBKTHUcATPb2lp1nSmw9MeOClgUQgCHXNsoPzbgwR9v57ZarT5yXbJ_tFUREDOHRTmNMIHk35ihC5SNMP5YArpOUo3g9V9G0RMuOIxHJ64troXrq3Xvve8BxyseEyQe6VTXS8iDKJRGDniIGCm-q_BADShwxaKCA-iyI/s4032/IMG_7041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP10hGAVfvC3QJxwmlSc-kia7uBKTHUcATPb2lp1nSmw9MeOClgUQgCHXNsoPzbgwR9v57ZarT5yXbJ_tFUREDOHRTmNMIHk35ihC5SNMP5YArpOUo3g9V9G0RMuOIxHJ64troXrq3Xvve8BxyseEyQe6VTXS8iDKJRGDniIGCm-q_BADShwxaKCA-iyI/w640-h480/IMG_7041.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I think I have enough to make about 24 leaves, so I'm really going to throw myself into that this week and see where I get. I'm not really sure where I'm going with it, since as I said, I have a ton of throws, but I would have a nice 4x6 block layout. Maple leaves are so appropriate for Sugar Meadow-- the sap is flowing on Sugar Meadow, my grandmother's house was on Maple Street, and Mr. SFOs and my first home was on a different Maple Street.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Here's a quick trip down memory lane-- I made this back in the 90s with a random bag of glass chips for over my kitchen sink in the Maple Street house. I was quilting at the time, so you can see the influence. I do love a craft of any type!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoS1U9qkjJGhRlJGWOpIQZoHp6LNiRf9Bmj3SUCmTaG7Q_OALRDH71n9dB427VYxtd1OyZq3mSw7FdMHrAu1hSStsFX-AZYlXamCetjm9ZeH1yuZZe-tMgQxtn94Rk8r0IC9MC1rY_zgTmq2VJgiXuM0fZoT-iBXyN-DY7vi6OJRosndcW43micyto_0/s800/Peapack%20kitchen%20tile.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoS1U9qkjJGhRlJGWOpIQZoHp6LNiRf9Bmj3SUCmTaG7Q_OALRDH71n9dB427VYxtd1OyZq3mSw7FdMHrAu1hSStsFX-AZYlXamCetjm9ZeH1yuZZe-tMgQxtn94Rk8r0IC9MC1rY_zgTmq2VJgiXuM0fZoT-iBXyN-DY7vi6OJRosndcW43micyto_0/w640-h426/Peapack%20kitchen%20tile.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Now Mr. SFO has a habit of securing things, well let's say very securely, to the wall. So when the time came to move out of that house-- we were headed to San Francisco-- there was no time to un-secure it and take it with us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I visit my old home regularly on Zillow-- and was shocked to see that someone renovated my kitchen and my mosaic is gone. This piece no longer exists?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Who would do that?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I have a undeniable pattern of negative thinking at times-- maybe it is ugly and they hated it. Can we expect everyone to love what we love? A little less negative and more likely- it makes sense that when they tried to take it down to put the new cabinets in, it was secured too well and got destroyed-- there were screws through it everywhere. But why be negative at all? Maybe they had the time and love to unsecure it and take it with them? (There have been multiple subsequent owners of this house.) I have also stalked mosaic stores on line to see if this same random bag of mosaic chips are still available, to recreate my masterpiece. Until I find them, I confess my Kim Diehl leaves are heavy with nostalgia for pretty mosaic!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's my five blocks-- and I do ask myself, why don't I have 600 a week? It's because I have a day job! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> For San Francisco Stitch Co., I worked on the March village all week-- it's still March, so let's not say it's late. You can't just sit down and make a village. Like Rome, they aren't built in a day-- it takes time to let the design simmer, and move things around, and add the details, and work on every space. Here' a sequence for those of you who are curious about the process. I alternate between sketching and digitizing.</span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oLgloR_OcuIBpmk92mQS4t-keEEs-m93DtyV_bTHiLqLZ4TGwVjkuJ5Ou2ymdxOYdFyQxnGVy1rNZpDnZSk7lGaddTETX77DKfHriQwNmTVDoUJa1L5TeHMI3bV5ZSgJ1gnhS2jv0d4fyFGp7AYqxBvHPn1sk9jeVJa-eA11EtCDiS1iKLeL_a3WAxc/s2360/100x93.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oLgloR_OcuIBpmk92mQS4t-keEEs-m93DtyV_bTHiLqLZ4TGwVjkuJ5Ou2ymdxOYdFyQxnGVy1rNZpDnZSk7lGaddTETX77DKfHriQwNmTVDoUJa1L5TeHMI3bV5ZSgJ1gnhS2jv0d4fyFGp7AYqxBvHPn1sk9jeVJa-eA11EtCDiS1iKLeL_a3WAxc/s2360/100x93.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVHEGgqbrWrEkVdrsPilh8OFu6v5XQkA8uybznhejkgL7G4PBBbQx-kGhS4JgAW6J_XbCIwhmsXfCIa9aSzIi0McU8tWCYcPKUyCVg4nafS_sC1I0DcuIB7xObr3uRaKUsTgDk7NShP9Jswv5JymtJaYKwdzBSwFWAvZcLkjvQa3Flb29sga4uOLMOvM/s831/Snip2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="831" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVHEGgqbrWrEkVdrsPilh8OFu6v5XQkA8uybznhejkgL7G4PBBbQx-kGhS4JgAW6J_XbCIwhmsXfCIa9aSzIi0McU8tWCYcPKUyCVg4nafS_sC1I0DcuIB7xObr3uRaKUsTgDk7NShP9Jswv5JymtJaYKwdzBSwFWAvZcLkjvQa3Flb29sga4uOLMOvM/w400-h371/Snip2.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2186" data-original-width="2360" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oLgloR_OcuIBpmk92mQS4t-keEEs-m93DtyV_bTHiLqLZ4TGwVjkuJ5Ou2ymdxOYdFyQxnGVy1rNZpDnZSk7lGaddTETX77DKfHriQwNmTVDoUJa1L5TeHMI3bV5ZSgJ1gnhS2jv0d4fyFGp7AYqxBvHPn1sk9jeVJa-eA11EtCDiS1iKLeL_a3WAxc/w400-h370/100x93.jpg" width="400" /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEDIqN9TicMDgeI04l7OdIBVK1gKCsQoIcb3AZXdBcM8NXXiqafBdgWVcFvE-ZCg-sBAYVBFz-c2XTn7F2VPMi-ub5SnviQ1c0u84Au5BdY1HzbSQtTh18eEhSXX1SC9j_-FjTy2iTfLPSD_WHDQmXo7VUvKSOkNcB_ipBIVS-TtEg8XxDzFxtVapKsA/s803/Snip3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="803" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEDIqN9TicMDgeI04l7OdIBVK1gKCsQoIcb3AZXdBcM8NXXiqafBdgWVcFvE-ZCg-sBAYVBFz-c2XTn7F2VPMi-ub5SnviQ1c0u84Au5BdY1HzbSQtTh18eEhSXX1SC9j_-FjTy2iTfLPSD_WHDQmXo7VUvKSOkNcB_ipBIVS-TtEg8XxDzFxtVapKsA/w400-h385/Snip3.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And here's the final!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRJTQKbzQoeKoIhUyvAeEWkJb91QP6iocX0H3k0hxRVSWMBxZy4hv7lLPwtUjTsleJs65XRw31i7IdllD5Wc8A5YjIIDv9DaoZWgNIDEeOwWsjqvWvWGHpTNsyiRiNOR7tQ3mYysf4kO-BYMkTr5ob3IS6yLrm-VLi9YBkmBQareO987aizw6w45QNRA/s4032/IMG_7072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRJTQKbzQoeKoIhUyvAeEWkJb91QP6iocX0H3k0hxRVSWMBxZy4hv7lLPwtUjTsleJs65XRw31i7IdllD5Wc8A5YjIIDv9DaoZWgNIDEeOwWsjqvWvWGHpTNsyiRiNOR7tQ3mYysf4kO-BYMkTr5ob3IS6yLrm-VLi9YBkmBQareO987aizw6w45QNRA/w640-h480/IMG_7072.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Oh, if only I could just release it at this point-- there are still color charts, different sizes, instructions, photography, zipping, writing, uploading-- I am shooting for Tuesday.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Every so often, I get a note from an older person-- their eyes are bad!-- they can't cross stitch anymore! I always get so much pleasure out of telling them-- with machine embroidery-- YOU GOT THIS! And then I always get the question, well, how to you get the holes to line up? And the answer is-- I DO NOTHING-- no one is going to look that closely and if you are hung up on this, just use higher 28 count fabrics.</span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2u3AwkDgHM1mq7pcKFw0qmxv7EqSHQXfGkS_bPu6cb59kjF6XSWLBQmU-bl4jweSmUVqUzUhWkNWBZyKYfJ6xP_G1xgVKQ3w8UNVBdgeJUyj_1URU7lp89rMigEgUk3dFFn5EEcQFBqzhOlq660VV9fCTBs-oolFM57QZFw1iYk9o26AS-ZiOhoGFSU/s4032/IMG_7073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2u3AwkDgHM1mq7pcKFw0qmxv7EqSHQXfGkS_bPu6cb59kjF6XSWLBQmU-bl4jweSmUVqUzUhWkNWBZyKYfJ6xP_G1xgVKQ3w8UNVBdgeJUyj_1URU7lp89rMigEgUk3dFFn5EEcQFBqzhOlq660VV9fCTBs-oolFM57QZFw1iYk9o26AS-ZiOhoGFSU/w640-h480/IMG_7073.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> This is machine embroidered cross stitch, up close and personal, on a 28ct Lugana.<br />100% truth. I did nothing to align the holes.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">While that simmered all week, I made another set of Quilt labels-- <br />we're all going to have many finishes this spring, aren't we?!!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4ZnfGyqkERqlNwKA5H8fDBk3xlE_rCZKZ3JyWfRiWCwld3hDBsP1Od9B8OKTYJCFBraWBpLz6-rm9yOf32pQEFSFndcGUgDgwc-YhcUriLRnvhOZYikom2bAUxuQPfg3Ys6hIPlbIpG6XQ5ZqzX_cWfM3NZdXXAY0SfUqAmey_09L7TWg7r15aTwhBo/s2941/IMG_7046%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2394" data-original-width="2941" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4ZnfGyqkERqlNwKA5H8fDBk3xlE_rCZKZ3JyWfRiWCwld3hDBsP1Od9B8OKTYJCFBraWBpLz6-rm9yOf32pQEFSFndcGUgDgwc-YhcUriLRnvhOZYikom2bAUxuQPfg3Ys6hIPlbIpG6XQ5ZqzX_cWfM3NZdXXAY0SfUqAmey_09L7TWg7r15aTwhBo/w640-h520/IMG_7046%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Sew that's it for my sewing week! Thanks for reading, especially after we all just lost an hour! I can't say enough how much all my bloggy friends mean to me, in this quiet corner of Maine. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5U4mDwQ6QKq52_TEf368XnKnwhnR4YvOkYLZgi8lG4lJNEExk0iSxt2GX34KED9Kr3A7H7sgm-xTm5Ev0U-ALCf4djqyJ3Po1hZGBNvmtelpRoJwoCMaAPcWTLLKhyJuOfDa18pxLAxFBn6HKpVN0-DEfDS0iw-USN2kiZGhtORDBxLOL7oXjYKQ_KBo/s2048/73163542389__74CBCC00-C12C-4E2E-89F1-EBDCE8DA4309.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5U4mDwQ6QKq52_TEf368XnKnwhnR4YvOkYLZgi8lG4lJNEExk0iSxt2GX34KED9Kr3A7H7sgm-xTm5Ev0U-ALCf4djqyJ3Po1hZGBNvmtelpRoJwoCMaAPcWTLLKhyJuOfDa18pxLAxFBn6HKpVN0-DEfDS0iw-USN2kiZGhtORDBxLOL7oXjYKQ_KBo/w640-h480/73163542389__74CBCC00-C12C-4E2E-89F1-EBDCE8DA4309.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Have a sweet week!<br />Carol</span></p></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-21680575752940419962024-03-04T07:03:00.000-08:002024-03-04T17:03:00.410-08:00Plan Z<p><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: times;"> <span>The wave of company has come and gone-- we had a wonderful time! Lobster dinner, a bonfire, and brilliant night skies provided the perfect Maine experience for our southerners. Best of all, the sap is flowing and our SIL was able to make fresh syrup for our breakfast waffles! These are all surprise joys I never expected to have in life.</span></span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3Xbaip4Ovn354mjoIOIOP1ZOLgldnjUrYOE3svvnkb5SgMctsWdduYU-WVJi1fRtZRlIjW3Pi3YSetqqEFsgSxt2-3hBhJo83ERuIzaOHgYlpQUnik52MA1JwUMkGBpLlL6GfI-VBvbjEfoak-r4Ig2jABQZwet0qMuX9uf_pUlZQWdBNSVG6UuevDc/s3348/IMG_6989%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2511" data-original-width="3348" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3Xbaip4Ovn354mjoIOIOP1ZOLgldnjUrYOE3svvnkb5SgMctsWdduYU-WVJi1fRtZRlIjW3Pi3YSetqqEFsgSxt2-3hBhJo83ERuIzaOHgYlpQUnik52MA1JwUMkGBpLlL6GfI-VBvbjEfoak-r4Ig2jABQZwet0qMuX9uf_pUlZQWdBNSVG6UuevDc/w640-h480/IMG_6989%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I've switched it up to a bit of a new round of projects, after closing out most of my Sew Sampler boxes from last year. One thing that does remain is the Pressed Flower quilt. In each box, you get an extra block pattern for a yearly quilt-- I usually ignore them, but the current one was a good one, so I even bought a kit. There are only two blocks left and surprise, surprise-- I kept up. I though it would be fun to work on the finishing kit, and by the time the last block shows up, I can just pop it in to place!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The blocks are set with HUGE flip 'n stitch corners-- a cream, then a gingham one. The resulting seams in the center gingham block really drive me nuts! I guess the Fat Quarter Shop decided to avoid on point construction at all costs.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI7ygw9QNSc__26kZHaW1znTOoI3zmrsi4m1WDIYJoyPIESuhsD3vhLOTaAo_AcuX12N_sz4EuNRT-JomFDk5qV3HXipZDLbrtQNZxzm9U08hmPJsME1Tc88N1sn5AqSskZEpHqw3RA7b6wqjbr9BJTRDOg6gako3BNRHrsWG8gDIQMbN1yCexC3Xf3M/s4032/IMG_6993.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI7ygw9QNSc__26kZHaW1znTOoI3zmrsi4m1WDIYJoyPIESuhsD3vhLOTaAo_AcuX12N_sz4EuNRT-JomFDk5qV3HXipZDLbrtQNZxzm9U08hmPJsME1Tc88N1sn5AqSskZEpHqw3RA7b6wqjbr9BJTRDOg6gako3BNRHrsWG8gDIQMbN1yCexC3Xf3M/w640-h480/IMG_6993.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">All that really needed to happen was this?</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymh43T9JwBE4QCUtzbjZBj31I7ek10f4s7GmAZgizJdklTmA_WjMxXa38l6yMbdhHs2qUxypRB5rsoUKN5OkTo6Ro8JZYopkxcFI7zMiIIda9CY2scs_X2_9ej2adQyj3o0VGWx0pTIxAa8kvboewYPGyVCaBBIjTTWW58KZ0aveGdywho0kFS1sXzzU/s4032/IMG_6996.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymh43T9JwBE4QCUtzbjZBj31I7ek10f4s7GmAZgizJdklTmA_WjMxXa38l6yMbdhHs2qUxypRB5rsoUKN5OkTo6Ro8JZYopkxcFI7zMiIIda9CY2scs_X2_9ej2adQyj3o0VGWx0pTIxAa8kvboewYPGyVCaBBIjTTWW58KZ0aveGdywho0kFS1sXzzU/w640-h480/IMG_6996.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I decided to up the game and go with on point construction and also use Y seams for a perfect finish. After a bit of math, the first one came out okay-ish-- unfortunately, I have just barely enough fabric to do it this way. So no mistakes allowed! I think it looks really pretty-- I'm even fussy cutting the gingham center to make sure it is straight and centered. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8vL4kw183EjF8unEWLHlhSTXsmtlQmj2X_1mbx0nK9mNyptul-eoJRWoBDSA2FMhzs24_wMW5VQIkOn8UPf7GB57mYkltRfELNkL-Q4Zkz3pvkC61XKkhNz7SSFWSYTo2k3fb9oIpOZjKuIwKBgp-qk9ZDPJhEPN5SBTPbTFTZWlIGWggOslFxEnl3s/s4032/IMG_6994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8vL4kw183EjF8unEWLHlhSTXsmtlQmj2X_1mbx0nK9mNyptul-eoJRWoBDSA2FMhzs24_wMW5VQIkOn8UPf7GB57mYkltRfELNkL-Q4Zkz3pvkC61XKkhNz7SSFWSYTo2k3fb9oIpOZjKuIwKBgp-qk9ZDPJhEPN5SBTPbTFTZWlIGWggOslFxEnl3s/w640-h480/IMG_6994.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> If I had thought about this sooner, I would have picked the pretty large red floral for the block centers, but once this BOM debuted, the fabric sold out everywhere. I love a gingham as much as anyone, but it's a pattern that really doesn't make for nice quilt blocks. Here's the start of my first row:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iTRkWN8PeKb1bkQgCB8AvXIDe6vf0kziODBZ1SvklyEZNeckhqyOPxYTx-9oty5oKpKNE0h3P-E0kT9Wj6SzftWXDWzr3tqxAQjBDEVLFAH858__Ku0Q-GjI3vuMY2zdLTAUNgmSW_JPaYMuM5a7D0Z0ve4u9jL75gdzULqngx8nN4-TUmrh5vePvG8/s4032/IMG_6995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iTRkWN8PeKb1bkQgCB8AvXIDe6vf0kziODBZ1SvklyEZNeckhqyOPxYTx-9oty5oKpKNE0h3P-E0kT9Wj6SzftWXDWzr3tqxAQjBDEVLFAH858__Ku0Q-GjI3vuMY2zdLTAUNgmSW_JPaYMuM5a7D0Z0ve4u9jL75gdzULqngx8nN4-TUmrh5vePvG8/w640-h480/IMG_6995.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I'm going to make this a priority this week-- since there is no tolerance for error, I better make sure I don't forget what I was doing-- LOL!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjp4JUBZudbLD9ki_Z1nKCFQa_rAyhHuClGKgKOpAW-WUyuE_Wae8cZJy0FN9gH7rVzPcm7L7j7CPNAbrtGj_V1MxdszIH-tR8U1IclsOfmGE8fvyHWRB9gA5YXMvK0tyDRjhiEiDV69ywiI9IfFKfdLa-JcKtxQtzkKIg4exvglLOFLk6Ly_G-1xuc4/s4032/IMG_6991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjp4JUBZudbLD9ki_Z1nKCFQa_rAyhHuClGKgKOpAW-WUyuE_Wae8cZJy0FN9gH7rVzPcm7L7j7CPNAbrtGj_V1MxdszIH-tR8U1IclsOfmGE8fvyHWRB9gA5YXMvK0tyDRjhiEiDV69ywiI9IfFKfdLa-JcKtxQtzkKIg4exvglLOFLk6Ly_G-1xuc4/w640-h480/IMG_6991.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> My Kona star came along, right though Plans A, B, C, and I'd say we're on Z by now. First of all, it did take me an entire charm pack to make just eighty-four 2-1/2" HSTs! It really shows you how much waste you are creating when you flip and trim all those corners. Then, I tried to make a star somewhat like the star of the month-- it's an 8x8 layout of HSTs, but everything I tried looked unorganized and crazy. (<i>A Freudian tribute to the creator?</i>) Then I tried a second pattern that was more like a Carpenter's Star. No dice. Should I have been less random with my pairs of fabrics? Should I have saved some plain 5x5 squares for backgrounds? It's all moot now-- I'm not buying another charm pack. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XrMxTyZMlWMIuA6cC38tH2yKIYIpyYz7hHd50GYozGFAFsb1LrTsGNPkj_0ND6Dl6ugYhEd-U6gNFSWkNZe-qLK1djvVmQa0IpC-3eikEdyk2uBsV1KR6UC7xNLn20CCC0ckoVvUlt9i67sRMmnRyfXLdfkZUPPDrTO-RRAD3GH0vaW8n_AidhvL_uQ/s4032/IMG_6992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XrMxTyZMlWMIuA6cC38tH2yKIYIpyYz7hHd50GYozGFAFsb1LrTsGNPkj_0ND6Dl6ugYhEd-U6gNFSWkNZe-qLK1djvVmQa0IpC-3eikEdyk2uBsV1KR6UC7xNLn20CCC0ckoVvUlt9i67sRMmnRyfXLdfkZUPPDrTO-RRAD3GH0vaW8n_AidhvL_uQ/w640-h480/IMG_6992.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I Googled up "HST stars"-- and found this online. So I think I can make four 4x4 stars that would look okay, then stitch those together. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHIMiGmCVGVn0xgwGRoIzsw6EZ9nS8STgXpSyfXD6-bFLRPIRche9jG4DKzY47UkoAgX7YlkV6Zw9SAmnjCrKBQ7piKvnT0WfeC6QacmV0XI_UxX5Ol_YKzC02HdBr-tpuuodWTSckQX4CW3Kj40WarJLqY7WYNrJCO8Vg4fjdkCoDY4FqMvSNaaZcFM/s721/Capture2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="721" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHIMiGmCVGVn0xgwGRoIzsw6EZ9nS8STgXpSyfXD6-bFLRPIRche9jG4DKzY47UkoAgX7YlkV6Zw9SAmnjCrKBQ7piKvnT0WfeC6QacmV0XI_UxX5Ol_YKzC02HdBr-tpuuodWTSckQX4CW3Kj40WarJLqY7WYNrJCO8Vg4fjdkCoDY4FqMvSNaaZcFM/w640-h408/Capture2.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> This could work if I just come up with an arrangement of darks and lights. There are so many colors though!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a-Gn7s41c_DRg_AVUkSn4T2HJ3TmUeJ3GiueIw-Sl7xQEn3HGkKyfsZ6REUdLqhmb5L4ILD0T_JQgP8CoithPqb2rNtE5MmXHe8auhB3vObsa6vvZb0iZ2NcIBlcIM67QeVFgSCA-dz7_ObwCwZJvxim3LhaMimdWI1ODP7sKZ57yWtrYcwaX6yxD6k/s464/Capture3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="458" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7a-Gn7s41c_DRg_AVUkSn4T2HJ3TmUeJ3GiueIw-Sl7xQEn3HGkKyfsZ6REUdLqhmb5L4ILD0T_JQgP8CoithPqb2rNtE5MmXHe8auhB3vObsa6vvZb0iZ2NcIBlcIM67QeVFgSCA-dz7_ObwCwZJvxim3LhaMimdWI1ODP7sKZ57yWtrYcwaX6yxD6k/w351-h356/Capture3.JPG" width="351" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I'm not feeling too confident about this-- but oh, all those lectures I gave friends about trying new things as an artist are really haunting me! I was so disappointed for them when they picked the easy solution. Karma, karma! I'll soldier on another week and see what I can come up with.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-0rUQGuqJbUHWvQQfD9SvGJAkqvwe03nltcjUOXhDRBPESobu4XCcHQlqFnJkMpwTKDDroL2-2VrL_VtlXr3_WxLxuTDHYxeU_WrZ6RjcBuacPgkdDxKUBe0QhYFmmQ87AVi5TI2455l6yeMFlwdGxdA_EkrORW83zGCGHXND_OuG7dnJfw6y5_Q4eE/s4032/IMG_6999.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-0rUQGuqJbUHWvQQfD9SvGJAkqvwe03nltcjUOXhDRBPESobu4XCcHQlqFnJkMpwTKDDroL2-2VrL_VtlXr3_WxLxuTDHYxeU_WrZ6RjcBuacPgkdDxKUBe0QhYFmmQ87AVi5TI2455l6yeMFlwdGxdA_EkrORW83zGCGHXND_OuG7dnJfw6y5_Q4eE/w640-h480/IMG_6999.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Moonbeams, which is the Fat Quarter Shop Make-a-Wish project this year, came in a beautiful box. It reminded me that I also purchased the accompanying cross stitch which also came in a beautiful box. These are not free stitch-a-longs-- let's remember to make the requested donation, everyone! I believe it is $20 each for the quilt blocks and cross stitch. Release One happened on March 1st. I was actually able to finish the cross stitch border over the course of the week-- this makes me so happy, as I'd imagined this project was going to be another shelf sitter. The first two quilt blocks are the doves, so pretty!-- I'm making a point to get them done this month, before Release Two in April.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I did finish hand stitching Block 11 of Prairie Meadow-- now it's the lengthy process of prepping the next one! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P1Ovt7mfKAXpeiGuRmh77bGqCxbhExSf-NRej4yUhVdrrHFCHMRtyEX8KItqotQ1nznMedUWX4Wza5TV4_h40gSJ8h85AjnNZtuOs1BDLFX-Xzl0ScA4pVERLUbNTey9Al1zd0LRZEJUqsAbkzORVzGY6FHceKkgL8LS_Kd5LCRONJzqLy3qPpvU7SA/s4032/IMG_6998.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P1Ovt7mfKAXpeiGuRmh77bGqCxbhExSf-NRej4yUhVdrrHFCHMRtyEX8KItqotQ1nznMedUWX4Wza5TV4_h40gSJ8h85AjnNZtuOs1BDLFX-Xzl0ScA4pVERLUbNTey9Al1zd0LRZEJUqsAbkzORVzGY6FHceKkgL8LS_Kd5LCRONJzqLy3qPpvU7SA/w640-h480/IMG_6998.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I finally signed up for a Sit and Sew and a local quilt shop-- it's time to get out a bit. They graciously kitted up Robin Picken's Posies tablerunner for just the cost of the fabric. I'm going to do my cutting at home and see if I can git 'er done on one day from 10:30am-3:00pm mid-month. Looking forward to this.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt1aAAxonWGCOFDvCB-QMlpvwTUVjidUdpmQsahDLqT5OiJpwyjaVT8u_GXqX68sO5hfRKOSYTvfYW_GuiRn-eCiwMNKe1pPcd7hRte4WqFFDmQpxpFoShSw3EKqy5jdWo_R4p8MXvm4r3QYPDis5F-iNoDGWMHF4j8QArfx-fUX1Xo98Y4TTWjLUS8c/s4032/IMG_6990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt1aAAxonWGCOFDvCB-QMlpvwTUVjidUdpmQsahDLqT5OiJpwyjaVT8u_GXqX68sO5hfRKOSYTvfYW_GuiRn-eCiwMNKe1pPcd7hRte4WqFFDmQpxpFoShSw3EKqy5jdWo_R4p8MXvm4r3QYPDis5F-iNoDGWMHF4j8QArfx-fUX1Xo98Y4TTWjLUS8c/w640-h480/IMG_6990.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's my progress for the week-- I simply have too many projects ongoing right now, so whatever progress I do have, always seems to be insignificant. Company has gone, and the house is too quiet, as well! Maybe a little nip of maple syrup will get things going this Monday morning. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoKt0Z3LyCjZFFi1wRY_ZMaoO6ausANbsWDwtpBLQPDPg8lPznNryx43jM_Ocs3qhqpSrQtgUXJk8_4ScU1NMGJTA9r1ShZdGnvBq9TTzsmUnaGWZgVDNrLHyds2dHhYp5pEQzmzRAdvvFl9y4WhxujzbgcNhzK3WL2p1_6c1UuyJwwVACN-VyuHMJ9c/s1330/FullSizeRender%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1330" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoKt0Z3LyCjZFFi1wRY_ZMaoO6ausANbsWDwtpBLQPDPg8lPznNryx43jM_Ocs3qhqpSrQtgUXJk8_4ScU1NMGJTA9r1ShZdGnvBq9TTzsmUnaGWZgVDNrLHyds2dHhYp5pEQzmzRAdvvFl9y4WhxujzbgcNhzK3WL2p1_6c1UuyJwwVACN-VyuHMJ9c/w640-h624/FullSizeRender%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Have a great week!</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-76267787388687606162024-02-25T09:22:00.000-08:002024-02-25T09:22:18.665-08:00Why do I keep buying more projects?<p> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> A little progress this week, but a lot of shopping-- that does not make for a good start vs. finish ratio! Let's start with the shopping-- did I not say I was done with cross stitch for awhile? So I kitted up two new projects for myself. And no, the Lori Holt sewing icon piece is not finished yet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So this is the "Valentine's Day Quaker"-- Valentine's Day is special around here since it is Mr. SFO's birthday and yes, I have a year to make this. So the color floss was supposed to be "Ripe Melon," but I couldn't find it anywhere. I assume a lot of people are making this cute one color thing. So I went with "Crab Cakes," which is a little less pink and a lot more peachy-- that's an upgrade anyway according to my own color preference. We had seafood for the birthday party, so I may have been under the influence of lobster when I made that decision. It's definitely brighter than the picture shows and the Aida cloth is ivory-- I think it's going to work. So the only question I haven't answered yet-- when am I ever going to make this thing? I'm clueless on that.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliJSd-1mtlAMJSCUkkSXiBxOFt3VX217y1TGl9vwSE6QJLoYDOj2B9dgecv5RRlxQ3nPH8BCuVwnAVs7hOiDRUL76zk18qXg3JuK8zLyWJ3pinxIwpphJLDsUMcAYAiGecbaxYzpEM9CN7xXDu_6SjMiM0YBCdiJjAHZkbHTAWPYO7nu_yzjKgY9BY_8/s4032/IMG_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliJSd-1mtlAMJSCUkkSXiBxOFt3VX217y1TGl9vwSE6QJLoYDOj2B9dgecv5RRlxQ3nPH8BCuVwnAVs7hOiDRUL76zk18qXg3JuK8zLyWJ3pinxIwpphJLDsUMcAYAiGecbaxYzpEM9CN7xXDu_6SjMiM0YBCdiJjAHZkbHTAWPYO7nu_yzjKgY9BY_8/w640-h480/IMG_6948.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Not to be deterred by the mundane worries of time management, I went ahead and kitted "Heartland." I love this little land-- and I'd love to see what a handstitched version would look like. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCfJIq04oIe6uT5-xpLquSsJ7wtm_cUvKpI-85j8TfWT5HXUWJZXREvTIc5NTjEdUYEac9XW5xCHrgEBcP-ceQ6YD7kYRkVfK5OYL22a70YFPJLKlsnUc5qJyDoNCkLRo7ftY3k1w_KYXvlYxW4F0d7H9lhp3auT0ANZlPA1oDJ6T4E9zG1fsANlkTTI/s4032/IMG_6949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCfJIq04oIe6uT5-xpLquSsJ7wtm_cUvKpI-85j8TfWT5HXUWJZXREvTIc5NTjEdUYEac9XW5xCHrgEBcP-ceQ6YD7kYRkVfK5OYL22a70YFPJLKlsnUc5qJyDoNCkLRo7ftY3k1w_KYXvlYxW4F0d7H9lhp3auT0ANZlPA1oDJ6T4E9zG1fsANlkTTI/w640-h480/IMG_6949.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The colors are beautiful and I can't wait to get started. When, you say? Good question. I just noticed I forgot white, so it won't be anytime soon! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> You may have seen the Fat Quarter Shop's free gift with orders over $50 last week-- a $50 grab bag of Valentine cross stitch items. I guess I apparently needed more random cross stitch stuff, so I ordered. Here's what I got:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqGGgQXCos7FPyIRTAhNqKRDq9oR4xaiyCN1fqJMi6q4AVTUGmfoFhB1ZRONrTcW1qbf18_vWoxiwQMx44IW4xwNJLswKWmnvOzMF3XkLHnEjuPpO4mBvQ_dDbQofhyLP-KQV5JWojOEdnTYJLudr5SCGAPDOjmDHeMAqznBwrOcmtTCNYOmzEica8wo/s4032/IMG_6946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqGGgQXCos7FPyIRTAhNqKRDq9oR4xaiyCN1fqJMi6q4AVTUGmfoFhB1ZRONrTcW1qbf18_vWoxiwQMx44IW4xwNJLswKWmnvOzMF3XkLHnEjuPpO4mBvQ_dDbQofhyLP-KQV5JWojOEdnTYJLudr5SCGAPDOjmDHeMAqznBwrOcmtTCNYOmzEica8wo/w640-h480/IMG_6946.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Jokes on me! I already have all of these things-- a project bag, the floss colors and holders-- I do like the little XOXO charm. I can probably use doubles of these things. And I guess we can all be relieved that it wasn't another third Valentine pattern to make, whenever I get time to make them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I also had a trip to the big city, Augusta, this weekend-- and found some more Valentine stuff on clearance at Michaels. What all this proves is that I am just a sucker for cuteness, especially at low prices. But I do hope to get back to scrapbooking when my space is finished-- and I will be ready for all the Valentine birthday pages!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtZVBM8peNCCjytP6uJBle83ROoRkvgp-lcWeHikoRbN1Sw5lmu5lAIs348dMKbJ5B8CB70YJWBK92rdB22LHSp7PxtFrLl04zSq7Lf_C8Eojrdw-mm_RIVbx0iZ0_upxzLCl7UXFl9tl20UD_2c5idKeumHab_2KCKdeiNH9FJ2-KF4fOCt1euax6vg/s4032/IMG_6950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtZVBM8peNCCjytP6uJBle83ROoRkvgp-lcWeHikoRbN1Sw5lmu5lAIs348dMKbJ5B8CB70YJWBK92rdB22LHSp7PxtFrLl04zSq7Lf_C8Eojrdw-mm_RIVbx0iZ0_upxzLCl7UXFl9tl20UD_2c5idKeumHab_2KCKdeiNH9FJ2-KF4fOCt1euax6vg/w640-h480/IMG_6950.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then, at Hobby Lobby, I raided the Aida. That's fun to say.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6HOj5o3xUxuprqRzdSYPNC4nPjIjPgRZoSPanug95tb7qJHUeamu_eDCGuYOXPmpjfgvuqtstg7d6nmgLhD6enB12AqRzsyMyvWUErCunDn9wbJwHAd2Uy-biw9OoOYE9UP3lRYKH8s6N8WUU37xX1_Aur_qOiu5NcsBPj2HhOV6a513lFr0cwa_2hA/s4032/IMG_6947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6HOj5o3xUxuprqRzdSYPNC4nPjIjPgRZoSPanug95tb7qJHUeamu_eDCGuYOXPmpjfgvuqtstg7d6nmgLhD6enB12AqRzsyMyvWUErCunDn9wbJwHAd2Uy-biw9OoOYE9UP3lRYKH8s6N8WUU37xX1_Aur_qOiu5NcsBPj2HhOV6a513lFr0cwa_2hA/w640-h480/IMG_6947.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> $3.99 is a great price-- but these pieces aren't huge. We're set for more bowl fillers now!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then, I succumbed to the Lori Holt Vintage Christmas stitch-a-long-- that doesn't get delivered till July thank goodness. And I'm about to click the button on this:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J9u11Z61DGBwfSomTE98zPXlNPyM-BuR1wufAqNQfnBT67_q7H5XkdBiQUg68Jjl8fFOjD4QYoN1hMtGyZiND3_-n8gvzBJmBc3nozRY1ErApEietpx4XWtgf_24j5jDoYYE7wFMXkalG-fG9j_-njbPamGdeIephj8xSqsYfvNe8poffdztKGrBXIU/s614/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J9u11Z61DGBwfSomTE98zPXlNPyM-BuR1wufAqNQfnBT67_q7H5XkdBiQUg68Jjl8fFOjD4QYoN1hMtGyZiND3_-n8gvzBJmBc3nozRY1ErApEietpx4XWtgf_24j5jDoYYE7wFMXkalG-fG9j_-njbPamGdeIephj8xSqsYfvNe8poffdztKGrBXIU/w562-h640/Capture.JPG" width="562" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It is "Happy Christmas" by Maker Valley. I have had my eye on that pattern for a long time-- but I don't really have a variety of background prints you would need for it-- oh, wait-- I found a kit on Etsy! Problem solved. Click!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Tomorrow, "Moonbeams," the Fat Quarter Shop Make-a-Wish projects arrives, and the Sew Sampler Box comes the same day. I'll definitely try to be the one to sneak out to get the mail tomorrow! Moonbeams comes with the complete pattern, I believe-- so that frees me to go at my own pace, I guess. Is part of the "pace" when it sits on a shelf for months? I hope not.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY2s_jztsHK_qUB9GC44LcvHK6wN6W0W-deml8YOLse5O66dhhl7lsqLMAklC7hKjAvmSimfpN7LgLgSIsTM-FTa60V-TJyhdoRjQafxJLP5rV9f2WUR_o56brlLIFqkRHw0iD-PQgukQeL5toHT94-nmuTJoTkES2bM3GUKtS0ZcnYdqGKiomPCtntg/s520/Moonbeams.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="517" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY2s_jztsHK_qUB9GC44LcvHK6wN6W0W-deml8YOLse5O66dhhl7lsqLMAklC7hKjAvmSimfpN7LgLgSIsTM-FTa60V-TJyhdoRjQafxJLP5rV9f2WUR_o56brlLIFqkRHw0iD-PQgukQeL5toHT94-nmuTJoTkES2bM3GUKtS0ZcnYdqGKiomPCtntg/w636-h640/Moonbeams.JPG" width="636" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And, oh so, unfortunately, I looked at a spoiler for the Sew Sampler Box, and I do like the fabric. It's Kim Diehl "Quiet Grace"-- such a welcome change from the bright fabrics you usually get and perfect for a leaf quilt-- I've always wanted one! Added to the list.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbLygoOJHPcN1XJQt28jO-c_UxJx_1TI0rLlVbvFLjDh4iwtOu-F6dLdtXMQp8x6COHqJSBeFP49ODXpM6_6oUFsAVVwXhQdlta5eoApSzq-O3M8MQ9kQ17A8JM3oeY5eFPLYnQHmJcfKj4C6zBQb_36gieZkev64VfvBgf3xc_RwHeBn-mJs3xP0mN8/s525/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="519" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbLygoOJHPcN1XJQt28jO-c_UxJx_1TI0rLlVbvFLjDh4iwtOu-F6dLdtXMQp8x6COHqJSBeFP49ODXpM6_6oUFsAVVwXhQdlta5eoApSzq-O3M8MQ9kQ17A8JM3oeY5eFPLYnQHmJcfKj4C6zBQb_36gieZkev64VfvBgf3xc_RwHeBn-mJs3xP0mN8/w632-h640/Capture.JPG" width="632" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Meanwhile the Cupid Box is still floating around somewhere, waiting to be noticed. And the Pressed Flowers stitch-a-long is almost done-- ready to be made into a quilt. Do I have a problem?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I have an entire collection of UFOs from a past life still in storage after our move. But what has happened now, is that I have a whole new set of stuff from the past year and a half that's beginning to pile up. This summer, those two worlds will collide in a brand new sewing space-- YIKES-- stick around and see what happens!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Wouldn't it be great if I we could have as much progress as we could buy each week? If we could say-- I finished three cross stitches, four quilts, and ten years of Valentine party scrapbook pages this week? So let's now take a look at what I got done...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Half of a quilt block got stitched down...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kmej2YdPF3krhNDUHMI4EDdD3_tCxBGfzcMScntKOX0VKuJAk87oldbN2GvhFaOcOwqDdGt87e_zMoBkbMp3zETf8DOx5EaMDvRo_uiyunZQa8xZkaQi423-o4TtVmsatYu1nluJAEMn3wle2c2wDX3viRZOyJzUjC-3wiBqHhrBWjcVNzPWHTHf-lk/s4032/IMG_6956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kmej2YdPF3krhNDUHMI4EDdD3_tCxBGfzcMScntKOX0VKuJAk87oldbN2GvhFaOcOwqDdGt87e_zMoBkbMp3zETf8DOx5EaMDvRo_uiyunZQa8xZkaQi423-o4TtVmsatYu1nluJAEMn3wle2c2wDX3viRZOyJzUjC-3wiBqHhrBWjcVNzPWHTHf-lk/w640-h480/IMG_6956.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then I figured out my plan for the Kona star is not going to work with a charm pack. I will expound upon that in a future episode-- but for now, I just realized something is very wrong when you can't get a 16 inch block out of a charm pack. Sounds crazy, but it's true. Imagine how justified I felt when Kimberly Jolly herself admitted on her YouTube show last Friday that she had to buy a second charm pack for the February block. My squares are presently starched and awaiting Plan B.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0h9bvxpfCGCqWVdungik3gPFtHn-S1fo5WBRxxjx7WjWbmnb3UyyDuhy3npuAaXkfF_1lw1AlaBjT96BOJvJe_klsImNCRgMAlStchD3MIrxvnmY569M5qDmdYt674jPxIkBoAtHfcNXsImh_Th4YfvmMjvk1XL79YjxEoAIRsD5Uvkw42SDkTutcqY/s4032/IMG_6958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0h9bvxpfCGCqWVdungik3gPFtHn-S1fo5WBRxxjx7WjWbmnb3UyyDuhy3npuAaXkfF_1lw1AlaBjT96BOJvJe_klsImNCRgMAlStchD3MIrxvnmY569M5qDmdYt674jPxIkBoAtHfcNXsImh_Th4YfvmMjvk1XL79YjxEoAIRsD5Uvkw42SDkTutcqY/w640-h480/IMG_6958.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">And that's everything I accomplished this past week!</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0koDuf1aA0rkAxu3Phh6zBWGLCLlA4Fob7XYcfPjw805jXipjPjuZVpO00zFSdSQdikHg6Vi0KXIH9JKwGvzi9HLDd3O_c6UDy4GU4lP8Fpt7jpqqT5oHAhRzvT5N3AapJYYcYlVQYqELwSJgf_LyaWT3zyJtmHLtmcflaA6C97l0CURiiX43y3n_9x4/s796/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="796" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0koDuf1aA0rkAxu3Phh6zBWGLCLlA4Fob7XYcfPjw805jXipjPjuZVpO00zFSdSQdikHg6Vi0KXIH9JKwGvzi9HLDd3O_c6UDy4GU4lP8Fpt7jpqqT5oHAhRzvT5N3AapJYYcYlVQYqELwSJgf_LyaWT3zyJtmHLtmcflaA6C97l0CURiiX43y3n_9x4/w392-h297/Capture2.JPG" width="392" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In my defense, I did complete this fabulous original thing which has sold well-- TYSVM, everyone. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OLWGx_u3BPpGZSPEuOqerUrUuSTrsAA0FSVPq4yHnkK-YIMn2ZqpGrXus6ExlnSIHkvTdrbVWpuFEvIhVNzp8hB3I8tJxtDt1qfV8_FUIEB8isn5KE-MMzlMK3w7RyqCq-IRFlXxDFFhUJ8RE1OARcbCl9O1S2WyZ3IRtIiPTCIGJFswvEmT-c05Jx0/s3552/Thread-Zen-Tablerunner-machine-embroidery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2501" data-original-width="3552" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OLWGx_u3BPpGZSPEuOqerUrUuSTrsAA0FSVPq4yHnkK-YIMn2ZqpGrXus6ExlnSIHkvTdrbVWpuFEvIhVNzp8hB3I8tJxtDt1qfV8_FUIEB8isn5KE-MMzlMK3w7RyqCq-IRFlXxDFFhUJ8RE1OARcbCl9O1S2WyZ3IRtIiPTCIGJFswvEmT-c05Jx0/w640-h450/Thread-Zen-Tablerunner-machine-embroidery.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I have also made tremendous progress on the dreaded T-A-X-E-S-- the earliest I have ever been with this awful task. Yes, that upside down part of the year, when you hope you didn't make too much and you are so glad you spent a ton on supplies! And it even looks like I'll be paying off some of those kits with a refund, fingers crossed.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then, I have been doing a major spring cleaning of the entire house. This is the little corner I have been crushed into for the past year-- I'm not complaining, it's quite cozy, and I can see everything that goes on around here from behind that computer monitor!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-AlbwVcG24cGDeiXjLgOX1ZBpYPFmbby1F_VrklvmiAbLubCt9COQ606Z8dvPq5XCjqBl4XqLJ1R820lBte99ScSRrlGQEczMp9nwVHgZ9uFRynV7hm8AIfRy5QrAejbbaRa-xZuQz5a7zgUdoTiUgtjXrtStO4rH0p2bJXVZRilA8uKUOZr5Mx_cSc/s4032/IMG_6957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-AlbwVcG24cGDeiXjLgOX1ZBpYPFmbby1F_VrklvmiAbLubCt9COQ606Z8dvPq5XCjqBl4XqLJ1R820lBte99ScSRrlGQEczMp9nwVHgZ9uFRynV7hm8AIfRy5QrAejbbaRa-xZuQz5a7zgUdoTiUgtjXrtStO4rH0p2bJXVZRilA8uKUOZr5Mx_cSc/w640-h480/IMG_6957.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Hopefully, you are not thinking that's the BEFORE picture, no, that's AFTER cleaning! "BEFORE" was totally APPALLING, trust me. Yes, I still have a little tidy up left to do. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> After cleaning up, it is amazing how much more inviting it is to sit down and do a little sewing-- but all those projects aren't going to get much attention this week...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> We have visitors coming! Yes-- if it wasn't for company, housekeeping would never occur around here at all. An intrepid part of the family has decided to brave the temps, and the long journey, and come see us in February- I am so looking forward to a little change of pace, some good food, and some catch up with the outside world. All those kits will still be there when I'm ready, right?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's the state of my little world this week-- now go enjoy yours!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-35267223397842339682024-02-19T06:37:00.000-08:002024-02-19T06:37:43.984-08:00Scrap Management<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white;">It was a nice, quiet week here-- the kind you think you’re gonna have before all heck breaks loose-- but nothing happened here except a ton of sewing!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Haberdashery quilt is finished...</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHJTUBMnl6x5uUjUNtXKR5RDdO9sialHbmdLvok-kT9Mdur987pIrGpeOqDDhHl10mXqULSWK3DP_YZgcvCtEy_MmuMikhdFuHSxKJPQbveb6AAwGvcGVFIZeSrMXKzUNatFoPt0-K5KZIT_c08F3x7sHnDL60Yxx6Kko0qB1jBjJ_VCgMIjRvi0xFdw/s3782/IMG_6886%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2837" data-original-width="3782" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHJTUBMnl6x5uUjUNtXKR5RDdO9sialHbmdLvok-kT9Mdur987pIrGpeOqDDhHl10mXqULSWK3DP_YZgcvCtEy_MmuMikhdFuHSxKJPQbveb6AAwGvcGVFIZeSrMXKzUNatFoPt0-K5KZIT_c08F3x7sHnDL60Yxx6Kko0qB1jBjJ_VCgMIjRvi0xFdw/w640-h480/IMG_6886%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Fromage Tablecloth has been hemmed and delivered to the cabin...</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7GP_OO3LYeuJ1OhWdBRUKnDx2vMtYYXvMn2e11RfQmaEQveaPoAtrUde7cTZrcpClj1gXAuXQ8Em6dEuGsev8MpvcQEEwuBJd17okOvhGm9ZAWsyE3uhr0Ib9VtSDTxiciwgj6T_p-rQlgeHm37DIMKUeZpwROEl3eBPPIM_f3iB9oK2EnBozmuiIRg/s4032/IMG_6884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7GP_OO3LYeuJ1OhWdBRUKnDx2vMtYYXvMn2e11RfQmaEQveaPoAtrUde7cTZrcpClj1gXAuXQ8Em6dEuGsev8MpvcQEEwuBJd17okOvhGm9ZAWsyE3uhr0Ib9VtSDTxiciwgj6T_p-rQlgeHm37DIMKUeZpwROEl3eBPPIM_f3iB9oK2EnBozmuiIRg/w640-h480/IMG_6884.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> One of my long armed quilts has a binding (<i>that still needs to be handstitched down</i>)...</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8nt8e7zl4cDnf3vjS6rgzGOruSfO1Si4QF2CswPctFejS2mXAv7eI9Mv_XJpU4m3yc0ubN5RksQ1DF_aJtQBGIYeddN5ApNsvHGYaVSTEsjvdPo2Vlucgf2CgEQYE0-EWrGGbjFr7qmjKF8gHLMBCi3Un5tLGCFWl1PQMUFrW_t9U6eioNXNZLTB_Y0/s4032/IMG_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8nt8e7zl4cDnf3vjS6rgzGOruSfO1Si4QF2CswPctFejS2mXAv7eI9Mv_XJpU4m3yc0ubN5RksQ1DF_aJtQBGIYeddN5ApNsvHGYaVSTEsjvdPo2Vlucgf2CgEQYE0-EWrGGbjFr7qmjKF8gHLMBCi3Un5tLGCFWl1PQMUFrW_t9U6eioNXNZLTB_Y0/w640-h480/IMG_6890.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> and Block 10 of my Pressed Flowers quilt is done-- it is almost time to make this into a quilt!</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm04EhGZw7g4dOB_xv50b1NFx16r50jBQpWUWsQLciXwmp3tLoN5vi0OldydRz4kD-sLEcE9NXmGGeIbKlGKWJyqO7UFTDmMpO7LgEYM0JuA7Hdk-C8sm6WNp7GCz6k9WiTs_pxuh_0OXSf2xfJn4lSHStq8opffo_vWdFMyTvGsyp3rO9LyITfWkbvH8/s4032/IMG_6888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm04EhGZw7g4dOB_xv50b1NFx16r50jBQpWUWsQLciXwmp3tLoN5vi0OldydRz4kD-sLEcE9NXmGGeIbKlGKWJyqO7UFTDmMpO7LgEYM0JuA7Hdk-C8sm6WNp7GCz6k9WiTs_pxuh_0OXSf2xfJn4lSHStq8opffo_vWdFMyTvGsyp3rO9LyITfWkbvH8/w640-h480/IMG_6888.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And not just sewing happened-- we had a beautiful Valentine’s birthday party for Mr. SFO.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a7Sbd8qyhjPxdH9tV6BHhVCXU1qQvcHQSzv_RODY3mPC68f_Y0ogcyRaJnFPCH51xsqGa_MhDaDtJM23V6LxSofNtXY3GEqw-SFFWsyehvWg1LA0HBzFDzEQm6-0W2JVSDtOoXyCCPrRccE3ZSPWyPcFUnD1ytHKXOa3JfYzm68vy-n217tfFHNxh7c/s2364/FullSizeRender.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2364" data-original-width="1330" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5a7Sbd8qyhjPxdH9tV6BHhVCXU1qQvcHQSzv_RODY3mPC68f_Y0ogcyRaJnFPCH51xsqGa_MhDaDtJM23V6LxSofNtXY3GEqw-SFFWsyehvWg1LA0HBzFDzEQm6-0W2JVSDtOoXyCCPrRccE3ZSPWyPcFUnD1ytHKXOa3JfYzm68vy-n217tfFHNxh7c/s320/FullSizeRender.JPEG" width="180" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbwh3YEihGEwjyNo9fVRQlyMr7M32n26x9sfATPo-324uK3sK5fqC_QrbevFhumCxfZtR_She_ZgC_DilyBt_BqUNr_QHcUdj9cvGreX7Of13cn0zQNy75bsaIcj0rXNY8KZiYe4W0QiBqLCEmKQ9uYf5gmfJPi2C62v7iwbn67ikZ9iBS5vCOtCvMD4/s1253/IMG_0627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1253" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbwh3YEihGEwjyNo9fVRQlyMr7M32n26x9sfATPo-324uK3sK5fqC_QrbevFhumCxfZtR_She_ZgC_DilyBt_BqUNr_QHcUdj9cvGreX7Of13cn0zQNy75bsaIcj0rXNY8KZiYe4W0QiBqLCEmKQ9uYf5gmfJPi2C62v7iwbn67ikZ9iBS5vCOtCvMD4/s320/IMG_0627.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Rl14QR3Ez4XhTGr7XW6nINRjR907wJ8hqH9FUDhtm25ys-nto8-QbRoJkLXtOCuXWZSObvqwffZNieWCmBn3LGO_lkgEoyTIw4irg8Soekqftza9pg1CQV5x3XoAXn9KM86G6k6Cxb4pPvcbIwIJs0K-WAYC-McDn3ESU_78B88jFmkDz2xwDZixrM/s2048/IMG_0629.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Rl14QR3Ez4XhTGr7XW6nINRjR907wJ8hqH9FUDhtm25ys-nto8-QbRoJkLXtOCuXWZSObvqwffZNieWCmBn3LGO_lkgEoyTIw4irg8Soekqftza9pg1CQV5x3XoAXn9KM86G6k6Cxb4pPvcbIwIJs0K-WAYC-McDn3ESU_78B88jFmkDz2xwDZixrM/s320/IMG_0629.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And I even did some tidy up-- the U.S.S. Constitution is saved! (<i>As a side note-- I'd like you to know, there was so much stuff covering that countertop, that not one speck of dust was under there!</i> :-)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOPIXJUML0hErHyo9imnVg4c99e5UktU6o0k4ioTP8BedH9mX_qsw212pEfIKECYmzG30aNDb4n4Em-f82AEvhAnSDTBcNeJImBn3YaYuQoawAk2G6fECCwbIJhPL5Io1WQB7vU2MTK4kfHG8K5Pgi7bsxCS7xJrW_QjY_FzftKBR-zKqDsYU97RZ3KU/s2048/IMG_0625.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOPIXJUML0hErHyo9imnVg4c99e5UktU6o0k4ioTP8BedH9mX_qsw212pEfIKECYmzG30aNDb4n4Em-f82AEvhAnSDTBcNeJImBn3YaYuQoawAk2G6fECCwbIJhPL5Io1WQB7vU2MTK4kfHG8K5Pgi7bsxCS7xJrW_QjY_FzftKBR-zKqDsYU97RZ3KU/w640-h480/IMG_0625.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> After finishing up the Haberdashery January Sew Sampler box quilt and block, I’m in a bit of a lull-- I really didn’t mean to commit to making all the Sew Sampler boxes this year, but I loved the hats. Next, I want to start working on some of my own projects. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnpZdXm-dPF5UNZMdveAqW2nNMHZ3AZiHRWgk1xjaVlAWWWuLLG5EvpyZN24m3yMv1wVodhrb1dX1TwdXeOrbvwuARfKzJp_FAZeoJ614hmea512A2lb-dJHZKWby8cqXGUPT5JJXp-esR42tJibAMZ9Q6eDApA5pXdBMZkzozWgwHBJyeXGCUdEkoig/s600/coffeeart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnpZdXm-dPF5UNZMdveAqW2nNMHZ3AZiHRWgk1xjaVlAWWWuLLG5EvpyZN24m3yMv1wVodhrb1dX1TwdXeOrbvwuARfKzJp_FAZeoJ614hmea512A2lb-dJHZKWby8cqXGUPT5JJXp-esR42tJibAMZ9Q6eDApA5pXdBMZkzozWgwHBJyeXGCUdEkoig/w640-h490/coffeeart.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span><span style="font-family: times;">There’s always a few designs each year I am especially proud of and would like to make into a larger, original piece-- this is what my "Coffee Art Mug Rug" turned into a few years back-- "DOT ZERO." It won a couple of show ribbons-- but even better, it is Mr. SFO's all time favorite quilt.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE571EYdlcWxJRTZ2uHTzHj4wg33voxERFbX8_m7neREnvnW_3UFpB1zx6uObY9DfIOiwu5gms-zdNidOxFYhIOwH08hACp4KH9HvvcFfbp3Is4sNhze-u7ZwhQf90rew5mST-_mdKtk7UzQcbWJmrGEzp0zwu20PQvZ-VW8-QliAvsOIWo6RErtDnXI/s573/DotAlmighty_Full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE571EYdlcWxJRTZ2uHTzHj4wg33voxERFbX8_m7neREnvnW_3UFpB1zx6uObY9DfIOiwu5gms-zdNidOxFYhIOwH08hACp4KH9HvvcFfbp3Is4sNhze-u7ZwhQf90rew5mST-_mdKtk7UzQcbWJmrGEzp0zwu20PQvZ-VW8-QliAvsOIWo6RErtDnXI/w626-h640/DotAlmighty_Full.jpg" width="626" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In that category is my Heartland Quilt Block-- I do LOVE it. I’ve been thinking of making it into a pillow or maybe a wallhanging since I finished it. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnsBTS8v9o6jlwKXE2PPHxt0b5iK33rWxo2qNZakrjXRBMKOCPkv_KXLntJ4YsoUyEW-8KLpZBmxrx9-wiUpRLOvuGZh3t6ZrPx1-tBAckeqMaN4Xqsddcz-aWsjsChb_wZsViFyMDn9398q44d1s6UgGF6ohpaOBsN3lMHnnE1mSo91_zWQOQFp3xaE/s4032/IMG_6872.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnsBTS8v9o6jlwKXE2PPHxt0b5iK33rWxo2qNZakrjXRBMKOCPkv_KXLntJ4YsoUyEW-8KLpZBmxrx9-wiUpRLOvuGZh3t6ZrPx1-tBAckeqMaN4Xqsddcz-aWsjsChb_wZsViFyMDn9398q44d1s6UgGF6ohpaOBsN3lMHnnE1mSo91_zWQOQFp3xaE/w640-h480/IMG_6872.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I decided to look through my stuffy, outdated stash for coordinating fabrics. I have an entire box of Valentine fabrics-- I love the holidays, so of course, I do! I did a little fabric pull for my Love block. Good times-- I came across remnants of one of my all time favorite collections-- “Kissing Booth” by Basic Grey. I bet I have the scrapbook paper of this, too. I don't know why Basic Grey gave up their whole paper line-- I guess they saw that a lot of scrapbooking would go digital-- but there is still plenty of scrapbook paper being sold.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Back to my stash. My stash is always such a crumbled mess as you can see in the photo above-- I am always reading about how to organize it-- did I hook you, too, with the headline on this post? Make 2-1/2” strips and store them in shoeboxes, take charm size squares and keep them in baskets, la-di-da. But no one ever tells you what to do in this situation:</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVwBsoJ7-mDtbXxn8pKtH1ozMDyoyFyyNMTpG4J2cKZr6HYCFRRNV2NkLINU_iL3PCOIBAa6dxvy3wON100s_vtFZjmOxF5udPtOROvexDvSZt2xf1vvxVQ1c1TPpU7raOceIKJxonJc5_CtZqGAORdFMs1lswe8IW9_wcHh8yZnYKwTDLdNRK0-jS54/s4032/IMG_6877.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVwBsoJ7-mDtbXxn8pKtH1ozMDyoyFyyNMTpG4J2cKZr6HYCFRRNV2NkLINU_iL3PCOIBAa6dxvy3wON100s_vtFZjmOxF5udPtOROvexDvSZt2xf1vvxVQ1c1TPpU7raOceIKJxonJc5_CtZqGAORdFMs1lswe8IW9_wcHh8yZnYKwTDLdNRK0-jS54/w400-h300/IMG_6877.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">File it in the oversized trapezoid bin?</span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;"> And how about this beauty, below-- </span><span style="font-family: times;">like a diamond in the rough, it would take months of study to decide how to best cut it. I'm happy to just figure out how to fold it for now.</span><span style="font-family: times;"> Do your scraps look like mine, or is it just me?</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVcF8gdqoSQNgMRh8B24eHxRh-D4BuEaCD0rZAcRgcJ3ieNI-yjYRAU3Xl6mJZIfXaqcrHCFa5IvKy96LB-6Spl4VzcZqqeGHuDRLFnShjqq_N5MktE_iTZ6hBbG8QQ1CcfRA7z27Lnsy2rSNlw8FHGcXGVkP0FHZvZ4CKHph8JaNkA9v1mXfj0wOdMY/s4032/IMG_6878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVcF8gdqoSQNgMRh8B24eHxRh-D4BuEaCD0rZAcRgcJ3ieNI-yjYRAU3Xl6mJZIfXaqcrHCFa5IvKy96LB-6Spl4VzcZqqeGHuDRLFnShjqq_N5MktE_iTZ6hBbG8QQ1CcfRA7z27Lnsy2rSNlw8FHGcXGVkP0FHZvZ4CKHph8JaNkA9v1mXfj0wOdMY/w640-h480/IMG_6878.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I lit a candle, pressed, and folded for a few minutes. Here’s my Kissing Booth fabric now, ready for use-- good job, huh!</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFg4UwSN22-i3MvD5KmHWs3Uw-ICcWh9C-sq5M4GlN9ZbFPtP_aXZMUMHq03VRmBsylMsjWMJpLqskUw7x3rzHuGn_xGODiH_hOgAO3GjXF7Fp94uNXRWvcSZtZ42cUDzz-NQRB3F_3Bk-IXyou7VREbUBkuqr8AsX5k7EaX1yoOW8pebx7Si63eYbsk/s4032/IMG_6880.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFg4UwSN22-i3MvD5KmHWs3Uw-ICcWh9C-sq5M4GlN9ZbFPtP_aXZMUMHq03VRmBsylMsjWMJpLqskUw7x3rzHuGn_xGODiH_hOgAO3GjXF7Fp94uNXRWvcSZtZ42cUDzz-NQRB3F_3Bk-IXyou7VREbUBkuqr8AsX5k7EaX1yoOW8pebx7Si63eYbsk/w640-h480/IMG_6880.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I’m going to just start adding borders around my cross stitch and see where it takes me. Did you know, the earliest quilts were medallion style, not sampler blocks? It make sense if you think that people who really needed blankets would take an ADD ON approach with what they could find--like a medallion quilt. A quilt made of blocks, like we make now, would take planning.<br /> </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Anyway, my Kissing Booth fabric has the perfect colors, and here's my first border!</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dFe8wMIr-gV04CnCVOwAj_mjvPnhzrzKMDHqOZ9Ntf8NipJUCfMAWWYklJ79gUgw28NWTGF8svHOjkSg5Vi97coZLkWomI7lQMAgO5eYZqFxcC_Og-_4V910cPMbylqyzykYPwh14z0tKOB_sRjf4XTv1abb5ENa_ccVo4bEUUFGGaEqYlU0e1LBs84/s3085/IMG_6876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2314" data-original-width="3085" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dFe8wMIr-gV04CnCVOwAj_mjvPnhzrzKMDHqOZ9Ntf8NipJUCfMAWWYklJ79gUgw28NWTGF8svHOjkSg5Vi97coZLkWomI7lQMAgO5eYZqFxcC_Og-_4V910cPMbylqyzykYPwh14z0tKOB_sRjf4XTv1abb5ENa_ccVo4bEUUFGGaEqYlU0e1LBs84/w640-h480/IMG_6876.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I am leaving my stabilizer in on this one for added stiffness-- you can see how I just cut the stabilizer out of the seam allowance before adding the borders.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J6dRgrkIAVuSH3sNRPoijPIv4jrdkIvpVKnR_8tt4XkYLjO8AZWanIgNCxNuXxydeT9d0qhLUHPgSFu9JBNs1FkLTJpnFHNhnUo5wHNKaEzoxZqI1j3oQOvkZxRGxr6FuNTM-As7aheYlw7Gi05QWm8KGfkR3RBVfeCAPVpuoqJ5gQDoVQq3-qfDuW8/s3549/IMG_6875.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2661" data-original-width="3549" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J6dRgrkIAVuSH3sNRPoijPIv4jrdkIvpVKnR_8tt4XkYLjO8AZWanIgNCxNuXxydeT9d0qhLUHPgSFu9JBNs1FkLTJpnFHNhnUo5wHNKaEzoxZqI1j3oQOvkZxRGxr6FuNTM-As7aheYlw7Gi05QWm8KGfkR3RBVfeCAPVpuoqJ5gQDoVQq3-qfDuW8/w640-h480/IMG_6875.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It looks like there is plenty of opportunity for a little fussy cutting my Kissing Booth fabric, too. Maybe some appliqued hearts?</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6XUE4n0BTzkjuaPP3oUZB3cEocz739nJlHMaUgEv2rJOotKn5FZsKpAiOUzgj9YdhmsFRwDxL50pVLKtuGwXlpShaxWYUNg-bAgOgR8yK8QuIWSJbXm1DyegtfQd-NuoM74jXbcPbcrUDKt4eWfNqnLXbO9o03AnZD4Lz0WCswLkQ30Eku8F3CSRAyY/s4032/IMG_6873.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6XUE4n0BTzkjuaPP3oUZB3cEocz739nJlHMaUgEv2rJOotKn5FZsKpAiOUzgj9YdhmsFRwDxL50pVLKtuGwXlpShaxWYUNg-bAgOgR8yK8QuIWSJbXm1DyegtfQd-NuoM74jXbcPbcrUDKt4eWfNqnLXbO9o03AnZD4Lz0WCswLkQ30Eku8F3CSRAyY/w640-h480/IMG_6873.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /> The February sew sampler box is on the way-- no one has done a spoiler yet, and I really hope I don’t like the project in it! I want to spend the month on this-- let's see if I can get some X and O blocks made for the next border this week.</span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I'd also love to get my Kona Cotton star block for January done-- hee,hee. My charm squares are waiting patiently. So this quilt is a pattern, but I'm going to do some free-wheelin' with it. It's a different star every month-- I tend to like the more complicated ones, so I may go way off script. My current thought is to just take my favorite star and make them all that way. There's a ton of different colors in each charm pack, and I'm going to just randomly stitch them together. Look like fun? It's a free sew-a-long <a href="https://www.robertkaufman.com/quilting/quilts_patterns/free/?by=newest&release=all&page=2">here.</a> My favorite block is the aqua one-- third row, middle.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzLzSTJPzh5pEJzx38P1eQNQZXwwCOtvDY5r545vVQk9oCkCg1-GbG0BtwGk_znsDVxV9utkEWxQYop2z5UE3Hv_xbcZeW7Nvq7PUgmdhFF4mxWqlUeJQe5dLTZDueLlJayKWMpIB_1ZYU-E_TWA_YZ0uWpvlC2jJAUnLsicjVU7UyzBRJ7sbCTzWSqE/s501/Capture.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzLzSTJPzh5pEJzx38P1eQNQZXwwCOtvDY5r545vVQk9oCkCg1-GbG0BtwGk_znsDVxV9utkEWxQYop2z5UE3Hv_xbcZeW7Nvq7PUgmdhFF4mxWqlUeJQe5dLTZDueLlJayKWMpIB_1ZYU-E_TWA_YZ0uWpvlC2jJAUnLsicjVU7UyzBRJ7sbCTzWSqE/w514-h640/Capture.JPG" width="514" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span> I've been "good"-- starting and finishing projects-- I think I will treat myself to some new material-- pun intended!</span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I’m also putting together the Zen of Thread Table Runner this week-- it matches the Zen of Thread Mug Rug that is already out. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6V_zb1epTLwE7CEmFRWDDOpys1AvNmH-YdJOVXokODaC09KMeJ01GkLUWlCz2mEyx2cbT3fJtNjPv8uk8BL8nVOcYSd02Egk4ZOaFBl4CKZGl8NyjOGWrbfY_tIgUZn1UKjmPMr2d4CIEVIjYXaI8jtLWggK-hEusiJZo7IEgUQag3DukUPszdy8xLM/s1061/IMG_0643%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1061" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6V_zb1epTLwE7CEmFRWDDOpys1AvNmH-YdJOVXokODaC09KMeJ01GkLUWlCz2mEyx2cbT3fJtNjPv8uk8BL8nVOcYSd02Egk4ZOaFBl4CKZGl8NyjOGWrbfY_tIgUZn1UKjmPMr2d4CIEVIjYXaI8jtLWggK-hEusiJZo7IEgUQag3DukUPszdy8xLM/w400-h324/IMG_0643%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Finally, a table runner that can be left out ALL THE TIME in this establishment!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4joxU8jtXAp65ONtCRdyrZlIrpauNk8wcDMvWlsHJvznhR4N9PLP0bywfovXf6A1DImR-dBmU57nXOe5Khq7qm3OHY_gv65ccLK0yRLj_4vlV_qgc9tHd05mF5A49XULBKsNBmugsQVuqPzG8pO_fgPNThMo9E8XvWmVDPc66Nt-9X3SA8HyVSapX7o/s4032/IMG_6871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4joxU8jtXAp65ONtCRdyrZlIrpauNk8wcDMvWlsHJvznhR4N9PLP0bywfovXf6A1DImR-dBmU57nXOe5Khq7qm3OHY_gv65ccLK0yRLj_4vlV_qgc9tHd05mF5A49XULBKsNBmugsQVuqPzG8pO_fgPNThMo9E8XvWmVDPc66Nt-9X3SA8HyVSapX7o/w400-h300/IMG_6871.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I'm using the new Pink Lemonade collection-- it has FIVE different greens and I just love it A set of fat quarters is way out of my budget for now, but I bought two charm packs. I also signed up for the Moonbeam Fat Quarter Shop stitch-a-long that starts later this spring. I'm disappointed in myself that signed up for another kit-- but it's just so easy to order stuff on a whim with the click of a button these days, isn't it? It does benefit Make-a-Wish, so there's that.</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oVBZmxN18QOzDB98XClUsPWbjAuncWnFd8I_f0SaZTlJs_8C4q28TkpesYUtzmU7oIAxo0SVgXwEMsimueesfhyphenhypheneHaL18PIsjDb8EiAAeER9jhS-qvRat-umOKAIg09GAz1tY-FcyXjXOWQyxNwNdnlDSz8gGWO_zU1s8Yw1b7R4Cyc4meCwQyP85_w/s4032/IMG_6881.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oVBZmxN18QOzDB98XClUsPWbjAuncWnFd8I_f0SaZTlJs_8C4q28TkpesYUtzmU7oIAxo0SVgXwEMsimueesfhyphenhypheneHaL18PIsjDb8EiAAeER9jhS-qvRat-umOKAIg09GAz1tY-FcyXjXOWQyxNwNdnlDSz8gGWO_zU1s8Yw1b7R4Cyc4meCwQyP85_w/w400-h300/IMG_6881.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The only kit type project I have going this week is the Prairie Meadow quilt-- I finally got my 11th block prepped and am really enjoying stitching it. I missed my appliqué! I am going to shoot for 16 blocks-- if I can get one done a month, I’d be done by early summer. Then I’ll make a decisions on borders. By that time, it will probably need a rest again. If it was all stitching, I’d be fine. But these blocks take a tremendous amount of time to prep!</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU67eMuuUvwP8uTRPEHVW3Bo8cRBoCLvNXH5G7nH-v1Nv125n1U3LNs4k91Yd6A1WSMAS7m4toIuyq0X9PfVNN0hg4W3q_i500JY2COjEVET7r4UjZV2Km4CKNqTdUypQycqnhkJCyhI8pqZlMMaSD1S6N00VJ7JQgqsVIzkx5XG63vkPVmQ0fo4zUfuc/s4032/IMG_6889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU67eMuuUvwP8uTRPEHVW3Bo8cRBoCLvNXH5G7nH-v1Nv125n1U3LNs4k91Yd6A1WSMAS7m4toIuyq0X9PfVNN0hg4W3q_i500JY2COjEVET7r4UjZV2Km4CKNqTdUypQycqnhkJCyhI8pqZlMMaSD1S6N00VJ7JQgqsVIzkx5XG63vkPVmQ0fo4zUfuc/w640-h480/IMG_6889.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span> Someone on Flosstube threw out the question-- how do you stay motivated to keep moving projects along? One of the answers that resonated with me was-- force yourself to do at least two lengths of thread a day. If I do two shapes a day on this, it will be done in no time. The next one I do, I am taking Lori Holt's shapes and designing my own block-- that makes it more fun for me.</span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that’s what I got done last week-- this week also seems like it could be a good one-- fingers crossed, for that!</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> We're over the hump of winter-- I checked the yearly temperatures here, and after the middle of February, they start to rise again. But not too fast-- I'm really enjoying these quiet days, to be sure.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Carol</div></span><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-87425990607248326602024-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-14T04:53:04.147-08:00Ten little things to love this Valentine's Day...<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Happy Valentine's Day! In the spirit of the day, here are ten little things I'm loving this winter-- maybe you'll love them, too! I'm not flying to Paris for dinner, looking at roses in a British country estate's greenhouse, or buying chocolates in Switzerland-- <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">just blessed with the ability to recognize every day joys close to home.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>1. Ryan Rose Horse Training Videos</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p4ti0k9VTA0veAYDWkDGRtjstpAfZTV05ZUTjMqBuFGuVbNYnBVJPW9mArQlY6DERlp1Y_7AWxHGlyCmHbxX1rjYiqXRdSK-GQsA_2sq481yABhnuCNCE5NrwREAfAJGzqHc-1ETLhZ1gmb2c_hYj0XXV5rr67lhfFZ97xsSoZIYk1w_9HrW055DtvM/s376/ryan%20rose%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="376" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p4ti0k9VTA0veAYDWkDGRtjstpAfZTV05ZUTjMqBuFGuVbNYnBVJPW9mArQlY6DERlp1Y_7AWxHGlyCmHbxX1rjYiqXRdSK-GQsA_2sq481yABhnuCNCE5NrwREAfAJGzqHc-1ETLhZ1gmb2c_hYj0XXV5rr67lhfFZ97xsSoZIYk1w_9HrW055DtvM/w640-h546/ryan%20rose%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;"> Did you know I always wanted/still want a horse? This is something my best friends might not know, but apparently YouTube has guessed-- one of my suggestions a couple of months ago was “Ryan Rose” horse training videos. I watch, thinking the information will come in handy when I eventually get my horse! In the meantime, it's occurred to me that many of the techniques used to retrain problem horses can also be used on people. For instance, if your horse refuses to load into a trailer, the minute it starts backing out, “help it” back out by pushing it back quite a long ways--- it will soon realize it’s easier just to to get in the trailer! Does hubby "balk" at the fabric store door? Make him walk over to grocery shop instead-- he'll soon catch on that the fabric store is cheaper these days!<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>2. Jackie and Shadow</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> More YouTube! I promise, I am not glued to it all day, but if you haven't discovered the endless entertainment awaiting you from everyday people and places, you deserve to keep being disappointed by TV shows. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kzDET9DnurDNTK0tP23hReGy7ULA8RjVTnpMdkhQZakZOzD9kQsetQ9MY28UbyiAf-VkXyfYUIlAmT4T3c_LSE93wfEJH7rLUkRQVlvHlkp5j-rY4BNREj0kc68C5KjMZxV6TkGbHMnVoCGzZV1KA7usyHCBEkQosb_Hiv27LCJbQYn9cineig6tub0/s328/BBV.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="328" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kzDET9DnurDNTK0tP23hReGy7ULA8RjVTnpMdkhQZakZOzD9kQsetQ9MY28UbyiAf-VkXyfYUIlAmT4T3c_LSE93wfEJH7rLUkRQVlvHlkp5j-rY4BNREj0kc68C5KjMZxV6TkGbHMnVoCGzZV1KA7usyHCBEkQosb_Hiv27LCJbQYn9cineig6tub0/w640-h602/BBV.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I forget how I discovered Jackie and Shadow-- it may have been on a Facebook post a year ago, but they are everywhere now and have hundreds of thousands of followers. Jackie and Shadow are two bald eagles nesting in front of a live camera on you Tube somewhere in California. (<i>No, the camera doesn't bother them in any way.</i>) Most of the year, they aren't even on the nest, but about two weeks ago, Jackie laid three eggs! I check in on them every day-- the tender scenes of them looking at their eggs, and readjusting sticks for the nest--Jackie has the final say--are both touching and comical. This could get hard, though-- it is extremely difficult for eagles to fledge three eaglets--in fact, last year, their eggs didn't even hatch. The disappointment they went through, then abandoning the eggs, was real. At the present moment, Jackie is currently buried under a snowstorm, and I get anxiety when the eggs are left unattended for a few moments. If nature gets too cruel, I may have to stop watching altogether! "Pip" watch-- (baby eagles) begins February 29th. Hoping for the best, Jackie and Shadow!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;">3. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;">Walking on Water</span></span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Now, just to prove I am not in front of a screen all day, we will move outdoors. There is no mention of temperature when Christ performed his miracle in the gospels-- but this feat is easily accomplished in Maine when the lake freezes in winter. Here's our usual view-- that’s a secret island over there and there's even a bald eagle that loves to sit on the top of a dead tree, all out of reach. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ6czdPh2urpWXylkenFu5Eh7eUzQ2xqdhLNE_1P7iColdv9NZKFVv2vMRtcrGtj0SXo7hjm-8XFos1rxezLrADa3FtKoSxieMelizTaIeHjK19kICRl8c8sFm0qu0MvFWq6QvYPEomzur3ohHo7b8Z37PodsfFnS5upLc5erTY7Rgttje1HrhzCAV0Y/s4032/IMG_6763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJ6czdPh2urpWXylkenFu5Eh7eUzQ2xqdhLNE_1P7iColdv9NZKFVv2vMRtcrGtj0SXo7hjm-8XFos1rxezLrADa3FtKoSxieMelizTaIeHjK19kICRl8c8sFm0qu0MvFWq6QvYPEomzur3ohHo7b8Z37PodsfFnS5upLc5erTY7Rgttje1HrhzCAV0Y/w640-h480/IMG_6763.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> We tried to take the boat over to explore the island this summer, but discovered there’s no solid shoreline and couldn't get past the reeds-- the whole thing may be a marsh. It took a while, but after temps in the 20s all week, Mr. SFO, Eagle Scout, declared it safe to walk over there. We were rewarded with these beautiful mountain views-- and I do believe we even found the island's secret treasure-- our own eagle's nest!</span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBeKQP8aFlXLnwFkcYB_j-C_HvkDskBIqeQs48lhwW-WsQ2KynBvlPNcGIc8Qem0GDkn4NWgWPBkA6g8fjrGI0Lsq8cM3pR8lCpLXkCaCek7Xfk_NGmJAagXeDQW1Cuidw822-ax8TxQUX-sAEFtdy8cWB834lFMh4Ug09WfRfqTTkHFH8-xWgWRiIiw/s4032/IMG_6773.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBeKQP8aFlXLnwFkcYB_j-C_HvkDskBIqeQs48lhwW-WsQ2KynBvlPNcGIc8Qem0GDkn4NWgWPBkA6g8fjrGI0Lsq8cM3pR8lCpLXkCaCek7Xfk_NGmJAagXeDQW1Cuidw822-ax8TxQUX-sAEFtdy8cWB834lFMh4Ug09WfRfqTTkHFH8-xWgWRiIiw/w640-h480/IMG_6773.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>4. Burpee Seed Catalog</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Brrrr... back inside! This 150 page beauty is the best read all winter. It used to come out very shortly after January 1st-- this year, we got ours before Christmas. If you’ve ordered from Burpee before, you probably have one-- if not, I’m sure you could request one online.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKErZPCKUL1P2vOsfDfHBxkVejBxD65Cof6L_SrmBLMxK6FbwpRHGJOwS5gD8YeECv-NjrUe3pis3lLDU6vpL8NQYsRk6RK3CDwMuVCR-9DpzdNjH9uSztKzlronA3L-AZeF2bO9TOx0skAxwlkQCwJcvPrSXIJLuyyArJwI-hkceKUfQddgMkpp3_Jc/s4032/IMG_6779.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKErZPCKUL1P2vOsfDfHBxkVejBxD65Cof6L_SrmBLMxK6FbwpRHGJOwS5gD8YeECv-NjrUe3pis3lLDU6vpL8NQYsRk6RK3CDwMuVCR-9DpzdNjH9uSztKzlronA3L-AZeF2bO9TOx0skAxwlkQCwJcvPrSXIJLuyyArJwI-hkceKUfQddgMkpp3_Jc/w640-h480/IMG_6779.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;"> Paging through all the veggies and flowers is a sure fire way to beat the cold weather blahs, even if you never intend to plant as much as one seed. I had my personal best garden last year and have even bigger plans this year. Because I'm trying to pay attention to the little things I like and do for this blog post, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;">I noticed, as an artist, I am drawn to all the most colorful veggies--- carnival peppers, kaleidoscope carrots, rainbow tomatoes. You can bet I’ll be serving "Ultraviolet Hybrid" corn on the Fourth this year. Are you down for that?</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3K2DTLgCm0uS1RBfwf57E8wpFTXaVTvMoBkDLuz8ibzohyphenhyphenA4lNDiV7rP0zmOju5yYvGj_0OakE3XlfQPl0YSDxEADVpn0I1DuKmnsUZa2nZgbxrNHW-HeuIkNUW39JWA0h9r87Kj8xfOCobvcrYl-I3CK8IUHfs8GX9l7CJKdpj2F_yDsWWqWpwhVuI/s4032/IMG_6780.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3K2DTLgCm0uS1RBfwf57E8wpFTXaVTvMoBkDLuz8ibzohyphenhyphenA4lNDiV7rP0zmOju5yYvGj_0OakE3XlfQPl0YSDxEADVpn0I1DuKmnsUZa2nZgbxrNHW-HeuIkNUW39JWA0h9r87Kj8xfOCobvcrYl-I3CK8IUHfs8GX9l7CJKdpj2F_yDsWWqWpwhVuI/w640-h480/IMG_6780.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>5. Christmas Stitching</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-OOH9GvoxK1MmLrXGp7mHLPpF5mZ2nj30YZdjWRc86hBjNWH8evl7FmhKdmEVeywfezzwO5Q0Uq8sPlEH3vuYxIKE0Y4jnuaYhjgBScm59MtHRYUP_7GP0dKmyEmIhxeQfABRsSxg7Mq1bJrfZIs91DnMBXFNR4XRiBq3jHXXajGmzFbz8-o_G-xDu4/s561/Vintage%20Christmas.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-OOH9GvoxK1MmLrXGp7mHLPpF5mZ2nj30YZdjWRc86hBjNWH8evl7FmhKdmEVeywfezzwO5Q0Uq8sPlEH3vuYxIKE0Y4jnuaYhjgBScm59MtHRYUP_7GP0dKmyEmIhxeQfABRsSxg7Mq1bJrfZIs91DnMBXFNR4XRiBq3jHXXajGmzFbz8-o_G-xDu4/w624-h640/Vintage%20Christmas.JPG" width="624" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Gardening is still months away-- thank goodness we all share a hobby that can be enjoyed anytime of year! Yup, long after the big day, I really enjoy working on projects for this favorite of all holidays. The weather outside is frightful-- and still, oh, so appropriate for snowflakes and reindeer. Best of all, I have a fireplace to snuggle in front of! Even after Valentine's Day, I believe I could continue on with my jolly sewing-- I’m thinking of doing a Christmas stitch on the 25th of each month as I've seen some cross stitchers do on Instagram. Lori Holt has an upcoming Vintage Christmas quilt reprise coming up with Fat Quarter Shop in July of all times-- can I resist? Just look at that puppy and pink skate! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>6. String Lights</b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9CkKkmV2wOm3wP5tIVZ966WugDyXHIvbK_crzi_4lOTnLWhv0EG9uzD7QnyhO1gzH_dCAMaUMlJnGpCL1StucylQMCIux-_xzn0CXlm6BapQ8ILwaJYUKS85Ks9BKRAA9M47QLYBL7C_6tvYn8nK4DdzKx_8ygOOH8ky9JefByxfCOGjpjjzkMmQgC0/s3396/Love-Bowl-Fillers-machine-embroidery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="3396" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9CkKkmV2wOm3wP5tIVZ966WugDyXHIvbK_crzi_4lOTnLWhv0EG9uzD7QnyhO1gzH_dCAMaUMlJnGpCL1StucylQMCIux-_xzn0CXlm6BapQ8ILwaJYUKS85Ks9BKRAA9M47QLYBL7C_6tvYn8nK4DdzKx_8ygOOH8ky9JefByxfCOGjpjjzkMmQgC0/w640-h490/Love-Bowl-Fillers-machine-embroidery.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> No remote controlled fireplace in your home? Me, neither- ours requires a lot of hauling of wood! Consider this. I noticed at Michaels before Christmas, they had all manner of battery operated string lights. I snagged a few sets at 40% off, mostly for the purpose of photographing machine embroidery sets. The star set pictured above has three settings-- on all the time, flashing, and sort of glowing, on and off, on and off. It's super relaxing and cozy to put them on my coffee table and watch them glow at night-- no TV allowed-- books or hand stitch only are invited. It sounds very silly trying to explain it-- but it's the essence of a simple joy for me. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>7. Sourdough Bread</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2P67ACGVIoaaVLSQIHa2hWZcyjG6Nukpgyv2Cf_UsLMBqSNXXKcVb8GEk1k9i6yGnEyBtNXVGnuDT9NbEmsxiAYb28yMXSR1qMUXQtjrHUhDSOgl7UA_0xPzAFLlvtQbofH3bFXIzLv5UfzUEiVnn-NVTwjME5FvNx7sjztsAcOiEvJn0jhmSa4mSeE/s4032/IMG_6762%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2P67ACGVIoaaVLSQIHa2hWZcyjG6Nukpgyv2Cf_UsLMBqSNXXKcVb8GEk1k9i6yGnEyBtNXVGnuDT9NbEmsxiAYb28yMXSR1qMUXQtjrHUhDSOgl7UA_0xPzAFLlvtQbofH3bFXIzLv5UfzUEiVnn-NVTwjME5FvNx7sjztsAcOiEvJn0jhmSa4mSeE/w640-h480/IMG_6762%20(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Here's the most self-serving gift I've ever bought and I don't feel a moment's guilt over it. A year ago, I got the DD a "sourdough" starter kit from King Arthur flour. I do remember my mother-in-law had something in the fridge which she took out occasionally, FED, and offered me a jar of-- I was disgusted. With age comes wisdom-- I know now that this bacteria filled goo is the foundation of all types of yummy baked goods. Even better, the DD has made some sort of religion out of it-- rising early in the day, kneading, baking at certain times... I rarely have to buy bread now. If you've ever been curious about sourdough starter-- I'd highly encourage you to buy it and start a new religious experience-- or better yet, buy it for someone who lives with you.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: large;">8.Yazy and Match 3D</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Back to screens. I used to look down my nose at adults playing games like Angry Birds on their phones-- then I read it actually gives you a nice mental health break and increases focus. But the first time Mr. SFO caught me playing this, by the look on his face, I'm sure he thought I had a secret online gambling addiction! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVjbYu30dLQ9Cv0xU0i6BSlEDX8YbgC-jWspOsiyu_LVPUZcySBrg-ffQq_JrsJL4ygl0B7UeAsKbjirVTk2uLQ9EoDi4ViY5a93MhLDqOyA3Esp3XslCWqOswda9D8W78ut_AEe6rw2fYNzTpGmH9_yLIGguBVCV8air9el5TVbD6PPJEVi-YhlEIek/s2214/Yazy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2214" data-original-width="2088" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVjbYu30dLQ9Cv0xU0i6BSlEDX8YbgC-jWspOsiyu_LVPUZcySBrg-ffQq_JrsJL4ygl0B7UeAsKbjirVTk2uLQ9EoDi4ViY5a93MhLDqOyA3Esp3XslCWqOswda9D8W78ut_AEe6rw2fYNzTpGmH9_yLIGguBVCV8air9el5TVbD6PPJEVi-YhlEIek/w378-h400/Yazy.jpg" width="378" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> This is "Yazy," -- it's just an app version of the old Yahtzee dice game. I’m the only game player in this house, so it’s pretty much my only option! For five minutes a day, it’s become a guilty pleasure. "Match 3D" is also fun-- you match up pairs of toys in a virtual toy box in a certain amount of time. As a graphic designer, the cute shapes are extremely appealing and the game also has a nostalgic vibe for me of what my floor looked like when the kids were little. This game's on a timer and is hard to win. I’ve had to limit myself-- this one is STRESSFUL!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cJusRmebY4p1XRj2nPVRK65atmgN0wBUmQhVoytFM30DU1gBUjUrchdlmwD1jw46scB6feoGLKbffshpJTmGxevXQGV6afzWixn9Z4oz4hq3eTbfl0qgmec351c4XOodqlfgVocF7uRwigjJuyQ-VH25tFZK_BX6TnIOrCLT4d1CSiE6LKU4TRkyU2Y/s2330/IMG_6839%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2330" data-original-width="1980" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cJusRmebY4p1XRj2nPVRK65atmgN0wBUmQhVoytFM30DU1gBUjUrchdlmwD1jw46scB6feoGLKbffshpJTmGxevXQGV6afzWixn9Z4oz4hq3eTbfl0qgmec351c4XOodqlfgVocF7uRwigjJuyQ-VH25tFZK_BX6TnIOrCLT4d1CSiE6LKU4TRkyU2Y/w340-h400/IMG_6839%20copy.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>9. Marden's</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I mentioned this Surplus and Salvage store, exclusive to Maine, in the past couple of posts. They have a fabric department. It's become a weekly run.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNi6u0uMK5jCnm4m5-x9n6NenARkE-O7n31fEXrGSpHJ5cXA9MWAEvHs2z1UK9xFByDZDfqr9zSFXvD95PWAtk3KPtkkx7NDV9KAxO-MTq8BeQmBHe-3I9uIE9QAdpccoZs82Q1KYHzrFZbGJUgWNkoY3zqaiGgTDvutmojb172QasCwpcxQGLuJFL14/s4032/IMG_6840.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNi6u0uMK5jCnm4m5-x9n6NenARkE-O7n31fEXrGSpHJ5cXA9MWAEvHs2z1UK9xFByDZDfqr9zSFXvD95PWAtk3KPtkkx7NDV9KAxO-MTq8BeQmBHe-3I9uIE9QAdpccoZs82Q1KYHzrFZbGJUgWNkoY3zqaiGgTDvutmojb172QasCwpcxQGLuJFL14/w640-h480/IMG_6840.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> They have all the designer collections with the highest price being $6.99/yd-- some are $2.99. This is last weekend's haul-- I got 3yds. of the cute Tula Pink teacups for a potential backing fabric. The oranges are because my sister lives in Florida. And the chickens, well, one of them looks like Buttercup. I promised myself I would only buy fabric that I had a reason for. So there you go!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;"><b>10. A Little Poem on Facebook </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times;">Beware what you click on social media-- I was offered a video on YouTube about someone who got stuck in a cave and watched 2 seconds of it until I realized if I continued, claustrophobia would plague me for the rest of my life. Since then, all kinds of murder and mayhem is now showing up on my home screen. Luckily, on Facebook, I appear to be making better decisions-- literature is coming up frequently, especially poetry. I did not even know I liked poetry until AI pointed it out to me. Thank you, AI! So this beauty came up one evening--</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9FhwbbMK3wC6hgDGxgjuPEVukFcectkoZONTWJHmdpms6pc0Z8d-t9NtlDIVuDF8-OCzTCcUbWlNNi_uf74FqvWsmjMfCsqivyLNbucxKkLoAERqPoIjNZ7zl4JSysIaH5YQmE0J0GiWhnommvaCHl8Oi6BRzpypQMmTd6iTJTBAU9rhF-qn0fCg8OU/s696/Capture.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="696" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9FhwbbMK3wC6hgDGxgjuPEVukFcectkoZONTWJHmdpms6pc0Z8d-t9NtlDIVuDF8-OCzTCcUbWlNNi_uf74FqvWsmjMfCsqivyLNbucxKkLoAERqPoIjNZ7zl4JSysIaH5YQmE0J0GiWhnommvaCHl8Oi6BRzpypQMmTd6iTJTBAU9rhF-qn0fCg8OU/w640-h496/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> It reminded me of my mom who we lost last year-- she had the cottage by the sea, the kettle-- she probably would have had foxgloves, not sunflowers, in the little garden between her kitchen window and the sidewalk, but that doesn't matter. I just had a really warm and peaceful moment when I read it-- does it remind you of anyone? And I am totally confident I will find her in the future. I love and miss you, Mom. Happy Valentine's Day, with Dad, in heaven. <3</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> So that's it for Valentine's Day! It's also Mr. SFO's birthday, and while you're reading this, I am probably baking a cake-- a very chocolate-y cake, his favorite-- and preparing a fabulous dinner. Wishing you a beautiful day, surrounded by all the people and things you love!</span></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Carol</span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-53638966968416762682024-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:002024-02-11T16:12:34.196-08:00This, that, and the other thing...<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Don't ever congratulate yourself for getting a lot done-- pride comes before the fall! So you can guess, I really don't have too much to show for the last ten days. The reason? One idea might be our fabulous new water filter system in the house. It turns out our water had uranium in it-- I wasn't worried, privately thinking it could be the source of my sewing super powers. (<i>Say you're a Marvel Universe fan without saying it.</i>) Mr. SFO has now "fixed" it... so no more uranium boosts for me. The other thing could be-- I got a ton of stuff over the finish line, without really queuing up the next things-- and as usual, there are too many of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Let's start with fun sewing-- working on one thing at a time is a strategy that works-- but the trick is, you have to work on the one thing! I've been faithful to the January Sew Sampler Lori Holt hat quilt, but not faithful at working on it. It's adorable. When I saw the picture of the quilt, I thought the little flowers in the hats might have been appliqued. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyXqcYIk2TsJ38dNTwd9sLnKihAdq0XvmTsO28ug6-1U27eW81HsdUaOGzAnoMzPd8Xujl38NmTKfcKCM5M7n2mNJTSzXjXkCQw74pVWdQLmYUw4pAOfKuR7DtCk9bLmon9V8ZxuDVuqQPOKTfBmnaQdp2qLSSGIstwyMSRUZhdVkhO0OHBmNCqJpLcM/s4032/IMG_6721.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyXqcYIk2TsJ38dNTwd9sLnKihAdq0XvmTsO28ug6-1U27eW81HsdUaOGzAnoMzPd8Xujl38NmTKfcKCM5M7n2mNJTSzXjXkCQw74pVWdQLmYUw4pAOfKuR7DtCk9bLmon9V8ZxuDVuqQPOKTfBmnaQdp2qLSSGIstwyMSRUZhdVkhO0OHBmNCqJpLcM/w640-h480/IMG_6721.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> No worries, people! They are made of a zillion little tiny pieces-- haha-- all of them requiring you to draw a diagonal line across the back.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Awhile ago, I bought this Lori Holt accessory-- the woman is a marketing genius-- which you tape to your sewing machine base and simply hold the points of your squares on a line, then just sew across, instead of drawing a line. This has been taped to my machine for months-- it's cute-- I finally tried it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlvM2tPdvI-BKcShArhiOQt8kOzKYVs4Rq2RBL4msoGAUNIL006BSClT8Bk3s9uETtWhZe0SXUimtR1pl0COQqnAEy3RalTyWx7jQHcuLDVUYNF6jqWaos78hWecKbi9xYVsV1_4vWNAEyD6e8I6UV3qH06TAbes5NFqqmILg2tDMfwsNlHBbpiI_uPI/s4032/IMG_6781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlvM2tPdvI-BKcShArhiOQt8kOzKYVs4Rq2RBL4msoGAUNIL006BSClT8Bk3s9uETtWhZe0SXUimtR1pl0COQqnAEy3RalTyWx7jQHcuLDVUYNF6jqWaos78hWecKbi9xYVsV1_4vWNAEyD6e8I6UV3qH06TAbes5NFqqmILg2tDMfwsNlHBbpiI_uPI/w640-h480/IMG_6781.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> It worked well enough, was a time save-- I'd recommend it. So would the drawn lines work better? As always, in the quilting math, time equals better results. But I'm trying to differentiate between "perfect" and "good enough" for these types of projects which are meant to be loved, and will never see the white glove of a judges hand.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> All of the flowers are now done-- that's what I have to show for my week. And they look great. The rest of the quilt should FLY now. Should. These are big hats as you might guess, from the big flower. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclZQFW39tivuUTyJjEQfkqwgiJORr0DJAp9wfnk-_d_aSs8fXzqMOIrs2YQPRApuSVvRxiY5woyS0TBLS6N9B6O7b_8m4y03UYHBVZ1NpnoZyO4naHVf5q9ixIIAQPolMRlEkVCneXNq5acwurUSWJNeWfBTyIsfiTYDMuHdB6GLF7yLC2RJhAn2AUjY/s4032/IMG_6813%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclZQFW39tivuUTyJjEQfkqwgiJORr0DJAp9wfnk-_d_aSs8fXzqMOIrs2YQPRApuSVvRxiY5woyS0TBLS6N9B6O7b_8m4y03UYHBVZ1NpnoZyO4naHVf5q9ixIIAQPolMRlEkVCneXNq5acwurUSWJNeWfBTyIsfiTYDMuHdB6GLF7yLC2RJhAn2AUjY/w480-h640/IMG_6813%20(1).JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> In other Lori Holt news, I am moving, albeit at a snail's pace, on prepping #11 Prairie Meadow quilt block. This week I got four more pieces prepped and some flower centers stitched down. It was a nice change from doing cross stitch. These blocks take a tremendous amount of time to prep. That's part of what I got hung up on. After all the parts are ready, the backgrounds are all stitched out of 16 pieces as well. But I've really committed to working on this again over the course of the winter-- and I'm still enthusiastic about making four extra blocks and appliqued borders so let's see what happens!</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQeAycuQ7NBLEzdNKwD1DjUTjxH2XxC6LKpA7wdlZUhLK2waDJ6EBMBVMmzcydxLTBBeuFKg4WS4_C8aDL1dAIbP0-myigXkZ0IcXOMDdQ2DWjGd45WftkmJx-MM16hlmQSNCy-8xu4ESU8ZRRBPQ_Bli5YbNGU3t106s84JyU_jwbkETQEJGHZwxz8M/s2048/IMG_0614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQeAycuQ7NBLEzdNKwD1DjUTjxH2XxC6LKpA7wdlZUhLK2waDJ6EBMBVMmzcydxLTBBeuFKg4WS4_C8aDL1dAIbP0-myigXkZ0IcXOMDdQ2DWjGd45WftkmJx-MM16hlmQSNCy-8xu4ESU8ZRRBPQ_Bli5YbNGU3t106s84JyU_jwbkETQEJGHZwxz8M/w640-h480/IMG_0614.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> No progress on the Lori Holt sewing themed cross stitch. Wow! I really do like Lori Holt. I think it's because I'm so nostalgic all the time.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> My three quilts came back from the longarmer-- I love them! So quite a bit of binding to do as well. Fortunately, you can see by the themes of the quilts-- there's no rush on two of them!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n9TNePOf4kBwvyy3yII1N2ldv8AF6A3zcR1kVyuWhkB9sXpa0pHJc-tS4__CsfG9klacYrxKxpvgH-sU01JHqiiNcoRvVx-6D0udgP8mYdPz325ctf3uOO2zcbxStGoN7FCNroNmLU_ZRRvs4AKhNypKqRLaCjT9rOvQFGiG5LO5Q_5YrNJC-xeGS3Y/s4032/IMG_6811.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n9TNePOf4kBwvyy3yII1N2ldv8AF6A3zcR1kVyuWhkB9sXpa0pHJc-tS4__CsfG9klacYrxKxpvgH-sU01JHqiiNcoRvVx-6D0udgP8mYdPz325ctf3uOO2zcbxStGoN7FCNroNmLU_ZRRvs4AKhNypKqRLaCjT9rOvQFGiG5LO5Q_5YrNJC-xeGS3Y/w640-h480/IMG_6811.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> I especially love the way this one came out-- there is every type of longarm pattern in the world-- multiples of each, even-- when I said "snowflakes with swirls," I was offered about 8 different ones. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_jTPirXS6oNNHpE62wwtQbGSwRZH03up74W_Pjs72N-yEpWaVLur7IvqkJsSQr9RCaN_whLusQGOU3TCmkedG3lY9WNUNeiPky-WbpGVRVEglICcKR5zi-GLrakL5Sb1NCigQ9denpz7aUJcpXGs61Os65mV4Q0qIxWGfKB3kRmegXIgR170dsdPdsk/s2048/IMG_0615.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_jTPirXS6oNNHpE62wwtQbGSwRZH03up74W_Pjs72N-yEpWaVLur7IvqkJsSQr9RCaN_whLusQGOU3TCmkedG3lY9WNUNeiPky-WbpGVRVEglICcKR5zi-GLrakL5Sb1NCigQ9denpz7aUJcpXGs61Os65mV4Q0qIxWGfKB3kRmegXIgR170dsdPdsk/w558-h419/IMG_0615.jpeg" width="558" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> And I'm sure I'm going to have a chance to try them all, by the time my own longarm gets set back up!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMTBH_IYvLNoVkb5Dl-f2tpPIGUeA1_gc2cTyS6NQYfSuLaSgibeBqzA9Dt7OA7Y_pGkxdZPgh20tBxdFdaUkUY1a0qSOhh12JSuPM6_jNAyrdW806ZbPYQBWkkG2-gi4McsILcJTLdXw52-_0IITu5AZctLnJr1Al_ahbMmsHQn84ckmtbRwlTj2xKE/s2048/IMG_0616.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMTBH_IYvLNoVkb5Dl-f2tpPIGUeA1_gc2cTyS6NQYfSuLaSgibeBqzA9Dt7OA7Y_pGkxdZPgh20tBxdFdaUkUY1a0qSOhh12JSuPM6_jNAyrdW806ZbPYQBWkkG2-gi4McsILcJTLdXw52-_0IITu5AZctLnJr1Al_ahbMmsHQn84ckmtbRwlTj2xKE/w640-h480/IMG_0616.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD8PCVoZxW8gWBhXB0UavafyAAPGKoTuiyjQIM_0K4aGvBsC33HrWedb2RwWTdXNWJWPf2s-IRFELKPfUmZhsnzMkU7La6XAEBWno_Rm3cbnXnIrbYhdIAA883Ibvgi28IZPvXLKp-CIrekGQUcDlm0HzJ-Cgi4dzLEURngV_eZw79NDvcu6DVMOrdyo/s2048/IMG_0617.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD8PCVoZxW8gWBhXB0UavafyAAPGKoTuiyjQIM_0K4aGvBsC33HrWedb2RwWTdXNWJWPf2s-IRFELKPfUmZhsnzMkU7La6XAEBWno_Rm3cbnXnIrbYhdIAA883Ibvgi28IZPvXLKp-CIrekGQUcDlm0HzJ-Cgi4dzLEURngV_eZw79NDvcu6DVMOrdyo/w640-h480/IMG_0617.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Now, for an embarrassing photo.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztDwP-VTDEgB-mzI-gQYwUIEC54NCsqiR9xSjlhJjMvclQlX-9vnMx_Dv6895qbx5_FSYeJl2h4VrTQhbmeafQxG1vSzs1ujhUQbr_gisICNa1qm8z179ZXaD03-bdzfx89zk_uWYjViiW7UeF8u-b_CGG8iNFhkTAGkDvndOmlpYuA0VZKw5d1uF7j4/s2048/IMG_0613.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztDwP-VTDEgB-mzI-gQYwUIEC54NCsqiR9xSjlhJjMvclQlX-9vnMx_Dv6895qbx5_FSYeJl2h4VrTQhbmeafQxG1vSzs1ujhUQbr_gisICNa1qm8z179ZXaD03-bdzfx89zk_uWYjViiW7UeF8u-b_CGG8iNFhkTAGkDvndOmlpYuA0VZKw5d1uF7j4/w640-h480/IMG_0613.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> This is the current state of the countertop behind my desk. It's so tragic-- after 225 years of service in the Navy, the U.S.S. Constitution has sunk in a sea of fabric.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> I have spent some time over the past week cleaning up, and there's plenty more to be done. I went on a slew of ordering around Christmas, and the binding fabrics for the aforementioned quilts are in this pile somewhere, which even if I found them, I'm not sure I'd remember what they were for. My DD was in London for her honeymoon and she came back with a new favorite saying at our house. "We'll get it sorted." Best said in a British accent.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> On the digitizing front, I've had trouble picking one thing to work on, so nothing is coming along. I really want to make a bigger "Winter Twist" piece as I've said before, now that I live in Winterland. I'd love to have an original piece in the Maine quilt show this year-- it's so appropriate. So if I add more detail to the Winter Twist blocks and make them 7x12, I'd have about a 19" x 19" inch piece, with borders, could make 30x30, which is what you need at a minimum for a respectable quilt show quilt.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FKPBNjE1Y1PrSeraTjXnCJTaRKow3TooYEUOE9elLl4VLDbUW5Vbp9-ZCz0Klw9t19PW5yuzi49NjI1ODMCSiFnWn9arqot1N2eFFU_Ye_bRhXgUyKZLNtgdSIVU0Tdy7bprH1jHdTaUr3ql3U36mQ3QSAy6kzKCJkHfyMWA0Bln7-E2n3s3kAGpIlI/s496/composite2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="485" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FKPBNjE1Y1PrSeraTjXnCJTaRKow3TooYEUOE9elLl4VLDbUW5Vbp9-ZCz0Klw9t19PW5yuzi49NjI1ODMCSiFnWn9arqot1N2eFFU_Ye_bRhXgUyKZLNtgdSIVU0Tdy7bprH1jHdTaUr3ql3U36mQ3QSAy6kzKCJkHfyMWA0Bln7-E2n3s3kAGpIlI/w626-h640/composite2.JPG" width="626" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> What's holding me back? First of all, I have no idea how this would even come out-- if I'm going to offer something for sale, I'd like to know it's going to be beautiful! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Next, I'm already getting late-- by the time I finished it, it could be summer. Who's down for sewing a winter piece then? LOL. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Third negative-- the Maine quilt show has a deadline for entries of May, even though the show is in late July. You don't need pressure when you're trying to be creative-- at least, I hate working that way. Finally, the instructions are always so daunting-- here we have four pieces to connect, and then a final middle stitch out to draw them all together-- then quilt instructions for borders? The idea is a creativity crusher! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> I think what I will do, is just schedule in a half a day this week and see what happens. In spite of all the negativity-- I really want to do it. That's what counts, right?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Then here's an easy fun thing I wish I had started sooner-- making the Zen of Thread into a tablerunner. I'm tempted to make a pillow this time too-- "Sewtopia," whenever it gets built, has room for a couch! Thank goodness there's no kitchen up there or I'd never be seen again.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPm83byETCteah_fqmW7mJHqXHKkjG5q8zN0U8eagnR7rGEyMJr8S06hrVKT6IqNE28x0eODKDCUrvDBCvhSSuBz0F24yxGbxHztEoH2OjrYaMwT8Y8BHJApP5qIA-N26MtvziHVA6kjbvSr_Bb24dfisX78Rx5kZr9Gc79fYT94dvw0h4DP3DLReaiE/s719/Capture2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPm83byETCteah_fqmW7mJHqXHKkjG5q8zN0U8eagnR7rGEyMJr8S06hrVKT6IqNE28x0eODKDCUrvDBCvhSSuBz0F24yxGbxHztEoH2OjrYaMwT8Y8BHJApP5qIA-N26MtvziHVA6kjbvSr_Bb24dfisX78Rx5kZr9Gc79fYT94dvw0h4DP3DLReaiE/w634-h640/Capture2.JPG" width="634" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"> All the measurements on this have already been figured out on past projects I did this to-- so all I have do is just write over the squirrel borders with sewing machine things I can just lift from the mug rug. And of course, make it, which will take some time. I have my Strawberry Lemonade Charm Packs and some background possibilities ready to go. Pink and I are the best buddies we have ever been-- but I'm taking a break from it! Yellow, anyone?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ioL7uW9-8OgODBB26LnCVlSobdN5zLTqvQinXeNfzpVijNQO9mstsI1q9VF6QXP-VOy7SprBDbyDooebwB9y2rU0dv6owR0gjCp84GDkfoWYxmHOnrInIdasoPvF0gI86XKatBKsuZpWr4H3obpv8ql6eXVjEwh-EnUXCjI2D3tO9QvJJ8NNzZQSlg/s2048/IMG_0618.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ioL7uW9-8OgODBB26LnCVlSobdN5zLTqvQinXeNfzpVijNQO9mstsI1q9VF6QXP-VOy7SprBDbyDooebwB9y2rU0dv6owR0gjCp84GDkfoWYxmHOnrInIdasoPvF0gI86XKatBKsuZpWr4H3obpv8ql6eXVjEwh-EnUXCjI2D3tO9QvJJ8NNzZQSlg/w640-h480/IMG_0618.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> And the last thing I'm digitizing is a "Winter Alphabet"-- it's high time to do another alphabet, San Fran Stitch style!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0WAAYAL6aG9U0mUAby0kDGOaceSMht8901xsGlT2URnq3yx3utKqzqCBGwag4xXB-uCBHYqooTO_xN2xmibrJSGr1rw4LaSTjR37iRnYk3x1T6hjfM1T01r73PEmuZmPrFuc2wkp_p2dvl4-wNxb21jSO3oK8EjLumwmOmAB-bIu3A3o7QwIqDFp4Lo/s1536/B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1171" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0WAAYAL6aG9U0mUAby0kDGOaceSMht8901xsGlT2URnq3yx3utKqzqCBGwag4xXB-uCBHYqooTO_xN2xmibrJSGr1rw4LaSTjR37iRnYk3x1T6hjfM1T01r73PEmuZmPrFuc2wkp_p2dvl4-wNxb21jSO3oK8EjLumwmOmAB-bIu3A3o7QwIqDFp4Lo/w305-h400/B.jpg" width="305" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't laugh, but I started this a couple of years ago, and got stuck on the "S." If you know typography, an S has shapes that cannot easily be copied from other letters in the alphabet, which is how I got that far in the first place! But we now have an S. This is a ton of testing-- can you guess it-- 26 stitch outs to be exact, -- so I may hold it till the late fall.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9Iy0WhLG9WpkiDg46Zz4lp5Qe1TxiVAsUQcfA4HhPU6kmpy3DZtzLOmFY8D4bMoRBoxQiklTt0Ru4juGwTiGg1DpLIIJIj8gKcrL2UXXDup535qIKZ55cKaykZ9crXC9R8eJ2sw-H43dxtuAojv4KAH7KxJxKWnSjPNNw2jivOktuGO-NUw2jNTaSGo/s1291/Sscan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9Iy0WhLG9WpkiDg46Zz4lp5Qe1TxiVAsUQcfA4HhPU6kmpy3DZtzLOmFY8D4bMoRBoxQiklTt0Ru4juGwTiGg1DpLIIJIj8gKcrL2UXXDup535qIKZ55cKaykZ9crXC9R8eJ2sw-H43dxtuAojv4KAH7KxJxKWnSjPNNw2jivOktuGO-NUw2jNTaSGo/s320/Sscan.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> So that is this, that, and everything! I've also embraced winter and have not been stuck in front of computer screen all day, as I used to be, before I realized how beautiful it all is. Here's another embarrassing, but cute photo:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz_iHSPclVkmb3Cp0ctFe20ZreQWCConOqWff-HlVyWXiymaOoHA5MX3Wa9icKqSRuOdk4mWzrXFqSm-vebAUiWNcOYoJofSc1aLKqj2F_lV0X5_lqi4bbst4cSWt4QwU1k9D6CJ1wh1X085bUVgsV9WLB6v326AA12Ed0A80H7f9kwBLL7ugtaTynBY/s4032/IMG_6771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz_iHSPclVkmb3Cp0ctFe20ZreQWCConOqWff-HlVyWXiymaOoHA5MX3Wa9icKqSRuOdk4mWzrXFqSm-vebAUiWNcOYoJofSc1aLKqj2F_lV0X5_lqi4bbst4cSWt4QwU1k9D6CJ1wh1X085bUVgsV9WLB6v326AA12Ed0A80H7f9kwBLL7ugtaTynBY/w400-h300/IMG_6771.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> This is me and Mr. SFO walking on our frozen lake when I thought I was taking a picture of the mountains, but the camera had flipped... Mr. SFO the Eagle Scout looks like he is forging ahead there ahead of me, and I look, well...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So let's just say 2024 has straightened out a bit, or maybe my attitude has, and let's forge ahead into a new week... whatever comes, we'll sort it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> <br /><div> <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p></div></div></div></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-20339726214531565382024-02-01T11:23:00.000-08:002024-02-01T11:25:50.596-08:00Create, create, create!<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It's been almost ten days since my last post... I thought, the way I left things, you might be getting concerned-- but I am still here, CRUSHING IT, with my schedules!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> What is the difference between really having the "sewjo" versus other times when you just don't seem to have the enthusiasm? I honestly wish I knew. I'm not sure how long this pace can keep up, but just getting a little more organized and making a punch list each day has really helped keep things moving.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Besides tiling all four walls and a bathroom floor, I was able to complete six new sets this month! <i>(I will be showing cabin renovation pictures one of these times, since some of you are interested.</i>) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The "Villages of the Month" are off to a great start-- I'll probably have to do them monthly now, heehee. Thank you to all those joining me.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPAsVNmIjoXfSp_RYjKd5X57W6PXr90WTmUEVik8vEb3Q5kyIHTRrlx1OOBlnEYzdSYTFa4sk8nt0HS2oePR2X94uGX40d5_I1ElS-6HXJPlGatC9YL50YKC8dXC8j6DNv8p8MEm_LogsxKqubF73iqivBFAMEKL3eDS_rTAoJMCYNzAykF8Sk8F18Y0/s884/Heartland-Machine-embroidery-design.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="884" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPAsVNmIjoXfSp_RYjKd5X57W6PXr90WTmUEVik8vEb3Q5kyIHTRrlx1OOBlnEYzdSYTFa4sk8nt0HS2oePR2X94uGX40d5_I1ElS-6HXJPlGatC9YL50YKC8dXC8j6DNv8p8MEm_LogsxKqubF73iqivBFAMEKL3eDS_rTAoJMCYNzAykF8Sk8F18Y0/w400-h378/Heartland-Machine-embroidery-design.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> There's always a little spillover of people from social media who think these are hand cross stitch-- well, good news for them, I'm going to make these into charts this weekend. It can be done with a click of the button, you know! But not all machine embroidery cross stitch translates well into hand patterns-- what you can do in terms of quarter stitches, 3/4 stitches, and back stitch by machine is incredible. I'm using as many whole cross stitches as possible in these, and cutting back on the backstitch, so they would be fun to do by hand-- I may even try myself.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRnkhZ3f9fWvnzaYeUlOj6ztqbUAoTeQo3EzPdTIWneZkEYKShGcsso9Ns_9v_CB4H7dSRekNpC7aPLlDOIEmOvZbZ1MIuNb-2FrvTRfrjWK4GYiXHJq3zSyetjHiy8S9jEzYGVo4WvKq7esyl2bcHcpBgrSkg361srDVxIEPMdxq2L8SJppYN3zvH9k/s1093/WinterlandFinal2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1093" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRnkhZ3f9fWvnzaYeUlOj6ztqbUAoTeQo3EzPdTIWneZkEYKShGcsso9Ns_9v_CB4H7dSRekNpC7aPLlDOIEmOvZbZ1MIuNb-2FrvTRfrjWK4GYiXHJq3zSyetjHiy8S9jEzYGVo4WvKq7esyl2bcHcpBgrSkg361srDVxIEPMdxq2L8SJppYN3zvH9k/w400-h389/WinterlandFinal2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then the "Zen of Thread" was super well received-- the most popular thing I have done in awhile! Anything sewing related always does well. It just struck me-- there should definitely be a SEWING VILLAGE this year-- WOW! Who could resist!!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdWZLR39TzlXIWf5hzXESFCi1F_heWYHBFLQFKsZXiNYSt2w6UDVGTgCHTV2rzVfAQoLjbyLJ9UWbednQmweA-sNSwZ6dW3Fad1x0nNrPCe0HgX2uSQPcxjsXk7S9ungPfC_IjAV35mm6v-GwblU5wXxLUizEs-E2DdEbRJCtMZ_UVHGl1Vyt8Lz9QxA/s4032/IMG_6674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdWZLR39TzlXIWf5hzXESFCi1F_heWYHBFLQFKsZXiNYSt2w6UDVGTgCHTV2rzVfAQoLjbyLJ9UWbednQmweA-sNSwZ6dW3Fad1x0nNrPCe0HgX2uSQPcxjsXk7S9ungPfC_IjAV35mm6v-GwblU5wXxLUizEs-E2DdEbRJCtMZ_UVHGl1Vyt8Lz9QxA/w640-h480/IMG_6674.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I'll probably convert this into the matching table runner design of these types of mug rugs-- grab a couple of "Strawberry Lemonade" charm packs if you're interested-- the colors are perfect for this endeavor!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then, to continue the sewing theme, Stitch-y Bowl Fillers were born and here's my display. Michaels had a whole bunch of all types of little battery operated string lights last Christmas-- did you see them? I have become addicted to them. There is something so warm about them over the winter. I turn them on when I sit down in my living room and then I turn them off when I leave. It's kind of a cheap equivalent of a watching a gas powered fireplace in my mind-- lol. Reminder-- be on the lookout for Valentine's day string lights at Michaels this month.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1JjYlG6V7ilmePuVmdpp4Ulu7h-X4iSI0NTMky695G92ub_3805yt8GrJCLhJ6mXMYx9oZwdHxRiQIMRJEYwkvClQUlSrek2fwy_9bjieXWVg64HhASrcpOC0eWLk4LQ6b8J3Ab949uHJcYCC-JDcyS9_fcAlHX1XayIvIFFw6MDdxDwvgJvTOYNueE/s3160/Sewing-Machine-Embroidery-Bowl-Fillers-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="3160" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1JjYlG6V7ilmePuVmdpp4Ulu7h-X4iSI0NTMky695G92ub_3805yt8GrJCLhJ6mXMYx9oZwdHxRiQIMRJEYwkvClQUlSrek2fwy_9bjieXWVg64HhASrcpOC0eWLk4LQ6b8J3Ab949uHJcYCC-JDcyS9_fcAlHX1XayIvIFFw6MDdxDwvgJvTOYNueE/w640-h510/Sewing-Machine-Embroidery-Bowl-Fillers-2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then, a sneak peek for later this year-- I completed a 5x7 version of Christmas ABCs. There are now twelve in the ABC series-- but I'm making you wait for this one until the fall. The ABCs would be fun stitch by hand-- even though the words are all backstitch. Why the aversion to backstitch these days? It's just a cross stitch that's horizontal or vertical with one thread? I am right about this people. Backstitch, why dontcha?</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8GawSGJFlps9mGfrGh7i8ABQxSqxL2bENO40eJLqjXpUSuqrPt-xrv153WJixBS31WrJlIF5ZgjZu68sJHa29a67rP9qNhfYZ0xn0xY2KGinSOXEILVp_DUIm7Y1IlHGgeeoVNbEWehgLs5j6po9fQ5OfsJYcqjmDVtMGKJLjpQ_APPy76MVVIs5LjY/s4032/IMG_6722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8GawSGJFlps9mGfrGh7i8ABQxSqxL2bENO40eJLqjXpUSuqrPt-xrv153WJixBS31WrJlIF5ZgjZu68sJHa29a67rP9qNhfYZ0xn0xY2KGinSOXEILVp_DUIm7Y1IlHGgeeoVNbEWehgLs5j6po9fQ5OfsJYcqjmDVtMGKJLjpQ_APPy76MVVIs5LjY/w640-h480/IMG_6722.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Can you tell what a gloomy, chilly day it is here from the color of that photo-- I for one am glad January is over! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I also completed the Chris-Mystery tablerunner-- well, it is not quilted yet, but it was a good accomplishment, and I even got a matching mug rug out of the deal!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGZTzBljsk5AIeKWzL_EAu0yV-2OHcypauAS8Slyg6gveli9tFU6Pzzug62jx2D7F77I4CE_0FSihEG2yrOJ85sJfg5vZlXJj93vhggXr3VdtnENU8T9986tWthLIHXyinPiI_HiBydxRZFFp3iS-SDEGSV3jH6PQIksVY6ZZMnc4lS1lknz4sDy4_4Q/s3972/IMG_6592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3972" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGZTzBljsk5AIeKWzL_EAu0yV-2OHcypauAS8Slyg6gveli9tFU6Pzzug62jx2D7F77I4CE_0FSihEG2yrOJ85sJfg5vZlXJj93vhggXr3VdtnENU8T9986tWthLIHXyinPiI_HiBydxRZFFp3iS-SDEGSV3jH6PQIksVY6ZZMnc4lS1lknz4sDy4_4Q/w640-h464/IMG_6592.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrkhdCmX8LkT0z0gniTrcUdsb5ScutL6tv1X9FG83chTrd9rn_o3UMdDnrdV5SpclSwyG4oQ9LON00gZpjxOzOsjdm9KxTWVqLQ160SvymJ7w6JCY-BmpFl920r-Cl8s4Iq_aIv_n0HuUXQpYuBOr-e5XYooQoYS9GpPyim8R0DVtTMKuBiiv2ZtyLa4/s3016/Candy-Cane-Mug-Rug.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2408" data-original-width="3016" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrkhdCmX8LkT0z0gniTrcUdsb5ScutL6tv1X9FG83chTrd9rn_o3UMdDnrdV5SpclSwyG4oQ9LON00gZpjxOzOsjdm9KxTWVqLQ160SvymJ7w6JCY-BmpFl920r-Cl8s4Iq_aIv_n0HuUXQpYuBOr-e5XYooQoYS9GpPyim8R0DVtTMKuBiiv2ZtyLa4/w640-h510/Candy-Cane-Mug-Rug.jpg" width="640" /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> SEW-- here I am, still working on Christmas! It is a wonder I have any readers left-- I promise you, one more Christmas finish below and I am over it, till the fall. This quilt I really put PRESSURE on myself to finish by January 31st. It was the only thing standing in my way of saying I made a quilt from all 12 monthly Sew Sampler boxes and all four holiday boxes in a year.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsjRhoV40ypt7EicHvoiH4o7Ts_nXz7o6uALu8wITIpiAKB7hrpn7wXkR4bR8MAmQuExeE0xJmNroE8b3Y9HTseef6S2w6wquXfyQQq9EmTRIKF12lMwY2XgRYPxd_3nQMGb_L6P8Qo2s3IvrUITcMo5-LPxTtaobjHdo2ok2lMdueILyWp8-Z7UArJM/s2296/presents.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="1786" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsjRhoV40ypt7EicHvoiH4o7Ts_nXz7o6uALu8wITIpiAKB7hrpn7wXkR4bR8MAmQuExeE0xJmNroE8b3Y9HTseef6S2w6wquXfyQQq9EmTRIKF12lMwY2XgRYPxd_3nQMGb_L6P8Qo2s3IvrUITcMo5-LPxTtaobjHdo2ok2lMdueILyWp8-Z7UArJM/w498-h640/presents.jpg" width="498" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I had mentally kind of given up on it-- I was extremely late finishing the December box, if you recall. But I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and made it happen! I will give you a tip-- if we all just stop thinking about doing things, and actually work on them, it takes a lot less time than you would think. I ended up just putting about a 1/2 hour in the morning pressing and an hour at night sewing, and did it in a week. I just drew it up on graph paper-- super quick to put together. If you have large scale Christmas prints-- they are perfect for "wrapping papers." My friend said she is making one out of those gorgeous Hoffman metallics. This is a large quilt too-- it is 63" x 81" and I might just add some thin pink border strips to make it a bed size in Sew Sampler overtime! So snuggly-- well, for next Christmas!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Here are all the box finishes for 2023.<br /> I'm beaming with pride. And if I can do it, believe me, <br />you can, too! </span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbpzDy8iTHNvlHPoqw-Kf9EMQMenLUgzqhlYX7fTKtJ6uj9wdYPq21EyDqSU-bjwGczEUT04rH7NuCZHz1IHtO3a8CoBybVXB6FWOftRNu3HUYSk7GScH_GAUv_NylTlREvdOteu_UOQdxUgqNaAVLj1LNhTc1FGK6ttoyDjtWK9w2iNFuxxBanov9RM/s9567/SewSamplers2023%20copy%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="9567" data-original-width="8559" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbpzDy8iTHNvlHPoqw-Kf9EMQMenLUgzqhlYX7fTKtJ6uj9wdYPq21EyDqSU-bjwGczEUT04rH7NuCZHz1IHtO3a8CoBybVXB6FWOftRNu3HUYSk7GScH_GAUv_NylTlREvdOteu_UOQdxUgqNaAVLj1LNhTc1FGK6ttoyDjtWK9w2iNFuxxBanov9RM/w572-h640/SewSamplers2023%20copy%202.jpg" width="572" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I wasn't intending to keep going full out on these boxes again this year-- but I already like the January 2024 box AND the Cupid Box and have started them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It is major "guilty pleasure" for me-- shouldn't an artist like myself be working on my own quilt designs? But all day it is create, create, create, here-- such a relief at night to rest the brain and just work on something with instructions not written by me. Also, most of my original projects are still boxed, waiting on the "Sewtopia" space upstairs to be born. So for now, I will have to forgive myself for being a mindless stitcher. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Sewtopia is the next DIY-- all we need are a ceiling, walls, and a floor. You might laugh when I'm saying that, but really, just sheetrock and flooring are all that's left-- framing, electric-- all done! I will definitely show pictures of it, or maybe even make a video of the transformation. There has been a lot of construction going on around here-- is it any wonder I am tired at night?!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4gIDxbUrqX8bNZ_gaEq7bdhY1tueYWRDIRY-LG_Ia_dK-Hwyu8qKhNWF64-kBK7_Tjg3WrtctlWHp7PTpUVIhRawBhcX1AdREHrTgaw62enV4CoT0ngM6nXzlON09N2KlRDdtMJtSr5ff5MGSMThhhTjRmlUeYqoClDWrblRovAHLPhp0KxtqEYELoU/s4032/IMG_6721.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4gIDxbUrqX8bNZ_gaEq7bdhY1tueYWRDIRY-LG_Ia_dK-Hwyu8qKhNWF64-kBK7_Tjg3WrtctlWHp7PTpUVIhRawBhcX1AdREHrTgaw62enV4CoT0ngM6nXzlON09N2KlRDdtMJtSr5ff5MGSMThhhTjRmlUeYqoClDWrblRovAHLPhp0KxtqEYELoU/w640-h480/IMG_6721.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So the January box is cut-- in one of those boxes, still packed, is my grandmother's scrapbook, which contains a picture of her in that exact hat-- how could I resist?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Cupid Box isn't started-- I may replace the birdies with a novelty Valentine print, but other that that, I'm sticking with the patterns on these first two boxes of the year.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwuiJAXDSP1MkZWwDMHNumqkFruq9Nt4IYzHRlJj9WM2g7XEGjGOvOnOMX9xk9USyFkrWFKo6scpmuaFIvrS_eBrLNjmz7DkB-9iyLrGeKhj6AoANYW1VQBEZfvF4pqv1BgOzVDj3UoxbxpZ_pCJZTgcEsp4a81ocWTnvtZ7faakTqweQCz0LgSBGSag/s4032/IMG_6720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwuiJAXDSP1MkZWwDMHNumqkFruq9Nt4IYzHRlJj9WM2g7XEGjGOvOnOMX9xk9USyFkrWFKo6scpmuaFIvrS_eBrLNjmz7DkB-9iyLrGeKhj6AoANYW1VQBEZfvF4pqv1BgOzVDj3UoxbxpZ_pCJZTgcEsp4a81ocWTnvtZ7faakTqweQCz0LgSBGSag/s320/IMG_6720.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> SO "novelty prints" actually brings me to MARDEN'S-- after the last blog post, Mr. SFO and I headed out for a "date" in the big city of Waterville. If you never heard from me again, I would have been found, years later, still wandering the aisles. Wow, oh just WOW! It's one of these surplus and salvage outlets-- everyone kept telling me they have fabric. I assumed it was leftover Walmart or Joanne's type stuff...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Noooooo-- it was Moda, Robert Kaufmann, Riley Blake--- all priced at $2.99-$6.99 a yard! I was wandering around in a daze, thinking, "Well, I'm sure they don't have Tula Pink fabric," and there it was, and then "I'm sure they don't have any Lori Holt," and there it was! So this was my first haul:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCGXnMWxrEw2Xs-N89UO2s_ZGfw-Cgg6kovZVbgV3NV5p8sypAbfDRcW2skeN4aF1ebtKLMZSInUoga50H1cPIRm9N8ps9ujXTkZR-Dv9W9jw6pOgeHuHtknjbKJZOQ3I7ppapD5A0XKowDtlSBhmvPuY07geTVRbv39QMRTRIpRvCm75URPlC7FoHng/s4032/IMG_6716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCGXnMWxrEw2Xs-N89UO2s_ZGfw-Cgg6kovZVbgV3NV5p8sypAbfDRcW2skeN4aF1ebtKLMZSInUoga50H1cPIRm9N8ps9ujXTkZR-Dv9W9jw6pOgeHuHtknjbKJZOQ3I7ppapD5A0XKowDtlSBhmvPuY07geTVRbv39QMRTRIpRvCm75URPlC7FoHng/w640-h480/IMG_6716.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Mr. SFO was very encouraging of me, but I controlled myself, only buying what I "needed." So the Valentine prints are options for the Cupid Box and the fabric shapes are potential Christmas stockings. (<i>No worries, you won't have to hear about that until the fall</i>.) The cheese fabric is for a cabin tablecloth-- my son-in-law LOVES cheese. Then I got a pack of five 45mm rotary blades for $5.98. This I am entirely skeptical of-- I can see you are thinking what a greenhorn I am, to fall for that. It says "finest Japanese steel," but as Mr. SFO pointed out, they might stink at cutting, and that could still be true. I have to know. And I will let you know. Then the needles were $2.98. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> What I didn't buy, was entire bolts of Tula Pink for $5.99 a yard-- the kind that is now out of print-- I could double, triple my money on many Facebook groups with that purchase! But then the shipping and packaging would have to start. So it's nice to know that if machine embroidery, egg farming, and tiling don't end up working out, I still have fabric reseller in my pocket.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So here's the results of my fabric diet for January:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRYzwLx0LZAKd1TM4POIFs2zJ5Zy74Z5lvFa17p-7LFhIiHvwT0R3oK_PvfaAITVA2VmH8VxaIVY1i93NtoGMxha2tJfPhgOPdPn1gJ9W-TKlG9xW7tDOeIQQTZivC0T3M04m9-B1lOhGNyYbmGDiH1Uqa8sZMG-waUFzevdjrVjS_gavJCrejoKCPMI/s4032/IMG_6516%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRYzwLx0LZAKd1TM4POIFs2zJ5Zy74Z5lvFa17p-7LFhIiHvwT0R3oK_PvfaAITVA2VmH8VxaIVY1i93NtoGMxha2tJfPhgOPdPn1gJ9W-TKlG9xW7tDOeIQQTZivC0T3M04m9-B1lOhGNyYbmGDiH1Uqa8sZMG-waUFzevdjrVjS_gavJCrejoKCPMI/s320/IMG_6516%20copy.jpg" width="229" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And February's not looking so hot either-- as soon as I sign off here, I'm heading off to get the Strawberry Lemonade charm square packs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Lastly-- Hand stitching-- coming along! Prairie Meadow has been pulled back out...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUSs7rC1QZmOEJsmKZ3E1RrThgDVO2MMo0NQv-osafpXmyzWqCnrNEcC1ZZcAFYybK3nwqUVmNz7o3m349Nx6NYK7enzdPORaDAQkNNHXMevr1vWC4vEWBiXtzJRW1YTeifD90gJQ_nSPY57fQleU7CPryyh6XX3gRBrEVt2cmA7Jxg0GAfqd4C77Vic/s4032/IMG_6718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUSs7rC1QZmOEJsmKZ3E1RrThgDVO2MMo0NQv-osafpXmyzWqCnrNEcC1ZZcAFYybK3nwqUVmNz7o3m349Nx6NYK7enzdPORaDAQkNNHXMevr1vWC4vEWBiXtzJRW1YTeifD90gJQ_nSPY57fQleU7CPryyh6XX3gRBrEVt2cmA7Jxg0GAfqd4C77Vic/w640-h480/IMG_6718.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">and the sewing cross stitch is almost done:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKKu_eWGvZr5YL8OtocTb6pbHya8HCkMbZba_h1CJvxX9796P8nj0xBTYb8JjZVl6F0OtjY11RFKUbZYhtjxUOGvR7-Ia2FZE3BM6tIH4u3DqRMkBqIkNse5mYSLjYynNgv-BmrvsK-Nen7Vgm3jaPJJoQ4WxCKfI89TAe2NSk0rX2lXx3rg0uQiYGDA/s2048/IMG_0603.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKKu_eWGvZr5YL8OtocTb6pbHya8HCkMbZba_h1CJvxX9796P8nj0xBTYb8JjZVl6F0OtjY11RFKUbZYhtjxUOGvR7-Ia2FZE3BM6tIH4u3DqRMkBqIkNse5mYSLjYynNgv-BmrvsK-Nen7Vgm3jaPJJoQ4WxCKfI89TAe2NSk0rX2lXx3rg0uQiYGDA/w640-h480/IMG_0603.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">So that's where we stand, this first day of February, 2024. <br />Thank so much for stopping by my little corner of Maine--</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">now let's all get back to CREATE, CREATE, CREATE!</span></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-12184146336148933982024-01-23T08:54:00.000-08:002024-01-23T08:55:05.249-08:00Stressing Myself Out!<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> Now that I have completed my tiling job, I have launched myself into the 2024 sewing year complete with massive lists, a daily schedule, and competing ideas. By Day Three, I was really started to feel stressed! Back in the day, I used to work in a New York City ad agency-- creative deadlines, a hellish boss I nicknamed "The Son of Satan," shark clients, late nights-- my most recurring dream (<i>nightmare</i>) is still that I'm missing the train to get home. I don't even know how I survived that life-- I am just a fragile little leaf now, by comparison!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Stress or no stress, I did crush it this past week. Stitching Bowl Fillers were born.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gEpi9VLSvSvz0Y19c0jU2RSmhU8zD2CqY6MclXAZtVzE7WVLIx8GbiEYfkX7pgBtDGWCOQn2fjHWOD0yW2hmJwjYBXdZNZvbUzuxkv5b6gysfUzmwZge5mR21uMDz8Nwg-ILbI86QNDqHYsutUpeFSXn1roeNfjfDcIG3zN4kMh9ubIeq3sNJFYZrDk/s3160/sewing-bowl-fillers-machine-embroidery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="3160" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gEpi9VLSvSvz0Y19c0jU2RSmhU8zD2CqY6MclXAZtVzE7WVLIx8GbiEYfkX7pgBtDGWCOQn2fjHWOD0yW2hmJwjYBXdZNZvbUzuxkv5b6gysfUzmwZge5mR21uMDz8Nwg-ILbI86QNDqHYsutUpeFSXn1roeNfjfDcIG3zN4kMh9ubIeq3sNJFYZrDk/w640-h510/sewing-bowl-fillers-machine-embroidery.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Zen of Thread is well on its way...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj913Xxy26jI_9FGMmjxvoMdIrZVNeRrqBfFsydNMs2ycn-nfNcr1JZX_20DUHCYoTiiwedC7xEh-wv4yq5E-Cv6iU6OFWccZe-9KIaJYV6BxVk0GztdE4rY4jxLwQKfuh3GnSbDbdMO64b2ZSpq8tkijY7RmgviYWna9FqHfcwqM95oTbOhzfmbHq44V4/s623/zenofthread.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="623" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj913Xxy26jI_9FGMmjxvoMdIrZVNeRrqBfFsydNMs2ycn-nfNcr1JZX_20DUHCYoTiiwedC7xEh-wv4yq5E-Cv6iU6OFWccZe-9KIaJYV6BxVk0GztdE4rY4jxLwQKfuh3GnSbDbdMO64b2ZSpq8tkijY7RmgviYWna9FqHfcwqM95oTbOhzfmbHq44V4/w473-h343/zenofthread.JPG" width="473" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> And Heartland, the second in the Village of the Month" Set, is coming along!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeVgM69rv5aGRNPlZRF62xaiTVhjpbWiC3XV8Gxa7z3kGtQ6qW5YxaUW9DF1KQiGMi1R9NJkGvh2fD11ASwpR_A7dGsHnorXHM-PAYkMwZBrvuObH7vVHAWV87OBVedcOovqRUZtTnp5F-yV_8f_IizKH7jGEhj4zumLVbWRMyx7zhV9AzE47N2EVIlo/s812/HeartlandSnip.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="812" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeVgM69rv5aGRNPlZRF62xaiTVhjpbWiC3XV8Gxa7z3kGtQ6qW5YxaUW9DF1KQiGMi1R9NJkGvh2fD11ASwpR_A7dGsHnorXHM-PAYkMwZBrvuObH7vVHAWV87OBVedcOovqRUZtTnp5F-yV_8f_IizKH7jGEhj4zumLVbWRMyx7zhV9AzE47N2EVIlo/w455-h333/HeartlandSnip.JPG" width="455" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The "schedule" says these will all be out by the end of the month--</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">let's see if that happens, or I crack first!</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> On to my guilty pleasure-- the Sew Sampler projects! As soon as I said in the last post, THE JOLLY BOX WILL NOT BE FINISHED BY THE END OF THE MONTH, I tartly replied to myself, "Well, why not?" (<i>It has occurred to me that my present boss, myself, is the new Son of Satan</i>.)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So I totally threw myself into the December box that needs to get done first. Thank goodness I have stayed on script with this one-- it's sew much faster than the rabbit holes I frequently jump down. Probably just the second time this year I am actually using the Fat Quarter Shop provided pattern.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmNGAZr3JrMbQks2ImqR9sUO-fZ_1MM-deRlonRbpht5NXOsAkWgVPrQJC8VcVlo7Fd_SSAxAdfcn9a-YFWrKRWsv-q4y3dEUQnzmmdfizEp7MsCd0sUs3TptqGhVBlSrGolKDlulhth2miDrgqBLoqFWx2IK_hmC5BL2NrDaxjti91hkEnV1PCu0XJY/s3601/IMG_6620%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2854" data-original-width="3601" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmNGAZr3JrMbQks2ImqR9sUO-fZ_1MM-deRlonRbpht5NXOsAkWgVPrQJC8VcVlo7Fd_SSAxAdfcn9a-YFWrKRWsv-q4y3dEUQnzmmdfizEp7MsCd0sUs3TptqGhVBlSrGolKDlulhth2miDrgqBLoqFWx2IK_hmC5BL2NrDaxjti91hkEnV1PCu0XJY/w640-h508/IMG_6620%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I wasn't a big fan of this fabric or pattern-- that green!-- but I saw some finished ones on the Sew Sampler Members Only Facebook Group and they were very pretty. Photography really doesn't do things justice at times. These did come our pretty. I tried to spend about an hour at night on this and then just a half a hour in the morning. I was working quickly, so I had some oops!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ6hzQhV0d2du_V2o9szeTAq7dTnderlTSwlxjI-oD3HIbuOePF-cFRSG9Yu-lCf0dkxsVvnGYQh7DTpyRFub0S3q9h3UTFyFHvELAjrhhT0prBEr3zjdFI1zv2DvLeEK61WuS2l69NGTkr2b790-7GamrWRiN7c9ah1yThlXj4hOrG4PY5Fr1jl7S84/s4032/IMG_6621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ6hzQhV0d2du_V2o9szeTAq7dTnderlTSwlxjI-oD3HIbuOePF-cFRSG9Yu-lCf0dkxsVvnGYQh7DTpyRFub0S3q9h3UTFyFHvELAjrhhT0prBEr3zjdFI1zv2DvLeEK61WuS2l69NGTkr2b790-7GamrWRiN7c9ah1yThlXj4hOrG4PY5Fr1jl7S84/w640-h480/IMG_6621.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Currently, I have myself this far. Nothing quite like trying to match those star to star points is there? Just three thin borders to add, and they are already cut. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-exGY_H5m5zJ2GPgkvAUeTAPWeu6d9FMo_ThdwDfFcczvplWdcEnmIbfhrcGZL9QdTmt_gOeaaWINZGN3j4qkuGaBXuYyr3_tCCyKWeCbiUy9QAR5FD0XLaJ9yajATgQS2MinY0ofUeMJKSvjQ7C7-PmAFUxGXFvyl1nRqMhxGT5bklQOJEeWJid0iU/s4032/IMG_6641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-exGY_H5m5zJ2GPgkvAUeTAPWeu6d9FMo_ThdwDfFcczvplWdcEnmIbfhrcGZL9QdTmt_gOeaaWINZGN3j4qkuGaBXuYyr3_tCCyKWeCbiUy9QAR5FD0XLaJ9yajATgQS2MinY0ofUeMJKSvjQ7C7-PmAFUxGXFvyl1nRqMhxGT5bklQOJEeWJid0iU/w640-h480/IMG_6641.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So that will definitely be "on schedule!" It's amazing how quickly quilts come along, when you actually work on them, isn't it?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So that being almost done, I dove into the Jolly Box-- the last one for me to have the bragging rights to say I finished all the boxes in one year. I'm still in the Christmas spirit, but the clock is ticking-- I took our tree down finally. I'm pretty OCD about how I store my ornaments, so you can't blame anyone for not helping. Next year I hope to have TWO trees-- one in my new studio?? :-)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8IS6JFZLjieg_D6cv5AqMjMMsdd8zgAoqHtpCN4D-rBmQCe66xEQT9K1usSeVtaflqejSTpiwVAwb40KamUhAIJyc_O3V2XnqKUlIVA0guJwkYtSMooIHQrECTYR5ByJxCJTVRRFqdVsMH6vxYLdQWc2Gpyif7Joa21Qq3A6kVrLc0QNvmwxm64qNKI/s4032/IMG_6633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8IS6JFZLjieg_D6cv5AqMjMMsdd8zgAoqHtpCN4D-rBmQCe66xEQT9K1usSeVtaflqejSTpiwVAwb40KamUhAIJyc_O3V2XnqKUlIVA0guJwkYtSMooIHQrECTYR5ByJxCJTVRRFqdVsMH6vxYLdQWc2Gpyif7Joa21Qq3A6kVrLc0QNvmwxm64qNKI/w640-h480/IMG_6633.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> While test stitching the bowl fillers, I cut out the entire Jolly box quilt-- it's not the provided pattern--heehee. The large scale prints in this collection lent themselves to be "wrapping paper" in one of those gift box quilts you see all the time at Christmas. I absolutely LOVE the light green print with the cookies on it. I could look up the designer of these fabrics to let you know who it is-- but the "schedule" says I have to be done with this blog post in fifteen minutes, so, sorry about that!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86SrzFpT9SAp6qQuA-1_hpDUuALdJ4j48d1dKp3s2Fcsy3CTcvVsKMxHLBnYSz5138jw1ZbF_dxYKFvHSAd-1Vy7x8obHWr9ECcuuB7fI0npVLSZXiNWmFhFITrWFS-T50Uy3djR2IhYAh6mIxGX6iNxB6iLzPmQc72vu1V_qEZqcJSxiBix9G3-GO2Y/s4032/IMG_6637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86SrzFpT9SAp6qQuA-1_hpDUuALdJ4j48d1dKp3s2Fcsy3CTcvVsKMxHLBnYSz5138jw1ZbF_dxYKFvHSAd-1Vy7x8obHWr9ECcuuB7fI0npVLSZXiNWmFhFITrWFS-T50Uy3djR2IhYAh6mIxGX6iNxB6iLzPmQc72vu1V_qEZqcJSxiBix9G3-GO2Y/w640-h480/IMG_6637.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Here's my "stack of gifts" all ready to go-- see the red and green ribbons in them? Next up, I need 32 bows, and sashing-- no borders on this quilt--yay. So thirty-one days hath January, right? Could I finish it in a week? Or will I crack? Quilting is such an exciting sport!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To add to the pressure, the January box came in yesterday-- and unfortunately, I love it!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7iJbfw0M0APhgj1yAyz_zznBjHgXi-J6Wc9OuyQSpvXIaZrzoqa8hbnGrBtM3kkP73cUPVgVLN82EqfjrcfD3KVGuwTjRrOSqxKL4ezgTHoak8K0BARnHMXIxbv2F4eIkfc6kq_VUzH0aQr51oyt1DRbP-wP9rajlQsN1FPGiAnMo-Zbxl3ctRfzZuQ/s4032/IMG_6638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7iJbfw0M0APhgj1yAyz_zznBjHgXi-J6Wc9OuyQSpvXIaZrzoqa8hbnGrBtM3kkP73cUPVgVLN82EqfjrcfD3KVGuwTjRrOSqxKL4ezgTHoak8K0BARnHMXIxbv2F4eIkfc6kq_VUzH0aQr51oyt1DRbP-wP9rajlQsN1FPGiAnMo-Zbxl3ctRfzZuQ/w640-h480/IMG_6638.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Yup, it's my idol, Lori Holt-- you don't see her cracking under the pressure of all those stitch-a-longs! That hat quilt reminds me of my grandmother-- I ordered the finishing kit which I now have to wait for-- thank heaven-- it did buy me time! One of my YouTube channels I like-- the comments were not favorable to those red X's-- everyone wanted an appliqued red flower. Well, there would be an uprising if the Sew Sampler boxes sent out an applique project-- think of that! But the graphic designer in me really loves those red x's-- they are perfect.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiF9AHbk6lVRy7sjUhwoDq7xgX7btdxdKA_ISd4upZrG-inmHkWYNw_AWJZ19W7gaaur_mInzhQxGNwi11IBRMy79Bu62vJHlrn_anACIzjb0bsjsl_wXES7Mk1HT-Xv31ZRjo9KR2ZJKJfI1sMjsy97f3vRBdC2vSXgj34GWNm8XZVEeFi53DuMJwunU/s4032/IMG_6642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiF9AHbk6lVRy7sjUhwoDq7xgX7btdxdKA_ISd4upZrG-inmHkWYNw_AWJZ19W7gaaur_mInzhQxGNwi11IBRMy79Bu62vJHlrn_anACIzjb0bsjsl_wXES7Mk1HT-Xv31ZRjo9KR2ZJKJfI1sMjsy97f3vRBdC2vSXgj34GWNm8XZVEeFi53DuMJwunU/w480-h640/IMG_6642.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It's the dreaded jelly roll, and those x's are a lot of pieces-- but I think I have a picture of my grandmother in this exact hat-- so I'd love to make it in her honor.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Speaking of Lori Holt, and in the spirit of being productive every minute of every day, I got back to cross stitching (a little) at night. It is so hard to cross stitch with a glass of wine in one hand-- and after a day of tiling, I was deceased!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtKS8b9Kx27KSUy_VZSJ2VhP_o5G3T86XuZngvVo3p5AI7MTN7QMpsPF3yBWrBaFM9yxbxLmB5bJvN9rDn65UqttUmNoRXbEAyOR4TAFVrgzIIPDFNA4P0N9K1ZNmg2sMjj7O3Hei8VeMS3jH6BCKvCdjQbnPrVUgAjnBMhVp9RZ9cr1OwlyI3CH-xLg/s4032/IMG_6643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtKS8b9Kx27KSUy_VZSJ2VhP_o5G3T86XuZngvVo3p5AI7MTN7QMpsPF3yBWrBaFM9yxbxLmB5bJvN9rDn65UqttUmNoRXbEAyOR4TAFVrgzIIPDFNA4P0N9K1ZNmg2sMjj7O3Hei8VeMS3jH6BCKvCdjQbnPrVUgAjnBMhVp9RZ9cr1OwlyI3CH-xLg/w640-h480/IMG_6643.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have to admit I've lost heart for cross stitch for now-- I remember once I gave it up for 20 years. I really want to get back to those big Prairie Meadow applique blocks-- that project has been on vacation for too long. I only have two to go. Ugh-- this is the last picture I took the first week of September-- has it been that long, really?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvxCwWmS96hJ2PXG_HuhxzdGSOLZFmLQYnY6Sy1CB2DJQQTx1yGBFb7xN-GaYtuOQ2ouoRTnxNicDXDPFwte31Awe28wkAEPUVtRrngMGQbCmDLVGlSmA5asn0XGr0x8n8NXtDb9TfINho3c6Htw1r-ErWuP4UiTE32rn7lTiTY7E7TCYsrM0YmWieig/s1802/IMG_5516%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="1802" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvxCwWmS96hJ2PXG_HuhxzdGSOLZFmLQYnY6Sy1CB2DJQQTx1yGBFb7xN-GaYtuOQ2ouoRTnxNicDXDPFwte31Awe28wkAEPUVtRrngMGQbCmDLVGlSmA5asn0XGr0x8n8NXtDb9TfINho3c6Htw1r-ErWuP4UiTE32rn7lTiTY7E7TCYsrM0YmWieig/w640-h480/IMG_5516%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight, Mr SFO and I are going on a date-- it's on the schedule! There is a beloved chain store here in Maine, called "Marden's." It's a surplus/salvage thing with incredible prices-- we have never been. Well, the DD finally went-- and she sent me pictures...</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">THEY HAVE A FABRIC SECTION!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_wUo8-wi6RWj9C-081tnsZ8OQAwBBqX0Xe9n_000QfQZyIx3LPTLnhQiSDpbhxducEH_8ljZ2WGj4gFGRFWAOVivBn8_6ZUbJkx32jb8E9jaVEChemvEdIYYAWvnZwuIYzBO_YVouzVsQmQZ5y3eb2xc7nVmnWQ5Eu8LE7ZrNPLx6XyEPquniYjj5XI/s4032/IMG_0036.heic.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_wUo8-wi6RWj9C-081tnsZ8OQAwBBqX0Xe9n_000QfQZyIx3LPTLnhQiSDpbhxducEH_8ljZ2WGj4gFGRFWAOVivBn8_6ZUbJkx32jb8E9jaVEChemvEdIYYAWvnZwuIYzBO_YVouzVsQmQZ5y3eb2xc7nVmnWQ5Eu8LE7ZrNPLx6XyEPquniYjj5XI/w300-h534/IMG_0036.heic.jpeg" width="300" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So dear Mr. SFO is taking me out tonight-- this is just one of the simple pleasures in life that Maine has so very many of-- going out for a big night at Marden's. I will definitely share my experience, so stay tuned! Will she get lost in the fabric aisle? Will the pressure of infinite craft projects cause a breakdown? Will the Jolly box come to a jolly end? Thanks for reading and I'll let you know next time!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-13322483012032246212024-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:002024-01-17T08:22:45.726-08:00Sew, she's at it again! <p><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: times;">We are over two weeks into the New Year, and I am pleased to say, the sew-jo is going strong! Lots of ideas AND progress-- as any quilter knows, ideas are plentiful-- actual sewing time, not so much. My biggest problem has been just picking one thing and working on it, instead of going in every direction.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Let's start with embroidery... "Winterland" is a hit-- as a typical artist, my self-confidence is lacking at times. You loved it-- thank you. So I had intended to make a set of 12 (or 4 seasons, if it was a fail), so now I'm committing to twelve, and I will try my best to get them out by the first of each month. What I have in my mind is complicated little scenes-- so be patient with me! I see lots of cross stitch cottages of the month, and cottages stitched together into a village, but no villages in a small stitch area-- I think I'm a ground breaker there!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2QcxrN9lMQq_33-TefvJAfKRD50nYYnUsi_onbmLAaVHb4f0ALvWI5unbpg5hyphenhyphenDV0cK_WlsmbUDAkIxA2hpC0zKAiv8cFC693xz8ztOa5RYnjy9HDggQCayI6VUwOIjAMF7IeNIXFvPp2iAU9eRjmJT6oV7pTfSVqy2kRewzYb8H4B0F6fUtkKVdcIw/s1093/WinterlandFinal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1093" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2QcxrN9lMQq_33-TefvJAfKRD50nYYnUsi_onbmLAaVHb4f0ALvWI5unbpg5hyphenhyphenDV0cK_WlsmbUDAkIxA2hpC0zKAiv8cFC693xz8ztOa5RYnjy9HDggQCayI6VUwOIjAMF7IeNIXFvPp2iAU9eRjmJT6oV7pTfSVqy2kRewzYb8H4B0F6fUtkKVdcIw/w400-h389/WinterlandFinal2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I am still trying to find a background color that will work as well for all 12 designs and will give you a cohesive look if you stitch all twelve together in one piece. Yes, the one in the picture looks great, but it is just a "virtual" fabric, not a real one. I may just go with whatever works for that month and add some sort of border treatment to unite them. Let's see what happens.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Sewing bowl fillers are next-- I'm taking my favorite digitized sewing machine and converting it to cross stitch which is going well. No bird for this. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPkNA44TLIzwT3YWXDlgH7ij-zF6til_SNpWBi6b80BFfn8LiwXWU8eGOMszUtK9OT09pBxUceVlTeAsoSL8hi23NLEKpHsUVROyokuNyx_VbtVqRf2PggP0dVozJg39kFVvXklIRhzgW5V_gP3ZTQeV5AeiEs3qYgEvHMHt8HSEVw9Ry6BnnwFGHyXQ/s2144/IMG_182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="1695" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPkNA44TLIzwT3YWXDlgH7ij-zF6til_SNpWBi6b80BFfn8LiwXWU8eGOMszUtK9OT09pBxUceVlTeAsoSL8hi23NLEKpHsUVROyokuNyx_VbtVqRf2PggP0dVozJg39kFVvXklIRhzgW5V_gP3ZTQeV5AeiEs3qYgEvHMHt8HSEVw9Ry6BnnwFGHyXQ/w316-h400/IMG_182.jpg" width="316" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">"Thread Zen" is also coming along, for my non-cross stitch customers. I'm using the acorn piece as a template--no, no squirrels on "Thread Zen." I'm really looking forward to redoing the border with a tiny sewing machine, scissors, buttons, and ribbons!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEzvOiDOvCyaTYmAvwzM_aSH8lUU2tdJ3YpEMTzdfP1jCFutOso5vP2I9xomhq9z7tHa5I3BoEYt_tkTo7YyaBWlFc21xubKfpEK3wxjwQT9gNCRiiEE7ME8M9yggPYz0bQ8NAH0Sz46EOPiHxyQiDbuL-Oo3p1oIhYvn0IvQiT44XOCHVFxdb-6QOlQ/s2857/IMG_181%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="2857" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEzvOiDOvCyaTYmAvwzM_aSH8lUU2tdJ3YpEMTzdfP1jCFutOso5vP2I9xomhq9z7tHa5I3BoEYt_tkTo7YyaBWlFc21xubKfpEK3wxjwQT9gNCRiiEE7ME8M9yggPYz0bQ8NAH0Sz46EOPiHxyQiDbuL-Oo3p1oIhYvn0IvQiT44XOCHVFxdb-6QOlQ/w473-h328/IMG_181%20copy.jpg" width="473" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I also finished a top using the four Chris-Mystery ornament set-- this was really fun to stitch togehter! Do you like puzzles? I'd love to hand quilt this, with just little x's in the squares.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHJ4-1GsMOE6I_Jjisvm1lImQLmtcSRtAnr56pyeu6BAfgjH6QlSqldYSJxwaWK6YklkWxFS7qZBNywyURzs4_YbVeZbScjwNA41PJ2p-uLyCqCtWnj_T9tTh9MkmVTauAFAvLA_owwWOpkz23to95qRsFLDxT9JLFS-iPA9SD0RouM-F5kfaQwfLnVA/s3972/IMG_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3972" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHJ4-1GsMOE6I_Jjisvm1lImQLmtcSRtAnr56pyeu6BAfgjH6QlSqldYSJxwaWK6YklkWxFS7qZBNywyURzs4_YbVeZbScjwNA41PJ2p-uLyCqCtWnj_T9tTh9MkmVTauAFAvLA_owwWOpkz23to95qRsFLDxT9JLFS-iPA9SD0RouM-F5kfaQwfLnVA/w640-h464/IMG_6592.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The center design is new-- it exactly fit a 5x7 hoop size, so I made an extra mug rug design. This is just $1.99 on the site right now-- obviously we are way out of season.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhREC34jQ-3R3sjPDTtRrVoODzZCCy5xdwo9usF02Khs1kRkKjVJ1jObTGwNT4P9ZkbDkXv2Q0El92iCtcdoKURv9SrTwsYasbtn_7VMAR-ffYzmpswBNFVz8qTPm0eqFiBFFcfKkET6caFJmfM7lZHFHfZ1JkVjSPgX_eIrGce6VRFHTOMIbXjRvkk4/s3016/Candy-Cane-Mug-Rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2408" data-original-width="3016" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhREC34jQ-3R3sjPDTtRrVoODzZCCy5xdwo9usF02Khs1kRkKjVJ1jObTGwNT4P9ZkbDkXv2Q0El92iCtcdoKURv9SrTwsYasbtn_7VMAR-ffYzmpswBNFVz8qTPm0eqFiBFFcfKkET6caFJmfM7lZHFHfZ1JkVjSPgX_eIrGce6VRFHTOMIbXjRvkk4/w640-h510/Candy-Cane-Mug-Rug.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Every year, I try to "stock up" on Christmas designs for November and December. So I have had my first Christmas finish of 2024! It's a smaller Christmas ABCs piece, for the 5x7 hoop-- the one that is available now is four 5x7 hoopings. When this releases, I will have my set of twelve 5x7 ABC cross stitches! Sets of twelve are my thing, so I snuck this in as another Block-of-the-Month over about three years. I loved doing these, but you'll have to wait till the fall-- I'm just sneak peeking it! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2bprgk4Lwc5qbR7QxCRam_csapphbNrMFq_jSENMZ6-9Zz-O4LtfHXZKL7niLjpcC41ujiOWLH_NOjgg4KJlmhKIzH1Mw1BXwWeUkZPjLuhJ3Q_kX-UnSC3d1t_aU0Jpb8gRYj9saFzLmvZCbHh7JFNBJZX73k3A_qoAiuJHvhN9x3cHVbrDPFYz0io/s4032/IMG_6568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2bprgk4Lwc5qbR7QxCRam_csapphbNrMFq_jSENMZ6-9Zz-O4LtfHXZKL7niLjpcC41ujiOWLH_NOjgg4KJlmhKIzH1Mw1BXwWeUkZPjLuhJ3Q_kX-UnSC3d1t_aU0Jpb8gRYj9saFzLmvZCbHh7JFNBJZX73k3A_qoAiuJHvhN9x3cHVbrDPFYz0io/w466-h349/IMG_6568.JPG" width="466" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I stitched it on *YIKES* pink! I'm trying to make friends with this color-- it's one that is in the Fat Quarter Shop Sew Sampler boxes again and again, because Kimberley Jolly loves it. So I was kind of desensitized to it. I even used the dreaded Magnifico 2008 color-- "Pink Pink Pink" as you can see. I love it!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> On to the Sew Sampler Challenge 2023-- it was EPIC. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGRmlxC_CSkWsX0m_QUA9j-oPce6mX1knpsiYHQJsCHB7HtfF37RvTM2ctwcu_X3MbOZGKOz91Kf0fG7GY5irojEA9ha0r6GtaA1dKuAqNq4lUk20VEYKfRZVSl49_oEKs0tONoN9ue7TDTEGtKewfaQXtlgpBzwww3IExbWicDsTswnLmDuaP5EGFCc/s8491/SewSamplersJan-Jun%20copy%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7040" data-original-width="8491" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGRmlxC_CSkWsX0m_QUA9j-oPce6mX1knpsiYHQJsCHB7HtfF37RvTM2ctwcu_X3MbOZGKOz91Kf0fG7GY5irojEA9ha0r6GtaA1dKuAqNq4lUk20VEYKfRZVSl49_oEKs0tONoN9ue7TDTEGtKewfaQXtlgpBzwww3IExbWicDsTswnLmDuaP5EGFCc/w640-h530/SewSamplersJan-Jun%20copy%203.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I'm really going out a winner-- the original idea was just to complete the 12 monthly boxes-- I'm up to 11 of those, and I also did three of the holiday boxes. The boxes come out at the end of each month, so technically I have till the end of January to finish the December box.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I had this "meh" finish for November-- I tried to get away from the usual white backgrounds-- well, there's a reason for the white background-- it is no fail. But I congratulate myself for trying something new. I think I'm going to donate it. Donate it to someone who never knew white backgrounds were a thing, and will love it. It is one mis-rotated corner and one upside down background piece away from the longarmer.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLMcFWFZGEsjEsTjZBiSMk5y7RL1duO4jCnXi00IiXlp4qxaOq6jhY-yGxTi9n239ciMQ9T8gstkVuz41Fu0NnHBNenXZTV7vvYJO_3_Zriw1VPeZ_CCadFktV2nh86ECzAi35O4N2cND-luhojn9q_Nw7T2kiq8mQBzUxdHFfOfv7me2FWzVg2F0Mq8/s2160/Alfresco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLMcFWFZGEsjEsTjZBiSMk5y7RL1duO4jCnXi00IiXlp4qxaOq6jhY-yGxTi9n239ciMQ9T8gstkVuz41Fu0NnHBNenXZTV7vvYJO_3_Zriw1VPeZ_CCadFktV2nh86ECzAi35O4N2cND-luhojn9q_Nw7T2kiq8mQBzUxdHFfOfv7me2FWzVg2F0Mq8/w400-h400/Alfresco.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I have to give you a quick tip-- I hate piecing backings-- I have at least three finishes stuck at this step for months now. So I bought a matching Tula Pink 108" wide fabric for this-- no piecing, right? So my bad, I assumed it was cotton-- it is cotton SATEEN. It's soft but thin-- I honestly prefer my heavy cottons. I'm not sure if all 108s are sateen, but beware. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Pre-washing fabric was a trend for me last year as you can see my 108 below-- but ironing is also a pain, so I think that is not a trend in 2024. lol.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSvK9sCvHAoFExhyiILwF2P_Sh0MEgMqvDn6jLQA7r8I7yLfT9BVxhyrLNgPeCyg7alg7pv7tHO6U8_phaZv9CWXWnGVe8KSh0oZkk6Y1NGaxmXAmZPjTaGhfIXEIuptOqPqK-5WhYQEpZ42kIk61ng0F3DUMgSixNRYB68n6vKaRpDtWfDeO8mwSLes/s4032/IMG_6608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSvK9sCvHAoFExhyiILwF2P_Sh0MEgMqvDn6jLQA7r8I7yLfT9BVxhyrLNgPeCyg7alg7pv7tHO6U8_phaZv9CWXWnGVe8KSh0oZkk6Y1NGaxmXAmZPjTaGhfIXEIuptOqPqK-5WhYQEpZ42kIk61ng0F3DUMgSixNRYB68n6vKaRpDtWfDeO8mwSLes/w640-h480/IMG_6608.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So here I am with one last box to finish for 2023-- I'm not greatly fond of it. I thought I might just skip it. And frankly, 2024 hasn't been the fresh start I'd hoped for-- all my baggage from 2023 has found its way past January 1st. Can you relate? Why do we expect magic to happen when the ball drops? At least the sewing area of my life can begin anew, right?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFpCSrfvCU371t4YyT3dEOMgdX08wDEFuZR48GU-9Y3ij-ejgUJZ7xhZKYKWcOEKTHEagyolpNW0VaQSQv54FULc0CThAHKDl3OoWLBsfWbeie6NtrV9qbMV33FBjVUaWYDFcx34J0C3NIj_3ou8U9qVZd6uMsxXp3JNFx89dDpTJCH_nlHtM3YnZVFw/s4032/IMG_6612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFpCSrfvCU371t4YyT3dEOMgdX08wDEFuZR48GU-9Y3ij-ejgUJZ7xhZKYKWcOEKTHEagyolpNW0VaQSQv54FULc0CThAHKDl3OoWLBsfWbeie6NtrV9qbMV33FBjVUaWYDFcx34J0C3NIj_3ou8U9qVZd6uMsxXp3JNFx89dDpTJCH_nlHtM3YnZVFw/w640-h480/IMG_6612.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And so, I was feeling sorry for myself and lay down and scrolled Facebook-- what do you know, my name came up on the Sew Sampler Member Only page! This nicest lady had seen my montage of finishes above, and credited me with inspiring her to do her 2024 boxes! So that is way too much credit she's giving me-- but she had finished her Dulce quilt and it looked nice. So I sprang up and got started. I think I can have it by the end of January after all-- and it would make a perfect baby quilt, I'm sure. This quilt uses those fiddly foundation papers to make flying geese-- I'm not sure how I feel about them yet. A lot of flipping back and forth, people.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpLg0JwcQD65n0wCzYdXm4iPAz0Q6wa7mWQV9hdCRo-vmaBiGjrjeCEWdhBk9Q8zIL2ppFvRWtSW2s3VIR3o0hqLJ13bngitjJY8950CO4hAWPU3GNaksEtWThedTOIy9797JB2MpxQS2t1xBbhuAuFQ2D-edKusGcFn3h9BkEi6HIkZQJ_msNwvZooc/s4032/IMG_6610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpLg0JwcQD65n0wCzYdXm4iPAz0Q6wa7mWQV9hdCRo-vmaBiGjrjeCEWdhBk9Q8zIL2ppFvRWtSW2s3VIR3o0hqLJ13bngitjJY8950CO4hAWPU3GNaksEtWThedTOIy9797JB2MpxQS2t1xBbhuAuFQ2D-edKusGcFn3h9BkEi6HIkZQJ_msNwvZooc/w640-h480/IMG_6610.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I don't talk about this WIP much, but I have totally kept up with the monthly blocks included in the boxes as well. They are pretty on point flowers-- very different from what you usually see. That's why I ordered the kit for this.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XP1v_zd1V3cmfICdbM27YMec8VKUedM4nc2nns7wVvkw8avkoi2uJH0TCPrikTihuH387lTK_jQiaXNb3piYY1NmI3HeLWFLK6mohcjdnq0teJwL_C4xcFFIxIHxjwklPX2BoGmL_Hwgz-0GkyZ57hHdkPnv5wmTIB-4Uh-URMDwV2391do5Dmz6LX4/s4032/IMG_6603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XP1v_zd1V3cmfICdbM27YMec8VKUedM4nc2nns7wVvkw8avkoi2uJH0TCPrikTihuH387lTK_jQiaXNb3piYY1NmI3HeLWFLK6mohcjdnq0teJwL_C4xcFFIxIHxjwklPX2BoGmL_Hwgz-0GkyZ57hHdkPnv5wmTIB-4Uh-URMDwV2391do5Dmz6LX4/w640-h480/IMG_6603.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I'm going to add these to my Sew Sampler "montage." Only three to go.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMn1GrgZR-_hjqrXdInbYlWf4W72OJ092uKwP9qzn33leXUjg1AIFd8G8o_0fIYtdNVYoLaPTSWqKAKQ3vSfIEE6ABvzRX4kCiR6QrpQP7nhjriEs9uR2qUaAyGv4L80BzAwqj4Rx0s_hty13qE6wJJKZLd-ddMUg8QkIYrXIBemRQpC3vM1e8-F58qc/s4032/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMn1GrgZR-_hjqrXdInbYlWf4W72OJ092uKwP9qzn33leXUjg1AIFd8G8o_0fIYtdNVYoLaPTSWqKAKQ3vSfIEE6ABvzRX4kCiR6QrpQP7nhjriEs9uR2qUaAyGv4L80BzAwqj4Rx0s_hty13qE6wJJKZLd-ddMUg8QkIYrXIBemRQpC3vM1e8-F58qc/w640-h480/IMG_6604.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It made me realize how easy it is to do one block a month-- so, I may just get my Kona calendar out and begin that stitch-a-long! I did figure out that you don't need the calendar to do it-- all the patterns are free on the Robert Kaufmann website. The charm packs, of course, were wicked expensive. This is the first month's colors-- "Tropical":</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham7cchDfZ9JJ_RRrtwJDX23QmdtnQGNBxL_HJqkeScjWinkCo4p3gXSDWB3_XMBRZF3WV6zMeP2ddQ3_F12pBJg78pMh8bIaEiHUVwEtnc_7iMMf7UU1CYt3US-D6GvYtfPQSRzPloZnszjbW08U07FcLeKHDx9RLnSGmXRKZ6qjug26zojvJhm9l0lw/s4032/IMG_6615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham7cchDfZ9JJ_RRrtwJDX23QmdtnQGNBxL_HJqkeScjWinkCo4p3gXSDWB3_XMBRZF3WV6zMeP2ddQ3_F12pBJg78pMh8bIaEiHUVwEtnc_7iMMf7UU1CYt3US-D6GvYtfPQSRzPloZnszjbW08U07FcLeKHDx9RLnSGmXRKZ6qjug26zojvJhm9l0lw/s320/IMG_6615.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So the only detriment is that these aren't really the colors I'm channeling right now, as you can seen by the background! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And that brings me to two more FAILs of the month. My fabric diet didn't work. I succumbed to the Fat Quarter Shop Cupid Box after about a day of resisting. I'm glad I did, because it is now sold out. I never met a holiday I didn't like!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And my word of the year-- SELFISH-- I have not followed that path at all. In fact, I gave most of the last two weeks to-- TILING A BATHROOM! All four walls, and a floor. Here's me, hard at work. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2yfJ-wySQv95rBk0w96GTocIR7wJvdvmT2KSVVMiGG4dRljy-yJejmecXw2gB90lm4zgylzjykpbKjsB6UnaReDd4bLPHQ3nZsMsHr-eXDItT8ZI6Q06B0ZkwqifSwmxHMKdl7lC4vbQlatzRK_nR6t6u257_mXxnPAprNdbHHYJBJ4zE1gehhsc7IA/s2364/FullSizeRender.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="2364" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2yfJ-wySQv95rBk0w96GTocIR7wJvdvmT2KSVVMiGG4dRljy-yJejmecXw2gB90lm4zgylzjykpbKjsB6UnaReDd4bLPHQ3nZsMsHr-eXDItT8ZI6Q06B0ZkwqifSwmxHMKdl7lC4vbQlatzRK_nR6t6u257_mXxnPAprNdbHHYJBJ4zE1gehhsc7IA/w400-h225/FullSizeRender.JPEG" width="400" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> We are hardcore DIY here-- yes, I know my way around a tile saw. It's actually much easier than an embroidery machine, so you can do it, too! We have a cabin on the property-- it was actually the original structure here, down by the lake, before the main house was built. They call them "camps" up here. No water, no electric. We want a "house." For now, our DD and SIL will live there, as long as they fit in it! I'm doing it for them. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So I commented to the plumber, "I bet they would say we're ruining this camp." </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And he, in his abrupt Maine accent said simply, "No one wants that anymore."</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8xL9DdTnQjlPFlsGu_c4deEW9UDzAH7G3-FSvOPi-5WTkDXIRmKHG8f2aEAi6PQtL1st-va9zuL25kqy-qzYv3igYDJ9V0pzvbPzxPWjkh1xMDmafBt1Hh4AueSG7XCmj3YPRs7PfH5jqll2W9I12waMU0qEABMpmdDMPv8v5Cj-OnFSlCsO81drtNE/s130/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="121" data-original-width="130" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8xL9DdTnQjlPFlsGu_c4deEW9UDzAH7G3-FSvOPi-5WTkDXIRmKHG8f2aEAi6PQtL1st-va9zuL25kqy-qzYv3igYDJ9V0pzvbPzxPWjkh1xMDmafBt1Hh4AueSG7XCmj3YPRs7PfH5jqll2W9I12waMU0qEABMpmdDMPv8v5Cj-OnFSlCsO81drtNE/s1600/Capture.JPG" width="130" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And until the bathroom is fully finished, this is what I had to deal with for all those days, <br />tile after tile, out back of the cabin!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglalcR1gdbhWu9UuV-Uz4qnZa-T_rgu-4em6MfGJKf8IcpVv9yNvmjhhCt0ZM_Bjtp2h3NSJScMy_tu8c31WrmfwNsuJKMwVfeVCiqO3SenGtWr1Co8x-mFwan9X0EHHb2WJc68wfOqksQk0q1_tYtVszM6UGNivFHNEupkhoqidXVI6m-qIWJC4eU_UA/s4032/IMG_6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglalcR1gdbhWu9UuV-Uz4qnZa-T_rgu-4em6MfGJKf8IcpVv9yNvmjhhCt0ZM_Bjtp2h3NSJScMy_tu8c31WrmfwNsuJKMwVfeVCiqO3SenGtWr1Co8x-mFwan9X0EHHb2WJc68wfOqksQk0q1_tYtVszM6UGNivFHNEupkhoqidXVI6m-qIWJC4eU_UA/w300-h400/IMG_6606.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So I think you would agree, my new word of the year that I have truly earned is:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">SELFLESS!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Have a wonderful week.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox<br />Carol</span></p><p><br /></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-79115055378694010462024-01-06T17:12:00.000-08:002024-01-07T04:42:39.411-08:00A History of our BOMs Part 2<p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: times;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Good news... We didn't miss our tenth anniversary of BOMs as I thought! (<i>Not to be confused with the company anniversary-- we are 21 years old this year-- started on eBay in 2003!</i>) One of my long time customers corrected me-- her Series One Mug Rugs were filed in a "2014" folder-- she was right. I looked up the first mug rug, the snowflake, and it was designed in December of 2013-- that's what mixed me up. I have to admit I'm one of those people who never likes to be wrong-- but this time, it is wonderful! Thank you, Pam.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLo40IMGcZk0TTOMRf5UwM_GKLYB3ON9PJdYRNDFVaBlE4kGPN2UvcWzI8YgIlGdctN2bTpqPekFXM4cFoPThXiVReNxKIvAAGdT_M9ML7VUi4P1nkeC1AGr0_JCXvm4j7OMvKBxBL6LWLbAguxbU6q3GEH1Rdaxem9pN-dAW6426_iygpwsuY7bWFK0/s2279/Composite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2279" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLo40IMGcZk0TTOMRf5UwM_GKLYB3ON9PJdYRNDFVaBlE4kGPN2UvcWzI8YgIlGdctN2bTpqPekFXM4cFoPThXiVReNxKIvAAGdT_M9ML7VUi4P1nkeC1AGr0_JCXvm4j7OMvKBxBL6LWLbAguxbU6q3GEH1Rdaxem9pN-dAW6426_iygpwsuY7bWFK0/w456-h369/Composite.jpg" width="456" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And thank you, ALL, for your nice comments on Part One of this blog post! Although I hate to be wrong, I don't like to toot my own horn very much, and had some uncomfortable moments last time, pontificating on my sets. Well, I had to chuckle when one person said they couldn't wait for Part Two. I'm sure my family would not like to find out you all encouraged this behavior!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So, let's go-- more about ME! (Machine Embroidery) When we left off, I had taken a slight breather when I moved from "thread painted sets" like the Cloud Club birds in 2018, and digitized something a little easier like the Cross Stitch of the Month designs in 2019. The fateful year of 2020 had begun-- we were all totally unaware. What to digitize next? Well, I decided to do BOTH a cross stitch and a thread painting set. And to make it further crazy, around this time I started going through the cross stitch states, because one of you thought I could do it over a period of two years. (<i>They were right! :-</i>)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGzcWTPN1kyj1Yvskk4BqJFy-iZ4VNBRWiFd5wceyIEqlQ68cQUIlBsXMoblQG6nzvJMD9O3VswLRF4yytcZQ4c3_zAbP03ME0YV1Zi93Q6KbasMH2qMFS2iJ4dRfaxybuG3Oh_B4TbMSQUfPVWML3MiluSGPdLJi9gSX1XknMyMMr6lTRHfJd7PwmyI/s4032/IMG_0304.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGzcWTPN1kyj1Yvskk4BqJFy-iZ4VNBRWiFd5wceyIEqlQ68cQUIlBsXMoblQG6nzvJMD9O3VswLRF4yytcZQ4c3_zAbP03ME0YV1Zi93Q6KbasMH2qMFS2iJ4dRfaxybuG3Oh_B4TbMSQUfPVWML3MiluSGPdLJi9gSX1XknMyMMr6lTRHfJd7PwmyI/w640-h480/IMG_0304.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> SERIES 7-- Cottage of the Month</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Who doesn't love a cross stitch cottage? Cross stitch was back in high favor by the masses at this point. I must admit I had "Cottage Envy" looking at hand stitch designer "Cottages of the Month." I knew I had to machine embroider a set. What is the difference between hand and machine cross stitch? For one, the hand cross stitchers of today really don't want to back stitch-- on the machine, backstitch can abound! So I am not saying that one is better than the other-- no backstitching certainly gives a folksy look-- but with backstitch, you can add detail, detail, detail. I am a lover of detail, in case you hadn't noticed. I have tried to convert my designs for hand stitchers-- and I'm still trying, but who in the world would want to backstitch this? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MYnek26aAOxf-NkWXrG3Q7BL-p_bjFU2t06z9Ya8Ejj8JYGr3XNxwcymwcaQ93YTjmkUS2BYtY9eGoZUyBYM20NUVv6HP4xUEg8VhOryu2jmz-vEJYBsZOR8dFPOAEszMUaVSATJfp0RRtJzu1s7pZr5bFZk6V8vg_5ABkXNYjY4y0ywPufTwegoZ8g/s586/MugRugSnip.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="586" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MYnek26aAOxf-NkWXrG3Q7BL-p_bjFU2t06z9Ya8Ejj8JYGr3XNxwcymwcaQ93YTjmkUS2BYtY9eGoZUyBYM20NUVv6HP4xUEg8VhOryu2jmz-vEJYBsZOR8dFPOAEszMUaVSATJfp0RRtJzu1s7pZr5bFZk6V8vg_5ABkXNYjY4y0ywPufTwegoZ8g/w570-h407/MugRugSnip.JPG" width="570" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Would you want to backstitch this by hand? Heehee.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL8thLknGB_3jA0qQoDE7EnnPde1JbqlRjQSg5XXPoFgmGm7hVZjzCHHn72NtZUjlqk6ycHmcMed5TeXy5WMjD2RNqyyMaQ7r0BzUpg7pI_C5YUYbLB2ykulEAsk2ZCiGt-G8PNXpcF4prnOwZlbkxlC6GIsZWVrNrOchQRmO4r4d16cASt-5yssniPw/s288/Snowflake-Machine-Embroidery-Cross-Stitch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="288" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL8thLknGB_3jA0qQoDE7EnnPde1JbqlRjQSg5XXPoFgmGm7hVZjzCHHn72NtZUjlqk6ycHmcMed5TeXy5WMjD2RNqyyMaQ7r0BzUpg7pI_C5YUYbLB2ykulEAsk2ZCiGt-G8PNXpcF4prnOwZlbkxlC6GIsZWVrNrOchQRmO4r4d16cASt-5yssniPw/s1600/Snowflake-Machine-Embroidery-Cross-Stitch.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Anyway, in addition to a ton of back stitch, each of my cottages had a "virtue." I made postcard versions, mug rugs, and quilt blocks of each design. I was happily writing a little note to myself on the back of the postcard versions as a kind of scrapbook of the year. Then, all of the sudden the pandemic hit... in April, when I tried to write a note to my future self-- events just welled up in me and I unexpectedly started to cry.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72X7qze7KixvgCHjw91ctXi5IRaEL3UbsNstIH-tp37TjxW0kltzCw0ClHx6A_Qwcx1-ROyOs7jNZaJ3Ik9qkMwMSLDDhul5XTGkW8c-32KEVyyejvt40OsgLRJyAz4rdN2OHKXKMH25-4j9JiEul7W0UBbFD80jeiPKKnVaedpu108Z0l54NBqJXRzE/s4032/IMG_1207x.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72X7qze7KixvgCHjw91ctXi5IRaEL3UbsNstIH-tp37TjxW0kltzCw0ClHx6A_Qwcx1-ROyOs7jNZaJ3Ik9qkMwMSLDDhul5XTGkW8c-32KEVyyejvt40OsgLRJyAz4rdN2OHKXKMH25-4j9JiEul7W0UBbFD80jeiPKKnVaedpu108Z0l54NBqJXRzE/w542-h406/IMG_1207x.JPG" width="542" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Even, though I stopped writing postcards to myself that year, you have no idea how designing those cottages with all of their virtues got me through all those dark months. It's hard now to even want to recall the details of it, isn't it?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiyiJd3h7qs5Owh97DUuTcOQo6qCJh6Hrol1_nNU2O00FiEkbHKUXq53GwIx-zI4bQ0LKdP-PSn_g7KTVdT5w__JlS_qBjt39B2Eljgq31c6yA-E50vZAOgKPz47zxjgppZHAVPkemyHqFROjg8WO2d6NhKACevrKmBSzxTk7zIXaXf_RqQ8zClcYx30/s3200/CourageCottageMugRugComp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2504" data-original-width="3200" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiyiJd3h7qs5Owh97DUuTcOQo6qCJh6Hrol1_nNU2O00FiEkbHKUXq53GwIx-zI4bQ0LKdP-PSn_g7KTVdT5w__JlS_qBjt39B2Eljgq31c6yA-E50vZAOgKPz47zxjgppZHAVPkemyHqFROjg8WO2d6NhKACevrKmBSzxTk7zIXaXf_RqQ8zClcYx30/w516-h403/CourageCottageMugRugComp.jpg" width="516" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I was finally able to circle back to JOY by the end of the year. xox.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzWD3kDpCbxeOJhghGc2qJ7PpPdNY_j1MMtpkNpMYxPbKl4i1kuOReX993gzSPPNguH5rYGjNYy3LWHhDLeWMt7HV8C96zLOBIC6fUIaCwgW1FUuDDyeEVjN5vDERf_594kX8O_v4keNIXl33p_xTeKHsV_nnvHwDzazpiXQoBXVV-yG8HFel4RVMQNA/s3184/GratitudeWallhanging.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2744" data-original-width="3184" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzWD3kDpCbxeOJhghGc2qJ7PpPdNY_j1MMtpkNpMYxPbKl4i1kuOReX993gzSPPNguH5rYGjNYy3LWHhDLeWMt7HV8C96zLOBIC6fUIaCwgW1FUuDDyeEVjN5vDERf_594kX8O_v4keNIXl33p_xTeKHsV_nnvHwDzazpiXQoBXVV-yG8HFel4RVMQNA/w518-h447/GratitudeWallhanging.jpg" width="518" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I am happy to say, this quilt is fully assembled, not finished, but fully ready for quilting-- it really speaks to my heart. When things become precious, it is sometimes had to work on them, as you are afraid to "ruin" them-- do you relate? So I'm not quite sure how to quilt it-- I don't like going on top of cross stitch. But this one I am confident will be a finish in a couple of years or so. And I will definitely be writing something about 2020 on the label.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51XAbodl0fbtlihKTXd_q12GOzAwQd1L_ZQoB-uBsYwG-L2Y7wvNQp3Sg1oN_-f2T7OMG4cukgkqmzrrKZA_U8zB2b69h3lIkKSrkCR2VMS0r3bNdpAELVCqC-Cx49Rj8p10Ba27FTKRGJvgTfOf6shupNbSzg0J0c48-ZX5zu6eJm5M6Whp3pq4kPyw/s5207/AgainstTheseThingsThere%20Is%20No%20Law.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5207" data-original-width="4189" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51XAbodl0fbtlihKTXd_q12GOzAwQd1L_ZQoB-uBsYwG-L2Y7wvNQp3Sg1oN_-f2T7OMG4cukgkqmzrrKZA_U8zB2b69h3lIkKSrkCR2VMS0r3bNdpAELVCqC-Cx49Rj8p10Ba27FTKRGJvgTfOf6shupNbSzg0J0c48-ZX5zu6eJm5M6Whp3pq4kPyw/w459-h571/AgainstTheseThingsThere%20Is%20No%20Law.jpg" width="459" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Also Running concurrently for my non-cross stitch customers:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">SERIES 8: Stitches of the Sea!<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I guess I had some sort of foreknowledge we'd need a lot to work on in 2020! I always loved the shore, the sea, boats-- this series was pure joy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYS8osam4zjAtHapFLTnCUY6bnhZVcuHtdgUyxmT6A1DWX8hyp2oaYxTk6IWdOjAWKRxiPgzoIxWVhbj7_GeXyL7Ld9XaWbQGl-efr3i0t7xu_popBWJUdTF2BJt6s4e_XnjcqGJMBDrTmE3vaBYXNdJI5YIlRoXXTxdGzx28FJa-5NnrFrW6-dk6BJU/s3180/IMG_0435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3180" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYS8osam4zjAtHapFLTnCUY6bnhZVcuHtdgUyxmT6A1DWX8hyp2oaYxTk6IWdOjAWKRxiPgzoIxWVhbj7_GeXyL7Ld9XaWbQGl-efr3i0t7xu_popBWJUdTF2BJt6s4e_XnjcqGJMBDrTmE3vaBYXNdJI5YIlRoXXTxdGzx28FJa-5NnrFrW6-dk6BJU/w380-h400/IMG_0435.JPG" width="380" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I worked both sets along each month. The Cottages were somewhat geared to the time of year, but for my watery world, it was pure whim-- whatever inspired me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh0y6DlLgsyf9u62J5LJ6sxMhoTYcv9Mas-stRslLfT4Jy4GC-J6fMyvg3LJ8rXTrzSVGUguH5ACNCZlHg37NB_W0xDaOf08r9piKwAbpp-G4o1CYGjdMetn6EpHOsCubjowUXiFr7MzzgdPgEarKoGQxvPBcm0TAJdYF9DG1bedwTBO49OIv4xDU77s/s2658/DolphinComp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2611" data-original-width="2658" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh0y6DlLgsyf9u62J5LJ6sxMhoTYcv9Mas-stRslLfT4Jy4GC-J6fMyvg3LJ8rXTrzSVGUguH5ACNCZlHg37NB_W0xDaOf08r9piKwAbpp-G4o1CYGjdMetn6EpHOsCubjowUXiFr7MzzgdPgEarKoGQxvPBcm0TAJdYF9DG1bedwTBO49OIv4xDU77s/w389-h382/DolphinComp.jpg" width="389" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I got right through with both sets to September-- then, I became fixated on doing an OCTOPUS in OCTOBER!!! Haha-- that one really beat me up. There's nothing that makes me crazier than to see a digitized snowflake that doesn't have SIX points-- my octopus must have EIGHT arms! Okay, so one of them is mostly behind his head...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEiPZtyfADbbFnP3f0gs6bVeYjNwd0YXxMtScikzVV6dLIlFYdzYzdLHC1kvOwJluew5vqkfm6y1fr9xxOhpF6mhXqkHItS0wTpFDNrcunQfAbD8R4cPZwDjV8igNz8IE7gt0pEEPwPPs5Xk26NkORuhmd0xbi62doeuGq5ghwQY20CBMNIBOuZnMuEI7nE/s2658/CrazyEightsComp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2611" data-original-width="2658" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZtyfADbbFnP3f0gs6bVeYjNwd0YXxMtScikzVV6dLIlFYdzYzdLHC1kvOwJluew5vqkfm6y1fr9xxOhpF6mhXqkHItS0wTpFDNrcunQfAbD8R4cPZwDjV8igNz8IE7gt0pEEPwPPs5Xk26NkORuhmd0xbi62doeuGq5ghwQY20CBMNIBOuZnMuEI7nE/s320/CrazyEightsComp.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It took me until January of 2021 to release the Octopus. So that was it-- there was no "official" BOM in 2021-- I finished up the Stitches of the Sea. I'm always full of excuses-- I was initially beset with all kinds of problems-- I ran out of the backing fabric and couldn't order more during the pandemic-- wasn't able to get my preferred stabilizer, etc. etc. Of all my incomplete work, this one is the least complete. Well, let's frame it in a positive light-- it is the MOST PHOTOSHOPPED. :-) I do have little mini-quilt finished with four of the best stitch-outs I had at the end. Would I like to go back and finish it? Yes, I would. Will I? Probably not. It deserves to be.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE0fBR5l1gQP7qXSIOxBgAbvkeon8E1rOGFFrnGhYQnydyZVG5TUCtWL_MQr4KmaDGWjCZttiK0Udk19qpEryHsube4P0MpTzTaKMiWvzfcz4ZUAbjGK6l-65sPGramDkm5ldlvOK5_76BOBgQnskU6uz1qGbnur0D7ZaItGpQCtC8ERON2j6tSxFSDw/s2624/StitchesOfTheSeaComp%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="1982" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE0fBR5l1gQP7qXSIOxBgAbvkeon8E1rOGFFrnGhYQnydyZVG5TUCtWL_MQr4KmaDGWjCZttiK0Udk19qpEryHsube4P0MpTzTaKMiWvzfcz4ZUAbjGK6l-65sPGramDkm5ldlvOK5_76BOBgQnskU6uz1qGbnur0D7ZaItGpQCtC8ERON2j6tSxFSDw/w358-h474/StitchesOfTheSeaComp%20copy.jpg" width="358" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Next up, also started in 2020, completed in 2022:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">CAREFREE HIGHWAYS</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I just LOVED doing these-- I always loved the states as a kid. I did one every couple of weeks for two years... that's dedication-- and I can still impress people with my knowledge of state capitals, birds, flowers, AND mottos!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOulrqsHkcJPILTjQeUY61zO6OVncQ2IDRTj75zzyMyVs6maayj00GEPIcJQHvNvIX81iXKjB4tiBxNEvQBV_opBPoCpXsirfSF72RX6b2Zt_OdT28VklVAB5O_vbNIgtvcbdXyJDAkbDsE8Sj647QUlWY3y3OK1YP35zMSJum_bi11W49mvJVC_tc5s/s594/FinalSnip.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="594" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOulrqsHkcJPILTjQeUY61zO6OVncQ2IDRTj75zzyMyVs6maayj00GEPIcJQHvNvIX81iXKjB4tiBxNEvQBV_opBPoCpXsirfSF72RX6b2Zt_OdT28VklVAB5O_vbNIgtvcbdXyJDAkbDsE8Sj647QUlWY3y3OK1YP35zMSJum_bi11W49mvJVC_tc5s/s320/FinalSnip.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I intended to go through alphabetically, but a customer from Wyoming objected. So instead, I came up with groups of five themed states-- like "Eastern Seaboard ," "Heartland Home," and "Southern Charm. These were the last five. Turning Mount Rushmore into a 14ct Aida design was really fun. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs94mwkHB_OrV8CLAzOr26o5XKWSGOVgCoX6QgecrqXGeAWyZwbIt2D3tWfqBAUWQXgiLLeUVMQZPEqcZ_f2ZWGFslgBVtojXw-QJ6Y7NcWc3SBZ5sPN-hUYkCwQYmOqcCbIfnAFhmZCYbo8X7S9hh-aR0r6xFI9oHXE5tjx1bkOTO3zf52e9qk3hT8Z8/s2408/Machine-Embroidery-States-10%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="2408" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs94mwkHB_OrV8CLAzOr26o5XKWSGOVgCoX6QgecrqXGeAWyZwbIt2D3tWfqBAUWQXgiLLeUVMQZPEqcZ_f2ZWGFslgBVtojXw-QJ6Y7NcWc3SBZ5sPN-hUYkCwQYmOqcCbIfnAFhmZCYbo8X7S9hh-aR0r6xFI9oHXE5tjx1bkOTO3zf52e9qk3hT8Z8/w578-h386/Machine-Embroidery-States-10%20copy.jpg" width="578" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My finished quilt? Highly, highly confident of a finish on this one. I have all the state blocks, the fabric, and flying geese paper ready to go... AND, I even know where it is! On my bucket list for this year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY9WLrDSf79Etmny-Q9v7omCuU4zH7ZlpLytsdzoXtIzRXpnaxTUiRzPZl5xAKftZGXTgaP2GJPkEwZXiVL3bOnoievugPBbeSXJQYD-PjVtbAwW0DVpE5yvZlYuaOlJBxRNInl61cdKrhKgt9lkRLTYlfcrXpJmRJ5sCDpRd_c4Cid3uX8E4DU_I6Zw/s572/quilt.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="485" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzY9WLrDSf79Etmny-Q9v7omCuU4zH7ZlpLytsdzoXtIzRXpnaxTUiRzPZl5xAKftZGXTgaP2GJPkEwZXiVL3bOnoievugPBbeSXJQYD-PjVtbAwW0DVpE5yvZlYuaOlJBxRNInl61cdKrhKgt9lkRLTYlfcrXpJmRJ5sCDpRd_c4Cid3uX8E4DU_I6Zw/w380-h449/quilt.JPG" width="380" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">So that brings us all the way to 2022-- turning away from cross stitch and back to regular embroidery.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">SERIES NINE: Birth Month Mug Rugs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I really enjoyed making these-- I found a random person I knew with a birthday for each month and sent them out. They were all received very well. I do have a set for myself-- I like to change them out each month.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhHW3AZTTgv7EI0atiu4fkqRXRgQ5qkSavDiZpdZcWRbhBqYXHdk5mkerIRF2NBvJW5tzxMdyyRlr8Br6pSc86VK2aI4oIfbMfOCjXeVacbYVRNBMhmZQe9i7kCmrP0YSpKBSd8iSCW-bhjbGC9vhf23WvAj_r_RPiTi_Er3EuveNnT8vY0koGyG2CyQ/s1097/birthday-machine-embroidery-square-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1097" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhHW3AZTTgv7EI0atiu4fkqRXRgQ5qkSavDiZpdZcWRbhBqYXHdk5mkerIRF2NBvJW5tzxMdyyRlr8Br6pSc86VK2aI4oIfbMfOCjXeVacbYVRNBMhmZQe9i7kCmrP0YSpKBSd8iSCW-bhjbGC9vhf23WvAj_r_RPiTi_Er3EuveNnT8vY0koGyG2CyQ/w507-h408/birthday-machine-embroidery-square-1.jpg" width="507" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My quilt blocks, however, never panned out-- we decided to move! I would have loved a scrap quilt of these-- but there are others I'd like to finish more. I'm very proud of this set-- the gems were fun to do, I had a nice format to just follow along each month, and they weren't as technically challenging as some of the other sets I had done in the past. This was one of the few sets I did a "subscription" for-- I'm not sure I would do that again, unless I got really ahead one year-- it just creates a monthly to do and a deadline that is always a creativity crusher!</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjethZnuyNsxRbgEiaXr-GNV5DpDsOU3XewiX8etdyFhZGiomTiwQhePdNbkXZeGCVGQxr6EnGofUh5jczWxGxgGeeaWafBzr0sZNyM-kWzJjENvNp42kQgngJnX9VAK0Plhp7SQg2VaAzg-Wovq5ToDd0RvvvWNbsdjUDHJdWbc810topPZHOuuZQd33I/s1719/IMG_0246%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="1676" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjethZnuyNsxRbgEiaXr-GNV5DpDsOU3XewiX8etdyFhZGiomTiwQhePdNbkXZeGCVGQxr6EnGofUh5jczWxGxgGeeaWafBzr0sZNyM-kWzJjENvNp42kQgngJnX9VAK0Plhp7SQg2VaAzg-Wovq5ToDd0RvvvWNbsdjUDHJdWbc810topPZHOuuZQd33I/w401-h412/IMG_0246%20copy.jpg" width="401" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">SERIES TEN: Bowl Fillers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Last year was back to cross stitch-- settling in to a new home and just making a set of fun designs for décor each month. You all received this very well-- thank you so much! I intend to keep it going this year with holiday themes instead of the month, as far as I can. This month, I'm working on Sewing bowl fillers and next month will be a Valentine theme. I do need to get a picture of all of them together-- it is quite a barrel full at this point, and I know many of you kept up! I need to get my January set back out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPMCtbjor3wh8jQf7fPeMQMUdUs3bf5RAWNUeGqXWYIArpQhe1CxAWdVsasj5otPFk21I6GrSzjrAiA-syDv_5SssXAjGxP5eg9-vJaZOj1BdzbTmVAdiMkW5DU7P94z5OZvtjiCBp_sdCvPufNVcuu-9JLoexRV0YAWDVVdVS5L5x4NVhMu7su9buWo/s3240/IMG_6191%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2472" data-original-width="3240" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPMCtbjor3wh8jQf7fPeMQMUdUs3bf5RAWNUeGqXWYIArpQhe1CxAWdVsasj5otPFk21I6GrSzjrAiA-syDv_5SssXAjGxP5eg9-vJaZOj1BdzbTmVAdiMkW5DU7P94z5OZvtjiCBp_sdCvPufNVcuu-9JLoexRV0YAWDVVdVS5L5x4NVhMu7su9buWo/w640-h488/IMG_6191%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">So here we are, ready for Series 11! It's really hard to believe. I did have fun digitizing the Winterland Village, and I do hope to have some lovely, LARGE, winter themed quilt blocks early this year. Beyond that, we will see what comes-- I'm freewheeling it a bit more than I have in the past, I guess.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Some one wrote me last year, saying that I should tell "which designers do which sets"... well, I had a moment of pride to say it is all me! I did train as a graphic designer and I did do some illustration back in the day-- it is really fun to look back and see all the different roads I travelled on-- it may seem random, but one series definitely suggests the next one, and I hope to be blessed to do this for a good long time yet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzWFxhafrGzq46J3hMkJm6XNWJKGfz0ZQf4151LkAryEgLOpC2sQaYhdJ6VG7zBUDsxJpzHAyDnV_2AwZy1aJ-H46i__iHlUY9BQ4FHWUu9aRuwEwzkbqWFJMGZn9XGNtsEJAh2BOonzdb0kTPF315mrxRBSdVoNPLyil9ik9ZVFe3JYcqlPmGYr3xc4/s1093/WinterlandFinal2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1093" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzWFxhafrGzq46J3hMkJm6XNWJKGfz0ZQf4151LkAryEgLOpC2sQaYhdJ6VG7zBUDsxJpzHAyDnV_2AwZy1aJ-H46i__iHlUY9BQ4FHWUu9aRuwEwzkbqWFJMGZn9XGNtsEJAh2BOonzdb0kTPF315mrxRBSdVoNPLyil9ik9ZVFe3JYcqlPmGYr3xc4/w640-h622/WinterlandFinal2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As in any journey-- it is best shared! Seeing my customer finishes is always best and it's surprising to see the direction you take-- I am amazed when I see finishes more creative than the ones I imagined. Thank you so much for reading the history of ME and San Francisco Stitch Co., currently situated in the Western Mountains of Maine awaiting a snowstorm. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xoxo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-68680217270843783902024-01-04T07:03:00.000-08:002024-01-04T07:03:20.013-08:00A History of BOMs at SFO Part One...<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I'm a hardcore nostalgia lover-- circling through all the sales in December certainly brought back years of memories! I have been doing "designs of the month" since 2013-- I guess we just missed my tenth anniversary year! Anyway, we are going to go through all ten of them (and there's even more, that weren't "official" :-) on the sale page this year-- the first of every month, each "January," "February," and so on block will be discounted-- so if you missed one, you can catch up this year-- or maybe complete your set of a past stitch-a-long-- it's a given that people drop off as the year progresses! So I thought a "guide" to what the Block of the Months are and how they developed would be fun to write.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So this all started eleven years ago, when January rolled around and I asked for suggestions about what people wanted to stitch. One person responded simply "Mug Rugs!" I wish I could go back in time and find and give that genius a hug-- that's where it all started. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I had no idea what a mug rug was-- I didn't use one, still don't-- I display mine! But I figured it out and behold! a 5x7 hoop was perfect-- that's what most of us had then-- and made this little beauty for January.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyuNQO2VEAn7nFLOoRekL6RVP__KrRuQblKtSXSs56KS3URyNUUurmKouCUTEEbm9c291ecj0Rse3n6SoLt5eHl-j5eCp7C-7zQ7-EXYtRDq7cJa05fabMkqZMNGw_NBWK5GJh018fYVkqP83zOmx9lvQrZOwxDzY84pagZ-rJ3Xxw1BH0UvlRjx2CJ8/s3161/DSC02336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyuNQO2VEAn7nFLOoRekL6RVP__KrRuQblKtSXSs56KS3URyNUUurmKouCUTEEbm9c291ecj0Rse3n6SoLt5eHl-j5eCp7C-7zQ7-EXYtRDq7cJa05fabMkqZMNGw_NBWK5GJh018fYVkqP83zOmx9lvQrZOwxDzY84pagZ-rJ3Xxw1BH0UvlRjx2CJ8/s3161/DSC02336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj6ZCTQb4Wf_EHIxeJKiaU6bKm5j-Mt4L6T_jJFWef-WT2ODH6Ag6DLKSrwtP_sXGNUPx3qTpHpwK2hLxhglS1XPFAcU0gk-zsD1sUkmIm9yRyJbbPfGzknKPXPzsthIYheJFH-groYPlwlwxGwsAJzkwgv9OLpcM00xF0CJ-wPp6mG11MfI-62mz3dM/s4932/PlumSnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3666" data-original-width="4932" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj6ZCTQb4Wf_EHIxeJKiaU6bKm5j-Mt4L6T_jJFWef-WT2ODH6Ag6DLKSrwtP_sXGNUPx3qTpHpwK2hLxhglS1XPFAcU0gk-zsD1sUkmIm9yRyJbbPfGzknKPXPzsthIYheJFH-groYPlwlwxGwsAJzkwgv9OLpcM00xF0CJ-wPp6mG11MfI-62mz3dM/w449-h334/PlumSnow.jpg" width="449" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some combination of the day it was introduced, the fact that we had just completed a free stitch-a-long, and providence- well, let me just say I uploaded it at night and when I got up in the morning, to see the sales figures, my eyes popped out of my head! I'd have to say, this was definitely the moment when I saw I was going to be able to quit my day job--- I had real business!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc7Yz6yomoZKvlAQ_rjJQRYYotNdjIvEzJZ7Ye6FhlY3PRUVhzZQQ9f3R4nRyPp5PoaqWLpLqWBDhtsrA7hyP1FY0X7GT2A1zqPZeUm-SF6N2gjWf3eSMZhwTunyrqZbH6yjwr3dgHTjQNVhJRdodw3Oq-ecSklzIRtwwjTHB94gbvLbLA_NHgfdPPoA/s2208/IMG_7456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="1242" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc7Yz6yomoZKvlAQ_rjJQRYYotNdjIvEzJZ7Ye6FhlY3PRUVhzZQQ9f3R4nRyPp5PoaqWLpLqWBDhtsrA7hyP1FY0X7GT2A1zqPZeUm-SF6N2gjWf3eSMZhwTunyrqZbH6yjwr3dgHTjQNVhJRdodw3Oq-ecSklzIRtwwjTHB94gbvLbLA_NHgfdPPoA/w178-h259/IMG_7456.JPG" width="178" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, it then became a monthly project. In my folders, they are filed as simply January Mug Rug, February Mug Rug and so on. I had no clue that I would continue into a second year, then ten years, or that these would now be known as "Series One Mug Rugs."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SERIES ONE MUG RUGS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTP6JeDI6WLAQqe1CdSPm5-A5qgOdZzpnJhbifIacRaOTqMbtHB4Gs55MUN7bqoxLmYHblyxQ1lmT4UFhLSpk_rckv6JtVPqGZ88WrkZbUimv-hcKtyj3BRmO5kv6VKboLcACCLP2K-xbrnlXJjL5p5zVH9hl1z7tlbzsTRl74wGsVE98mncngcdSzz1M/s1600/SFSCO_mugrugs_series_1_set_of_12_1600x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTP6JeDI6WLAQqe1CdSPm5-A5qgOdZzpnJhbifIacRaOTqMbtHB4Gs55MUN7bqoxLmYHblyxQ1lmT4UFhLSpk_rckv6JtVPqGZ88WrkZbUimv-hcKtyj3BRmO5kv6VKboLcACCLP2K-xbrnlXJjL5p5zVH9hl1z7tlbzsTRl74wGsVE98mncngcdSzz1M/w547-h547/SFSCO_mugrugs_series_1_set_of_12_1600x.jpg" width="547" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I still love them and have most of them- except for the lily pads, which quickly absorbed water and then sank into Triangle Pond near my house as I snapped a glamour shot-- it was either the mug rug or the camera that could be saved, that afternoon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wNlv4R5PZwwD3Dnu_ca9nLNT0uYliEY0gaOwo57tqhYooRvJLcpEj99TZDu6Auhp8v3U1jUQOmwY_sUkNa_r5Yhy4GCfWm2V4zF7h_zVQZ-RVUFS65x4auktfQB-kN3Phn-GMbvSS-EJ-GYaG-iX1V2d45TPIwPtQ8v3dzc8z7a80XidTOb-13__efk/s1037/compx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1037" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wNlv4R5PZwwD3Dnu_ca9nLNT0uYliEY0gaOwo57tqhYooRvJLcpEj99TZDu6Auhp8v3U1jUQOmwY_sUkNa_r5Yhy4GCfWm2V4zF7h_zVQZ-RVUFS65x4auktfQB-kN3Phn-GMbvSS-EJ-GYaG-iX1V2d45TPIwPtQ8v3dzc8z7a80XidTOb-13__efk/w640-h538/compx.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't make another one-- no more of that glorious batik fabric-- and I sometimes do wonder if I made the right choice that day. The camera was replaceable-- I should have respected my artwork more than I did!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A couple of these I went on to embellish and turn into little art pieces. No, no cups of coffee on mine.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4QfJ0jaIq4EWX7TdtudCpstdbyr6EfE8FuVc4DGrLAMrTkQhR4ClZngWlxLz4IiiEo_ok-Tr38HbsiBpALDF6yBMWU-4r73M1su1LEf885eK4WtRN73Fg8s4vJT4m2TH8SvyxXeX4hg_Y6m0uqaxb8qPM5ItzTvTQ1BOlNv7Ibrk5cIU2Og1gGiD7cM/s3161/DSC02336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3161" data-original-width="2364" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4QfJ0jaIq4EWX7TdtudCpstdbyr6EfE8FuVc4DGrLAMrTkQhR4ClZngWlxLz4IiiEo_ok-Tr38HbsiBpALDF6yBMWU-4r73M1su1LEf885eK4WtRN73Fg8s4vJT4m2TH8SvyxXeX4hg_Y6m0uqaxb8qPM5ItzTvTQ1BOlNv7Ibrk5cIU2Og1gGiD7cM/w299-h400/DSC02336.JPG" width="299" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This one even won a ribbon at the Bayberry Quilter's of Cape Cod annual show:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-HoBoiJBF70mX2V8k6v7unhvIiOzTy3C7wR3sF-EcvombUXyTIuKu7OFtWetunLedW1LsYTdIrOMObczSE_uxywCImpfblGISD48vqNvasS-_kGbJeebGj6zoM5DDLAx6JPtbikq48_9ss2Sl5LUsAu_bA37ySADAe7xt-AlB2qF8csSDb6_wsk5Oi8/s3264/photo%20(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-HoBoiJBF70mX2V8k6v7unhvIiOzTy3C7wR3sF-EcvombUXyTIuKu7OFtWetunLedW1LsYTdIrOMObczSE_uxywCImpfblGISD48vqNvasS-_kGbJeebGj6zoM5DDLAx6JPtbikq48_9ss2Sl5LUsAu_bA37ySADAe7xt-AlB2qF8csSDb6_wsk5Oi8/w640-h480/photo%20(7).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And, you've probably seen the Featherweight Mug Rug, formerly known as the December Mug Rug, gets updated every year with a new date. To shake it up next year, I might do one with a more modern machine?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN3IQr7BEfTX80a5Jas_5p7lbbe9n6OtH3e7bMPrQHegah8oXxhlHAC7y_lv_1LPxqKrn4tjcLLvrYQTKD2efUPkUVlKJY75XMu9FRbHDkOagTBQxeAh0OduDQA6Efmxf4P-V6ICUkytA3KwC3q-5kefXJnYVm3vJwxR8L03yqzhIcgH9VRW8K-3jqGo/s901/2024-Machine-Embroidery-design.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="901" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN3IQr7BEfTX80a5Jas_5p7lbbe9n6OtH3e7bMPrQHegah8oXxhlHAC7y_lv_1LPxqKrn4tjcLLvrYQTKD2efUPkUVlKJY75XMu9FRbHDkOagTBQxeAh0OduDQA6Efmxf4P-V6ICUkytA3KwC3q-5kefXJnYVm3vJwxR8L03yqzhIcgH9VRW8K-3jqGo/w400-h286/2024-Machine-Embroidery-design.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There's a story behind all of them, but let's move on-- now that my hobby business was flourishing, could Series Two be far behind? </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SERIES TWO MUG RUGS</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIpHHIMwrU235xbrri7lt4e4HmReNLQLd2rMU16TwVHq2AzT7BIl-MdsRxHuKXyYKXOMA0vzfnSrnmCjqyk-5w0MHyz2_Hy7EHbUDZK6iexfnnkfmW3dEM6gmjMOiIFLtbLZ21fEhoFfQB2hLyPD9xnlUpPFOx5K_YwYPlBXZXhgj8SQUc4XRFLvv7b8/s1008/setof12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="948" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIpHHIMwrU235xbrri7lt4e4HmReNLQLd2rMU16TwVHq2AzT7BIl-MdsRxHuKXyYKXOMA0vzfnSrnmCjqyk-5w0MHyz2_Hy7EHbUDZK6iexfnnkfmW3dEM6gmjMOiIFLtbLZ21fEhoFfQB2hLyPD9xnlUpPFOx5K_YwYPlBXZXhgj8SQUc4XRFLvv7b8/w534-h568/setof12.jpg" width="534" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of the mug rugs were quilted in the hoop, but they were hand-bound. Now I know you machine embroiderers love your ITH projects, but really, there's nothing more beautiful than a fabric binding. (<i>To advance my cause, I have a tutorial on how to do it on YouTube-- my skills were certainly perfected doing these mug rugs each month!</i>) Anyway, somehow, part of the way through Series Two, I realized the satin stitch I was using as a design element could also be a finished edge. So by the time the "Peace" mug rug rolled around, there were two versions. And I am sorry to say, the all-in-the-hoop satin stitched edging is still far outperforming the hand bound version. But I won't judge you. xox</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The time to fully finish these into art pieces evaporated with the burgeoning business model-- but I still love them all-- the July Mug Rug really speaks to my heart-- I even sketched it out as a 30" x 40" wall quilt, but have gotten no further. It will have to wait until I retire, and if I keep having this much fun with new designs, that will be never.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouYEckpmsZ11YTciw19jWyMM1JB4KBcAppveBZMwJIeOVaUJF62ZRXqK-zvf0mopDy9BPqV3JmeMPdKzf9a6p9ij4PL6s1pN80Dxhx5CZg0czyDmpVVPYGORTcIE689n-PulNe-yZrDFlVW_11yLZOardylqCuqAs0y7VE8DLKEFZl1mr8WOo9b0fRDs/s2000/DSC06296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="2000" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouYEckpmsZ11YTciw19jWyMM1JB4KBcAppveBZMwJIeOVaUJF62ZRXqK-zvf0mopDy9BPqV3JmeMPdKzf9a6p9ij4PL6s1pN80Dxhx5CZg0czyDmpVVPYGORTcIE689n-PulNe-yZrDFlVW_11yLZOardylqCuqAs0y7VE8DLKEFZl1mr8WOo9b0fRDs/w640-h294/DSC06296.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SERIES THREE- Baltimore Album Blocks</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heck with mug rugs- I was over it. I guess I saw that you could make them square, combine blocks, and make a quilt! The machine embroidered Baltimore Album quilt was born. I did it all for this series-- mug rugs, ITH, hand bound, quilt blocks and I was rewarded! It took a year to design the blocks, and then another few good months to set them with machine embroidered sashing and outer borders, but I won a Second Place Overall ribbon at one of the big AQS Paducah shows!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvn9_WJsza3zyH2I3UOBuBMO3nZXVV3fmXJPmiv-LOijo_HJ2FWDAIFLt3naKf7LzafP8xHQrwdcs8KxkwtBc7yaGErxTNgMG2DI3gnSswS5Z-tYD3IkKsLmDJ8Jtwfm_G85VzakvlDYjDta652N91nx94a60ePMgDLASvh8k5CBUvfBnbptdx0JMRqo/s1313/A_New_England_Album_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="1050" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvn9_WJsza3zyH2I3UOBuBMO3nZXVV3fmXJPmiv-LOijo_HJ2FWDAIFLt3naKf7LzafP8xHQrwdcs8KxkwtBc7yaGErxTNgMG2DI3gnSswS5Z-tYD3IkKsLmDJ8Jtwfm_G85VzakvlDYjDta652N91nx94a60ePMgDLASvh8k5CBUvfBnbptdx0JMRqo/w512-h640/A_New_England_Album_f.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EmF8fbSXMkUDjns3K2KzYpTTKC3kvoevscp4dm_nZ7gZ4a_H1PQmrdc04htHDIdrciJEQvWQbAiTWEj-PMvdNIyvWKOrPFelYyEvYV4tp6vOCWn8ZPEHEMBbEX5hegXPCkm6EcU82H7XeRhrjii_lS0OhFPV1fs5gpP5xscNxA1KDMe-qJMUAHyU5sc/s5118/Label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3412" data-original-width="5118" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EmF8fbSXMkUDjns3K2KzYpTTKC3kvoevscp4dm_nZ7gZ4a_H1PQmrdc04htHDIdrciJEQvWQbAiTWEj-PMvdNIyvWKOrPFelYyEvYV4tp6vOCWn8ZPEHEMBbEX5hegXPCkm6EcU82H7XeRhrjii_lS0OhFPV1fs5gpP5xscNxA1KDMe-qJMUAHyU5sc/w400-h266/Label.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A fancy machine embroidered label for the back, of course!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(It is made with a Series Two mug rug design-- lol)</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sashing and borders:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUs5RgXc5fCyVLRNGLg3d5wrDwt4QJ1msr8wlz0QDCL8o0UXbsdJx5Yh7miqWohhaMghOuYctvo-4eL1vJCP9sY7eH6LRZZJazGAYq91-Xp-Wg41cILBn86RJC4Nz74MROVOce-pk2wj0qVJrt-hGirZIY0cpxBwxEwg0GMI3z0crGo6W5IoZ1xPRDBw/s1392/A_New_England_Album_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1368" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUs5RgXc5fCyVLRNGLg3d5wrDwt4QJ1msr8wlz0QDCL8o0UXbsdJx5Yh7miqWohhaMghOuYctvo-4eL1vJCP9sY7eH6LRZZJazGAYq91-Xp-Wg41cILBn86RJC4Nz74MROVOce-pk2wj0qVJrt-hGirZIY0cpxBwxEwg0GMI3z0crGo6W5IoZ1xPRDBw/w434-h442/A_New_England_Album_detail.jpg" width="434" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">All crystalled and ready for the show!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj126R9ETcE_TawE-2RRQnG_AqFqs0a4YElBU0FZwDA_An2eQpvWyXvZfxFQt9hD4crJlblcrbPYWcvkhqMP1nAeeVyPRKQRqF6rG2XX1ZB7XZ68HdmDod0zjHopBsFbleYuzvl1pyO0YBimxb8-318gYQVmMGfpYI3vNzqna21iiBioNU4sjxbQeoxXXQ/s5090/Crystals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3393" data-original-width="5090" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj126R9ETcE_TawE-2RRQnG_AqFqs0a4YElBU0FZwDA_An2eQpvWyXvZfxFQt9hD4crJlblcrbPYWcvkhqMP1nAeeVyPRKQRqF6rG2XX1ZB7XZ68HdmDod0zjHopBsFbleYuzvl1pyO0YBimxb8-318gYQVmMGfpYI3vNzqna21iiBioNU4sjxbQeoxXXQ/w400-h266/Crystals.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are crazy enough to want to make this, I'm sorry, you can't! The outer borders are not available for purchase-- you have no idea of the gnashing of teeth required to get them aligned-- resizing 1/2 percent, rotating 3 percent, etc. etc.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sent it in for the show, hoping for maybe a third prize-- it is well know if you get a top prize, you get a call. I was driving at the time-- I glanced down and saw "PADUCAH, KY displayed on my phone while it rang-- I almost crashed the car! By the time I pulled over, all that was left was a message. But it was extremely gratifying to say the least-- most of all, because I think machine embroidery did not get the respect that other quilting techniques do, and I think I helped change that.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SERIES FOUR-- The Language of Flowers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because the blocks I enjoyed most on the Baltimore quilt were flower baskets, a flower series was inevitable. I digitized from January's crocuses (<i>that's a bit optimistic for Maine weather-- heehee</i>) to December's crocuses. (<i>Also a bit optimistic-- our daffodils appear in April, to be truthful.</i>) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis_gBIOGkzJdB7XBs7ISCU2mGkxhP4E-6GAG5p74KrBx13P68rUxOHMnzyjnIZlzh6gxm_Y7G1VwJcw5pGTEvnaasUVzzJeo9RRYKd8kyj0UNKDO34oYBAUfWaMwiIhEkQ8zVtWN8ejfwWTjyA7sXRRCPWLmmUicbdn_bdT332581fhU3UVEoicqt6vE/s3974/Feb2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3974" data-original-width="3914" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis_gBIOGkzJdB7XBs7ISCU2mGkxhP4E-6GAG5p74KrBx13P68rUxOHMnzyjnIZlzh6gxm_Y7G1VwJcw5pGTEvnaasUVzzJeo9RRYKd8kyj0UNKDO34oYBAUfWaMwiIhEkQ8zVtWN8ejfwWTjyA7sXRRCPWLmmUicbdn_bdT332581fhU3UVEoicqt6vE/w630-h640/Feb2020.jpg" width="630" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So this is obviously photoshopped-- the center of the quilt exists as a fully bound finished item, (somewhere) and the outside borders are stitched (somewhere) and even the machine embroidered edging was started, and it is (somewhere.) This is a project that has just had too many interruptions for five years now, and currently, after the move, I could not really even put my hands on it. I do feel sad about this, but in my mind, I still think I will get back to it a future date-- don't we all have these precious things lurking in our closets? Then there is that gnawing feeling that our sewing days are finite. So that's all I have to say about that-- we all have these feelings, and we do all need to get our beloved projects out and we need complete them-- a New Year is a great time to plan this, isn't it?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SERIES FIVE-- The Cloud Club</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On to Series Five-- just because I love birds! I got my confidence up with the realism of the flowers and decided to tackle it. I quilted little scenes in the backgrounds this time:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdm_xVILWzguivSy_HMkm8z9Ul-IcBrMWcg9enQh3sNqul9T18_-MPaRgiKkoU3AG_8Njq9lWdgcp8cI2GSESkOAGd5VAt9xIAp-eoXlhct6fCC0nu1PlR1ee6TxMn-xM2YhQhRlo6oEFrUy4tyuLr4EAmFwsiJ5zXGHvL3O-7WluWcCsyI-0LTn9uatA/s3411/JayComp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2911" data-original-width="3411" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdm_xVILWzguivSy_HMkm8z9Ul-IcBrMWcg9enQh3sNqul9T18_-MPaRgiKkoU3AG_8Njq9lWdgcp8cI2GSESkOAGd5VAt9xIAp-eoXlhct6fCC0nu1PlR1ee6TxMn-xM2YhQhRlo6oEFrUy4tyuLr4EAmFwsiJ5zXGHvL3O-7WluWcCsyI-0LTn9uatA/w640-h546/JayComp.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPFPOkm9cx2RuebpkX00huD831kz_kCBPvTI_6qIEHnUSFl28rr3owtPDLtYB1PRkSi_rkR7yJ1w6MLufvRbmKCEnC9dhf5k-xB00F20AS9_Dhb1fDYylUrGWOg3hfdNJek8xvM6sYkXgf_pjNsYfdil5Dp-9hU1FH-Rjp_6ifVPKDwcFrv2eeroAj8Q/s3274/OrioleComp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3087" data-original-width="3274" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPFPOkm9cx2RuebpkX00huD831kz_kCBPvTI_6qIEHnUSFl28rr3owtPDLtYB1PRkSi_rkR7yJ1w6MLufvRbmKCEnC9dhf5k-xB00F20AS9_Dhb1fDYylUrGWOg3hfdNJek8xvM6sYkXgf_pjNsYfdil5Dp-9hU1FH-Rjp_6ifVPKDwcFrv2eeroAj8Q/w640-h604/OrioleComp.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3A-sripBaLrhimSCPtGPsl6TqBl-ei4F32EjFW0k66b_4QfLIArf2wekebvuO4_1iFlAI0FXTstQMavJdJzE1aAJRtun5HV2wWEEHz1l2oLIjJIDaj0IDvCl-Ogra1H_PzLbr0lGecUMxKssxIBYk2ilONWPwIy2s_hb-tsagl665ukT4ZbzJKznUCs/s2871/OwlQAYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2779" data-original-width="2871" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3A-sripBaLrhimSCPtGPsl6TqBl-ei4F32EjFW0k66b_4QfLIArf2wekebvuO4_1iFlAI0FXTstQMavJdJzE1aAJRtun5HV2wWEEHz1l2oLIjJIDaj0IDvCl-Ogra1H_PzLbr0lGecUMxKssxIBYk2ilONWPwIy2s_hb-tsagl665ukT4ZbzJKznUCs/w640-h620/OwlQAYG.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone LOVED this series-- it actually spilled into overtime with an additional five birds-- eighteen in all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw7X81C1L9U6em6bvumZuTSpsFiRHkakly5pzdwngF1FnPJfi4fwWIW0fqfykv2AkVzw70ND6GkQTvJNoeq7j69ijk2dOAHt4fukrb8sSs-OpQTwx_lR3jW41DhEME731nk9iqIExItDny6WHfzONa6OURXNNiw0FXesrN2ZOWl5QyJw3wfLL1cNHthU/s1451/18Birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1123" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw7X81C1L9U6em6bvumZuTSpsFiRHkakly5pzdwngF1FnPJfi4fwWIW0fqfykv2AkVzw70ND6GkQTvJNoeq7j69ijk2dOAHt4fukrb8sSs-OpQTwx_lR3jW41DhEME731nk9iqIExItDny6WHfzONa6OURXNNiw0FXesrN2ZOWl5QyJw3wfLL1cNHthU/w496-h640/18Birds.jpg" width="496" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And, the exquisite "Feather Block"-- some of my work is definitely more commercial, and some is more artistic-- but this is, in my mind, my "masterwork" design that I have ever produced in twenty years of doing this:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgCA7xr3y6nGOBKISYPcqHSNkwlbZsaNwOPIZnFNxa-j4vJO25BUjrX4WtZ3Q3oSFCds8Hbu6xvfmXdRhCYA6kmzm7q2SKKBzMf4I-Sn8ggtObJ3m1TJlbexJ0xZgou1FukjfMQnTcgVlhK1nRZchBMSwL052gaIXh2nGvilCsyNzTQsXFyuSbOuycMU/s2689/Comp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2689" data-original-width="2685" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgCA7xr3y6nGOBKISYPcqHSNkwlbZsaNwOPIZnFNxa-j4vJO25BUjrX4WtZ3Q3oSFCds8Hbu6xvfmXdRhCYA6kmzm7q2SKKBzMf4I-Sn8ggtObJ3m1TJlbexJ0xZgou1FukjfMQnTcgVlhK1nRZchBMSwL052gaIXh2nGvilCsyNzTQsXFyuSbOuycMU/w640-h640/Comp.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">But, I am definitely looking at the Cloud Club with pangs-- it is not even as far along as the Flower piece, and exists as separate blocks in a box somewhere-- another photoshopped finish. I've seen many finished quilts with ribbons-- you, my customers are killing it! This year?</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SERIES SIX: Cross Stitch of the Month</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So the birds spilled into a second year-- not much was ever really reaching the finished stage-- it was time for something a little easier. This was the year I knuckled down and learned a new software. Cross stitch is comparatively easy to design next to a Cloud Club bird! Off I went.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BjBwUDRtY4OAq0DezCDKM9zeDy3eZ0gy9B_SsUfINWx9ofMlbye9bpshcEwcaCjPapRAw3vMXNC_D-LEA1psafHNDCKPsOl7clUBU_rEK65AxUrzY-bZHAtDhM9y9PvpGoR405A_PNGwFldofDf8092knFswNvRL8KswidVs9wmT4zHVnftifkNixCs/s680/JanuaryComp-680x672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="680" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BjBwUDRtY4OAq0DezCDKM9zeDy3eZ0gy9B_SsUfINWx9ofMlbye9bpshcEwcaCjPapRAw3vMXNC_D-LEA1psafHNDCKPsOl7clUBU_rEK65AxUrzY-bZHAtDhM9y9PvpGoR405A_PNGwFldofDf8092knFswNvRL8KswidVs9wmT4zHVnftifkNixCs/w403-h398/JanuaryComp-680x672.jpg" width="403" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The pressure on machine embroidery prices is down, down, down-- have you noticed? And the popularity of cross stitch is up, up, up-- and these types of designs have really kept me open for business the past few years. They are basically "pixel" art-- easy to sketch, easy to digitize, and you can pretty much get them to work in one stitch out-- a Cloud Club bird can easily be three or four tries.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K9W9a659BaMME5l3o1I5Z3Rb3uzAAUXMqU6sDtcQZy5mb4FvKYmgEBD0qBeB54iW2NvWqhSWkYols73DXPax4mCxUXUACft95fve_oWWM0Qp6B4BgHSSLXUxaGZLVMVynPSw8zbX-RCqZCbgWQDMwpcm1VjVWlTAos6Y5d1fW7pqfFppo8NvoMxj_jk/s576/Blocks1to5x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="576" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K9W9a659BaMME5l3o1I5Z3Rb3uzAAUXMqU6sDtcQZy5mb4FvKYmgEBD0qBeB54iW2NvWqhSWkYols73DXPax4mCxUXUACft95fve_oWWM0Qp6B4BgHSSLXUxaGZLVMVynPSw8zbX-RCqZCbgWQDMwpcm1VjVWlTAos6Y5d1fW7pqfFppo8NvoMxj_jk/w424-h396/Blocks1to5x.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">So there were the original monthly designs the first year, and then I went on to make the holiday "specials." There are 11 of those now, and as soon as I figure out what #12 is.. Happy Anniversary? I will offer them as a set as well. "Series 5-1/2!"</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2hK38HsVyYmJW9k_AQxCNg6yTmMqUkV3bZjaztlk3aBHnVVyALSLPK6p7YpeY2tHoJCAOVFInxRidru0apAS8Jw1FAPGJ9XzRvzb2cSbV4unSU1n_3DVd_SL4pEqUwVuCQnMBRBz50hWSoy8c-OumfzomZ8kKkpHiHf9s5cIvem_ud9Ojy56hO2Q9Bw/s2316/ValentineComp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="2316" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2hK38HsVyYmJW9k_AQxCNg6yTmMqUkV3bZjaztlk3aBHnVVyALSLPK6p7YpeY2tHoJCAOVFInxRidru0apAS8Jw1FAPGJ9XzRvzb2cSbV4unSU1n_3DVd_SL4pEqUwVuCQnMBRBz50hWSoy8c-OumfzomZ8kKkpHiHf9s5cIvem_ud9Ojy56hO2Q9Bw/w429-h423/ValentineComp.jpg" width="429" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG6sKbb4P5sD77VPq105tkCNfbMyaWsrGr1h0Q6uu3LDWUZdl5BGjpqBUN0s2PDOMIc413GzPQME6o2MP3JJQHBcQG2dWBK-Z5mSto_2OwJrY9CRiKPvSwTR8DBVCZsEPWZURtooA9PNCmSmQJbYnjbEHFZO9ikSwPSeIaBqFQx16s4PDBsiI8ImbFpw/s2269/MothersDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1738" data-original-width="2269" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG6sKbb4P5sD77VPq105tkCNfbMyaWsrGr1h0Q6uu3LDWUZdl5BGjpqBUN0s2PDOMIc413GzPQME6o2MP3JJQHBcQG2dWBK-Z5mSto_2OwJrY9CRiKPvSwTR8DBVCZsEPWZURtooA9PNCmSmQJbYnjbEHFZO9ikSwPSeIaBqFQx16s4PDBsiI8ImbFpw/w411-h315/MothersDay.jpg" width="411" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZC-yZA0PMq8qkM7j7yz3EkrEgfypnPBneETLUOWo5bETzC-HI4ZBx2N3VOfAgwlyMUyymITlaJ1R3YOaOIUkDYKtI0axXj2-U3Yc1_xQUz9HVAajZJw1cSnSIV80Dh1P4LUDsGK16kWlbQu2qVnbNCBmiNiFfqBEtgg-ngMYcYk2R0uUoqM10MmjDMrM/s2844/PostcardComp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2747" data-original-width="2844" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZC-yZA0PMq8qkM7j7yz3EkrEgfypnPBneETLUOWo5bETzC-HI4ZBx2N3VOfAgwlyMUyymITlaJ1R3YOaOIUkDYKtI0axXj2-U3Yc1_xQUz9HVAajZJw1cSnSIV80Dh1P4LUDsGK16kWlbQu2qVnbNCBmiNiFfqBEtgg-ngMYcYk2R0uUoqM10MmjDMrM/w380-h367/PostcardComp.jpg" width="380" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have this photo in my files, "Marie" sent it to me-- that's all I know of Marie. Proof that mug rugs and quilt blocks are cousins! Marie-- if you are out there-- I'd love a better picture-- you are a scrap quilt GENIUS and I absolutely love what you did!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDXzgouIPAGVKR30UIgNJfp0KGfhT77MO-MIiANAMc843sk3m8v5EVKew3zRNDfpewGACPUKqds_0Im-TYHrHfzBdy0t3oUpUdOTbA-wdoUkWBS37lr7r30wHUtea6QKXxE63yOq8r7xgg2VpNvl3wnliGkj-WubEguh1ZOBepCDDJN2ojkXTl12RoAY/s4032/MariesFinishedQuilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDXzgouIPAGVKR30UIgNJfp0KGfhT77MO-MIiANAMc843sk3m8v5EVKew3zRNDfpewGACPUKqds_0Im-TYHrHfzBdy0t3oUpUdOTbA-wdoUkWBS37lr7r30wHUtea6QKXxE63yOq8r7xgg2VpNvl3wnliGkj-WubEguh1ZOBepCDDJN2ojkXTl12RoAY/w480-h640/MariesFinishedQuilt.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, none of the quilts are coming along in my studio-- but yours are! So that brings me to my most favorite time of year... State Fair time-- at the end of every summer-- you send me pictures of YOUR finishes-- most of which always have ribbons. So I can lament my unfinished work, but it does not compare with seeing what YOU do with the designs-- it is honestly the best part of being here. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So that's the first five years of Block of the Month-- I feel like I have tooted my horn too much in this post, but I hope I have inspired you to some finishing. Come back this weekend to see the last five, and find out about plans for 2024!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-25329075400235164312024-01-01T09:59:00.000-08:002024-01-01T09:59:43.603-08:00Happy New Year!<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> I'm willing to bet there's quite a few of you out there who want nothing more today than a little scroll through quilt-y content, a little sewing time, and just a tiny dinner after all that eating! I'm here for you-- happy to blather a little about this and that, to fulfill that first need.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I am SEW happy to say I have an extremely positive attitude this January 1st--- let's hope the circumstances of 2024 cooperate. First, I'm going to show you what Santa brought me, then what I bought myself-- haha! Then, just a tiny bit of sewing progress-- there hasn't been much-- and finally thoughts on what I'd like to digitize this year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> It pretty much sums up being an adult-- we can buy whatever we want, can't we? So my family always agrees not to go crazy at Christmas. That being said, I was really touched at all of the very thoughtful gifts I received. You could tell that much care went into selecting each and every item. Here I am, captured at an extremely emotional moment when I opened the gift of new lightning chargers for my phone.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWWY3YSCM1VonlJWhXNioeit9G-_QVHntHhOyFre1fk47M7ElrEZEzyptWafSn4lSkQINTa2JixhWeJPuVBCgT_hlJ4kHUhPuB4VFcAUK72KowvmC0SvsKFyMv9gTnLRSOW-u9vcMtqRGnW92TpYvMIILWLJbWmWCnPPiNxq9uq0pZIl0uhuDG2kPQa0/s3024/IMG_6467%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="3024" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWWY3YSCM1VonlJWhXNioeit9G-_QVHntHhOyFre1fk47M7ElrEZEzyptWafSn4lSkQINTa2JixhWeJPuVBCgT_hlJ4kHUhPuB4VFcAUK72KowvmC0SvsKFyMv9gTnLRSOW-u9vcMtqRGnW92TpYvMIILWLJbWmWCnPPiNxq9uq0pZIl0uhuDG2kPQa0/w640-h472/IMG_6467%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Santa also brought me a beautiful new down jacket-- I wasn't expecting one and it will sure come up handy in these colder winters than we are used to. I had to promise not to wear it in the coop! (This is the old coat-- (BTW, Buttercup is overwintering like a CHAMP-- still laying every day!)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyVHNdjnZ5L3sI9a3F9QjVHFTN6pklmJB_lYTnbuTv3scp4amSMTBl7HSwIz4iTiwaFFdeOJ7w4A6frraRzaTkPUJ5ZByQR0F9g0hxYRFHnq6YNC0xKgLiEJie54LR3xOIQ8MiC88z_ja6wxjYoA9LAfF5TzyABRFYkm-0ZRnSwsibz2vqDBcECdTxK8/s2364/IMG_9865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2364" data-original-width="1330" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyyVHNdjnZ5L3sI9a3F9QjVHFTN6pklmJB_lYTnbuTv3scp4amSMTBl7HSwIz4iTiwaFFdeOJ7w4A6frraRzaTkPUJ5ZByQR0F9g0hxYRFHnq6YNC0xKgLiEJie54LR3xOIQ8MiC88z_ja6wxjYoA9LAfF5TzyABRFYkm-0ZRnSwsibz2vqDBcECdTxK8/w316-h561/IMG_9865.jpeg" width="316" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Finally, I got this wedding photo-- if you are a fan of my blog, you know we have been under construction here for about a year. Like I always say, I knew I would have a beautiful home when I married an architect, but I never realized what it would take to get it. So my daughter's wedding this year was on top of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire-- wouldn't you know it, when we got up there-- construction was going on!! We had to beg the photographer to take this shot-- eschewing the gorgeous backdrops all around us-- but trust me, this was my favorite, and the most appropriate photo of the day.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZDXQ-sgQYXxOtbmRCU9tFrIlld4VMQbFQCFXi2lITl8BbONn48cH23lxjpJMDXy3ueU1LIUGZkN0Y-hUyu55uc_4vCo7z-WTnRwt0_KqbxjoO7dbNLCsZmSkMbA9T_Jy1DrFDsZWfnqiRkEvJ2NHMNX-Vhht9d4-WhP58SNBULfgM9e40lMY_9n-V9Y/s4032/IMG_6518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZDXQ-sgQYXxOtbmRCU9tFrIlld4VMQbFQCFXi2lITl8BbONn48cH23lxjpJMDXy3ueU1LIUGZkN0Y-hUyu55uc_4vCo7z-WTnRwt0_KqbxjoO7dbNLCsZmSkMbA9T_Jy1DrFDsZWfnqiRkEvJ2NHMNX-Vhht9d4-WhP58SNBULfgM9e40lMY_9n-V9Y/w640-h480/IMG_6518.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> So that was the Santa haul-- now, I had a few good chuckles to myself, as packages kept arriving for this one and that one well after Christmas! I guess we just each wanted to make sure we got what we really wanted. They were all making a mockery of me each time a fabric package came in, but believe me, they had just as many. Fabric stores should try to be more discreet. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Here are "my" packages--</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I bought the finishing kit for the December Sew Sampler box. Now, just looking at that ghastly green, I have to wonder why I did that. I just wanted to complete my box challenge-- completing all twelve Sew Sampler boxes of 2023. It's going to take the better part of January to wrap it up-- and I can already see it dragging beyond that. But I really want to. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> The Seasonal Stitchy Stars kit was a bit of an impulse buy. But nothing wrong with those colors! I don't have a table long enough for it-- but it would be easy to use the blocks for a squarer shape, or pillows. The pumpkin zipper pull was 50% off-- it is sew fun to add one of these to your pocket book.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55Zi-dO25eSNSz8bkpG68K6E1zE_jZe-BCKTzQ2gzksIv0RYmblkEF8kmC0GB0dFAwihgCbr-99r1bkpCgsTtsrPCCqKL_NgiwaRshPy-9zDyfYFyusykGz21FLKkmf2W8dXhb7-MfPR_wQnuXYzF9IrKQ788an9TMAgHGuj_0Bu1mP54-L8qKOZeX5E/s4032/IMG_6520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55Zi-dO25eSNSz8bkpG68K6E1zE_jZe-BCKTzQ2gzksIv0RYmblkEF8kmC0GB0dFAwihgCbr-99r1bkpCgsTtsrPCCqKL_NgiwaRshPy-9zDyfYFyusykGz21FLKkmf2W8dXhb7-MfPR_wQnuXYzF9IrKQ788an9TMAgHGuj_0Bu1mP54-L8qKOZeX5E/w640-h480/IMG_6520.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Then my Kona calendar and charm pack squares came in. What a feast for the eyes! The calendar has a quilt block each month-- and there a twelve months of Kona solid charm packs-- no two squares alike. I really hope I use them this year. As you see, there's a quilt-a-month-- no, thanks!-- or just make a block a month. Yes, please.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlFi_CD2t4NMEPMam72oH1O4-86tubTEq_Gp5sW_iPQxBWuZOAe0O18yH0qGRP71-c4h_XwVLg-YAItl3k4KwK4gTZAogQUPtlNjXwakGlcJ4Fu7w_BRrNqD24YULIFPnDS0qehPYdimqlVK_EcjFA-2UI9T5yKtTanMhyCS-SZP2vVA6WToGmFR3keQ/s4032/IMG_6519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlFi_CD2t4NMEPMam72oH1O4-86tubTEq_Gp5sW_iPQxBWuZOAe0O18yH0qGRP71-c4h_XwVLg-YAItl3k4KwK4gTZAogQUPtlNjXwakGlcJ4Fu7w_BRrNqD24YULIFPnDS0qehPYdimqlVK_EcjFA-2UI9T5yKtTanMhyCS-SZP2vVA6WToGmFR3keQ/w640-h480/IMG_6519.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9HCp3wY9tLK7ZWqM8PIoOtvNpaAnPXI6DikpmZ8Bu-QXf1tHJShGQfPFSQfsjtk9YCOLcrSPfLhw7fZ0UTKQbTHZQ7Ar3KmNIVJXgjYDm9c7HW8PeCui0A2seJ3MssBxwAz3oeVA7ItVY7E4nwaM0hFcxMu9xDJIqbzr0u9LfJFhivTDTQfM2SqZaGo/s4032/IMG_6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9HCp3wY9tLK7ZWqM8PIoOtvNpaAnPXI6DikpmZ8Bu-QXf1tHJShGQfPFSQfsjtk9YCOLcrSPfLhw7fZ0UTKQbTHZQ7Ar3KmNIVJXgjYDm9c7HW8PeCui0A2seJ3MssBxwAz3oeVA7ItVY7E4nwaM0hFcxMu9xDJIqbzr0u9LfJFhivTDTQfM2SqZaGo/w640-h480/IMG_6521.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Finally, the Tilda Christmas quilt fabric came in. I love her aesthetic and both the fabric and the pattern are just that little bit different from what you usually see. So want to make it! Just look at those little mice.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRQ8YvLI8LRhsVbXJTxZ_C_xAdNELwWjZFvEx0gRE_yplmUDkshY1-hKZPfCSfFIYCAmjjKFF1COt9wqlip9JkvBFblEY4T3_kKvycwN0jiLB3IPFMf79zRGToESTpCRCciF6GVrusI9ZeUowlIQXq9TQHXdv7CJO6TopooAm1qgCEj-Ekba24-AI54E/s4032/IMG_6522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRQ8YvLI8LRhsVbXJTxZ_C_xAdNELwWjZFvEx0gRE_yplmUDkshY1-hKZPfCSfFIYCAmjjKFF1COt9wqlip9JkvBFblEY4T3_kKvycwN0jiLB3IPFMf79zRGToESTpCRCciF6GVrusI9ZeUowlIQXq9TQHXdv7CJO6TopooAm1qgCEj-Ekba24-AI54E/w640-h480/IMG_6522.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV_OWd1HnCm-qtP7nXmbcCZgHia-giYL0UP_o8j5lfJ8XRgkofWluahQ5utC1oa7agI_W6uuXaiFJIdfZYxDDF64su-AUsBXe18XtrWvdGVa_OGUTesGqh0qPASWn-nGSmO1JPAiLgP_I1bO1Tf2yuqD76PKbv_Stmrb1D4wVnq_t_U13SybiD-m7bBA/s1806/IMG_6523.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1806" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV_OWd1HnCm-qtP7nXmbcCZgHia-giYL0UP_o8j5lfJ8XRgkofWluahQ5utC1oa7agI_W6uuXaiFJIdfZYxDDF64su-AUsBXe18XtrWvdGVa_OGUTesGqh0qPASWn-nGSmO1JPAiLgP_I1bO1Tf2yuqD76PKbv_Stmrb1D4wVnq_t_U13SybiD-m7bBA/w456-h640/IMG_6523.JPEG" width="456" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I do feel a bit guilty about my spending-- things are not cheap these days! Obviously I was working really hard last month and just starting rewarding myself. When am I going to have time to make all these things? So it's New Year's "diet" resolution time once again.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5YB2B-AdjwTkA0q9xCmaEqAxl1yR15-412QtcpEPWXNgjQIqyXUVpHxdk5J9tGUSC-IYsES5Ydj4kA8vCJqIE_lTcnTE61pIVYEZqeTmf2Pl0G2RLPDRuRn1Pv5GcvF586HeZpW4KrDUPRpoAmbiWbRPYXhTAifZEJzGittls3iMYhnxSIoXV6QR61c/s4032/IMG_6516%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5YB2B-AdjwTkA0q9xCmaEqAxl1yR15-412QtcpEPWXNgjQIqyXUVpHxdk5J9tGUSC-IYsES5Ydj4kA8vCJqIE_lTcnTE61pIVYEZqeTmf2Pl0G2RLPDRuRn1Pv5GcvF586HeZpW4KrDUPRpoAmbiWbRPYXhTAifZEJzGittls3iMYhnxSIoXV6QR61c/w458-h640/IMG_6516%20copy.jpg" width="458" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I did try to get at least 15 minutes of sewing in each night, but mostly failed. Too busy and too tired. My Alfresco quilt got the borders completed, and everything else is cut. I have corner stars and assembly to go. Do or die, this week-- I have a Jolly Box, and now the December box sitting around! Then, that's it for Sew Sampler challenge-- I'm keeping my subscription for the time being, but only making the ones I love this year. When I think back on the year, there has just been way too much pink.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEm4gXKW7ETlhoeoI7AzYlv-gw2fxVAEnRb3A8M_vpNERevppoUqnhJwwpngCSXGt-BJ7eXPlKXQVy7ZWVgko29O3ncDcZ9fFk2yHUTkMVb_ZYd-p6vFzvd1hZN5n9Us-KSo2nnixr4LPEF2zkEIZZEzkbU4wd0X5nnx5i2o2e8YeWg1KSQwK4nlBR0o/s3300/IMG_6528%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3300" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEm4gXKW7ETlhoeoI7AzYlv-gw2fxVAEnRb3A8M_vpNERevppoUqnhJwwpngCSXGt-BJ7eXPlKXQVy7ZWVgko29O3ncDcZ9fFk2yHUTkMVb_ZYd-p6vFzvd1hZN5n9Us-KSo2nnixr4LPEF2zkEIZZEzkbU4wd0X5nnx5i2o2e8YeWg1KSQwK4nlBR0o/w640-h586/IMG_6528%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> So I have to admit, whe I laid this out on the floor for the first time-- instead of a "WOW" moment, I got a "MEH!" I'm not totally in love with that purple... maybe there's a reason for all those white backgrounds in the Sew Sampler boxes. There goes my New Year's positivity, and it's not even lunch time! I guess I'll chalk it up to experience-- I am glad I tried something different. There ya go. And that's it for sewing last week.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I have a ton of ideas for next year's embroidery.. a complete fountain. I am bit gun shy of starting a new BOM-- the monthly commitment is a creativity crusher. I have some ideas, but instead of just diving in, I'm going to slip in sideways, and see where they go. The BOM so far is that I am going to make monthly holiday bowl fillers-- January's theme is going to be sewing-- we already did winter. And then February will be Valentine's Day and so on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I also had a cute idea for a monthly cross stitch village series-- temporarily named "Lands That I Love." The first would be "Winterland," the second, again for Valentine's Day would be "Heartland"-- maybe just "Ireland" for a St. Patrick's day theme. Here are loose sketches for the first two-- it is so nice to use a pencil again, I can't tell you. December was a month of staring at a computer screen.</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt0OKfI0JT6cEDJT1Bgeuvgxae00NA544dJ-62PiVEiTfFK_34xHjORYzE6p6BQMTVrOsjZMQ8fBNZMEkYOFlfF6qFzeq5ysMu6Eoi2kS2neeTFAkWjOOfENcqlSoPDn1i7tXdY788gn4BMo5t0LMy0Ls6LroznD4Gx3w37RBcrF1N5_aFevZOricejk/s3960/IMG_6525%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="3960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt0OKfI0JT6cEDJT1Bgeuvgxae00NA544dJ-62PiVEiTfFK_34xHjORYzE6p6BQMTVrOsjZMQ8fBNZMEkYOFlfF6qFzeq5ysMu6Eoi2kS2neeTFAkWjOOfENcqlSoPDn1i7tXdY788gn4BMo5t0LMy0Ls6LroznD4Gx3w37RBcrF1N5_aFevZOricejk/w640-h480/IMG_6525%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJisy4pCc88nxekxxMYzJT22Hc2uYT9lzJiCreKEh8h_tXX2LzzQkZS2yQ-mmbEloWs8mH__1oxyA6g8UKKKaBN8lueMUGzF1JLLsOXNXoQqU2wj6lh2vLQsvmF7z2Bf5jTBa0lfsdRC7t7EMYTvpGWc0yGrMNX8gxLlUgnJUfiiUyi9CBlJsYZdKYM6A/s4032/IMG_6524%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJisy4pCc88nxekxxMYzJT22Hc2uYT9lzJiCreKEh8h_tXX2LzzQkZS2yQ-mmbEloWs8mH__1oxyA6g8UKKKaBN8lueMUGzF1JLLsOXNXoQqU2wj6lh2vLQsvmF7z2Bf5jTBa0lfsdRC7t7EMYTvpGWc0yGrMNX8gxLlUgnJUfiiUyi9CBlJsYZdKYM6A/w640-h480/IMG_6524%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I happen to know a monthly cross stitch wreath would be extremely popular. Weigh in below-- thumbs up or down? What would you like to see?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> So that's cross stitch ideas-- yup, there are those of your who don't appreciate it. I had some comments at the time of the stitch-a-long-- you know, it was only the paying customers of 2023 who got it FREE-- so a few people commented they didn't like anything last year, too much cross stitch, that's why they didn't buy! Haha-- how's that for a way to ingratiate yourself? I do hear you-- but there were quite a few regular embroidery sets last year, but trust me when I say, cross stitch got the bills paid last year. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I do have many, many plans for regular embroidery. First up, because a 12 month commitment is hard, how about four months? I'd love to do LARGE Winter Twist blocks early this year. I loved doing them last year, and I'm learning to appreciate winter more in my current location! How about it?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VDEiDSjC3mow6qKI-73P3yhAst2VkWe1dh2UlPE0ibNMq779v_5MoFa9t2_xUczF1N5VUjykhqKquihkBCH1fuCHRHd1ImkBOvQC7lIYOs6889dh2xVzi1ggnQOo2AlYEWIwLja-X63Y9hVjWg7zTqSonxAdQ0vqwQMFitNLJVnBF3Z-nPcgRUBIUfI/s1216/Winter-Twist-Machine-Embroidery-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1216" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VDEiDSjC3mow6qKI-73P3yhAst2VkWe1dh2UlPE0ibNMq779v_5MoFa9t2_xUczF1N5VUjykhqKquihkBCH1fuCHRHd1ImkBOvQC7lIYOs6889dh2xVzi1ggnQOo2AlYEWIwLja-X63Y9hVjWg7zTqSonxAdQ0vqwQMFitNLJVnBF3Z-nPcgRUBIUfI/w640-h630/Winter-Twist-Machine-Embroidery-1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I also want to make a bunch of sewing themed things this winter-- always a customer favorite-- and NOT cross stitch. Thread Zen, anyone?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx88-0RJbGS_ljBUB0SoP6DNlsGkpsK3q4BDsCaWqcVeX7uP_9_S-TXS3k7I8QCX-4HclbVqhk1Brlu6TGUbacC2PjUBhgrVj8QbZgmKCrZ5DNNGKDN4E8sQWVLnBFiWcXm4pb6VR6tTxGYPSy9-xbPeTmWDy2NzK26xhPLoZ0A_ApkptElnvUvTYCUbE/s3312/IMG_6527%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2528" data-original-width="3312" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx88-0RJbGS_ljBUB0SoP6DNlsGkpsK3q4BDsCaWqcVeX7uP_9_S-TXS3k7I8QCX-4HclbVqhk1Brlu6TGUbacC2PjUBhgrVj8QbZgmKCrZ5DNNGKDN4E8sQWVLnBFiWcXm4pb6VR6tTxGYPSy9-xbPeTmWDy2NzK26xhPLoZ0A_ApkptElnvUvTYCUbE/w640-h488/IMG_6527%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Sewing snowglobes? Too much winter? Seasonal Sewing Snowglobes?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIAvY_qjguZH6KfIcStNgxEnxVQsDiDBZG7yTEavQzq8-QOFPnigzyUcRi4B2dRdORPlgf7qJKPFwY1NzKOleuP9iQLE31-uwgyGXG1acDM-Qtnma0QUJ3vroTgH1ZlKgX67rljRE7Mhm8LzoqLnYknHpQxxDeEPAEJnuEJHqTq2bI_V2UgrLNKzEQvU/s4032/IMG_6526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIAvY_qjguZH6KfIcStNgxEnxVQsDiDBZG7yTEavQzq8-QOFPnigzyUcRi4B2dRdORPlgf7qJKPFwY1NzKOleuP9iQLE31-uwgyGXG1acDM-Qtnma0QUJ3vroTgH1ZlKgX67rljRE7Mhm8LzoqLnYknHpQxxDeEPAEJnuEJHqTq2bI_V2UgrLNKzEQvU/w640-h480/IMG_6526.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"> And trust me, there are many, many more things swimming in my head for 2024! I was going to come up with a "Word of the Year," to focus my efforts. But the habit seems a bit silly to me-- does it to you? I am much more than one word.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Nevertheless the DD made me come up with a potential one-- drum roll, please. It is....</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">SELFISH!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEHbjvWnrTQqSI-eXLOZMNN_VZgiWXIhy4liQF9d8tUj6ihM5vZUeSO1RfSTtL3Z3QEX2t9g1kYzdyeZ3kIsGrG-QvfWaA2ExbdssTmS0IQOa3Vml1C1GjZzb_DCkNo5ZtYheXCZqha23NDA_2Ax66VP73CUmqdFugr02CQ8xyQ02VDSC6cQiqPvgwKY/s223/Capture5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="223" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEHbjvWnrTQqSI-eXLOZMNN_VZgiWXIhy4liQF9d8tUj6ihM5vZUeSO1RfSTtL3Z3QEX2t9g1kYzdyeZ3kIsGrG-QvfWaA2ExbdssTmS0IQOa3Vml1C1GjZzb_DCkNo5ZtYheXCZqha23NDA_2Ax66VP73CUmqdFugr02CQ8xyQ02VDSC6cQiqPvgwKY/s1600/Capture5.JPG" width="223" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I intend to spend a TON of time enjoying myself and sewing, sewing, sewing, and only coming out to pet chickens! <br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdmYApquR6axNJaKh3owjFAW2L1DqayJCTeNj4Td4Hwhe4bxoD1v2BcbS1x2mAMemmnN0N_wnIaU9tZCESMWtaGlfpYhXVrGdrzZMk5IW8SoUgKodqxDdv-dZzwQtHPy62AOUJqaQj0jUZkNrrH9tv0d8z54p6clEJNIDvHc6AQn69ZGUzZGePLwc8Tk/s4032/IMG_6506.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdmYApquR6axNJaKh3owjFAW2L1DqayJCTeNj4Td4Hwhe4bxoD1v2BcbS1x2mAMemmnN0N_wnIaU9tZCESMWtaGlfpYhXVrGdrzZMk5IW8SoUgKodqxDdv-dZzwQtHPy62AOUJqaQj0jUZkNrrH9tv0d8z54p6clEJNIDvHc6AQn69ZGUzZGePLwc8Tk/w640-h480/IMG_6506.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for reading and have a lovely first day of the year!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">xox</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><br /><p><br /></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-27388343223044336712023-12-24T08:53:00.000-08:002023-12-24T08:53:02.302-08:00Merry Christmas!<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> It is</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"> Christmas Eve morning-- I have my fabulous and cute customer thank you email all designed and scheduled-- the Chris-Mystery Ornament #4 is done-- just a little customer service and my job responsibilities are ended. But I really wanted to reach out to my blog friends with a little longer end-of-the year greeting-- love you guys!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSHsEAjk9SVjgvGSvfh_SLZ-zH3a8mA80xXwrD-RFUwg4S70pLHpJ7Tsc019doLaLIcwZdjd3qEli37zB0_nSFvTs6HCLCtv47-SJMjJevHnGvNsYlJQMCdCpJP5nCh00NrbTmiurHru7eCZwCK7lJPLXNEhHMYelhGJbREJZhaNijtgETnc6ciV0Bc/s1040/00IMG_0582%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1040" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSHsEAjk9SVjgvGSvfh_SLZ-zH3a8mA80xXwrD-RFUwg4S70pLHpJ7Tsc019doLaLIcwZdjd3qEli37zB0_nSFvTs6HCLCtv47-SJMjJevHnGvNsYlJQMCdCpJP5nCh00NrbTmiurHru7eCZwCK7lJPLXNEhHMYelhGJbREJZhaNijtgETnc6ciV0Bc/w640-h470/00IMG_0582%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Chris-Mystery series of four ornaments is complete! The annual stitch-a-long this month was definitely an afterthought this year. I was almost going to skip it, until a few people asked. I can’t do an all FREE stitch along anymore- yes, they create more customers as you would think-- they are a giant following of FREE people! And don't get me wrong-- that's fine, except when you have to pay bills. Shout out to a select few non-customers who were willing to do the unthinkable and pay $1.99 for the Christmas-Mystery this year! You are AWESOME!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGUwOivUe53dWYHDtIoQj-nG7mkhyphenhyphenPF29ULz2Nl6-yuigVZDnmVPolHuFLi1i4hC5YXZHYiXkFgzU0iBjGF0lm3XL2tn7E4ZILf_SkY0s32EYSFXROJrQO9MMZ2AVv4iJnF4jTXQBgCJ185seHBQgjkShQN89ziFUd8HodKds_rWWZAgQ5VEIZbV9d1U/s4032/IMG_6419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGUwOivUe53dWYHDtIoQj-nG7mkhyphenhyphenPF29ULz2Nl6-yuigVZDnmVPolHuFLi1i4hC5YXZHYiXkFgzU0iBjGF0lm3XL2tn7E4ZILf_SkY0s32EYSFXROJrQO9MMZ2AVv4iJnF4jTXQBgCJ185seHBQgjkShQN89ziFUd8HodKds_rWWZAgQ5VEIZbV9d1U/w640-h480/IMG_6419.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> We had a bit of glitch as you may have seen-- we lost power for three days last week! (<i>we are fine</i>). A tremendous rain storm came up the coast. So it rained on top of the snow we already had- everything melted and ran off the mountains in one big whoosh. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBZEIFwJIcXs_ribBRwSmSZpsvenlKE8d88-MM-blJ2yJiSNi6NtRCrfWhdkgSuzGYKv_sr3YCLgsmPiRNTe3rOEh_Lsnu9mzkATqqFe89b7WDCqf7QltNtAPBN_7YG-vbbmBsw4nxMLcrFA5PE0Klf0ETEmiYQFoFixRuaVeHTAd0fAbW3TONlfrQiU/s4032/IMG_6403x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBZEIFwJIcXs_ribBRwSmSZpsvenlKE8d88-MM-blJ2yJiSNi6NtRCrfWhdkgSuzGYKv_sr3YCLgsmPiRNTe3rOEh_Lsnu9mzkATqqFe89b7WDCqf7QltNtAPBN_7YG-vbbmBsw4nxMLcrFA5PE0Klf0ETEmiYQFoFixRuaVeHTAd0fAbW3TONlfrQiU/w640-h480/IMG_6403x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> When you picture Maine, picture those rocky rivers with men in waders fly fishing, water bubbling happily away. I wish I had been able to capture the pure, evil rage they turned into-- </span>a ghastly olive colored water reaching for the sky, and spraying and spilling over the banks. We foolishly tried to go to the post office the next day. We witnessed flooded farm fields, roads undercut by the water and caved in, missing decks from houses, and cars full of pine needles swept and left in the middle of the road. It was apocalyptic to be sure. We had to turn back.</p></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT00GofNwkQ-bbH5o60Hno3v6PZ8gsAqMhSX4pVzE9Ovixj2qR1_zRvvEkNiN_edjeITOpu18kqMNXcKT2eO_p_tkm73urJsrtSNWxNGNMYv2771NAMqWDuMjwT9ofTWicDOT3ZBk8hM9TfVmgFVoUPckGQ4rDb3zH2-cA8Z52wbO_x_PhdOELMJFf6lg/s4032/00IMG_6438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT00GofNwkQ-bbH5o60Hno3v6PZ8gsAqMhSX4pVzE9Ovixj2qR1_zRvvEkNiN_edjeITOpu18kqMNXcKT2eO_p_tkm73urJsrtSNWxNGNMYv2771NAMqWDuMjwT9ofTWicDOT3ZBk8hM9TfVmgFVoUPckGQ4rDb3zH2-cA8Z52wbO_x_PhdOELMJFf6lg/w640-h480/00IMG_6438.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I remember in California when there were mud slides--- the news people would always say, “This is in an area of million dollar homes,” to emphasize how tragic the situation was. But I’m sure those million dollar home owners had plenty of resources to help them. How much more tragic it was to see people who have very little to begin with then lose everything. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It really reset my flagging Christmas spirit to see everyone come together. It hasn't been a great year personally-- things happened that shouldn't have happened, and things that should have happened, didn't. The unthinkable even happened. This sign has become a bit of a running joke in this establishment-- at least we can still laugh.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzUyUICfNCSh5-gMK-6PcKRFqNz1pMhYN0h3x5FDtvPO_TQ96Q9MsJG3SATN3hd4CrOdp1GYSMp0qyn74YpBxvG7fC0-5vhMwRs9VP8gnYEY5-jWAzT0XUwzlAe_pV-fnB_ew_iZpLRySoP_djOe1kgYiUMglFWmMbHThRNbFnW16yOMmekJe4hiXtTw/s2048/IMG_0578.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzUyUICfNCSh5-gMK-6PcKRFqNz1pMhYN0h3x5FDtvPO_TQ96Q9MsJG3SATN3hd4CrOdp1GYSMp0qyn74YpBxvG7fC0-5vhMwRs9VP8gnYEY5-jWAzT0XUwzlAe_pV-fnB_ew_iZpLRySoP_djOe1kgYiUMglFWmMbHThRNbFnW16yOMmekJe4hiXtTw/w640-h480/IMG_0578.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It will just be four of us this year with a small meal-- I’m grateful.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And now for the sewing news-- the sew jo has returned, but the time has evaporated. Never fear-- the week between Christmas and New Years is one of my favorites. December 26th through Jan 1st-- all is finally calm and bright. All the stress of gift giving and meal making is over and everyone is on vacation. I'm really hoping to get a little down time, a little of sewing time, and at most just come up with a general direction for next year's designs.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW027xVC_ioIJJggje94g5q9K_H7ibZcKEVvaxuSvPUiYVuHvyKeuWa1YkI4yxkCeEM96sEa_0Rh_PJ24OPCux4jUSpY_7rwkYrNlcrt5rRBQNgMw9-8es_P-JoeZp9w_eZ8xNpidi9dgGC8nEjbMtCG4t38rQnFuE0b5KRGLg7yd8AvKgImTrs7vLpB8/s2048/IMG_0574.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW027xVC_ioIJJggje94g5q9K_H7ibZcKEVvaxuSvPUiYVuHvyKeuWa1YkI4yxkCeEM96sEa_0Rh_PJ24OPCux4jUSpY_7rwkYrNlcrt5rRBQNgMw9-8es_P-JoeZp9w_eZ8xNpidi9dgGC8nEjbMtCG4t38rQnFuE0b5KRGLg7yd8AvKgImTrs7vLpB8/w640-h480/IMG_0574.JPEG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> My goals for the past year were monthly and seemed to revolve around the Sew Sampler box subscriptions-- I think I crushed it, although there’s still plenty to finish up! This worked well for me-- I still don’t have a dedicated office and most of my unfinished work is still in boxes, patiently waiting-- it was perfectly acceptable to buy new fabric and start new projects. </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">So</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">here's what I have done in the past couple of weeks:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilc8e-gmWx6lqb32wk3UiXrbYdeoXRqXSG0JFpXsX3sjPj8T_9dbhpMpmaCH8ZhAZC116Q5mHFg5UKcDZRUUiecH6tOlOWd9vcBsxVY1jEERuPJda3K1Ehek9Os_1V298RNImFxn0s1qWaHMNfs6bZ7XLQcJisjjYsr1jvbpsNHklZJoAXQMvFhQdbTRU/s2048/IMG_0577.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilc8e-gmWx6lqb32wk3UiXrbYdeoXRqXSG0JFpXsX3sjPj8T_9dbhpMpmaCH8ZhAZC116Q5mHFg5UKcDZRUUiecH6tOlOWd9vcBsxVY1jEERuPJda3K1Ehek9Os_1V298RNImFxn0s1qWaHMNfs6bZ7XLQcJisjjYsr1jvbpsNHklZJoAXQMvFhQdbTRU/w640-h480/IMG_0577.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I was hoping to have my Alfresco quilt done the first half of December, and the Christmas “Jolly Box” done the second half-- not even close, but I did make progress. Maybe one of the animals on Tula Pink’s Besties fabric should have been a sloth. The four large stars are done. I had a little unforced error, as we say in the quilting big leagues, that I’m making work for me-- do you see it? In my defense, it was incredibly hard to cut a cute animal face in half-- I cringed every time-- this may be why people who don't like Tula Pink fabrics don't like her fabrics.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxiI5oYMhVpO9g8Q0Rko0mYHbQhurzdMthQmLWI7b8_vqlrA9gkpZu9vvXCEgCSJ9Ie_6Zc5GkjjlWn6V7scyqQ0y5-jTsx9fsNwQwzYMFtJ2y6kG3H-vG62rypamdYDw4kQCw1E40N-yRj-6iudsQQpPiIuEVCOqpwemxUyadSkos3hyphenhyphen_zo7dxQKpk0/s2048/IMG_0573.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxiI5oYMhVpO9g8Q0Rko0mYHbQhurzdMthQmLWI7b8_vqlrA9gkpZu9vvXCEgCSJ9Ie_6Zc5GkjjlWn6V7scyqQ0y5-jTsx9fsNwQwzYMFtJ2y6kG3H-vG62rypamdYDw4kQCw1E40N-yRj-6iudsQQpPiIuEVCOqpwemxUyadSkos3hyphenhyphen_zo7dxQKpk0/w640-h480/IMG_0573.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> For the Jolly box, I have seen pictures on Facebook of the candy quilt finished with the provided pattern-- it is cute, but I am offended by the candy canes without stripes on them. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWnT1xbeOxRVrlNs-zavw39VJA4dIn7yDK_s9_KugrArFKTlbis1RK36lKxc89IoYkaSXEbprI7KxDO1fjo8CbKLQTO4AUMcv-yTd9YVymj7yNsaGoOZM-Zi2y_nOKT0bK2VxvXGeSZ5JldXm0qUiQeGs8u8HtHKlfgvLGpsnxtOhx3hSw7SW9QZkShc/s2048/IMG_0575.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWnT1xbeOxRVrlNs-zavw39VJA4dIn7yDK_s9_KugrArFKTlbis1RK36lKxc89IoYkaSXEbprI7KxDO1fjo8CbKLQTO4AUMcv-yTd9YVymj7yNsaGoOZM-Zi2y_nOKT0bK2VxvXGeSZ5JldXm0qUiQeGs8u8HtHKlfgvLGpsnxtOhx3hSw7SW9QZkShc/w640-h480/IMG_0575.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And the prints are all large scale-- so I thought one of those quilts made of gift boxes would be perfect for the fabrics. I have all my fabric prewashed and an unintelligible sketch. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw1ZhWZooVaMN4OiP0M_Qb_Sfr93M7J7H-BTMRQffvbaM_jkeTwloMgLldoVxPszib2Jlpm18QgrvzLiAxMWbh2TV-ClN46IWOtMjqrmffFSa1nOefeOjCa9RzB7kItOi0E30Bb5qNk3nzWBg1shr7gfSpORk4rcfG7J1SY3r4dsnu-ZgaKgVO2QlF4w/s2732/IMG_0576.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2732" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw1ZhWZooVaMN4OiP0M_Qb_Sfr93M7J7H-BTMRQffvbaM_jkeTwloMgLldoVxPszib2Jlpm18QgrvzLiAxMWbh2TV-ClN46IWOtMjqrmffFSa1nOefeOjCa9RzB7kItOi0E30Bb5qNk3nzWBg1shr7gfSpORk4rcfG7J1SY3r4dsnu-ZgaKgVO2QlF4w/w640-h480/IMG_0576.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I also balked at the navy blue background and came to the conclusion that the dreaded PINK is the perfect color for the fabric. I made the pink less objectionable by choosing a grunge-- I'm still not quite succeeding at liking the color. I do have a really deserving friend who loves pink-- the idea of gifting it to her next year really makes me smile. Hoping to dig into it next week. I might go to an open sewing class at my LQS for dedicate time? Maybe 2024 is high time to get out there and show myself.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMs2FAA-gkw-E61N7fnGihZjQr4ARUCvvdoVkIhN21jqh9cSp1zEfnkUEAJozIfYrrCzQk3RGTG8KrjSVv_niD14ytBKqMgjnH5e4uCTJVaCqj0o2eTO0fXpi2Mo5vBHfgQz6l2cvdiQT-YFrPS2YwTleN-Mgh2rKS9j51msAOrw2q3v08pJZurb9g1Q/s2048/IMG_0570.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMs2FAA-gkw-E61N7fnGihZjQr4ARUCvvdoVkIhN21jqh9cSp1zEfnkUEAJozIfYrrCzQk3RGTG8KrjSVv_niD14ytBKqMgjnH5e4uCTJVaCqj0o2eTO0fXpi2Mo5vBHfgQz6l2cvdiQT-YFrPS2YwTleN-Mgh2rKS9j51msAOrw2q3v08pJZurb9g1Q/w640-h480/IMG_0570.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The last box of the challenge has been revealed and is on it’s way-- The December box. So the way they work is that they come really late in the month, I’m giving myself till January 31st to finish all the 2023 boxes. The fabric line for December is okay, (<i>yay! more pink!</i>) and the pattern is fine, so I’m doing something really different this time and making it the way it’s supposed to be! I even ordered the finishing kit from Fat Quarter Shop -- should be fun to not have to think (<i>read: overthink</i>) for a change. Fat Quarter Shop photo again:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MheUN7tPjGESguPcI4MYZRTdrUOYfXLkPlNJzvFxbsvflla3TOxamHri_zvD_8aE1_cdoS510PNvkLJgWqIL2DB6fvRc9G7wADvo-Xb1seXE-ImdYCCgQSNoZbyipKJW9tSbK_RJcp3MUhqxDmaEsaKZtDf3gg_qfP0LTP_2hui7lrYKWoaeeFDWxz0/s506/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="496" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MheUN7tPjGESguPcI4MYZRTdrUOYfXLkPlNJzvFxbsvflla3TOxamHri_zvD_8aE1_cdoS510PNvkLJgWqIL2DB6fvRc9G7wADvo-Xb1seXE-ImdYCCgQSNoZbyipKJW9tSbK_RJcp3MUhqxDmaEsaKZtDf3gg_qfP0LTP_2hui7lrYKWoaeeFDWxz0/w628-h640/Capture.JPG" width="628" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The box this month is CHOCK full of good stuff-- a ruler, a generous amount of fabric, notions-- I was thinking of stopping my membership next year. I don’t really intend to continue making something from every box next year. I'd rather pick things myself. But I think I will just continue on at least until April. I’m only going to make the ones which have fabric I really love-- the rest, I am going to quickly sell on the Sew Sampler Swap page instead of filling shelves. Don’t want those teal boxes collecting again! I am in the middle of the BOM, which ends in April-- and I've kept up! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs_KrL9txlaXBuDVZbaWDx_nmKOazPYcUFvPMm3-4riTlb5f_BSGlUWutyWawySIslFhoW5Hy23gS8fae7GNZ4FhN40M66F71nifZnzTeW-LCGzrPT1yek749fAfO0MuEdYRg8GDkQQjn5YDMbFcTWTPfEhiGXNPRN5fvaw9cyUC9nMCPd6DcAEtEgeA/s2048/IMG_0580.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs_KrL9txlaXBuDVZbaWDx_nmKOazPYcUFvPMm3-4riTlb5f_BSGlUWutyWawySIslFhoW5Hy23gS8fae7GNZ4FhN40M66F71nifZnzTeW-LCGzrPT1yek749fAfO0MuEdYRg8GDkQQjn5YDMbFcTWTPfEhiGXNPRN5fvaw9cyUC9nMCPd6DcAEtEgeA/w640-h480/IMG_0580.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In a weak moment, I also signed up for the Fig Tree Quilts quarterly box-- they’re more expensive, but Joanna Figueroa is popular, so if I don’t get something I love, I’m going to just list it on eBay. I do enjoy a subscription box.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcB40REl-XnwZuVuNYTxUyEHp6qNOwGG9V9kIQ7ora_GiujTt4ywiCv7iC_PIOKyW-zLDI6kwyJOy9UMzt41sKTDEkk0jOtkifW9WPqL1HSyKg2d7DXV98uEeB2fJNWv8dofMbNuYcXz7WE2qSUcKQlFmFGP0h_cjRcJH-tW61govKMpt4aPS3giavTA/s762/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="762" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcB40REl-XnwZuVuNYTxUyEHp6qNOwGG9V9kIQ7ora_GiujTt4ywiCv7iC_PIOKyW-zLDI6kwyJOy9UMzt41sKTDEkk0jOtkifW9WPqL1HSyKg2d7DXV98uEeB2fJNWv8dofMbNuYcXz7WE2qSUcKQlFmFGP0h_cjRcJH-tW61govKMpt4aPS3giavTA/w640-h442/Capture2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Did you see my funny meme on the San Francisco Stitch Co, page? I took my own advice-- twice! I bought the Kona calendar and the super expensive set of 12 charm packs to go with it from Fat Quarter Shop (<i>their photo</i>). The calendars are sold out-- you have to Google them at this point. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrnkY9b4pB-fszSMxD7T76CndLmMnHJPEnq1LQxeQ_ydoLLSRvs-dweNT8oFdFzg3OwfbmaXdz3laZn6dRI8laACJtttwelMZO-kIEtgwr1KYPEVvi-us_hzFxIwsAX8C-0C8lUdgLnZ03cYtEj5I5Fpu8_7fzJLV13jiKV_LqZIuOB7Q2JmqEW9-Eus/s498/Capture3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrnkY9b4pB-fszSMxD7T76CndLmMnHJPEnq1LQxeQ_ydoLLSRvs-dweNT8oFdFzg3OwfbmaXdz3laZn6dRI8laACJtttwelMZO-kIEtgwr1KYPEVvi-us_hzFxIwsAX8C-0C8lUdgLnZ03cYtEj5I5Fpu8_7fzJLV13jiKV_LqZIuOB7Q2JmqEW9-Eus/s320/Capture3.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then, I also had my eye on this cutest ever Tilda Christmas quilt for months. Would you believe the pattern is free-- but she can do that, because her fabrics are so cute, so it's hard to imagine this quilt made from my stale stash. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-a_mR32Qvp1iCVZchGXkfqJbKN6vkD1uyzw7Vj9LiigP36gFCyCP5uK7POllLAE7___ta8SfsAax2vyqQcSjHPVkGRos7nnU7E2sKgtMdADNVC3sksDhdEMq08Tr3VvtCBJqK7paF12iPINj6gfQR_-zhNYuvoASYvcUBoIv5-UGWLN13xg34_Uz0ho/s4032/IMG_6448.JPG" imageanchor="1" 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/AVvXsEgK-a_mR32Qvp1iCVZchGXkfqJbKN6vkD1uyzw7Vj9LiigP36gFCyCP5uK7POllLAE7___ta8SfsAax2vyqQcSjHPVkGRos7nnU7E2sKgtMdADNVC3sksDhdEMq08Tr3VvtCBJqK7paF12iPINj6gfQR_-zhNYuvoASYvcUBoIv5-UGWLN13xg34_Uz0ho/w480-h640/IMG_6448.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> When in the world will I ever have time to make all these things? In 2024 I’m trying for one finished quilting a quarter-- just have to figure out which ones. I'm toying with the idea of finishing two, allowing myself to buy one. But I really need to stop adding to my quilt kit collection. Someone is going to have a field day at my estate sale in a future year.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> My silly Christmas crafts came along-- again, one of the designs should have been a sloth! I started with the heart ornament, and this is about three hours in:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH0IG90STXCzW795hPWMOq9M41UeG1vafMe3O4A_zIx5ywkzEovdk3DlVv8piy-sYQJFt4IGhZRrhp-xNU82grJz7o2Snieh39UgVtxEtGCm5VjsyXVsV9m74pzW7B__-7smjw3JM_WgwqBlE6jvGKhAY9477DAjgv2_gObjduyg6Sw5rmDZDMub9JjE/s2048/IMG_0579.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnH0IG90STXCzW795hPWMOq9M41UeG1vafMe3O4A_zIx5ywkzEovdk3DlVv8piy-sYQJFt4IGhZRrhp-xNU82grJz7o2Snieh39UgVtxEtGCm5VjsyXVsV9m74pzW7B__-7smjw3JM_WgwqBlE6jvGKhAY9477DAjgv2_gObjduyg6Sw5rmDZDMub9JjE/w640-h480/IMG_0579.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> If that seems like a waste of time, consider that I also completed one and a half Hallmark Christmas movies while stitching it.</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGtiIKgyIJHqHASW6pDBIuGdlTE2p6ysoFRqDLrZgNAqU7a4Vq2W5l-xO56hwmK8-kcnVEfex4Pv8vLZ5GisjlmAy6xg5jMlq2WQEf9qFrz0H3X6Ajai_TCpgVt27iG2dHzUMu5gU854ocwSA3-robNPUoMBokWG02IJ7l-khiANVlVXf6DnrhGVXULc/s2048/IMG_0571.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGtiIKgyIJHqHASW6pDBIuGdlTE2p6ysoFRqDLrZgNAqU7a4Vq2W5l-xO56hwmK8-kcnVEfex4Pv8vLZ5GisjlmAy6xg5jMlq2WQEf9qFrz0H3X6Ajai_TCpgVt27iG2dHzUMu5gU854ocwSA3-robNPUoMBokWG02IJ7l-khiANVlVXf6DnrhGVXULc/w640-h480/IMG_0571.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> My folded star garland is just about there-- I'm planning to have it at the absolute last minute. Think of me at precisely 11:59 tonight-- I will be standing on a chair in the kitchen hanging it. I just have to string these beads:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0nkFnq3ILSEBfbVmw8avA4MOPWq54L9kKqKKXK_3tiMglSknafe9UmQeVseuTxXo59kHKmpXyojCERE-ty44U6thvl7YzS8t6JhNc-7fJ8b5vfJI8fcWSjBhYej1hNzUujzg46hBQf0hB0sPZybJ-033_IGFjetfIiUgY2XhLpDnL2eu__8CaaOsX2k/s2048/IMG_0572.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0nkFnq3ILSEBfbVmw8avA4MOPWq54L9kKqKKXK_3tiMglSknafe9UmQeVseuTxXo59kHKmpXyojCERE-ty44U6thvl7YzS8t6JhNc-7fJ8b5vfJI8fcWSjBhYej1hNzUujzg46hBQf0hB0sPZybJ-033_IGFjetfIiUgY2XhLpDnL2eu__8CaaOsX2k/w640-h480/IMG_0572.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> You should have seen me trying to thread the bakery string through the beads-- but by the time I finished the last one, I could do everything perfectly. I never got back to my hot pads-- next year!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's how everything stands at the end of 2023. Charles Dickens, for the Christmas win: "</span><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way." </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="color: #202122;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gRULxkJ-5vKMDGCMaot8iOT3tcu0juxTftTOQxZk1kwPxd-TehTJhQneMslhUvq_n-5_6KQoj-wHI1ABVOqv1eZrHhfhtOkzaqwQo95bVcBEhLIR1OA1nyB_vqjGHtq5DuWloAd2vAMamZPeISMCwL6BpSwWF5wI61-_DqRCW8I5i4DHF9IxLIYumSE/s4032/IMG_6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gRULxkJ-5vKMDGCMaot8iOT3tcu0juxTftTOQxZk1kwPxd-TehTJhQneMslhUvq_n-5_6KQoj-wHI1ABVOqv1eZrHhfhtOkzaqwQo95bVcBEhLIR1OA1nyB_vqjGHtq5DuWloAd2vAMamZPeISMCwL6BpSwWF5wI61-_DqRCW8I5i4DHF9IxLIYumSE/w640-h480/IMG_6390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Wishing you a Merry Little Christmas, <br />whatever your circumstance is this year.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">xox</span></div><span style="color: #202122;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Carol</span></div></span><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-83980238295180661492023-12-13T10:44:00.000-08:002023-12-14T03:18:02.849-08:00Twelve Little Joys this Christmas...<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Well the sew-jo has returned, but the time has evaporated! Sound familiar? Instead of showing projects this week, I want to share a few of my favorite things I'm enjoying this Christmas-- maybe they will bring you a smile, too! In full disclosure, I receive NO commission from this blog, and some of the "simple joys" might be hard to resist and also EXPENSIVE-- particularly the set of twelve chickens. You are forewarned. Let's go!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b> 1. See's Candy </b>So this is a thing I discovered during my time in San Francisco-- when you think of San Franciscan chocolate, does Ghirardelli come to mind? Heavens, no. Grandma Sees has the best of chocolate of them all--I discovered her in a mall shop near my home in Dublin, CA when we lived there. They would actually give anyone who set foot in the store a "free" chocolate-- boy, did I ever get sucked in. Those free candies have cost me quite a bit over the last 20 years! Thank goodness for mail order-- my beautiful sister sent me a box as my gift, this year. I promptly turned it over to my DD, with the instructions to just give me one a day, a role she seems to really enjoy. Added bonus: They always have such nice tins for the holidays-- what sewist could resist a tin?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4JnQNQCqkuWIB-HGm5YUd4-3gvjf89id2OLGe-x2WFoXSpTumnN99Sd6qekDRiGUw9INBRsctZnvIPm3vnXpaRVW0CTPeEi6FGLsUh2CTPeL80mZDYrwjGKXXgwDGK1wEVYrUYvC3kBVrm6SC0_rhbjlQGfNNWrQ_3BYP9m6aK8Kn2ClhzyusmsmPUQ/s475/sees.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4JnQNQCqkuWIB-HGm5YUd4-3gvjf89id2OLGe-x2WFoXSpTumnN99Sd6qekDRiGUw9INBRsctZnvIPm3vnXpaRVW0CTPeEi6FGLsUh2CTPeL80mZDYrwjGKXXgwDGK1wEVYrUYvC3kBVrm6SC0_rhbjlQGfNNWrQ_3BYP9m6aK8Kn2ClhzyusmsmPUQ/w378-h640/sees.JPG" width="378" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b>2. Silly Christmas Crafts</b>. One of the great loves of my life-- craft projects of any type. Ahh, the joy of assembling any little thing with instructions not written by me. Many of you will recognize the name Herrschners-- I so enjoyed getting their catalogs back in the day before the internet, and they came to mind a couple of years ago and I was delighted to find they were still around with a website. They've got it all-- felt, yarn, paint, pony beads. This year, I snagged these cute felt ornaments, and I can't get my mind off the Perler bead Christmas craft set that's currently on sale. So enjoyable to just zone out and let your hands do the work. I also got the cute set of plaster ornaments at Michaels for $4.99. All will be ready for Christmas 2024, I swear!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEB_eccAi0zF5g03WqVd6SCOZci9ORHk3E7NqpG1N6DJ3ly6lfDZbUWwmk-SwGbzL1jK-Qn3s2j98fP8-MYFc41S5mKLIzShkZRIaAMJouM0NAreW8wmGqGH4XnM4gMJkjspE-HAa0BHZH8f44x_PB3gP9wfnAsbuMzZ2-2tqm6imf12ZrnKABwJEyQo/s4032/IMG_6363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEB_eccAi0zF5g03WqVd6SCOZci9ORHk3E7NqpG1N6DJ3ly6lfDZbUWwmk-SwGbzL1jK-Qn3s2j98fP8-MYFc41S5mKLIzShkZRIaAMJouM0NAreW8wmGqGH4XnM4gMJkjspE-HAa0BHZH8f44x_PB3gP9wfnAsbuMzZ2-2tqm6imf12ZrnKABwJEyQo/w640-h480/IMG_6363.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b> 3. Chickens.</b> I say this with absolutely no pride and only the facts-- if the bottom drops out of machine embroidery, I am hitting it out of the park as a egg farmer. Every morning, my precious sweeties get oatmeal-- every afternoon a bowl of grapes. It is delightful to see how fast they can peck up those grapes-- making even my highest rate of consuming Sees candy seem dang respectable. The rooster is such a gentleman-- he's the handsome guy in the back there--he lets the hens eat first. He steps up to the tray, looks to the right, looks to the left, then slowly chooses a grape and steps back. In an instant, a greedy hen will peck it right out of his mouth. Eventually he will step forward again, look left and right, choose a grape, only to lose it again. By the time this process is repeated three times, the grapes are gone. I love him, and I could watch this every day for years.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi8a4mr02q_OrDID0m9TgljgVcRujubiP6sQMq4MJ7zDcb8AsrKqz36rdwxoIg3a8Jflbqi9IOXEXBpyU6FqMxqwhwoS9eAvJ0SQ2rDOBjTbHLDkvgITJNTWdE0D8_LJZOPdTYz7ePeYohy-iz-7cvuUHiqkPH7_g9rDwCU433669YRT4Idm-G_OqkSY/s4032/IMG_6264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi8a4mr02q_OrDID0m9TgljgVcRujubiP6sQMq4MJ7zDcb8AsrKqz36rdwxoIg3a8Jflbqi9IOXEXBpyU6FqMxqwhwoS9eAvJ0SQ2rDOBjTbHLDkvgITJNTWdE0D8_LJZOPdTYz7ePeYohy-iz-7cvuUHiqkPH7_g9rDwCU433669YRT4Idm-G_OqkSY/w640-h480/IMG_6264.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b>4. The Jingle Ball. </b>So this was a thing I saw advertised on Instagram last year, and I made a mental note to do it this year. It's a virtual cross stitch convention, happening the first weekend in December. For a $10 ticket, you get free cross stitch designs from twelve designers, the chance to work at Zoom tables with various groups of people-- "New England Stitchers," "Antique Sampler Stitchers" and what not. Or there's a "speed dating" area, where for five minutes you randomly stitch with a random person, then switch again. There's a shopping area, and a main ballroom with entertainment. So, I didn't really have time to enjoy it for hours like others were doing, but I fantasized that I was still living in my first Brooklyn apartment, never married, and stayed at my same job for 30 years. And I had all weekend to sit around in my jammies and virtual party at this thing with no responsibility. It was a beautiful dream, but like George in "It's a Wonderful Life," I did end up wanting to get back to my real life. So this event is over now, but I'd definitely do it again, just for the shopping and the spectacle of it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjJx-XAnKq81IluUXnISC5viUfwRRLNHXm-PnXifXJCUOICsepRXtrVMgv10U3dCH5EvscvI5ZduVgZo-amXWZe9fERdZqaE2Bo5ZLB7hlz9NxD8hWIg-xi_kEY_fjSHRa1HJPn6ddshzuh0OrGw2pqMs2DGn41w0gEloDrgmP7HesgxR0eOqy6RN4TE/s3784/IMG_6365%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2664" data-original-width="3784" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjJx-XAnKq81IluUXnISC5viUfwRRLNHXm-PnXifXJCUOICsepRXtrVMgv10U3dCH5EvscvI5ZduVgZo-amXWZe9fERdZqaE2Bo5ZLB7hlz9NxD8hWIg-xi_kEY_fjSHRa1HJPn6ddshzuh0OrGw2pqMs2DGn41w0gEloDrgmP7HesgxR0eOqy6RN4TE/w640-h450/IMG_6365%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b>5. Folded star ornaments.</b> How long have we seen these batting around the internet? I finally did make some of these this year, and I really enjoyed it. Now you can always count on me to tell the truth about things-- so I have to dispute the folklore that this would be a fun family activity. First of all, one star uses a heck of a lot of fabric! Four 4" x 14" pieces-- that's the better part of a fat quarter! So with the price of fabric these days, you're not gonna make a killing at a craft fair. Second thing, ironing is involved- a lot of ironing. And the final nail-- it really takes a good deal of concentration to figure out how to do it- and then, do it neatly. So that rules out the kids and just about everyone else in the house--except for the person who is good at wrapping. Do it with that person if you must have a group activity. I made twelve stars (<i>oops! thirteen... there I go, overachieving again!</i>) over the course of about a week-- I ordered big wooden beads to string together and make a garland. I'm pretty well set to have this for this year-- I'll be sure to take a picture! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd7vZOEJb-CSuRgDWhG1hnh74ciVaWr5jSbbp5m0pEON78assMsz5mkkbz5oums1Uc-TSfJ3AwuY5P302Ub2rcwRhE-i-YmP6oFdE1-pSGO2AK8lvBK9c4JJ6HrVIgst8XPkkWunzsRIOZIgk72mMjtcfkGmCcv_mGr2gtfrTeTKCltglOyePi6IeJ0o/s4032/IMG_6362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd7vZOEJb-CSuRgDWhG1hnh74ciVaWr5jSbbp5m0pEON78assMsz5mkkbz5oums1Uc-TSfJ3AwuY5P302Ub2rcwRhE-i-YmP6oFdE1-pSGO2AK8lvBK9c4JJ6HrVIgst8XPkkWunzsRIOZIgk72mMjtcfkGmCcv_mGr2gtfrTeTKCltglOyePi6IeJ0o/w640-h480/IMG_6362.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b> 6. Jazzy Café.</b> So this is a channel on You Tube, and boy, if you think Kimberly Jolly is killing it with monetization on her hour and half shows, she's got a lot to learn. Jazzy Café is beautifully digitized virtual environments-- choose your cozy corner-- snow is falling, people are walking by on the streets, there's always a roaring fireplace and comfy seating-- all in an endless loop. And jazzy music-- Christmas music, or not. So this is what I put on and just let it roll for hour upon hour, pretending I am working in some beautiful place. Highly addicting, super relaxing, and I'm sure a big money maker for the genius who creates it. Jazzy Cafe is really the only thing I can watch/listen to while sewing without frequent need of a seam ripper. Highly recommend.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaQKAMocEV1gDmWQ5cA0NeSrNasVWwdvxClUQ2VTYHy5tUvdVJUvOGqodsBXJyIQuBTxBdlHTJWTcRM1-9u2AdRaNojdUg4WVXm1GX20PeuIUPQyqKq49pVTQ_WuxZvVu42m40NssiAKZTiPhAJIZcpZpf6i0G33pVKE5fXjaUows0WjbGRm_HjNXrfM/s1242/Capture.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1242" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaQKAMocEV1gDmWQ5cA0NeSrNasVWwdvxClUQ2VTYHy5tUvdVJUvOGqodsBXJyIQuBTxBdlHTJWTcRM1-9u2AdRaNojdUg4WVXm1GX20PeuIUPQyqKq49pVTQ_WuxZvVu42m40NssiAKZTiPhAJIZcpZpf6i0G33pVKE5fXjaUows0WjbGRm_HjNXrfM/w640-h364/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b> 7. Snapfish.</b> Back in the day, when the kids were growing up, I was an avid scrapbooker-- it makes me smile, but some of the fabric designers like Basic Grey and Echo Park got their start with paper. This is before everyone just kept their photos on their phone. So at some point, when the coast to coast moving started, probably around 2008, the scrapbooking pretty much stopped. My whole family just loves pictures and nostalgia-- so this year, I uploaded all my photos from a past Christmas and in an afternoon, created an entire 20 page scrapbook on Snapfish. Their interface is super easy to use-- in fact, it will just add all your photos to the book for you, and then you just add text and cute graphics. My 8x8 book was $32-- it's a surprise for Mr. SFO. It was just really pleasant to go back a few years and make this thing-- I'm thinking next year, I may do a bigger projects starting with 2008? Like the quilts, the scrapbooks are waiting to get finished and I still believe they will! On the plus side, I always kept my photos super organized on my computer, and while all my scrapbook supplies are still boxed up after the move, Snapfish could fill a nice niche for me with something I really used to enjoy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKG_c7yE7zUIlEamzmFNs0mWA_b5Fg88zit095nQjfys8eJWKPrsxfNwu6ZzmCiR2vQTHRhOadj-yTWWa7037T1etA2T_ZJ7ZEGgiXSaR6z8skKm2HbV9u3qtRaa96NZ9jTG09lz2vvcVLvlJSmO_PgTHz2f1PLn3cQ_gEvDSjb5ZoFl3aKs1jlKyv2w/s736/Capture2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="736" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKG_c7yE7zUIlEamzmFNs0mWA_b5Fg88zit095nQjfys8eJWKPrsxfNwu6ZzmCiR2vQTHRhOadj-yTWWa7037T1etA2T_ZJ7ZEGgiXSaR6z8skKm2HbV9u3qtRaa96NZ9jTG09lz2vvcVLvlJSmO_PgTHz2f1PLn3cQ_gEvDSjb5ZoFl3aKs1jlKyv2w/s320/Capture2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSEnuOuc4hid2O5xhClrI4BTgi04EK9YNZWuRKGaXjg0zsxQhgmr3NseUg-PwE9m6SgPPFuNfjhoP5pQNMhRZHcZpLJy3GTrNejPSt32vLAvGChUPD9SSSbZ_0cbgUqTSnNqd5TIkhFivjiq1Tuz35fguWDx5qZ2F9mWX9hS7jxcKForLpzNoB1PkMk4/s1431/Capture3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1431" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSEnuOuc4hid2O5xhClrI4BTgi04EK9YNZWuRKGaXjg0zsxQhgmr3NseUg-PwE9m6SgPPFuNfjhoP5pQNMhRZHcZpLJy3GTrNejPSt32vLAvGChUPD9SSSbZ_0cbgUqTSnNqd5TIkhFivjiq1Tuz35fguWDx5qZ2F9mWX9hS7jxcKForLpzNoB1PkMk4/w597-h304/Capture3.JPG" width="597" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b>8. Kona Calendar.</b> Now a half hour jog is fine for some, but new quilt projects to make is a bigger endorphin producer for most of us! I saw this Kona calendar quilt for next year-- it is made of a different color of their solid fabrics every month and it is STARS. Fat Quarter Shop is selling charm packs for each month-- it's a bit pricey, but I'm hugely tempted. So what that I still have the Barn Star, the Dessert quilt, and the Cookie Tin star quilts to make. What do you think? I could always just get the calendar and see what happens...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz0zeCjvkPiBoBjqSYnUC2-Uky6gSXZEBrc8jWF2GgNYKrAmlsrn6g2-G5xFCy8Hhn1NGK-NiYJdVQtEQEVyhIBXgt6aNWkGQSgYHB-MexAg0FWQunjxg9YOjdomn-qNu8ZT5nQ7uImxqXg9knc1NPGGnZRE2EqXx_bRbPySlZitqgYiBxVwL1G068CQ/s733/Kona.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="733" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz0zeCjvkPiBoBjqSYnUC2-Uky6gSXZEBrc8jWF2GgNYKrAmlsrn6g2-G5xFCy8Hhn1NGK-NiYJdVQtEQEVyhIBXgt6aNWkGQSgYHB-MexAg0FWQunjxg9YOjdomn-qNu8ZT5nQ7uImxqXg9knc1NPGGnZRE2EqXx_bRbPySlZitqgYiBxVwL1G068CQ/w356-h347/Kona.JPG" width="356" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b> 9. Dunkin Donuts.</b> I guess I'm a simpleton at heart-- but yes, I run on Dunkin, and they're paper hot cups this year are really tickling me, In fact, I have saved them to reuse at home. And the vanilla creme filled donut has been my lifelong love, in case you wondered. Thankfully, even though there are fewer street corners in Maine, there's still a Dunkin on every one of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoDtS09mS2c2RlOgODYXQAGxlVYg_XdSxy6e-bZ4E1o7pJcnEg3Ubch0SWNzGOyFG8YHF4vchkUKquoBGnv5w8-QpknXqgsiCHGwPG1HFYAIGWfEM-jReazQj74ohnzDjago2T7VJbhAwXFCJWHBzAMTKPX3QfljxsWWWhft3wtwzaTWSVwGFk5Bse0I/s4032/IMG_6369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoDtS09mS2c2RlOgODYXQAGxlVYg_XdSxy6e-bZ4E1o7pJcnEg3Ubch0SWNzGOyFG8YHF4vchkUKquoBGnv5w8-QpknXqgsiCHGwPG1HFYAIGWfEM-jReazQj74ohnzDjago2T7VJbhAwXFCJWHBzAMTKPX3QfljxsWWWhft3wtwzaTWSVwGFk5Bse0I/w640-h480/IMG_6369.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>10. When Christmas decorating happens by itself. </b>So Christmas is a bit of a shell game here-- who will be the first to suggest we get a tree? We have actually gone up till Christmas Eve without one in past years! To redeem myself, I do like to leave it up well into January-- it gets me though the hard part of winter. Thankfully the DD and DSIL took responsibility this year-- cut, set up, lights, and decorating all! To redeem myself again, let's just remember Mr. SFO usually takes little interest beyond the chain saw part. So while the kids were out of the house, I did this by myself for many years. Trust me folks-- this was better. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrfkEObksLhKQr_chUhFBB9IgHTqTbyBljG12CODO5tc2LGfcG_V4Ksgl68UllUO3EIFt8LV-UbOUExOt6GTtzn5LGti7jiBrnbcrxM4rfkLovUKiuFLyxH8QHeBzvN81voqIwQRYBlnRiHXAodF26StEzM8h8YpKDiw-S6n0BaMOltkf0VCFhJb8IfE/s4032/IMG_6343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrfkEObksLhKQr_chUhFBB9IgHTqTbyBljG12CODO5tc2LGfcG_V4Ksgl68UllUO3EIFt8LV-UbOUExOt6GTtzn5LGti7jiBrnbcrxM4rfkLovUKiuFLyxH8QHeBzvN81voqIwQRYBlnRiHXAodF26StEzM8h8YpKDiw-S6n0BaMOltkf0VCFhJb8IfE/w480-h640/IMG_6343.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><b> 11. Home Goods Store. </b>If you are in a situation where you just don't want to decorate-- I'm at an age where I perfectly understand! Just go to your local Home Goods store and take pictures-- ours was amazing-- groaning with every style of décor in every department-- food, kitchen, linens. Of course, if other people are willing to decorate, I'm willing to finance-- look at this beautiful boy I snagged for $40! I'm in love.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVZvcvIAY3GtAZFwckDkbiwcYJTJ6R0lhgAhkqg8grJ8Xi9Yn9Vpt4FFLaXwxHfaLK5nJ62Pi7V-u2VijzzxKM4zA5mXxoTY5WIuu0f_z_o0AxCmR2oqX-pXZ18ROrbRcDZv5n_Ow_WlO-W136LyN40j67UZkpZNdvlMxg2rlCLwi7U3UoIweQiWv93M/s4032/IMG_6367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVZvcvIAY3GtAZFwckDkbiwcYJTJ6R0lhgAhkqg8grJ8Xi9Yn9Vpt4FFLaXwxHfaLK5nJ62Pi7V-u2VijzzxKM4zA5mXxoTY5WIuu0f_z_o0AxCmR2oqX-pXZ18ROrbRcDZv5n_Ow_WlO-W136LyN40j67UZkpZNdvlMxg2rlCLwi7U3UoIweQiWv93M/w640-h480/IMG_6367.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b> 12. Winter Joys. </b>Here we are in the Western Mountains of Maine, proof that life takes some surprising turns. Historically, I'm not a huge fan of winter-- but when I married Mr. SFO, I knew he was a mountain man, and he promised me a Florida vacation every winter. So every day, I bundle into my long down coat, and go outside. I walk up to the mailbox, looking through the birch to the blue sky. I take in the Bigelow Mountains at the top of the driveway and check for happy mail. Then, I stop at the coop to look for eggs. Next, it's downhill to our sweet cabin-- almost completely renovated with the hope of plenty of company! And down through the deep forest to the lake, which each day has a different mood. Here, I stop to think how quiet it is in this place of White Christmases and a thousand more simple joys.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy1qmsjetzG2OUEnx8dHD83NXGgrDPeUaGBjuiWcbpY4Ve2j-r98HbGmpt0UXB24K-Duz4aD9w3OpKfNeCRRdyjJPWr6YG1MXWhDAh53p2HSoxBx_lOtrrHpYIgGTmx4SyqhKZ3pt8hQQ7JpmXIy5aHogIzdNQNfcLsw941NfEtDAfncDWXCTPZ2A1Dg/s4032/IMG_6291.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy1qmsjetzG2OUEnx8dHD83NXGgrDPeUaGBjuiWcbpY4Ve2j-r98HbGmpt0UXB24K-Duz4aD9w3OpKfNeCRRdyjJPWr6YG1MXWhDAh53p2HSoxBx_lOtrrHpYIgGTmx4SyqhKZ3pt8hQQ7JpmXIy5aHogIzdNQNfcLsw941NfEtDAfncDWXCTPZ2A1Dg/w640-h480/IMG_6291.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-84920164939435176042023-12-04T05:20:00.000-08:002023-12-04T18:00:48.922-08:00<p> </p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://sanfranciscostitchco.blogspot.com/2021/11/a-history-of-chris-mystery.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A History of Chris-Mystery</span></a></h3><div class="post-header" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3746692869175750603" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 726px;"><p style="color: #666666;"></p><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> As we get ready to start our Christmas Stitch-a-Long this year, I thought we might enjoy a little stroll down memory lane. Can you believe this will be our fourtheent year of Chris-Mystery? They started in 2011. Many of you have been with us since than and some even since our start on eBay in 2003. xoxo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">So, the Chris-Mystery idea began as a Halloween stitch-a-long all those years ago! We had been doing "Friday Freebies" to generate some traffic, and it occurred to me that something on a larger scale might be more fun. Each week, we released a letter-- this is where the poems began, too! Here's our very first instruction sheet. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIwUJwMHPGMcMcPjN7xM7oMDclMuI4Oc1DJHulJAp76WU5NSvl07eUXrJwO3XyOOBQskRi0lMCby_ikuporQ9iofTUXnkyz5naDi7JskHC3K7o2KQRkQn4UcDJqp-v78rO36AzMQVNV8/s1650/MusteryStitch1_Instructions.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIwUJwMHPGMcMcPjN7xM7oMDclMuI4Oc1DJHulJAp76WU5NSvl07eUXrJwO3XyOOBQskRi0lMCby_ikuporQ9iofTUXnkyz5naDi7JskHC3K7o2KQRkQn4UcDJqp-v78rO36AzMQVNV8/w640-h494/MusteryStitch1_Instructions.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Pretty cute, huh! If you told me I would be expanding on this tradition through fourteen years of stitch-a-longs, well, I just wouldn't have believed it.<br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA43TYhE2BMThCJdsiDG31UtP5V6LCSvEL9gygA54o8GWQdn71Yk7JpcZwCFUj6sTPPw6NtigAHP6v52BI4S8fktY-XfjmAteT76n3XeGpuDEc1X0nsqP_hDfrf8mi-fGW34CkcxLBoCw/s2048/BOOComp.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="2048" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA43TYhE2BMThCJdsiDG31UtP5V6LCSvEL9gygA54o8GWQdn71Yk7JpcZwCFUj6sTPPw6NtigAHP6v52BI4S8fktY-XfjmAteT76n3XeGpuDEc1X0nsqP_hDfrf8mi-fGW34CkcxLBoCw/w640-h476/BOOComp.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We had the Yahoo group at this time-- participation was fabulous! Were you a part of the old group? You could post your own photos, and each week we had hundreds of photos of each letter. When Yahoo closed the groups down, all these photos were sadly lost.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Of course, we went on to do a Christmas one, just a couple of months later. Short words seemed to work well. Both my finished Halloween and the Joy table runner were given away as gifts. I know exactly where they are--hee,hee-- do you think it would be nervy if I asked for them back to take better photos! </span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8cXLw5eE2T5vSSqZ_Z5YiUGUNVH2g4Q20ED0jrJHgUDVjwiwjFG-ZlN6OijNDhBbEEbFK4i_dUh0cCF7Jz0n7Gh68A7tBXnwVlmpqQ23fFfukaRC_A9705ep6937WFhIyrYt1vHdRWc/s2578/2013.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"></a></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_FeiQLzveQlK5Sr3sK4dl3k3ZzEBw9TRJRtgA2pdSU-HJznCUMz_Ez3FxCanP2dn8SMt51nx6WSFJBRmKy7aWJRuuB9fN40cw0Y4l_cb2MkCCuEoEflznuYF6FQrC6vPN2w4shCspqc/s2048/2011.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_FeiQLzveQlK5Sr3sK4dl3k3ZzEBw9TRJRtgA2pdSU-HJznCUMz_Ez3FxCanP2dn8SMt51nx6WSFJBRmKy7aWJRuuB9fN40cw0Y4l_cb2MkCCuEoEflznuYF6FQrC6vPN2w4shCspqc/w387-h640/2011.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="387" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/chris-mystery-joy?variant=40039554285736">2011 Chris-Mystery JOY</a><br /><br />A year later, we were still working on short words! This one, I had the presence of mind and also the greediness to keep-- it also had quilting patterns for the embroidery machine to finish it. I think a bell definitely went off in my head-- and it took a while, but this is the precursor to the fully quilted designs you see now, like Stitches of the Sea.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8cXLw5eE2T5vSSqZ_Z5YiUGUNVH2g4Q20ED0jrJHgUDVjwiwjFG-ZlN6OijNDhBbEEbFK4i_dUh0cCF7Jz0n7Gh68A7tBXnwVlmpqQ23fFfukaRC_A9705ep6937WFhIyrYt1vHdRWc/s2578/2013.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"></a></span></div></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybyPdorPWOia1hV4wGC5qGpHhpH1Bk0HKDBafFnJKCpHZF6FeHrKz3k96GuzrgBmRmfM4VqMmqnz2otklo3xTULoyZGdF2FQ9JLlwAwo1Jqu1Zt_2hV84E114KteFaKVd3IkTy7Ct7jU/s601/2012.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybyPdorPWOia1hV4wGC5qGpHhpH1Bk0HKDBafFnJKCpHZF6FeHrKz3k96GuzrgBmRmfM4VqMmqnz2otklo3xTULoyZGdF2FQ9JLlwAwo1Jqu1Zt_2hV84E114KteFaKVd3IkTy7Ct7jU/w638-h640/2012.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="638" /></span></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/chris-mystery-noel?variant=40042052485288"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2012 Chris-Mystery NOEL</span></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Now we're in three years, and the next one lives in INFAMY-- my main embroidery machine broke down, and would be in the shop for WEEKS! I had to get out an old one-- and then finally had to buy a new one. Instead of PUT UP THE TREE! and SLICE UP THE FRUITCAKE!, other exclamations were coming out of my mouth all through this stitch-a-long. Looking back on it, I see it more favorable now-- that fruitcake design is one for the ages. This finishes piece, I have no idea of where it is honestly. I think it's in the house somewhere buried. Cement shoes.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="2578" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8cXLw5eE2T5vSSqZ_Z5YiUGUNVH2g4Q20ED0jrJHgUDVjwiwjFG-ZlN6OijNDhBbEEbFK4i_dUh0cCF7Jz0n7Gh68A7tBXnwVlmpqQ23fFfukaRC_A9705ep6937WFhIyrYt1vHdRWc/w640-h272/2013.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px;" width="640" /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/chris-mystery-deck-the-halls?variant=40071125696680">2013 Chris-Mystery DECK THE HALLS</a><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">In 2014, I decided to go back to short words-- I wanted us to make something for our sewing rooms. We stitched out the word PIECE, because I though "Piece on Earth" was sew cute! To this day, I have people write to me saying Piece is spelled wrong. For those people, did you know that an A is included so you can also stitch it as PEACE? Apparently, no one reads product descriptions anyway.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I ended up donating this, unfinished, for my local quilt guild's sale-- someone finished it, and I guess at that point, I felt better about it--</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I bought it back!! LOL</span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PPkFmbs4QN1OOmmO6lo2Ue8umF_0_Wz6XyajeGQu3lPUgHkJDzVbxrUGnrtAhHh3gm_zMonz4WvAJP0PCJk7fUmZjFLZlrI8UlDcLXRtvIrJIa6zqsQl4tcYRbzQGMYfYOBMk_s0HG4/s746/2014.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="253" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PPkFmbs4QN1OOmmO6lo2Ue8umF_0_Wz6XyajeGQu3lPUgHkJDzVbxrUGnrtAhHh3gm_zMonz4WvAJP0PCJk7fUmZjFLZlrI8UlDcLXRtvIrJIa6zqsQl4tcYRbzQGMYfYOBMk_s0HG4/w218-h640/2014.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="218" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/chris-mystery-peace?variant=40071177928872"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2014 Chris-Mystery PIECE</span></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I guess by 2015 I'd had enough with short words-- we did ornaments. I love the way this came out, and this is out every year in my home. This stitch-a-long had one color ornaments for free, and full color ornaments for sale-- the upgrade kit had been born!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hC9BSL9RdUyJKjdcNj8jYG5-mIm1ime50wqnkH1sLUcktQR7e5WU15m9-ynJCYzyW2Y1CXkkUcPO7deVnMhM4BfVXpPaaS274H_O6wckkW1HbbKmjO4n-s4EFnWA7mkRklUwkA7I3zc/s2048/2015.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hC9BSL9RdUyJKjdcNj8jYG5-mIm1ime50wqnkH1sLUcktQR7e5WU15m9-ynJCYzyW2Y1CXkkUcPO7deVnMhM4BfVXpPaaS274H_O6wckkW1HbbKmjO4n-s4EFnWA7mkRklUwkA7I3zc/w640-h406/2015.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/chris-mystery-ornaments?variant=40071935590568">2015 Chris-Mystery Ornaments</a><br /><br />2016 was the year of the Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar-- we did a design a day for the month of December. I do not know how I kept up with this! I would still like to take these counting designs and make a big applique quilt out of it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie10oNhOsnxX40RZxBdciGBuv2cV-c3x-XZVbutRGeqVPIwyFL70naQrBGU2rgS05TAQBjfQwmQssvS-r32EX23O31eDmYABhCpWnFLIIgJzV5wYbLxb_N8zmLV5pp3epXfyddOiNOpy8/s2048/Final.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie10oNhOsnxX40RZxBdciGBuv2cV-c3x-XZVbutRGeqVPIwyFL70naQrBGU2rgS05TAQBjfQwmQssvS-r32EX23O31eDmYABhCpWnFLIIgJzV5wYbLxb_N8zmLV5pp3epXfyddOiNOpy8/w462-h640/Final.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="462" /></a><br /><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/chris-mystery-countdown-to-christmas?variant=40110345257128">Countdown to Christmas</a><br /><br />For the stitch-a-long, I just took bits and pieces from it and used them to cobble together a table runner. This is one of my favorites-- and one of our best-sellers--I hate to say it, but it's still just a flimsy--quilted this year? Hope so.<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopl6f-LxGn1ezcMSt0luDokZVio2-1sTb_dlEWvflrYdSGOpPwg6n0jjlAkld0StzL4dzuj38YUptTX6UzLEIQFAg_4U9KSVqc1FKj660dRndzbynnzdu3CowQZSyNvL2C73SgWnQ-I0/s640/2016.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopl6f-LxGn1ezcMSt0luDokZVio2-1sTb_dlEWvflrYdSGOpPwg6n0jjlAkld0StzL4dzuj38YUptTX6UzLEIQFAg_4U9KSVqc1FKj660dRndzbynnzdu3CowQZSyNvL2C73SgWnQ-I0/w640-h480/2016.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/products/chris-mystery-merry-christmas-table-runner?variant=40110013579432">2016 Merry Christmas Tablerunner</a><br /><br />Next came the Twelve Days of Christmas-- this had a free charm size, and then a 4"x 4" detailed version for sale. The charm size has a beautiful finishing kit, not pictured here.<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7dlGY63Ri3pz33MzUdM9EM9sQKcJ37VbCbs1kOZmmU9Gni1jLPBSSK2nscNVBZ5p8H19UVg29t60v9eOT4YZGeJCaJsOGmoxVVm3P2n9Ub3A9VoEyZZ1iBU0KmLaMesawElbETVIzSk/s2048/2017.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1559" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7dlGY63Ri3pz33MzUdM9EM9sQKcJ37VbCbs1kOZmmU9Gni1jLPBSSK2nscNVBZ5p8H19UVg29t60v9eOT4YZGeJCaJsOGmoxVVm3P2n9Ub3A9VoEyZZ1iBU0KmLaMesawElbETVIzSk/w488-h640/2017.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="488" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/twelve-days-of-christmas-charm-size-set?variant=40093069410472">2017 Twelve Days of Christmas</a><br /><br />The 4" x 4" set I stitched on large star blocks I had made with the Fat Quartershop's book "Among the Stars." They just re-released it, and it reminded me how close I was to finishing this! For the life of me, I cannot find it. It's one of those situations where I have obsessively looked in the same places time and time again. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7qyVcXUf4tq1jgn35sAHXIw5DUkNq2zp9zQYskz9lOcr-6kc1mnbgiTarruX9fawQzzId8XZt41bD-ZaKVcxF43vC9MENOrmDvkqOFk1k-DKShsiBfKyU0VSw2VChb7sEHwlhoqu4fE/s2048/IMG_1222.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1586" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7qyVcXUf4tq1jgn35sAHXIw5DUkNq2zp9zQYskz9lOcr-6kc1mnbgiTarruX9fawQzzId8XZt41bD-ZaKVcxF43vC9MENOrmDvkqOFk1k-DKShsiBfKyU0VSw2VChb7sEHwlhoqu4fE/w496-h640/IMG_1222.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="496" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/twelve-days-of-christmas/products/twelve-days-of-christmas-set?variant=40093066494120">Twelve Days of Christmas 4x4 Set</a><br /><br />The next is my very favorite one! My Christmas Album. There were charm and 4"x 4" designs. I was thinking of the song "A Few of My Favorite Things" when I digitized this.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: #666666;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PN_BCLwV6KIdOERnJJ8i79j9d4LCidi2pM8DCNyQdTA-5Fkp9Xg70IUVwFCOQGYzeUfGP1Pxxjj1bjVqhTXSqLcwyj9RtWMRtakgNCaIobps6_fTtm1B5qVRIDeg0Gu_AiM7pLM_J9A/s2048/2018.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1612" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PN_BCLwV6KIdOERnJJ8i79j9d4LCidi2pM8DCNyQdTA-5Fkp9Xg70IUVwFCOQGYzeUfGP1Pxxjj1bjVqhTXSqLcwyj9RtWMRtakgNCaIobps6_fTtm1B5qVRIDeg0Gu_AiM7pLM_J9A/w504-h640/2018.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="504" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/my-christmas-album-charm-set-2?variant=43677680402671">My Christmas Album 2018</a> Charm Size<br /><br />Here is my finished 4"x4"-- completely embroidered with sashings and plaid and bows. Art from the heart! This hangs proudly at my front door, from about Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day... all the finishing designs are also available you can make one just like it, too!<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp77oOtgjJ2TGKyBJFsWfa80tq7-iSH-G0IhyphenhyphenziQHiDR6O5d-1pN3CSQQXv_iWJrIan9y-2wrJINHZ4d4ZqN7m1Qr5-TBDIb49aJ9XvnqOoMc2ZG32Tjj4lDNbJe5UfdbDofi6izuhpM/s2048/FinalCompLargeQuilt.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimp77oOtgjJ2TGKyBJFsWfa80tq7-iSH-G0IhyphenhyphenziQHiDR6O5d-1pN3CSQQXv_iWJrIan9y-2wrJINHZ4d4ZqN7m1Qr5-TBDIb49aJ9XvnqOoMc2ZG32Tjj4lDNbJe5UfdbDofi6izuhpM/w520-h640/FinalCompLargeQuilt.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="520" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/products/my-christmas-album-4x4-set?variant=43677657366767">My Christmas Album 2018</a><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/products/my-christmas-album-4x4-set?variant=43677657366767"> 4x4</a><br /><br />Then the year of Cross Stitch began!<br />These were sew fun to digitize, with all of our favorite Christmas Carols. Again, there were two sizes. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: #666666;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpBx4F9EselAjW9c2AdvD1T-OaZtn-1xESuhOVTOiAtm6T603Mc8LAX4B1TevsU44FBk4wB20THDWNI72_56ByM1ipzvazJqMaDdJcKx9UFUsjJJcrCfVbpjC3KqANvTEZ71AbU6ipzc/s499/2019.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpBx4F9EselAjW9c2AdvD1T-OaZtn-1xESuhOVTOiAtm6T603Mc8LAX4B1TevsU44FBk4wB20THDWNI72_56ByM1ipzvazJqMaDdJcKx9UFUsjJJcrCfVbpjC3KqANvTEZ71AbU6ipzc/w634-h640/2019.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="634" /></a><br /><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/kris-kringle-cross-stitch-set?variant=40083715621032">Kris Kringle's Cross Stitch Charm Size</a><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5osjC1QK4wcnorhybNlNpC9Q-Ql_QBzDKsbHYOMJbuV9G3dPWiNSPi6v5rJMAQf08b7DGUFCg7AY3rctRE_AkETXEefAksZa-wIF_-QASumKur9qXrRDaKYTtyB-cdzpGQB6lWXppUQ/s537/KringleFinalComp4x4-537x532_1600x.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="537" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5osjC1QK4wcnorhybNlNpC9Q-Ql_QBzDKsbHYOMJbuV9G3dPWiNSPi6v5rJMAQf08b7DGUFCg7AY3rctRE_AkETXEefAksZa-wIF_-QASumKur9qXrRDaKYTtyB-cdzpGQB6lWXppUQ/w640-h635/KringleFinalComp4x4-537x532_1600x.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/kris-kringle-cross-stitch-set?variant=40083715588264">Kris Kringles Cross Stitch 2019</a><br /><br /><br />2020, such a crazy year! I did not even think of a Christmas Stitch-a-long. Instead, we did "Once Upon a Time, Winter." There was talk of a dark winter for all of us-- I hope this brightened yours. There was again, a charm size and a 4x4 size.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: #666666;"></p><p style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXWw5G0xtPgTaSjZ-kvjwAOa0Ku4S-xb2eS6KsqNlsTxu9BsrzMNw13XwqxDl0uCj8X5H-g9bdTOB2FGJKg_lcXyNjAuFHZ9xA2EPL0KNVlwilYqrgq3natIGyLPJFuiYig9JbSMhu7M/s2048/CharmComp.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2010" data-original-width="2048" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXWw5G0xtPgTaSjZ-kvjwAOa0Ku4S-xb2eS6KsqNlsTxu9BsrzMNw13XwqxDl0uCj8X5H-g9bdTOB2FGJKg_lcXyNjAuFHZ9xA2EPL0KNVlwilYqrgq3natIGyLPJFuiYig9JbSMhu7M/w640-h628/CharmComp.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></span></a></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/once-upon-a-time-winter-charm-size-set?variant=39782503121064"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Once Upon a Time, Winter Charm Size</span></a></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAdpZTDqMFCLxU0MdPtVjJ_Vx6dJBxoOYXKEVy4BloRU8pUoqNhnrxWpbIAmGENI-c3lj-RnYD94cCmKcZzk-ECWJdZXTeme9YG9DlfZgpizlCAYs2EiqWDFeukRsyq58ziWXuChlTXoV2voy6NG5OHa_m6k_iBDSHRPpYqHRskHQNUTMTJTRv2OCg9E/s3196/OnceUponATimeComp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3189" data-original-width="3196" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAdpZTDqMFCLxU0MdPtVjJ_Vx6dJBxoOYXKEVy4BloRU8pUoqNhnrxWpbIAmGENI-c3lj-RnYD94cCmKcZzk-ECWJdZXTeme9YG9DlfZgpizlCAYs2EiqWDFeukRsyq58ziWXuChlTXoV2voy6NG5OHa_m6k_iBDSHRPpYqHRskHQNUTMTJTRv2OCg9E/w640-h638/OnceUponATimeComp.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/once-upon-a-time-winter-charm-size-set?variant=39782503121064"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Once Upon a Time, Winter 4x4 Size</span></a></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">That brings us to 2021-- and we created this beautiful winter city together--</span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">"St. Petersburg Christmas"</span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I did some armchair travel on this one-- taking bits and pieces of cathedrals and recombining them into the 4x4 designs. I'd love to redo this in cross stitch-- would you make it?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RayeJTOCFbGWmHHBUsNHEtuiSO7SRuSs-qJJiHR3N4fG1AClZBtZhRk9SeHdLG3hq_qV4JOyAa_USE2HRsmcJ5VSrNGEdva15ZqbgNTE5LhkrMCGOQCXTn4PYClBQqVYj6DvxbDnadL2BWA2fAbhUvSZvfmI3j298MXzvKi1OLfs6v2Zq50Vlnr-8Yw/s1732/StPetersburgComp%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1732" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RayeJTOCFbGWmHHBUsNHEtuiSO7SRuSs-qJJiHR3N4fG1AClZBtZhRk9SeHdLG3hq_qV4JOyAa_USE2HRsmcJ5VSrNGEdva15ZqbgNTE5LhkrMCGOQCXTn4PYClBQqVYj6DvxbDnadL2BWA2fAbhUvSZvfmI3j298MXzvKi1OLfs6v2Zq50Vlnr-8Yw/w640-h258/StPetersburgComp%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/products/st-petersburg-christmas-machine-embroidery?variant=42410225008879" target="_blank">St. Petersburg Christmas</a></span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Last year was our first year in Maine-- looking out over our meadow was the inspiration for the four creature of "Winter Twist." That reminds me-- I still need to get a binding on this! LOL</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbWg_JASFtKJDkj8cyZeKc4WlpS9wMbDltig4ZJUcm5BfiLeLG6gMjiALQmLecBqxtkR8e_DVUxjRYUw0Z3EYL0PBnADbk4RdwIpifTohuQaNe4vqs4QIZedW1-_jbqtC2L_ex2Er0SK4gqiSicGtloDEhYWl8c3EufR6XtjeJFtpklMsh8aJVEluAgg/s2048/Winter-twist-machine-embroidery-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbWg_JASFtKJDkj8cyZeKc4WlpS9wMbDltig4ZJUcm5BfiLeLG6gMjiALQmLecBqxtkR8e_DVUxjRYUw0Z3EYL0PBnADbk4RdwIpifTohuQaNe4vqs4QIZedW1-_jbqtC2L_ex2Er0SK4gqiSicGtloDEhYWl8c3EufR6XtjeJFtpklMsh8aJVEluAgg/w640-h480/Winter-twist-machine-embroidery-2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/collections/sale/products/autumn-twist?variant=43773593026799"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">""Winter Twist"</span></a></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">All the links under the photos are live-- catch up any missed years for up to 75% off-- but that is today, Monday, December 4, 2023 ONLY!<br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Got some of these in a closet somewhere-- waiting to be finished? Tomorrow, we will be heavily discounting all the bits and pieces to complete past year's Christ-Mystery designs.</span></div><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: times; font-size: large;">Still with me-- YAY!</span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: times; font-size: large;">You get a sneak peek at this year's stitch-a-long-- we're going to make four ornaments for gifting or for your very own tree.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2HMPrAnn-zhTFE_8Spyh8mM364fVRh9-Z2pSqy8Bd9zr33PLsX55WrN5YyahLx7NIZF2MoDO_ghndcOImMQyq6upqzlpbl2mVKya-0qmkEMDA6VwfZDX-53La77i2fQyLemrESTx61alrRLsxdAOtjLYxwwcTuziNeS-k0S5wv80TiRJ8MIcSPqmbeQ/s1488/IMG_6245%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1488" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2HMPrAnn-zhTFE_8Spyh8mM364fVRh9-Z2pSqy8Bd9zr33PLsX55WrN5YyahLx7NIZF2MoDO_ghndcOImMQyq6upqzlpbl2mVKya-0qmkEMDA6VwfZDX-53La77i2fQyLemrESTx61alrRLsxdAOtjLYxwwcTuziNeS-k0S5wv80TiRJ8MIcSPqmbeQ/s320/IMG_6245%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="color: #666666;"></p><p style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">And now let's hear from you! Did you stitch along for all these years? Did you finish, or still WIPs? I hope I've inspired you to put a few stitches in something today. Look for our new stitch-a-long starting later this week.</span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox </span></p><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></p></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-34028688467228528992023-11-30T07:02:00.000-08:002023-11-30T07:02:00.277-08:00For the die hard fans and friends!<p> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I just wanted to get FOUR posts done in November... precious little sewing has been going on, so I will really have to dig for material. We'll just say this post is only for the most diehard SFO fans out there!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Last I left you, I was sick as a dog... this bug really knocked me out for the entire month. I did finally go to the doctor at the urging of some of you-- it was a total waste of time. No, I am not going into bronchitis. Just over the counter stuff was suggested. Should've saved my $30 copay for fabric!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_gwRMo6wIr3GHmEB7PPXY6K4XpvCN1jmw0HmS7IDyc27LZqXjNqSfAnDVsSy3bvKdDCwrqhJAUkusTqxWYXKiQcs-zLOTpwGPxJlTVluxcYgBKzymxKfFRhJTw6lPzlr-JI2KT7QCo76BfrWLufL51UYujc2-F9tLHPStJ24iQl5270fTCOU44PIaDY/s4032/IMG_6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_gwRMo6wIr3GHmEB7PPXY6K4XpvCN1jmw0HmS7IDyc27LZqXjNqSfAnDVsSy3bvKdDCwrqhJAUkusTqxWYXKiQcs-zLOTpwGPxJlTVluxcYgBKzymxKfFRhJTw6lPzlr-JI2KT7QCo76BfrWLufL51UYujc2-F9tLHPStJ24iQl5270fTCOU44PIaDY/w640-h480/IMG_6230.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Sew Sampler Challenge is about to die--- While I am almost finished with the October Box, November and the Jolly box have piled right on in. Both have sets of nine fat quarters, and neither of them seem to suggest any "easy" project options.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY082enhJE60aBsPMbHVFOZW2TMnN0WcM0vug51uyYXBGPu5VDqTaKtHC70D5cMeYcPdpISFRaR7kJ5qAZdUFhk0l5_eu-f6w6tYaZQr7-RjM-ZKRJiJtLzhQw429E-rLuGdq5PJpJPqjDhacjhBUargs9sk_UcaOeoxsyyIBGJEb6OAAXbO9xOE5g_94/s4032/IMG_6231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY082enhJE60aBsPMbHVFOZW2TMnN0WcM0vug51uyYXBGPu5VDqTaKtHC70D5cMeYcPdpISFRaR7kJ5qAZdUFhk0l5_eu-f6w6tYaZQr7-RjM-ZKRJiJtLzhQw429E-rLuGdq5PJpJPqjDhacjhBUargs9sk_UcaOeoxsyyIBGJEb6OAAXbO9xOE5g_94/w640-h480/IMG_6231.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> November features Tula Pink's new "Besties" fabric-- I'm not a huge fan, but I do appreciate it. I had thought of just sewing them all together whole, getting it quilted and donating it-- CHECK it off the list! The fabrics are all large scale-- maybe a good compromise is to cut 8" squares? Another good compromise would be-- JUST GIVE UP ON THE CHALLENGE-- heehee. I think I'm already a winner with all that I did do!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBwthka-pHVYhEXdEakwS3WENMLjjwfKlVezlW34sm1dxnbry367HIjXq-jcn0FowWY1XpHj6zBkasFPOsdSyY4e6O3mw3JXPAHpsWIPAp7nS-NMnts8yHC3Snr4gFVgwOl7Kccv4ZzBSWCz2jTBZC-Hq26bSrXLd_mol640piugZcL5IjypbOgcteLE/s4032/IMG_6232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBwthka-pHVYhEXdEakwS3WENMLjjwfKlVezlW34sm1dxnbry367HIjXq-jcn0FowWY1XpHj6zBkasFPOsdSyY4e6O3mw3JXPAHpsWIPAp7nS-NMnts8yHC3Snr4gFVgwOl7Kccv4ZzBSWCz2jTBZC-Hq26bSrXLd_mol640piugZcL5IjypbOgcteLE/w640-h480/IMG_6232.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And here's the Jolly box-- the overwhelming opinion of this box has been decidedly underwhelming-- I love it though! I think it's a good value-- I love the little candy cane charm and unlike most sewists, I can always use fresh pins and needles. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQkfDmyJPFQs8GoY1eiVh7_QHDQlw6hZoLEV0Hqr4h15-YItQCMdk_pRdBPo-P9t5-En4wztZUUAzvCG5SN4WR0pxXCRdJ80nGF7EyxpMeF_mrHLEppL5kaWq6XasrMebFBWdGb8sLOmjdo3vOS5XSxK6uk-JWckozs-_b9NvTD8bKlN18PFzqnRsEMQ/s4032/IMG_6228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQkfDmyJPFQs8GoY1eiVh7_QHDQlw6hZoLEV0Hqr4h15-YItQCMdk_pRdBPo-P9t5-En4wztZUUAzvCG5SN4WR0pxXCRdJ80nGF7EyxpMeF_mrHLEppL5kaWq6XasrMebFBWdGb8sLOmjdo3vOS5XSxK6uk-JWckozs-_b9NvTD8bKlN18PFzqnRsEMQ/w640-h480/IMG_6228.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I also like the pattern and the fabric-- unfortunately, not that pattern with that fabric-- it's again large scale prints, which I don't think make particularly good candy canes. I see them as more of a "wrapping paper" idea with "present and bow" quilt blocks. And that is not going to happen before Christmas, or even the end of the year.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsLYx8YWrMrmF-pQSmNfUUiuM0H7txFkoc2Vru6okZrULoPqNGGcYlhRFj7jQnl7wPKH7VFFM-jAatyEYN1fKVAp8_iOnKnNR0CQDyoIevHRHHy1DxRYnfdSSSm35oNad020xUNFRsi5K4AcUCQjT6-KGaZPcg8VTQVRvXEvgwlxYnxa3I9-I27LtRf0/s4032/IMG_6229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsLYx8YWrMrmF-pQSmNfUUiuM0H7txFkoc2Vru6okZrULoPqNGGcYlhRFj7jQnl7wPKH7VFFM-jAatyEYN1fKVAp8_iOnKnNR0CQDyoIevHRHHy1DxRYnfdSSSm35oNad020xUNFRsi5K4AcUCQjT6-KGaZPcg8VTQVRvXEvgwlxYnxa3I9-I27LtRf0/w640-h480/IMG_6229.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The point of the Sew Sampler Challenge was to have nice Christmas gifts this year-- I do have a ton of possibilities, unlike last year when I had NOTHING. Since tomorrow is December 1st, I really need to sit down and figure out who is getting what-- then tie up some loose ends, mostly binding.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I also want to make some of these cute folded fabric stars this year-- have you seen them? Click the link below to be taken to a video on it by Erica Arndt-- I swiped the photo from her. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqzx1Xn30MHg_Xc9b543mXpZFr_JFS2Qe4TKK9MwNuWXpcZdmul3JTH5vHp4oEvJpJmdRAdMEbvz6JRaeRnOvZVIftGAtXJnAzdgW81GOq0JXW5u4y8JZFnLB2sdtd42Cr-fsc7JaeuPJXX0crEb94fPUQekStMNetvCGFVxNopKRwNKJmyVE2bNpZLA/s362/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="362" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqzx1Xn30MHg_Xc9b543mXpZFr_JFS2Qe4TKK9MwNuWXpcZdmul3JTH5vHp4oEvJpJmdRAdMEbvz6JRaeRnOvZVIftGAtXJnAzdgW81GOq0JXW5u4y8JZFnLB2sdtd42Cr-fsc7JaeuPJXX0crEb94fPUQekStMNetvCGFVxNopKRwNKJmyVE2bNpZLA/w640-h498/Capture.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjx16Gf3TsE">Folder Star Ornament Video</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And I never got back to my Shabby fabrics star pot holders-- I gave away this Autumn one--lol. I have tons of Christmas fabric that could be used-- nice gift!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9HVMisjtPhL2YVJPyAAR3TQSfamnek0JSWO1P5FZbpQUWFll9pZZlThXQWRsDsCw6qxQewWYTwwvz-_drImjWUCPbDL2-jFexUMQYaJqc-nRXZp1MkCtdtNA4qM4t8Bgz8D_wNLlGvd5w21OZdBxsem8rY88cyIEic3W1z3HcefTgL4BfI1sI7v9j_M/s2048/IMG_5546.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9HVMisjtPhL2YVJPyAAR3TQSfamnek0JSWO1P5FZbpQUWFll9pZZlThXQWRsDsCw6qxQewWYTwwvz-_drImjWUCPbDL2-jFexUMQYaJqc-nRXZp1MkCtdtNA4qM4t8Bgz8D_wNLlGvd5w21OZdBxsem8rY88cyIEic3W1z3HcefTgL4BfI1sI7v9j_M/w640-h480/IMG_5546.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Good news is, Mr. SFO is traveling for the next two weeks-- don't get me wrong, I do feel sorry for him and will miss him, but it's going to enable some LONG sewing days to help me make up for November. Honestly, I could hit it out of the park with a two or three days effort.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In other news, I had to have a couple of little biopsies of a patch on my neck this past month-- it was extremely stressful as we all have experienced. The idea that you are full of cancer is never good news for anyone, but for us quilters with the closets full of UFOs, it is particularly frightening. The first was was inconclusive, the second one proved it was pre-cancerous, but then I had to get it removed anyway. I'm super grateful to be able to put that behind me-- that was part of why I was down in spirits all month. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkmDo93AFotfplHGrq77oB3PukMBcA_-bXYqjG2siyd8U0P_GRgrNLry2ZSHHte-nBLZwni_w1tmmDxOc8Rpi-C4Uuy8K3EdHK-aUVV5AvTZrqGjLAEk_wzoKmVVrv3LTA65B-TSeNvwHAsjE70tWIpIUZjBfhAOncBCwADdzTHxhPSe8ewtXCvAKBCQ/s4032/IMG_6222%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkmDo93AFotfplHGrq77oB3PukMBcA_-bXYqjG2siyd8U0P_GRgrNLry2ZSHHte-nBLZwni_w1tmmDxOc8Rpi-C4Uuy8K3EdHK-aUVV5AvTZrqGjLAEk_wzoKmVVrv3LTA65B-TSeNvwHAsjE70tWIpIUZjBfhAOncBCwADdzTHxhPSe8ewtXCvAKBCQ/w480-h640/IMG_6222%20(1).JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I had to drive back to civilization to have all these medical things done-- and more good news, I got most of my Christmas shopping done... just a few little things this year. I did finally succumb to the gingerbread giant sign pictured above, from Michaels, that was 50% off. Mr. SFO is an architect and will not be impressed-- he likes his house super spartan. After he saw me struggle all month, I think he'll give in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Some of you are looking for a free Christmas stitch-a-long, and heaven knows we need it this year. So I am trying to get something together last minute-- maybe some cute ornaments or something. I found out a sobering statistic this year-- 60% of my customer base has only ever "bought" free things. So are you on the naughty or nice list? I am actively working to only have access to my free stitch-a-long to paying customers-- I think that is fair.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Thank you for reading my blog, now let's sit down and make our Santa lists and SEW!</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vR194LSwCMMxQvciJwviqQ_-lel06JK-0kA1NUcE3RUabq5Jj-pjc2a4ls-zQc4EI9F8YQOFlELNEbKlqvlWWJ9JhREPMqc2ne6BEDX88C423MikMEERR308Zb-IWxNxWez1bpB4APXWDDeeYOn-JCcRFQJec1GX5iyisViwg3vnvLjBV7DVHGkyACc/s4032/IMG_6213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vR194LSwCMMxQvciJwviqQ_-lel06JK-0kA1NUcE3RUabq5Jj-pjc2a4ls-zQc4EI9F8YQOFlELNEbKlqvlWWJ9JhREPMqc2ne6BEDX88C423MikMEERR308Zb-IWxNxWez1bpB4APXWDDeeYOn-JCcRFQJec1GX5iyisViwg3vnvLjBV7DVHGkyACc/w640-h480/IMG_6213.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-62245456939521437792023-11-22T08:41:00.000-08:002023-11-22T08:41:40.436-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Just wanted to write a quick post to wish everyone...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikglH3MiIjaFz6kzH6ov1lf0IDD0NeK7Rib_H3gINzywFj-im_6kzN1uv43AIKUGGXIXaWQbolqy5CwL-HD3LeZYq1tz68T9Hz9xuX89KHzd10pguJDQhGz4Udkdgo8CEysPGPYS50QSNJClMJ6JYWeMHoe6-20akpn88dopTzFyyyLWSeD6AlXQDYCb8/s1711/Happythanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="1691" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikglH3MiIjaFz6kzH6ov1lf0IDD0NeK7Rib_H3gINzywFj-im_6kzN1uv43AIKUGGXIXaWQbolqy5CwL-HD3LeZYq1tz68T9Hz9xuX89KHzd10pguJDQhGz4Udkdgo8CEysPGPYS50QSNJClMJ6JYWeMHoe6-20akpn88dopTzFyyyLWSeD6AlXQDYCb8/w451-h457/Happythanksgiving.jpg" width="451" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I apologize, but that's all I have to say about that-- <br />so warning-- stop reading if that's good enough for you!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbw5B4ppd9JIXOwIqukJINGkIHy8-JeRMCDLh_lPU2EBS-Poo9cSKGGJ2pukcx3IpQyHghwcsoGjii_DdKQ9dy832oB_Gt5Gh91vn__rH-T6hEDREroo5Ue2oer2RI8zaQwt5-GOof3WylIWh1-h4WYr6IaonsnC6lfrHo0B1GxIczOt15sf5Ty_lvWY/s700/Capture3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="700" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbw5B4ppd9JIXOwIqukJINGkIHy8-JeRMCDLh_lPU2EBS-Poo9cSKGGJ2pukcx3IpQyHghwcsoGjii_DdKQ9dy832oB_Gt5Gh91vn__rH-T6hEDREroo5Ue2oer2RI8zaQwt5-GOof3WylIWh1-h4WYr6IaonsnC6lfrHo0B1GxIczOt15sf5Ty_lvWY/w400-h319/Capture3.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <br />My cold has not let up-- I now think I'm going into bronchitis-- the cough is really scary. I have considered going to the walk-in clinic just to get checked out a bit, but I guess on a positive note, I have not had to do it yet. As my father-in-law frequently said in his wisdom, "When it gets bad enough, you'll go."</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Miraculously, no one else has gotten it-- <br />and I'm well enough to get Thanksgiving basics cooked-- turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole-- but no one really wants me handling their food, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsptiCnR18kG9e2bINBAnOAMfkbpN_1dxt1nsK8NUKgsvOiRz_QB57F_xd2JkmxM6lpctERFUSXRH-I79te7n2G69mx-J4a1OwfohcfBdfcxdhum_1oXBxFXCElp4hsL80sQPqvAIfPxmn_dLGDlVGtcAT4b-CemGudYtaRqY7nNZCWxPVFxabykEW7FA/s618/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="470" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsptiCnR18kG9e2bINBAnOAMfkbpN_1dxt1nsK8NUKgsvOiRz_QB57F_xd2JkmxM6lpctERFUSXRH-I79te7n2G69mx-J4a1OwfohcfBdfcxdhum_1oXBxFXCElp4hsL80sQPqvAIfPxmn_dLGDlVGtcAT4b-CemGudYtaRqY7nNZCWxPVFxabykEW7FA/w304-h400/Capture2.JPG" width="304" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Very little, but some, sewing has occurred this week-- here's my Pressed Flowers Block 7, looking as rumpled as me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RyuiiOa74g5QuweGo_L4nSUrM9Zn9nase0YvY75fMKdninYmXxsRKZDShtzbiHPpv1M_BYG59W_imUQTXkDq0yLlkH5GFjldnGVDzqZMZmHa-GLFNJ02GNffMLLi8hIV6x9aTA9U4icIRTfh6u3wb7bsqmFXJisiYQmiqMZcfyyS45oMNnqqaFfoPJ4/s4032/IMG_6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RyuiiOa74g5QuweGo_L4nSUrM9Zn9nase0YvY75fMKdninYmXxsRKZDShtzbiHPpv1M_BYG59W_imUQTXkDq0yLlkH5GFjldnGVDzqZMZmHa-GLFNJ02GNffMLLi8hIV6x9aTA9U4icIRTfh6u3wb7bsqmFXJisiYQmiqMZcfyyS45oMNnqqaFfoPJ4/w640-h480/IMG_6187.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I did get my extra charm pack, backing, and binding for the Lighthearted Christmas tree. Hoping I feel well enough to finish it-- it's ironic that sewing boosts my spirits, but my spirit isn't in it! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NkjBpXDEqkjLTYOMxiUeJiWbUphOheJnSma5XQE-qmCtRm4AnPxC9pgmL5csDg6DN402fefYcF6E_cQYib3TyCQAURyezfFeCW5UMlvhCMQ2QivLAy3psM3fT9fnAZWfVOMiJ3vkXsyFNlgRG__A9zQYbXJYBCQkzxDmIo3LGFJjld2dfEaDTJzJTJY/s4032/IMG_6188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NkjBpXDEqkjLTYOMxiUeJiWbUphOheJnSma5XQE-qmCtRm4AnPxC9pgmL5csDg6DN402fefYcF6E_cQYib3TyCQAURyezfFeCW5UMlvhCMQ2QivLAy3psM3fT9fnAZWfVOMiJ3vkXsyFNlgRG__A9zQYbXJYBCQkzxDmIo3LGFJjld2dfEaDTJzJTJY/w640-h480/IMG_6188.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely FORCED myself to get all 16 Summer Memories units pieced, but I'm too weak to drag them all out for a photo-- it's going to be king-sized.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a more positive note, I did knock the December Bowl Fillers out of the park and completed the set of twelve! LOL. The time in my life when my DD took figure skating lessons was a really sweet one. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you would rather buy a set of twelve instead of only seeing one at a time, the set is now available. Click the photo to see them all-- it is glorious.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/products/a-year-of-cross-stitch-bowl-fillers?variant=44248270930159" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2904" data-original-width="3456" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7rtnvH7PCrNddlF43TZVzIP9NQX46AnzKjcPatPv2szqIuORkkAQavTi9OWO3iHKhPgewV9K4X6Xo6IgINCNkNW_b5WOpUJ6PMAyeBfEktm10REfdJwRZVNDxcfZc6LNzMN6v5MVFx2pbKDtKTkKzvT6cN1AF5xG2fZy7Ck6LeE9bdB3gnBV7D8_Bgc/w640-h538/December-bowl-filler-machine-embroidery.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's been a really tough year on a personal level-- there's a few empty seats at our table this year for various reason I can't talk about--LOL-- and I know so many of you are struggling as well. If you need to know someone's in the trenches with you-- imagine me holding your hand.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1fi82sZ3K6p5qpzI4AGjhc3zWXMvHH5nS2GNqVk22jLzoshK3BU9WrWeLxWYD178HATUyTcvQguGo4SS23_ibV44kYOsn_tzEbiDrsKGMZoSVv1Oe6GcQ3zoZFPrKpAD_KQ2Eef7lHPQVMcWQScxyjXEk44gEJBally7XBwlBmvOlAWoBtGGhUojeFw/s432/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="432" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1fi82sZ3K6p5qpzI4AGjhc3zWXMvHH5nS2GNqVk22jLzoshK3BU9WrWeLxWYD178HATUyTcvQguGo4SS23_ibV44kYOsn_tzEbiDrsKGMZoSVv1Oe6GcQ3zoZFPrKpAD_KQ2Eef7lHPQVMcWQScxyjXEk44gEJBally7XBwlBmvOlAWoBtGGhUojeFw/w400-h295/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">I guess the point of Thanksgiving is--</div><div style="text-align: center;">let's be grateful for what we do have-- <br />let's just count the seats that are full-- it is still a lot. </div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54WzLE7r-j0e14Dy_noRgW1vHOhPvK8jFF2YilvahyAgh48mgVyPp3JZt_FfD8KtcSupzVihWmyUxpcQr5WC0xmgvDZLb_cjFePEGCJP5TbrCImYk7G5J-O9s1k6D5XQN_bQyrIw1UFCtfO_7EPpMW2bU5D5-0JSGwwqhf4yuNIMo-ZQ9ihZb-PWxGfU/s3807/72235811484__A7D7C9CA-807B-4742-85E3-B308261EB5F2%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="3807" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54WzLE7r-j0e14Dy_noRgW1vHOhPvK8jFF2YilvahyAgh48mgVyPp3JZt_FfD8KtcSupzVihWmyUxpcQr5WC0xmgvDZLb_cjFePEGCJP5TbrCImYk7G5J-O9s1k6D5XQN_bQyrIw1UFCtfO_7EPpMW2bU5D5-0JSGwwqhf4yuNIMo-ZQ9ihZb-PWxGfU/w640-h480/72235811484__A7D7C9CA-807B-4742-85E3-B308261EB5F2%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Snow is falling in the meadow as I write,</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">and I think I'll watch a little Hallmark Channel...</div></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Carol</span></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-69373140541850465132023-11-11T11:52:00.000-08:002023-11-11T11:52:06.530-08:00Down for the Count...<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> What do you do when you are stressed and overwhelmed? Yup... how about get a bad cold! I honestly haven't had one in quite a while so I don't want to complain too much, but my current state includes a screaming sore throat, light fever, and very snivelly nose. I know everyone else is at the breaking point and beyond, so I'm soldiering along as best I can for all of us. I usually don't lie down to a cold, because it never really helps anyway!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> As I write it is November 11, Veterans Day. <span style="background-color: white;">Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the truce with Germany </span><span style="background-color: white;">went into effect. Later, Armistice Day was turned into Veteran's Day to recognize all wars. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Thank you to all of our servicemen and women, of course.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://cherrywoodfabrics.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="405" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjkNEQ6TLOqJ5T4DtfjDYe1XI-zEloLM1ytNSifBnDZcV0VAkf4WyLWkxx67r9gkjS1o-Tgq33g6hGMEqidaz7pyqJX3C0at8EVcwjBJ4MeiAaHqNfObTKGp80-KJ-UlqPXZKhV3r0Ouyu6QKy31uQbcQ8DO_mAcKF_-Kn93xotRKybC_75lnVrFNEKg/w364-h400/Capture.JPG" width="364" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> In that spirit, I decided to liberate myself from the monotony of Sew Sampler boxes shortly and join the Cherrywood Challenge next year! You may have seen these displays of hundreds of 20x20 quilts at any of the large quilt shows. Past themes have been Monarch, Lady Diana, the Lion King... What's not to like about a competition in which the first step is to buy fabric! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://cherrywoodfabrics.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="456" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk0rCkF3KD5V6lKp1BAFNSBcyebJZXdrtpLy9FTZ-rmiqu1tC8Un6hVUUF8NiVlJ1OPZ5SZlNWfSCkzJ2BuomMfpRX3DDxHC6yb-tc8aRl6gkxhnv2CbZgamRuhscvQONtS-w1Iqm_unQxs9lnB95B_0kB_-v-TIKUh9-mwR9e9Fe7-GGeMIlPhbJqGU/w594-h382/Diana.JPG" width="594" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The 2024 theme is the Poppy-- I already have an idea for it. My grandfather was shot and gassed in the trenches of WWI-- a bit of a tribute quilt is in mind. He kept a bullet and a tiny bottle of iodine he was given to treat his wound in his top dresser drawer. He never spoke about it, and I was too little to ask questions. Years later, I realized when he told the same story about "pass the du beurre" at every single dinner time in my young life, that was the only reference he ever made to his time in France. Anyway, I may or may not act upon it, or may or may not get accepted, but it's keeping my creative brain in gear and thinking of something other than my current state of misery. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Click either of the photos above to go the Challenge page-- I swiped the photos from Cherrywood. Maybe you want to join me or maybe you just need 8 fat quarters of beautiful hand dyed fabric-- now mum's the word and that's the last I have to say about that until the contest closes in May.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So back to my Sew Sampler Snoozers! Am I sorry I challenged myself to make all the boxes this past year? Actually, not sorry-- if I learned a few things it was how to focus, complete repetitive tasks, and drag things across the finish line. I'm keeping my subscription until the Pressed Flowers BOM stops in about April-- then it is "Sayanora" to the lovely teal boxes-- I'm moving on to other things. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Until then, I have about thirteen projects mostly finished and three to go-- November, December, and the Jolly Box. November looks to be Tula Pink "Besties" fabric which I will like-- I will bet my bottom dollar it's gonna be one of those white background modern looking quilts again, though. Remind me to keep it simple, will you?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I finished September's box and it is off the the longarmer-- this one is intended for a Christmas gift-- that's a good motivator. Here is me when I measured for the borders-- my focus is completely blown right now. But ya gotta laugh.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Cw03NlL4gt4JpF3vwQYSrst14pLQHu1c493LZOc5KXhJLWjvZyZuF_XyN8rQajg1xDx7HXfYDxLVcG1H7pazjgUKIasxmERp6WkVAsaiALeqBtN0MBpHGWpq63gesJ3cX7fvJcN61LxUEfeOGcTtPiQ9qKhy3yEamSEIDOdG1m3cYvlVJ2Hm9djKKk/s4032/IMG_6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Cw03NlL4gt4JpF3vwQYSrst14pLQHu1c493LZOc5KXhJLWjvZyZuF_XyN8rQajg1xDx7HXfYDxLVcG1H7pazjgUKIasxmERp6WkVAsaiALeqBtN0MBpHGWpq63gesJ3cX7fvJcN61LxUEfeOGcTtPiQ9qKhy3yEamSEIDOdG1m3cYvlVJ2Hm9djKKk/w640-h480/IMG_6088.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So I did that thing you're not supposed to do which is just sew the border on and then trim it down, but at least I pinned it. It looks flat enough, and it's done.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejg_QeA_kA4PqyBW5xYyaGt-dpDDjRrZWri5kUR9S61KvQOb7nWb3t6qQsGpRRPIHuu02KFhQXBIouDQ3kG8jKMoAxVZ5HxC_goHfgvkgxyDSyPQHPFrJr9nN9w9D3KSNGeqH764cIr2oKiI_XY4uueTG9mqwSlW74pGO3FP5tXweeJI986qZoEHqAZ8/s4032/IMG_6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejg_QeA_kA4PqyBW5xYyaGt-dpDDjRrZWri5kUR9S61KvQOb7nWb3t6qQsGpRRPIHuu02KFhQXBIouDQ3kG8jKMoAxVZ5HxC_goHfgvkgxyDSyPQHPFrJr9nN9w9D3KSNGeqH764cIr2oKiI_XY4uueTG9mqwSlW74pGO3FP5tXweeJI986qZoEHqAZ8/w480-h640/IMG_6089.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I finished the Tree Farm Table Runner-- look for two new Christmas sets Black Friday-- less than two weeks away, can you believe it?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5A53EC3uNQ0HefaNzhacAaRFgVsav4mQxLsA0rqHg3LuA4iDveatSr-OyNIRnddYWvX639Flzc6T0PAPaFse7RHK6sgktMF78ZqT8pykyZ3ofuMhJfBEQ9Ce-ITVHyo9F2ASWIS8e49ZiZgSn1DgQB9q1TYd2Ks1EyfjIfDlWwlYyXBhCa6ylwLSomA/s3168/TreeFarmTableRunnerComp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2676" data-original-width="3168" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5A53EC3uNQ0HefaNzhacAaRFgVsav4mQxLsA0rqHg3LuA4iDveatSr-OyNIRnddYWvX639Flzc6T0PAPaFse7RHK6sgktMF78ZqT8pykyZ3ofuMhJfBEQ9Ce-ITVHyo9F2ASWIS8e49ZiZgSn1DgQB9q1TYd2Ks1EyfjIfDlWwlYyXBhCa6ylwLSomA/w640-h540/TreeFarmTableRunnerComp.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I've been working along the Summer Memories quilt-- making the larger four unit blocks now that the baskets are all done. They really look pretty and have give me a smile and occupational therapy when I needed it. Just by assembling one or two at night, look where I am!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9IQ1HHEfp5F2Hrup3-t_gv7uUiVkhEzRFMtRCVhR2ZQDtkPmsw7mpQ5iNcIFms3WfyXdpkNFUckOGpAC_7vgfGt2mObVShJhXMjUhfd9lHomd-t9hFmdo67IN-OiR0CO0qJ6EQL8ija2rTIGdK1SFKf9sMlbl7Dm5_uHKl1hADA7mJKqSNOz1o3hQeY/s4032/IMG_6099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9IQ1HHEfp5F2Hrup3-t_gv7uUiVkhEzRFMtRCVhR2ZQDtkPmsw7mpQ5iNcIFms3WfyXdpkNFUckOGpAC_7vgfGt2mObVShJhXMjUhfd9lHomd-t9hFmdo67IN-OiR0CO0qJ6EQL8ija2rTIGdK1SFKf9sMlbl7Dm5_uHKl1hADA7mJKqSNOz1o3hQeY/w640-h480/IMG_6099.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> This is the October box-- some of you were interest to make my "Lighthearted Christmas" idea from a free Fat Quarter Shop pattern instead of the Valentine-sy heart pattern provided and it is coming along. I miscut four of the aqua sky pieces, so it's back to Fat Quarter Shop I go. (sigh) I was going to order a larger piece of Lighthearted for another border and a backing anyway. The unfinished unit size is 4.5" and I changed the layout to 10x10 if you want to copy it. I do see a few pieces I may flip around.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BJ5mB60KAgZ_nDxAikp1LCuNEkfqp4EU3zgTtXjqDJ6x5Dgnjrm7WMsQYtTDFCFhS9tt3DpJrASIJxEp6kRgVAZtDisC-l44on7F72KSMG4nZZ9HtHMBORyZjMK6TudKMFsziK3dL2gG9h1IPGNvtKRT0ePkWNoy8JoZmzhO-hIaUiuIl7-vRNxiluM/s2800/IMG_6098%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BJ5mB60KAgZ_nDxAikp1LCuNEkfqp4EU3zgTtXjqDJ6x5Dgnjrm7WMsQYtTDFCFhS9tt3DpJrASIJxEp6kRgVAZtDisC-l44on7F72KSMG4nZZ9HtHMBORyZjMK6TudKMFsziK3dL2gG9h1IPGNvtKRT0ePkWNoy8JoZmzhO-hIaUiuIl7-vRNxiluM/w640-h640/IMG_6098%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's all I have to say about that-- I am going to collapse in bed next. I may be skipping a week of blogging here and there for the rest of the year, as I'm going to be busy with sales... until next time... hold fast and keep on sewing!</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Carol</div></span><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-36360638285641885562023-11-06T09:46:00.000-08:002023-11-06T09:46:14.593-08:00NO!-vember has arrived!<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It's apparent to me online how many people are struggling right now and I'm having some heartache myself... I have comforted myself with the idea that "at least rockets aren't coming down on our heads," but what kind of comfort is that? I make a list for myself to numbly follow each day-- it helps, but for two days I couldn't even sew. I said I was going to come up with a nickname to follow "FFOctober"-- all I can think of is "NO!vember", and I'm not too sure I can turn that into a "YES!vember" this month. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> These pumpkins at a local grocery store did make me smile. I think #1 ate some of the gumballs required for the job. I voted for #9-- the starry night kitty. But the candy corn apple #3 was a close second. Clever.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9zm8sHO_xWMlpfkCiPqXATdiDog5302Fe4CEMvnVx2FUxXO6ARyCcf1zPBIl_NigxZuFasce5R9nkyqW7YgsZJT9znw1i-FYCleeIwxJ8A5uclZrLvBin4ZLcloEtoG_pTeI-BkYUZ2lIX7_nz17cGR19Y4zTU7i-L1mMN21xX5Lzx32pOdw1QBiXak/s4032/IMG_6039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9zm8sHO_xWMlpfkCiPqXATdiDog5302Fe4CEMvnVx2FUxXO6ARyCcf1zPBIl_NigxZuFasce5R9nkyqW7YgsZJT9znw1i-FYCleeIwxJ8A5uclZrLvBin4ZLcloEtoG_pTeI-BkYUZ2lIX7_nz17cGR19Y4zTU7i-L1mMN21xX5Lzx32pOdw1QBiXak/w640-h480/IMG_6039.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> My finish date for "FFOctober" was on Saturday-- I even gave myself a couple extra days, but in the name of keeping it real, I just have to admit I'm a little disappointed. Here's the final results of my October list: (<i>TIP: just skip down to the bottom if you are tired of reading about these endless, boring projects-- I did start some new things-- LOL--- thank goodness, always, for the NEW.</i>)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">1</span><span style="color: #666666;">. September Sew Sampler Box-- not quite done, but it's on my list for today. I made it bigger-- although just after taking this picture, I noticed the first row on the left is on upside down. (sigh) I'll fix it, add a six inch border all around, and make the backing, hopefully today. This is a Christmas gift for a special couple my daughter and son-in-law met on the Appalachian Trail last year-- making gifts is really helping my frame of mind.</span></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqC8d3FUlxhvb_gOab3OOQrExCte8f49V7Cr9kZjA2t4bo1BQIwyDDmMKUrwSU0smNJAsAQ6qBPiU_0ET05N7ux8grNC9SXzkUwVn1pLOSaXGuQcD5U3svpc8yoGOlFFmoS7BUPqUz4_QhxT2rRFQk9K7nbjlURPlaax68Hu_L7yJudLEFA1i-pU7M_c/s4032/IMG_6069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqC8d3FUlxhvb_gOab3OOQrExCte8f49V7Cr9kZjA2t4bo1BQIwyDDmMKUrwSU0smNJAsAQ6qBPiU_0ET05N7ux8grNC9SXzkUwVn1pLOSaXGuQcD5U3svpc8yoGOlFFmoS7BUPqUz4_QhxT2rRFQk9K7nbjlURPlaax68Hu_L7yJudLEFA1i-pU7M_c/w640-h480/IMG_6069.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">2. Neighbor #5<br />These could have easily been in the done column, but I made it more complicated when I realized I want a more vertical than square piece, and you, dear readers, agreed with me--TYSVM! So it's a bit on hold until I make a top row of churn dash blocks for each.</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6H24nYMT7Zd38fgxARp-M7_sZqwfFMVqaOIr2-mogHmD3LkEIf4U_xUAyA7kX22d0X2p8-y-TCGZuMzH0Dybls6VhIMdy-Sz_TRrUP6ghvvWMWuI8w9ExR2Fo8jKrXb8m3eiXGsZWGd-QGImgBCSd8FjQeh9DYes1VJMxLSs3hp4CCYgweoIQAPizOo/s1200/Welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1200" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6H24nYMT7Zd38fgxARp-M7_sZqwfFMVqaOIr2-mogHmD3LkEIf4U_xUAyA7kX22d0X2p8-y-TCGZuMzH0Dybls6VhIMdy-Sz_TRrUP6ghvvWMWuI8w9ExR2Fo8jKrXb8m3eiXGsZWGd-QGImgBCSd8FjQeh9DYes1VJMxLSs3hp4CCYgweoIQAPizOo/w640-h444/Welcome.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: times; font-size: large;">3. Resilient Quilt-- no progress. First, I needed more fabric-- then, my least favorite part of quilting, adding borders, stopped me. I pre-washed a bunch of yards for a backing-- MISTAKE-- the huge wad of five yards has been sitting on my ironing board for the entire month of October.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKiAKACsL4vmlPpW2RLqa5bW3EipE2zUyvWBm9nXor9uPSrIqiw_vQoDiboGcyi7nhT1T0IO7NhEWdpUuODBcRc56bPs2PCzqyLUlQzFOu_eBNIbA-vKSvvJOVbt79t_liYdOhvWcABlEqlVJd0VBGRAjR1lEYwNCGyFB6kLvjyI7lwYc01zhqvPmJdo/s1449/IMG_5513%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1449" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKiAKACsL4vmlPpW2RLqa5bW3EipE2zUyvWBm9nXor9uPSrIqiw_vQoDiboGcyi7nhT1T0IO7NhEWdpUuODBcRc56bPs2PCzqyLUlQzFOu_eBNIbA-vKSvvJOVbt79t_liYdOhvWcABlEqlVJd0VBGRAjR1lEYwNCGyFB6kLvjyI7lwYc01zhqvPmJdo/w640-h638/IMG_5513%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">4. Corn Pop Pillows--here's a win. It's been a great comfort to me to nap with my kitty on chilly afternoons. We moved all the furniture around in the living room, and we've all been enjoying it more. Do you ever rearrange stuff?</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbaly3jhykf9aVrYg0UJcMxYBFjjJ5s6MVQ6X4xecKh8Ve12kQPd20a1_byPygFWt_qx4-DsohJ3VtZVj71trzpw5NhzTEb2zKWID-1zClLnSKYdXB2WKxVOBUUG77Hfi5gTBs7ZYDOmjBDierIdga_4P5nDb1-GvUQDAzRbqrWnHKGK2769QSV0Q_L0/s4032/IMG_6019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbaly3jhykf9aVrYg0UJcMxYBFjjJ5s6MVQ6X4xecKh8Ve12kQPd20a1_byPygFWt_qx4-DsohJ3VtZVj71trzpw5NhzTEb2zKWID-1zClLnSKYdXB2WKxVOBUUG77Hfi5gTBs7ZYDOmjBDierIdga_4P5nDb1-GvUQDAzRbqrWnHKGK2769QSV0Q_L0/w640-h480/IMG_6019.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">5. Pressed Flowers Block 6-- Yes, I have six done, and the pattern for #7 is here, but I still have three weeks to make it. I really love these blocks because they are very unusual-- don't tell anyone, but I might be making friends with the color pink.</span></span><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistGG12FtGH7-rYlTpZKuceFJqMOUT7rYT7G8WDTb5sZoZf468WSXljEdOzRPMu6Q6AHgYPsJDxaO0bMoqBVva5InGtpY9fi0B5DFCGDsqYGGe9wAFhpwwbVj1y2Y24VMcV7-FZv6eBVtJ6qD0EjgPiaZ4XZx5sKKnQn6FEq_qUFhyphenhyphenQu4ZGLqfUatFWxA/s4032/IMG_6073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistGG12FtGH7-rYlTpZKuceFJqMOUT7rYT7G8WDTb5sZoZf468WSXljEdOzRPMu6Q6AHgYPsJDxaO0bMoqBVva5InGtpY9fi0B5DFCGDsqYGGe9wAFhpwwbVj1y2Y24VMcV7-FZv6eBVtJ6qD0EjgPiaZ4XZx5sKKnQn6FEq_qUFhyphenhyphenQu4ZGLqfUatFWxA/w640-h480/IMG_6073.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">6. Oval Table Runner-FAIL! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">I did get it cut out into the oval-- then the "thing" happened in the news last week. I can't find the fabric I bought for the binding. I really wouldn't even be using this until the spring. I made the adult decision to shelve it again-- see ya' next year! On the plus side, just looking at this photo makes me hope it's not the complete abomination I was thinking it was.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RXII8TwuB07Xx40o-iJV2eby9ab0vTftYe5R9jbVJkF7vp3HUvgorzrnyxtcmRyZS4_BIU2fhr2Y5nzSJ2G4gH4lC9a6d-wvj3QDq83CDsi9F-mdiZW91Codut3MSbWGyUOtr4Ijwale1a50e8OwDg-_wNajTd9qi8haRZzjnVME9aXgt-oVhqPK8Kw/s4032/IMG_6002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RXII8TwuB07Xx40o-iJV2eby9ab0vTftYe5R9jbVJkF7vp3HUvgorzrnyxtcmRyZS4_BIU2fhr2Y5nzSJ2G4gH4lC9a6d-wvj3QDq83CDsi9F-mdiZW91Codut3MSbWGyUOtr4Ijwale1a50e8OwDg-_wNajTd9qi8haRZzjnVME9aXgt-oVhqPK8Kw/w640-h480/IMG_6002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">7. Mod Flower Box-- no progress. Just needs a binding. It's for me, not a gift--(or a gift for me) and I probably wouldn't be hanging it till next spring anyway. I still may finish it before the end of the year. The poor thing has been sitting on a chair in the shambles of my sewing room all of October.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIl3-HtjK5hc3DNfyobv35_B4SiyRpHEBDxn7f_Aa8r2RVDUmo3do7YPBtj8sTjAb4aaVPVqnsCWZ1NdU7aMYmKd1RbZCXnp5DGZgAEu714Sz7jMYFs7DmvTQoL3OoV2HXfxyTa71_7AJltLTGv8edUhhUKSq4SOS8luCPt7Mktd4Cl97nB60wwnGguac/s4032/IMG_6078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIl3-HtjK5hc3DNfyobv35_B4SiyRpHEBDxn7f_Aa8r2RVDUmo3do7YPBtj8sTjAb4aaVPVqnsCWZ1NdU7aMYmKd1RbZCXnp5DGZgAEu714Sz7jMYFs7DmvTQoL3OoV2HXfxyTa71_7AJltLTGv8edUhhUKSq4SOS8luCPt7Mktd4Cl97nB60wwnGguac/w640-h480/IMG_6078.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">8. Tree Farm Table Runner. So this is really in the win column-- it did need quite a bit more work than I thought. Just need to do a little quilting (very little, heehee) and it's ready for sale later this month. Looks busy, but it's a big piece and the little red truck border is to die for.</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQZIzNokQqvi9GfcWwOKvtPTxCuRIEpscbnDF2onr_gaFppDx5w6C3lfgtLra4-DjYz8SfJIFLRklgBsCmqFWtMyfSXvQ0_UTGDnhr3ScyEtXsI71l_55YAOMPvDCsTmMGGDxNpt65d_WmNir2hHOab05QMqsACTR2_d1XX6RXOYMA368RhnmN-64_8k/s4032/IMG_6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQZIzNokQqvi9GfcWwOKvtPTxCuRIEpscbnDF2onr_gaFppDx5w6C3lfgtLra4-DjYz8SfJIFLRklgBsCmqFWtMyfSXvQ0_UTGDnhr3ScyEtXsI71l_55YAOMPvDCsTmMGGDxNpt65d_WmNir2hHOab05QMqsACTR2_d1XX6RXOYMA368RhnmN-64_8k/w640-h480/IMG_6075.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">9. Fruit Cocktail Table Runner- no progress. Another thing I'm really not looking to use right now. I wanted to quilt it myself-- do I just send it out? On hold for now. There it is next to my Thimbleberries Christmas one I modelled it after-- time to get that one back out already, can you believe it!</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJfwIjtY4z440mUxErSWczQSsaQrijBWP_upWyh6kOg73eccDqCdF00FWtbqx-k28NobiQXBZ3ek7muObZomMNqUEDFpa_Oe6ExHT-7ypyMZXm_aGP9xvk3p1lwcwubpGHGY3L5HPL-4aNcWKzRo4VkPk20cPkzxwJNl6YeDgzUv52yDGNYPxAgBaiqI/s2048/IMG_4756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJfwIjtY4z440mUxErSWczQSsaQrijBWP_upWyh6kOg73eccDqCdF00FWtbqx-k28NobiQXBZ3ek7muObZomMNqUEDFpa_Oe6ExHT-7ypyMZXm_aGP9xvk3p1lwcwubpGHGY3L5HPL-4aNcWKzRo4VkPk20cPkzxwJNl6YeDgzUv52yDGNYPxAgBaiqI/w640-h480/IMG_4756.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">10. Spooky Box. A nice surprise--- I did actually finish this (flimsy finish), it's super cute, and it also fits my coffee table perfectly. I still want to make the baby ghost version, but the Halloween spirit never "materialized" this year. There's always next year and I now have plenty of time for that. Thank goodness I do not have to piece a backing, so I may just send it our for quilting.</span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC1eVmeUBj7xsfHPKF9CZ6a0UA_zMF4U-ZARsMSwy8QFh88nxGvpFLdIZQzyEw5RELT612YCqjXirlrXPCp66plp68Fh0p-iGa3RnYqHfp-B3qSOAG13Bk7k9OKVcdybxmoqnGd1lm3AEpYzW6DbiZTRBAQ63n-9E2j6Fd8ifrMnhHtgr4BLa-Vd1jhY/s3852/MyThreeGhosts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="3852" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC1eVmeUBj7xsfHPKF9CZ6a0UA_zMF4U-ZARsMSwy8QFh88nxGvpFLdIZQzyEw5RELT612YCqjXirlrXPCp66plp68Fh0p-iGa3RnYqHfp-B3qSOAG13Bk7k9OKVcdybxmoqnGd1lm3AEpYzW6DbiZTRBAQ63n-9E2j6Fd8ifrMnhHtgr4BLa-Vd1jhY/w640-h394/MyThreeGhosts.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> Summer memories was asterisked as #11-- I did get significant progress-- This is getting to be a long post, so I'll update you next week.</span></span><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's it! The final tally is 4 FFOs, 4 significant progress, 3 not touched. That's a very "C" report card for me. I'm thinking of personal takeaways for why it is so hard for me to drag stuff across the line. <i>(TIP: If you learn something from your failures, that makes it a success!! ha)</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">1. Things always seem to take longer than I think they will. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2. My fatal flaw-- complicating things-- adding extra steps.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">3. Borders, binding, and backings are three B's that I really don't enjoy.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">4. The thrill of the new-- enough said.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Can I change any of these characteristics? Probably not.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So, speaking of the NEW, here's some new things I pecked at this week. (<i>Speaking of pecking-- I slammed myself with rake handle to the head in classic Three Stooges fashion while chasing one of those little chicken buggers last week. I guess I should be glad I'm alive... a video of the accident would have won $10,000 on Americas Funnies Videos if one existed</i>)</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I though a bit of cross stitch in the evening would soothe my soul-- it did. I started the Lori Holt stitch cards set P-- they are sewing themed. These go together fast. Two of the colors look too blandish to me, in the name of complicating things and adding extra steps to find new colors.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNrL-Az-Z45OySN66iZ48ilhyphenhyphenJClzovbphKI-518nvBhbDrdilM7525ESCuawTUKEYrd09gKE6wTyLmtSWeB_eu8ij_q0ygxeiva0YWlwXMZ9aA4-_HHdmonljCL3pW3Xc2oqzHbxqGhPXQGzylXQdnmbg4fqDWNLp1Ms8E8wOEvlz-skN_SEnW7IzpY/s4032/IMG_6067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNrL-Az-Z45OySN66iZ48ilhyphenhyphenJClzovbphKI-518nvBhbDrdilM7525ESCuawTUKEYrd09gKE6wTyLmtSWeB_eu8ij_q0ygxeiva0YWlwXMZ9aA4-_HHdmonljCL3pW3Xc2oqzHbxqGhPXQGzylXQdnmbg4fqDWNLp1Ms8E8wOEvlz-skN_SEnW7IzpY/w640-h480/IMG_6067.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> This one I purchased for myself last year during the "move." I was feeling sorry for myself! It is a beauty, but one I think will take the course of years. The colors are presorted-- just look at them all! So I have my choice of easy or hard cross stitch at night. Which one do you think I usually choose?</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe74sLs6I1Vz5-YRSveABdXd9xOejW7bD26E2TqZJc9B5ULLl7Cc4y8kWJste_ChMFzuEBf-MSUEHxAgid2x_5ZGwo6L5xBAG1uw-UX5apozkx-44JT78aIb_G5jgpvLFPebV4pmdCR8YOkLUVo1EMUlgV885fF0KjE_vLZ5ZPr4-uvYP26-f3ajDegtI/s4032/IMG_6070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe74sLs6I1Vz5-YRSveABdXd9xOejW7bD26E2TqZJc9B5ULLl7Cc4y8kWJste_ChMFzuEBf-MSUEHxAgid2x_5ZGwo6L5xBAG1uw-UX5apozkx-44JT78aIb_G5jgpvLFPebV4pmdCR8YOkLUVo1EMUlgV885fF0KjE_vLZ5ZPr4-uvYP26-f3ajDegtI/w640-h480/IMG_6070.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Last, I did start the October Sew Sampler box with my alternate Christmas tree plan I showed you. So far, I have 18 pinwheels for the border-- I though they looked like starlight mints. This is probably the thing I am most enjoying right now.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzcrsuQMXqyWyIijmrzjhSwnKvpkfjD7FbDULEgT2uV0zUFgF7eTcl8hQ22ftQYLXdzILPiCnq6lJ3K5Y6h9HXGdwl-nIXcNDtctoIF4p4W7iSdkdzUD_Jad_r_z2wxNRvR4WtkIVMBwkk10ZwAnJfxHULkH7039ABPK2NQjIYuZIfo0Mh7NMCtakvkk/s4032/IMG_6077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzcrsuQMXqyWyIijmrzjhSwnKvpkfjD7FbDULEgT2uV0zUFgF7eTcl8hQ22ftQYLXdzILPiCnq6lJ3K5Y6h9HXGdwl-nIXcNDtctoIF4p4W7iSdkdzUD_Jad_r_z2wxNRvR4WtkIVMBwkk10ZwAnJfxHULkH7039ABPK2NQjIYuZIfo0Mh7NMCtakvkk/w640-h480/IMG_6077.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> I made Thanksgiving Bowl Fillers-- super cute and next on my list to stuff today-- look for them on the website tomorrow. Special thanks for the inspo to my friend Sara whose daughter owns that real barn in the heartland. <3</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0p5K_vgnTVXo1dD47s0rId_9fh0awSaEYkngTG-9azpu9o5em0D8ETmkUTo75NMpBGs8nT00qQWDyltHLrvlQF3SyibSOKhp1bkLdPakuE6bS7bTZ9ZI-RHWLstDvTxLj1DZXxjPNNkhCI1qtZNQ_2sV2QTye-aSjYLw8X5j9d_q-9NnO3FbsTX4po4/s3630/IMG_6074%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2723" data-original-width="3630" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0p5K_vgnTVXo1dD47s0rId_9fh0awSaEYkngTG-9azpu9o5em0D8ETmkUTo75NMpBGs8nT00qQWDyltHLrvlQF3SyibSOKhp1bkLdPakuE6bS7bTZ9ZI-RHWLstDvTxLj1DZXxjPNNkhCI1qtZNQ_2sV2QTye-aSjYLw8X5j9d_q-9NnO3FbsTX4po4/w640-h480/IMG_6074%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So that's the state of affairs! Hope I distracted you for a moment and that the misery of unfinished projects kept you company. Let's join hands and go forward-- we can't go back.<br /></span></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div></span><p></p><p><br /></p></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-52437177040470532482023-10-29T08:02:00.002-07:002023-10-29T08:02:37.505-07:00Twelve hours in October (derailed)...<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> It's time once again (<i>already?</i>) for our monthly sew-a-thon! Once a month, I allow myself an entire day of sewing... this month, to add to the fun, Mr. SFO is not away, so let's see if he notices I'm not actually doing any work today! I will be responsible for dinner, though.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I made a list of ten items that were very close to the finish line for "FFOctober"-- that's FULLY FINISHED OCTOBER if you have had a question mark over your head all month as to what it meant. So I did get three things completed-- today, I really want to CRUSH some more to be able to call this month a success. Three involve bindings, one involves borders-- these are all do or die today. If I have leftover time, I'm going to treat myself and start the Lighthearted Christmas tree I talked about in the last post.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>9:00am.</b> First up, Corn Pop Pillows. The table runner has been done for more than a couple of weeks, but I ran out of the binding fabric-- so lucky to have found more, still at Fat Quarter Shop. These are fully, fully, fully finished-- quilted front and back, and they are going to be a huge upgrade to my fall décor for years to come. You may recall how I sewed all the pieces together to be long armed as one piece-- my dear longarm friend advised me to do this, but has now created a monster as everything is getting stitched together as "two for the price of one" at this point! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgBAx165TBjpWLBmE03YMnUkhoEW1bfdsRto8OHPy1uo7H9VCME2Cxd2sBETuBBwPzYW67eFGhgNe-u7TdhIfW79d-TCMlR8N7xhvP7gc0Usni7bp5JRaJ57JfjqTBXyxHUnT0a1RrMEzd2Xcq0X86Z12oINMtj4KwUaHT2H-6Untf_uXtnOvYBp0_JU/s2048/IMG_5111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgBAx165TBjpWLBmE03YMnUkhoEW1bfdsRto8OHPy1uo7H9VCME2Cxd2sBETuBBwPzYW67eFGhgNe-u7TdhIfW79d-TCMlR8N7xhvP7gc0Usni7bp5JRaJ57JfjqTBXyxHUnT0a1RrMEzd2Xcq0X86Z12oINMtj4KwUaHT2H-6Untf_uXtnOvYBp0_JU/w640-h480/IMG_5111.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I said I would show how I was doing this, so here it is. You need three pieces-- your front, and two backing pieces-- both are 2/3 the height of your front. You can also see the two backing pieces have been prepped with binding along one of the longer edges.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa9O1vZ_F_kBNG8berMY-OIyvoRtH7CG8FU_ZEBiOGZm13HFVGw8936F1rhuWnZYa8hR_uW7BkefrExY9VIH6rBL08RqYUWTBGlNMsm3macB3lZ5WomD55wUCOTrLftYClhEhExUdduJtgIyhhdeeQlICAxK2IplK-ogAB08kYcEbKVTbkjMgK14qEyM/s4032/IMG_5996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa9O1vZ_F_kBNG8berMY-OIyvoRtH7CG8FU_ZEBiOGZm13HFVGw8936F1rhuWnZYa8hR_uW7BkefrExY9VIH6rBL08RqYUWTBGlNMsm3macB3lZ5WomD55wUCOTrLftYClhEhExUdduJtgIyhhdeeQlICAxK2IplK-ogAB08kYcEbKVTbkjMgK14qEyM/w640-h480/IMG_5996.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Pin a backing piece to the front aligning outside edges as shown-- the wrong sides are together. Pin out of the seam line, as some of these cannot be removed as you stitch along. If your pillow front has a top and and a bottom, start with the bottom piece (<i>Tip: If you insert the point of your needle back into the fabric after pinning, you greatly reduce your chance of getting pricked!</i>)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHDarfuQdOUdQDnTl_JFCwJt-jM8urJ6OlVQDHL3xV52MR0ITMosZLkbHSiqJDSRQbnCWr-CHQ4sbp6AFm08MGSyrQtx-CB2i1R4XkbNCKcnabeXMJeS4HszC2nEVN2aj2wKdp6U5yGEDAfXuXcX7cl5vYkJpwwEl44-eYQGkDph-Rk5x4tI_NL_EBEQ/s4032/IMG_5997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHDarfuQdOUdQDnTl_JFCwJt-jM8urJ6OlVQDHL3xV52MR0ITMosZLkbHSiqJDSRQbnCWr-CHQ4sbp6AFm08MGSyrQtx-CB2i1R4XkbNCKcnabeXMJeS4HszC2nEVN2aj2wKdp6U5yGEDAfXuXcX7cl5vYkJpwwEl44-eYQGkDph-Rk5x4tI_NL_EBEQ/w640-h480/IMG_5997.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Then do the same for the top piece. Make sure all your edges are nicely aligned.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr3oy3vztrqQkHvwgzTsaQb-DDApBa4N_fEEqkz_OhPXNFDIVamJV9O1mw5PBMXv_-m6VkFRH2nosOHgjBVn_C1nNjTSsnlS1yOQhVHpBlTW19nA0DvkgJRt0xOiM66w_wzRz-xnqrZxG8Ff_QaqQfxegkhxTBVBbkBB_dxzSVIiM6FrmSTNWBPrBNBs/s4032/IMG_5998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr3oy3vztrqQkHvwgzTsaQb-DDApBa4N_fEEqkz_OhPXNFDIVamJV9O1mw5PBMXv_-m6VkFRH2nosOHgjBVn_C1nNjTSsnlS1yOQhVHpBlTW19nA0DvkgJRt0xOiM66w_wzRz-xnqrZxG8Ff_QaqQfxegkhxTBVBbkBB_dxzSVIiM6FrmSTNWBPrBNBs/w640-h480/IMG_5998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Baste all layers together, all the way around, at an extremely scant 1/4" seam line. (<i>That's 3/16" for those of you who like math!</i>) If you get "bubbles" as you go along, just use a stiletto to ease them in as you stitch along. It's great if your pieces are perfectly flat, but remember, this is ultimately a 3D object so if things get wonky, it may not matter. Check your work-- especially make sure the raw edges of the binding strips are caught in, as well as the parts of the underneath backing piece you can't see. Take out all the pins-- don't forget some are hidden underneath the top backing piece.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Now make 2-1/2" wide binding strips-- just sew them on as you normally would for a quilt. I'm hand stitching mine down-- all the hand stitching is NOT part of the day today-- I'll get it done in the course of the week. I buy pillow inserts 2" bigger than my pillow tops all around-- it may be a bit of a wrestling job to get them in, but I really love an overstuffed look-- except in the mirror, of course!(<i>One last tip: If you iron that binding up and around and in place before sewing, it is going to make it SEW much easier on your hands and avoid that bump, bump, bump look when hand stitching it down.</i>)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2dF4RN2k6z5VvO4XEwnU9RFobRLbJon0afUutYIbaJZ4sQ4DNGaXz8n6rxrG3kureniwum_GJ03odsIxgoq-tIK03V5eNxRkjvDxEMKOUCOlWRVwGxErWbSdOoukczuLDpYJIXvyN-UymmhnNllMyGpJQTlv3FifSbFM5peR0DN7MqpdvJtxvUSuYs0/s4032/IMG_5999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2dF4RN2k6z5VvO4XEwnU9RFobRLbJon0afUutYIbaJZ4sQ4DNGaXz8n6rxrG3kureniwum_GJ03odsIxgoq-tIK03V5eNxRkjvDxEMKOUCOlWRVwGxErWbSdOoukczuLDpYJIXvyN-UymmhnNllMyGpJQTlv3FifSbFM5peR0DN7MqpdvJtxvUSuYs0/w640-h480/IMG_5999.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I absolutely LOVE this way to finish a pillow-- they look beyond professional. Fun and done and ready to enjoy this Thanksgiving-- unless my son's crew of two boys and a dog show up-- then I am HIDING them! Two hours and done-- that includes taking pictures and writing about it. It is amazing how one little thing holds a project up-- but when you actually DO IT, instead of just over-thinking about it, it gets done so fast!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxOcDhGlTVbe78OtTYuAGdHgNbIGc_Jv0bCn6J6vEErEESxJXl6qG1jSTn2JJ6y9UrDZSicnlVF8fCpA7UgW5_9EX9PT0LJWEXI5nYreEUey_JrRDnZDo8AJTQRa3z28xjbS587zwNMXZ0gIhchZ9WFymqCSOwuc_LnFutGmon3eNnFZ-vokEQPFgfSo/s4032/IMG_6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxOcDhGlTVbe78OtTYuAGdHgNbIGc_Jv0bCn6J6vEErEESxJXl6qG1jSTn2JJ6y9UrDZSicnlVF8fCpA7UgW5_9EX9PT0LJWEXI5nYreEUey_JrRDnZDo8AJTQRa3z28xjbS587zwNMXZ0gIhchZ9WFymqCSOwuc_LnFutGmon3eNnFZ-vokEQPFgfSo/w640-h480/IMG_6009.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>11:00am</b> Next up, my April tablerunner that's been sitting around for months. I don't like it. I keep reminding myself I do like the backing fabric and can just turn it upside down. I have considered gifting it, but I'm really not the type of person to gift stuff I want to get rid of. I just can't do it. I've had the oval template ready for months-- that was kind of neat idea-- so let's just cut already. (<i>Mr. SFO has crossed my path several times this morning, with no notice that I am at my machine at an unusual hour-- but I may just take a minute to fold wash to keep up appearances. It says a lot about this piece that I'd actually rather fold wash that start it.</i>)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuorzJV721DxtfLAvfiMZtxw0a-2jC3R_XoBhXQkKPaCTxl1cKr4DI_htsXZ0Gcv3Z4pYJtgrfWwcsVFLEovzNSgr4PgkgyMPH0-Kz0j5Sxwqd7m-5TJlmvmOR_A7sy3xh8vXXBmvLTGpxoiIAOvxyrJvkm-Xx5-OuFIhRc60KJ0Si76MgZCCur5xotmU/s2048/IMG_0456.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuorzJV721DxtfLAvfiMZtxw0a-2jC3R_XoBhXQkKPaCTxl1cKr4DI_htsXZ0Gcv3Z4pYJtgrfWwcsVFLEovzNSgr4PgkgyMPH0-Kz0j5Sxwqd7m-5TJlmvmOR_A7sy3xh8vXXBmvLTGpxoiIAOvxyrJvkm-Xx5-OuFIhRc60KJ0Si76MgZCCur5xotmU/w640-h480/IMG_0456.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Since I'm working along a ton of projects right now, I have had the presence of mind to store all the parts in separate "cubbies" on cube shelves I have. So I can put my hands right on it--it's bigger than I remembered it as well-- big AND ugly!! My paper template is a bit crumpled-- I'm sure if I put some heavy books on it and stuck it under my bed for two years, it would straighten out. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz17FtHLI6EllkyWXcSHuvvVZGE_BZ0Bkm82rDlmIgrBYcCKJwWWJ4f4hRRaUjyFhRjR45Ws4FRtQaFVnvn_2LhaicJXr9LqLyoyPYklsNvw9AZbMhXaESmIbX1SbdUIbvOuybV7C2xqIJYayN7ogVm907GhlINxvw-tnwH9o71WMlyxXgH_V8wnW_EI/s4032/IMG_6001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz17FtHLI6EllkyWXcSHuvvVZGE_BZ0Bkm82rDlmIgrBYcCKJwWWJ4f4hRRaUjyFhRjR45Ws4FRtQaFVnvn_2LhaicJXr9LqLyoyPYklsNvw9AZbMhXaESmIbX1SbdUIbvOuybV7C2xqIJYayN7ogVm907GhlINxvw-tnwH9o71WMlyxXgH_V8wnW_EI/w640-h480/IMG_6001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Haha! See what I did there? A two-year reprieve. No, I'm soldiering on. So I flatten the template cut it out, ignore the fact that it's a little too big and draw an oval on my piece. Galileo, the champion of ellipses, isn't exactly going to be looking at this with his microscope is he? I basted a line on, 1/8" of an inch inside my drawing to stabilize the edge. Then snip, snip! </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I have some interestingly shaped excess pieces-- thank God they are too small for mug rugs, so I ditch them.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3NDvvePlPtwOnOjVoizZ0a36kMCtRDqO7qrv1f7aQcbBDCOYLgCRK3dq7M6dd6zVcVp9-H3b4xi1NsElE_e9Ou8dK_15rjCwly4AOjKGl8nCaoXhDZV6PhlApzJvovDUURvJUC7qL3xaJeDYTaChsGEbT06IRW_2jN5egce5Ybu5yIzHjw6Y-56xDok/s4032/IMG_6003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3NDvvePlPtwOnOjVoizZ0a36kMCtRDqO7qrv1f7aQcbBDCOYLgCRK3dq7M6dd6zVcVp9-H3b4xi1NsElE_e9Ou8dK_15rjCwly4AOjKGl8nCaoXhDZV6PhlApzJvovDUURvJUC7qL3xaJeDYTaChsGEbT06IRW_2jN5egce5Ybu5yIzHjw6Y-56xDok/w640-h480/IMG_6003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">So here it is-- it took me months to do what really only took an hour. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwrtzm-Zf6va85mnEH7OcIwbR_m60zTt8rDReiy4Rb-pj5InzAFP6RNonJcHE2e9UK_ZoJZe0pXWn8A3WGO7AoOGpUU3IDU2pH3D7qORsktDYpx3H0_2Z9PXWnP7hFxEdaL8g99_NIREgG8VEniU7cyCgs03BBcRrcWEG0xg-9kABjUSTVVsX8ACHLpo/s4032/IMG_6002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwrtzm-Zf6va85mnEH7OcIwbR_m60zTt8rDReiy4Rb-pj5InzAFP6RNonJcHE2e9UK_ZoJZe0pXWn8A3WGO7AoOGpUU3IDU2pH3D7qORsktDYpx3H0_2Z9PXWnP7hFxEdaL8g99_NIREgG8VEniU7cyCgs03BBcRrcWEG0xg-9kABjUSTVVsX8ACHLpo/w640-h480/IMG_6002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><b>12:00pm</b></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">That took a lot out of me-- it's lunch! And forget the yogurt and fruit I was gonna have-- it's roast beef sandwich time! All during my time off, I consider the fate of this unloved table runner--- could I just cut it into placemats? Just make it smaller? Cut out just the flower blocks and reformat it to something else? No conclusions are reached.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Lunch is going long, and I turn on the news as I do, once in while, when I can face it. It is sometimes a mistake...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">You know you're in trouble when the reporter in Israel is talking about Maine. If you didn't know, San Francisco Stitch Co. is now based in Maine-- mostly because of many job moves, and Mr. SFOs retirement dream. Yes, it was to set the clock back 50 years and live a simpler life. Not this. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We are all gratefully safe. Sewing is usually such a balm for me-- occasionally, there arises a time when I. JUST. CAN'T. Twelve hours in October is over.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I did get back to my machine later in the week-- once again, I went off the list. I finished up my 64 basket blocks, and even started assembling the units of four... they look pretty.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnzAtOO5WTvhCTPVv5Nkgbpajsk29t6TlJMDIGY7j887iw9V_ToLvaNTJd207KgLZ8wc0MkdznWZgWCsHAUxgXF70z8jXgQMcvC_iGvver1Sjx4FA66-YEUvr0t97IKjuZU04BEbFqojkJBaNsYc1C9QObpTToTubcoiwoMSTb9sl4tRs-pvQrirT-t0/s4032/IMG_6011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnzAtOO5WTvhCTPVv5Nkgbpajsk29t6TlJMDIGY7j887iw9V_ToLvaNTJd207KgLZ8wc0MkdznWZgWCsHAUxgXF70z8jXgQMcvC_iGvver1Sjx4FA66-YEUvr0t97IKjuZU04BEbFqojkJBaNsYc1C9QObpTToTubcoiwoMSTb9sl4tRs-pvQrirT-t0/w640-h480/IMG_6011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Then I got my extra junior jelly roll in the mail for the Sew Sampler September box, remember it?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijyRxVR8ZEYKDHHGTBeq3A_TZA_CYG5maKN_sXtUKolfi9fBuxOgJQgLSoZr_t56sXqyFnC0BXX3bbBhHHwuF2eE3qGhkfBgXT0s-tc3prY-RgjPjhg-3lWkzMy6D7pf8WoIDKb_171qLYU-NvVaKgvWGbBetIDmt1ArXFh8ws6LwsTr7jhQzQukgtyE/s3864/IMG_5725%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3864" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijyRxVR8ZEYKDHHGTBeq3A_TZA_CYG5maKN_sXtUKolfi9fBuxOgJQgLSoZr_t56sXqyFnC0BXX3bbBhHHwuF2eE3qGhkfBgXT0s-tc3prY-RgjPjhg-3lWkzMy6D7pf8WoIDKb_171qLYU-NvVaKgvWGbBetIDmt1ArXFh8ws6LwsTr7jhQzQukgtyE/w640-h500/IMG_5725%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The artist in residence helped me pick out new jelly strip pairs for additional blocks. In a moment of small joy, she said, "This is really fun!" and it made sense to her why I do love to sew as much. I'm making 8 more blocks to get a decent sized throw for a very special couple, newly married this Christmas.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao86dzr9WAVmXx7frRwR1DYU10hgIf25j2n5lMkCiWbxCEoL8v6g7mx0xHqNsFAO7TJjjBi0WuHGNxKcYBfzs9hha8RiYT-myiP4qmeBNne7-m4b71q0VHq9eguVYx9xrgD42qwvTxd8FKY2xSIpJtG8Q__yVAgwaVT6bQ0EjsT7yAurwFfPUVPnc8v0/s4032/IMG_6010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjao86dzr9WAVmXx7frRwR1DYU10hgIf25j2n5lMkCiWbxCEoL8v6g7mx0xHqNsFAO7TJjjBi0WuHGNxKcYBfzs9hha8RiYT-myiP4qmeBNne7-m4b71q0VHq9eguVYx9xrgD42qwvTxd8FKY2xSIpJtG8Q__yVAgwaVT6bQ0EjsT7yAurwFfPUVPnc8v0/w640-h480/IMG_6010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I also dabbled away and got the November Bowl Fillers done.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOElhZtIwDtfdA8mhPlsoBGtQqAp_YGmgmgoW8_aOilZD8UjRIpeGvlohAkSXcB8mhqSZS8kZI5Id_zkSpiGjqhykcld6vo8wRtiT-CQ6mX6HhaZ1cVLl2rd5EMiwehpDZSnN_KyY2_sVdE_cAISSOCDODe3YoFPo_CLwZd-GH3vOWnwhQ26DOWgxNVrM/s3592/November-machine-embroidery-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="3592" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOElhZtIwDtfdA8mhPlsoBGtQqAp_YGmgmgoW8_aOilZD8UjRIpeGvlohAkSXcB8mhqSZS8kZI5Id_zkSpiGjqhykcld6vo8wRtiT-CQ6mX6HhaZ1cVLl2rd5EMiwehpDZSnN_KyY2_sVdE_cAISSOCDODe3YoFPo_CLwZd-GH3vOWnwhQ26DOWgxNVrM/w640-h470/November-machine-embroidery-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My FFOctober list doesn't mean much to me at the moment. H</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">ere I am... feeling crushed and helpless. Some moments I can sew, and some I can't. Taking care of my small world becomes more important to me at times like this-- it is all we can do. Yes, the family will be getting some beautiful dinners this week. Push forward everyone-- we can't go back.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">xox</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Carol</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0YOYjudxK_jmoEZM9suE18JWjf7azoq7juz1_05LinP9PYZ3DGghBRY9YbIRapa-fPWfEEY-I3tDVwSQmrjFydmOtZgAsFSr5FHiS_b_NoS1HJIe9U_-k2uK36RL7djbwwLyeQJp0wu4A1zgAlVSFhHGVA-CUKCgKb84PBb-ooQHiv2bSDnhqK-RQ-M/s4032/IMG_5978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0YOYjudxK_jmoEZM9suE18JWjf7azoq7juz1_05LinP9PYZ3DGghBRY9YbIRapa-fPWfEEY-I3tDVwSQmrjFydmOtZgAsFSr5FHiS_b_NoS1HJIe9U_-k2uK36RL7djbwwLyeQJp0wu4A1zgAlVSFhHGVA-CUKCgKb84PBb-ooQHiv2bSDnhqK-RQ-M/w640-h480/IMG_5978.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-43056880221420926432023-10-23T07:13:00.001-07:002023-10-23T07:13:06.251-07:00It's Monday Morning! Time to put on your cape...<p> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-Ul-BQHepdaLR9N9LobFRGP1gPdqGDIa4KqJVDjXVNC4bjSI1UyQi40Gn1efa-xC6u2lHxBhE8iyyLmcI0EQj5NWzHE-VE_AYGAQIQGJkks-cx0D8Y8gDq24F_AlRHnBY3Rrs_CXb3XkTrT15GrT39nvTW7jDr0_5zQjySyKo4Sve35h6FjhjoymiVk/s4032/IMG_5970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-Ul-BQHepdaLR9N9LobFRGP1gPdqGDIa4KqJVDjXVNC4bjSI1UyQi40Gn1efa-xC6u2lHxBhE8iyyLmcI0EQj5NWzHE-VE_AYGAQIQGJkks-cx0D8Y8gDq24F_AlRHnBY3Rrs_CXb3XkTrT15GrT39nvTW7jDr0_5zQjySyKo4Sve35h6FjhjoymiVk/w640-h480/IMG_5970.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So it is "technically" Week 3 of "FFOctober"... I didn't start until October 4th, so it's only fair to give myself until November 4th to finish up the list. This is the kind of equivocation that now comes into play as I see I have not gone in order at all and still have quite a bit to finish up. Here is my original list and where I stand-- I'm totally not counting EXTRA projects I have given myself during the course of the month. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><strike>1</strike><strike>. September Sew Sampler Box</strike></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">2. Neighbor #5</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">3. Resilient Quilt </div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Corn Pop Pillows</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike>5. Pressed Flowers Block 6</strike></div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Oval Table Runner</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. Mod Flower Box</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. Tree Farm Table Runner. </div><div style="text-align: center;">9. Fruit Cocktail Table Runner-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike>10. Spooky Box. </strike></div></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"> </span> Not to be discouraged... I do intend to put my shoulder to the wheel this week. #3, #4, #6, and #7 are all pretty much binding jobs and I did find the pack of missing fabric for them. (<i>It was unopened under a large pile of mail-- yes, I was looking right at it, but in my mind I was looking for something "bigger" than it was in real life.</i>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Neighbor #5 is two seams from a finish-- but I intended these for wall hangings, and I thought they would be more vertical than squarish in the end? I can picture a nice row of tiny Churn Dash blocks across the top-- please comment to either confirm, or dissuade me from the extra work. Maybe they are more vertical, but don't look it because I sewed two together? At any rate, my longarmer has created a monster by explaining how I can save a $50 set up fee by stitching two things together.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb_aPKgWKjDvEokj-h4ZjJXX6R6jY1CRi0X_NCfDCJqe9T_IZ-qVqdjXo4HekfYJhlOosxASZjXtOwQfGl1p5QHggAaFo0atXJemTI5QyF9qSG5L0v7WInZsbmXcqI9AZJwT6R9H9es_fZ9vWrAO0yIDagCTcojFjCXsNCOBscGmBdN3rbgKvkYd9P7o/s4032/IMG_5953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb_aPKgWKjDvEokj-h4ZjJXX6R6jY1CRi0X_NCfDCJqe9T_IZ-qVqdjXo4HekfYJhlOosxASZjXtOwQfGl1p5QHggAaFo0atXJemTI5QyF9qSG5L0v7WInZsbmXcqI9AZJwT6R9H9es_fZ9vWrAO0yIDagCTcojFjCXsNCOBscGmBdN3rbgKvkYd9P7o/w640-h480/IMG_5953.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> #3 Resilient just needs borders-- now found in my pack of fabric. I'm also doing a quick personalization on it. Really close and then also heading out to the longarmer...</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v3WK8e6xZGm7LC16fvQEEJ-353laPxInpMU20WBgeL02A4qgv3tBEyGgh9lZVjKH-WlQH4UwXiFlO78a9mZw8gkbpPvsmgXEwPuXdlF2nLjlAUGa0HprJhyphenhyphenN5d-0dJYbFlK3x9U-J5XzSSKs79xVj51soaLfKJTHBu3dnJuW7zg0Q3R2iE6hb-4p1sE/s4032/IMG_5705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v3WK8e6xZGm7LC16fvQEEJ-353laPxInpMU20WBgeL02A4qgv3tBEyGgh9lZVjKH-WlQH4UwXiFlO78a9mZw8gkbpPvsmgXEwPuXdlF2nLjlAUGa0HprJhyphenhyphenN5d-0dJYbFlK3x9U-J5XzSSKs79xVj51soaLfKJTHBu3dnJuW7zg0Q3R2iE6hb-4p1sE/w640-h480/IMG_5705.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> #4, #6, and #7 need bindings-- then a FINISH-- the Pressed Flower Block of the Month! I was up to date for almost three days until pattern #7 came in the mail.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnbnaH4GSHuadQu9szh_v0Cvb14R2PNnt6s80MIF9eDvR5Z3JX_mS6_A-502UUWAwU550ZQRJz7v6nMgTuc9X86GNnjOZjlwAvqZPJLtNXZFUYb7ZUKG67UsQRdEcb_EfZiCjMw0QvoB_aPzxGsaCqzqgzucIVFB8unsOTLruLOPC2xriVR-Q3LrBRdU/s4032/IMG_5943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnbnaH4GSHuadQu9szh_v0Cvb14R2PNnt6s80MIF9eDvR5Z3JX_mS6_A-502UUWAwU550ZQRJz7v6nMgTuc9X86GNnjOZjlwAvqZPJLtNXZFUYb7ZUKG67UsQRdEcb_EfZiCjMw0QvoB_aPzxGsaCqzqgzucIVFB8unsOTLruLOPC2xriVR-Q3LrBRdU/w640-h480/IMG_5943.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I also pulled the Spooky Box, #10, out of the hat! Never thought I'd get to it-- hee,hee, but honestly as a shiny NEW project, I should have put it first! That being said, it was a royal pain to put together-- my fault, not the instructions. I wish I had paid a little more attention to them. All's well that ends well, and I do have enough leftovers for a "baby ghost" extra project...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3qH0In5GEp-XTZ2sPyfzuaTJWJz5ZNbfv4MK2Zn09IJikMwQs8PF5ykNfX0dxxR7TeM9ZxZZnaTjJl7V_63pnqC_BuEQ3VxFKpjE1upeJ0PpU4o_H1JsLvghbhkIjwFl2bl0RouxJMbvHAvTvUnQCSHgqQa3QPeWrw_vwz-2SGU0M4sHUpQ2ExkpOao/s3852/MyThreeGhosts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="3852" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3qH0In5GEp-XTZ2sPyfzuaTJWJz5ZNbfv4MK2Zn09IJikMwQs8PF5ykNfX0dxxR7TeM9ZxZZnaTjJl7V_63pnqC_BuEQ3VxFKpjE1upeJ0PpU4o_H1JsLvghbhkIjwFl2bl0RouxJMbvHAvTvUnQCSHgqQa3QPeWrw_vwz-2SGU0M4sHUpQ2ExkpOao/w640-h394/MyThreeGhosts.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Tree Farm Table Runner is likely to be finished, not so much the Fruit Cocktail. 9 out of 10 finishes would be pretty good for FFOctober, wouldn't it?</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Today I have the later than I'd like November Bowl Fillers to stitch out-- the glory of machine embroidery, if you haven't already discovered it, is-- TWO machines running at once. So I definitely will have a chunk of time today for sewing.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNeW7yAM4DQQgFN01FvPX_-tfXd3qyNtoTEmbrXE224gw2e5tXNWY-88LXSI498LtlEeyIRuD7RAEaVlTJ-on2X_rP6l5PLGr_3fjEItC7IY84gvVxG8RIHsZLoXNYl3qgkx2etCNu9E6N4blYVDxgX-1x7RSlSTd2EzYfaWPpfIT1Nk69fVi41FpL8k/s794/NovemberPeek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="794" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNeW7yAM4DQQgFN01FvPX_-tfXd3qyNtoTEmbrXE224gw2e5tXNWY-88LXSI498LtlEeyIRuD7RAEaVlTJ-on2X_rP6l5PLGr_3fjEItC7IY84gvVxG8RIHsZLoXNYl3qgkx2etCNu9E6N4blYVDxgX-1x7RSlSTd2EzYfaWPpfIT1Nk69fVi41FpL8k/w640-h442/NovemberPeek.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In the obstacles department, the October Sew Sampler Box came in-- yes, it was the Lighthearted fabric I was not excited about. So I hate to be a whiner, but it's just so... PINK! And so Valentines-y--the provided pattern is even a heart.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_6xBK4v1dr1li39T6vwBoKm9_yAH6a4DN9Ppnbiy0WD_ATP5gqPGpeXTkvj_jMUGgFrrQFAX8xzJVF7l9urZSCWbMCMvdiFZ3gYfgz1ObO-EKgJSh3tIhXDA_CRLJ-sWuvpue3OZAr2i-ZM1ghucMuJbn6hvSd1beOJEL9_KRcbzQtByv-WqORNzMFc/s539/LightheartedFabric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="539" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_6xBK4v1dr1li39T6vwBoKm9_yAH6a4DN9Ppnbiy0WD_ATP5gqPGpeXTkvj_jMUGgFrrQFAX8xzJVF7l9urZSCWbMCMvdiFZ3gYfgz1ObO-EKgJSh3tIhXDA_CRLJ-sWuvpue3OZAr2i-ZM1ghucMuJbn6hvSd1beOJEL9_KRcbzQtByv-WqORNzMFc/w640-h636/LightheartedFabric.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> What I am thankful for is not two, but THREE charm packs, this month... if there was ever a good year to do a Sew Sampler Box Challenge-- it has certainly been this year. Fat Quarter Shop has bent over backwards to hit these out of the park. I am paying $36.55 shipped and three charm packs would have been $36 right there, plus there is plenty more in this box AND a generous coupon. (<i>I do not get a commission for selling these boxes, in case you wondered.</i>)</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pXx4VcXv0z5WYxMYoh0Wtlj4emiwgxZkRGbjyKPp8XuDbs5-CYNhLgDc59roXokvK7cAxEq0-KB-DtUisguHlyRC8J3jDtvkxKvROKQwQzSKva4VN2JhFJJOZqE7W6u7jIbMXhL8Lxc9VlbaI0nT2RIo9ptYCfwTKoiCFhEAs7uxoTthcs8376vRqs0/s4032/IMG_5974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pXx4VcXv0z5WYxMYoh0Wtlj4emiwgxZkRGbjyKPp8XuDbs5-CYNhLgDc59roXokvK7cAxEq0-KB-DtUisguHlyRC8J3jDtvkxKvROKQwQzSKva4VN2JhFJJOZqE7W6u7jIbMXhL8Lxc9VlbaI0nT2RIo9ptYCfwTKoiCFhEAs7uxoTthcs8376vRqs0/w640-h480/IMG_5974.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> That being said, it's totally not worth it if you don't like the fabric, is it? So forget the pink-- SEE all those reds and greens in Lighthearted? I found the PERFECT charm pack Christmas tree pattern to use my squares for. (FREE at Fat Quarter Shop, I might add-- link below) So here's my plan-- and I am now sew excited about this fabric, those binding jobs are really going to be in trouble today.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6kGKHpNXPTJfMPMtnFO7vRTx7BWCyYJNV_X1VIqUP0JyyFg8U572QZCrdFCTRfFqTQRBPVUVoLhcNU_dujf6CK4pHc920LzJ3cSOTYz1ktZS2UbdaZfT8iYyDEUj27scArtWNeh2TsN7YEu_GnQHrVpaI4bQJjJpjp5Pj7lAGt4G4w09traS_JEBEz0/s2732/IMG_0415.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2732" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6kGKHpNXPTJfMPMtnFO7vRTx7BWCyYJNV_X1VIqUP0JyyFg8U572QZCrdFCTRfFqTQRBPVUVoLhcNU_dujf6CK4pHc920LzJ3cSOTYz1ktZS2UbdaZfT8iYyDEUj27scArtWNeh2TsN7YEu_GnQHrVpaI4bQJjJpjp5Pj7lAGt4G4w09traS_JEBEz0/w640-h480/IMG_0415.PNG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And more distractions... outside the sewing room, we are at peak of our fall color-- there's been plenty of fall cleanup jobs to fill the time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AGHKEG9Qdjt9xe-cQmFQKw22XTEu0_znOIdZAipuViaUFQ5ODVQ7_Rd7YfyCXt4tfzXj-NLQ4LtjsSdwNnyO4V3mAHH2vnBjoC07vNtJfgBPTkjvutqvVaiG5496LGHXt8PYXbrbf79PO7ByVf5yIKkQ3-bZlJQpObVHCU0tk0QPAYN5VZl19lzt3cM/s4032/IMG_5957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AGHKEG9Qdjt9xe-cQmFQKw22XTEu0_znOIdZAipuViaUFQ5ODVQ7_Rd7YfyCXt4tfzXj-NLQ4LtjsSdwNnyO4V3mAHH2vnBjoC07vNtJfgBPTkjvutqvVaiG5496LGHXt8PYXbrbf79PO7ByVf5yIKkQ3-bZlJQpObVHCU0tk0QPAYN5VZl19lzt3cM/w640-h480/IMG_5957.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This week promises temperatures in the 60s, which is great for here in Western Maine. </span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aNWKwrUAXyfUXCqjbFm6ae_Ce-rYSDHytBlqPkwTyONsxAtbBCprqQgwzfCWWBbHN-TgLzxuK61rdgMm8QrqgCQzFA-E3gd0LuGZzGntWraASIrIb5MqIPjEwUcEzFSl6b1QJDMO40QU898RLkDLOMdC50vt0x-sjwHatwr4R7iXlumnyLrSBc5KhsE/s4032/IMG_5961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aNWKwrUAXyfUXCqjbFm6ae_Ce-rYSDHytBlqPkwTyONsxAtbBCprqQgwzfCWWBbHN-TgLzxuK61rdgMm8QrqgCQzFA-E3gd0LuGZzGntWraASIrIb5MqIPjEwUcEzFSl6b1QJDMO40QU898RLkDLOMdC50vt0x-sjwHatwr4R7iXlumnyLrSBc5KhsE/w640-h480/IMG_5961.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Gardens need a cleanout, boats need to be stored, and patio furniture brought in. I love these jobs-- so, nostalgic, every year.</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDtEi33LzWbKNpawI5or51cpSLj_46klW_JgA7V8QBy6E2PdcOY0T_QxjPP07uwIuPeHajEEr9xL9SgvTUzDi8ETC9STsM0fzzAif_vzgUmpVhbEetuW5HH5xwfb9kyagvVjMjKG0VJmMHY5clBwSV0qSqQfH_UdYWGUTUAjeOkurLsANMA8Q6uFM_KM/s4032/IMG_5964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDtEi33LzWbKNpawI5or51cpSLj_46klW_JgA7V8QBy6E2PdcOY0T_QxjPP07uwIuPeHajEEr9xL9SgvTUzDi8ETC9STsM0fzzAif_vzgUmpVhbEetuW5HH5xwfb9kyagvVjMjKG0VJmMHY5clBwSV0qSqQfH_UdYWGUTUAjeOkurLsANMA8Q6uFM_KM/w640-h480/IMG_5964.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">So lets' see what happens-- </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">it's Monday morning, time to put on our capes, and launch in to everything a new week brings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xoxo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol<br /><br /><a href="https://sanfranstitchco.com/products/a-year-of-cross-stitch-bowl-fillers?variant=44083291652335">Catch up your missing Bowl Fillers sets here</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blog.fatquartershop.com/shortcut-quilt-charming-christmas-free-charm-pack-pattern/">Fat Quarter Shop Free Charm Pack Tree Pattern here</a></span></div><p style="background-color: white;"><br /></p>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-79298343800402205242023-10-18T06:32:00.001-07:002023-10-18T06:40:59.458-07:00A Frightful Halloween Sewing Story<p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSoToBkQWCk6evHKWpH11ae5kM_NopGdwIOWke-dj7NcGNy3lZtc8yyXcU6SgTYWJ-lSZBxlH8Hj-kkkUX0MKE7Z2ovFjtlWl9xfvyBUgi7FTt2VhaEhSPfUAXYjjf0nsmmSV5fdF-7_RBEfNnDZwDhd7Alu9Ys1G_I-c-GtvOHZeJcKWwIrq45Awct4/s4032/IMG_5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSoToBkQWCk6evHKWpH11ae5kM_NopGdwIOWke-dj7NcGNy3lZtc8yyXcU6SgTYWJ-lSZBxlH8Hj-kkkUX0MKE7Z2ovFjtlWl9xfvyBUgi7FTt2VhaEhSPfUAXYjjf0nsmmSV5fdF-7_RBEfNnDZwDhd7Alu9Ys1G_I-c-GtvOHZeJcKWwIrq45Awct4/w640-h480/IMG_5952.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Things are going seriously awry this FFOctober! Fabric keeps disappearing, Jack the Ripper has struck, and projects are multiplying like rats! (Queue up the music "The Sorcerer's Apprentice while reading for maximum effect.) I’m desperately trying to get this blog post done, in case I disappear next... HELP!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I started off the month by crushing item #1 on my list, the September Sew Sampler box--until I decided I like it SEW much, I’d make it bigger. Then, Neighbor #5 was coming along nicely, until the backing fabric I bought just disappeared, along with most of the yardage I ordered to complete items 2-9 on the list. A lot of time was spent looking for all of this. It's a big package and I just can't even remember if I opened it. You know the drill-- I am probably looking right at it!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79ffqSflYejOS9nSrxxV5ywpKqxIaqdbGQt0NYgCOJ6KeErfAgwIqIVnVcoq0FMLB5TdZhfIlU75lB0Kiony8qZRLkn3i-4ohRnr0UtPDXFPVdS4dpT1ZEun-PzNIp7DWNyMK94ZG7NajpDWgenLxIBF_BSyu2t-v0try8-xNKLNGQBwSCdA58LSJgRE/s4032/IMG_5953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79ffqSflYejOS9nSrxxV5ywpKqxIaqdbGQt0NYgCOJ6KeErfAgwIqIVnVcoq0FMLB5TdZhfIlU75lB0Kiony8qZRLkn3i-4ohRnr0UtPDXFPVdS4dpT1ZEun-PzNIp7DWNyMK94ZG7NajpDWgenLxIBF_BSyu2t-v0try8-xNKLNGQBwSCdA58LSJgRE/w640-h480/IMG_5953.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The only thing that’s stopping me from just reordering it all, is the knowledge that as soon as I do, I will find everything. So I moved all the way down to item #10, the Spooky Box. This is the cutest thing ever-- I love the fabric-- just look at all the cute things and all the colors. It is "Fright Delight" by Lindsay Wilkes from Riley Blake.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8Hf3Vouo2DWbU6I4U93gm2KVfOOO1B0EdqIU-_LYV2UNx9veCNdghcZK1Czxj1xSPweqjV8f9lGq1ISumZmE7JIvzCf-ome8_O0Uj2viJk1H3MDKXpcvAUET1YVtjcy38uC6NnixHkt20NqjBVdCBCuH1u5v5haZXWRQZyrzJKOOPcWHSbZ6rqlcX5E/s4032/IMG_5951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8Hf3Vouo2DWbU6I4U93gm2KVfOOO1B0EdqIU-_LYV2UNx9veCNdghcZK1Czxj1xSPweqjV8f9lGq1ISumZmE7JIvzCf-ome8_O0Uj2viJk1H3MDKXpcvAUET1YVtjcy38uC6NnixHkt20NqjBVdCBCuH1u5v5haZXWRQZyrzJKOOPcWHSbZ6rqlcX5E/w640-h480/IMG_5951.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I thought I could make two of them with the usual Fat Quarter Shop excess, but my math has been extremely off lately. I decided to remove all the white jelly roll strips so they wouldn’t compete with my ghosties. I also just want three ghosts in a row, instead of the “B” in "Boo." None of this was factored in my calculations.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5duGz-n3gwlRTNaNNcKMiRgIouC0Q04rfzOxhhRGY1x1ZlAWswBnu6GaJeGfbMeZMnMtluo1XMyZ786zOUZkrK8CzEPRVboOhOGzsNJiQAFQB35iQON_TC11h5HSwMaGsqfzhV3zcKYDNYdA6o11uD-YrC_1OX3_-W0XrSjxcgn9mCBMlsC7AHf9Wd60/s4032/IMG_5950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5duGz-n3gwlRTNaNNcKMiRgIouC0Q04rfzOxhhRGY1x1ZlAWswBnu6GaJeGfbMeZMnMtluo1XMyZ786zOUZkrK8CzEPRVboOhOGzsNJiQAFQB35iQON_TC11h5HSwMaGsqfzhV3zcKYDNYdA6o11uD-YrC_1OX3_-W0XrSjxcgn9mCBMlsC7AHf9Wd60/w640-h480/IMG_5950.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I made strip sets of 3 to expedite all those little squares--a junior jelly roll was provided. I totally forgot I needed some loose squares to make HSTs for the little arms and tail and to round off the corners of the ghosts-- hence Jack’s appearance, as I liberate squares from my strip sets. Then pieces went missing-- 3 ghost foreheads and one body. Does this look like one unhallowed mess so far?</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiDEQw6lq2VqZ9HbkOvG-KawbelGes7IFx1JMrEOc0PZB3hg_9fFa2cMIVoDN6up1ysMgG4ihWPXYzxRxzSJhir9ZzCCemhIV2JK86OwMikZ-59Rbvb2XOcLIEEcN9sb5i5dr_7JrzFWxwGl86PUebCZzlRFOp5cej1CkSV4Dq1xkrklB-eR_Epqu_Qw/s4032/IMG_5942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiDEQw6lq2VqZ9HbkOvG-KawbelGes7IFx1JMrEOc0PZB3hg_9fFa2cMIVoDN6up1ysMgG4ihWPXYzxRxzSJhir9ZzCCemhIV2JK86OwMikZ-59Rbvb2XOcLIEEcN9sb5i5dr_7JrzFWxwGl86PUebCZzlRFOp5cej1CkSV4Dq1xkrklB-eR_Epqu_Qw/w640-h480/IMG_5942.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> There’s no longer enough pieces for a second table runner-- not even close, but I do have a “baby ghost” idea in my head as a fallback--another new project. Why? I seem to have an aversion to left over pieces from these kits. Instead of trying to do math for the baby ghosts, I’m just waiting see what I have left when this thing finally gets worked out. I am totally not opposed to just sewing squares together for a set of cute Halloween mug rugs. I do love this thing, though! I may never have made it to this piece this month if my house was in order.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy37Dg0sNYdk4u4Ysnz551AHIcB48N5oLbZPxkPNFboqsaBl0MjZ3VNKgDK-O0xcC8TMnnnzfHKw8x8zVwlWOnnmoJcskBb1ZnJDjL6DD5yLWoXtl9TP1RBw0YRGye-m_QnuN30sLDh2jLHu_temhBivDfAROymAtsXeHJhxrS0IG7nXXtVIVxPDLhQpA/s4032/IMG_5944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy37Dg0sNYdk4u4Ysnz551AHIcB48N5oLbZPxkPNFboqsaBl0MjZ3VNKgDK-O0xcC8TMnnnzfHKw8x8zVwlWOnnmoJcskBb1ZnJDjL6DD5yLWoXtl9TP1RBw0YRGye-m_QnuN30sLDh2jLHu_temhBivDfAROymAtsXeHJhxrS0IG7nXXtVIVxPDLhQpA/w640-h480/IMG_5944.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Summer Memories baskets fell by the wayside this week, at the point where I have only eight baskets to go. At least I know where everything is for this project! I did need to order sashing fabric at this point-- I’m almost ready for the huge assembly job. The original Susan Ache quilt had a stripe, then Kimberley Jolly used a stripe, so every one pretty much used a stripe. So I picked a stripe, oddly staying with the herd for once in my life. I also needed quite a bit of yardage for the border, and just 1/2 yard for little red cornerstones between the blocks.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UmpQchzSuMaPHALHXv74OKSDMPDSiGeIUmd7rt4ZMGjDZoGQKUrz98ufhp6xG8Mc7jkSheWYyuEFvxzHzfEmkasge8lCVlSP1WaTM-QTwNCba8Bbdr0NOqVwuIqocbVt9iJ_mwG2u2OOGB9LfsDAsGM7-8JVr-K1qU7EK6hTfy2JF757RjEDoGK7Wl0/s4032/IMG_5947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UmpQchzSuMaPHALHXv74OKSDMPDSiGeIUmd7rt4ZMGjDZoGQKUrz98ufhp6xG8Mc7jkSheWYyuEFvxzHzfEmkasge8lCVlSP1WaTM-QTwNCba8Bbdr0NOqVwuIqocbVt9iJ_mwG2u2OOGB9LfsDAsGM7-8JVr-K1qU7EK6hTfy2JF757RjEDoGK7Wl0/w640-h480/IMG_5947.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> While I was looking at the fabrics I have left to see what else I needed, I noticed I pulled out all the white jolly bar pieces from three jolly bar packs-- so I now have an entire jolly bar of white. Too many leftover pieces for my comfort, again! That's how the idea came they’d make a fantastic star quilt. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXxiAIZYWI51EUYgfh-wbXYl_1Fvq2iseBjR7a_chyphenhyphenXU0bprgdzMxsuTIYNSZ50Ii04MGyFCjftMoCrqYTnlYnKoU9xKG6IJjY0apkNpDsxfZ_F867pDgYIhIH6nWFDlJDJ7PYImxFqbxbRKtLsvYlvo0P9aO0G4sjez4O0UxKemVgbu-rehPuX8rCFk/s4032/IMG_5946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXxiAIZYWI51EUYgfh-wbXYl_1Fvq2iseBjR7a_chyphenhyphenXU0bprgdzMxsuTIYNSZ50Ii04MGyFCjftMoCrqYTnlYnKoU9xKG6IJjY0apkNpDsxfZ_F867pDgYIhIH6nWFDlJDJ7PYImxFqbxbRKtLsvYlvo0P9aO0G4sjez4O0UxKemVgbu-rehPuX8rCFk/w640-h480/IMG_5946.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The Sew Sampler box originally came with this pattern: </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv86NIsV3nYxTp6K827HQS9LjXmQx6QZyzBINMf2oBOQ6MWhyphenhyphenduEG10F5FaduOoVpOSNkxqitWWHVVqY9JivOP6vmjboynvpKGQRvF8HAv1ZGyLrv1PoO2Xj7SwGoatanE_3gqmDkuX15ACICwhRWTqKZIolvFm5ecRStA1wTFHkEKNr66IrrObiLaEc/s4032/IMG_5949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv86NIsV3nYxTp6K827HQS9LjXmQx6QZyzBINMf2oBOQ6MWhyphenhyphenduEG10F5FaduOoVpOSNkxqitWWHVVqY9JivOP6vmjboynvpKGQRvF8HAv1ZGyLrv1PoO2Xj7SwGoatanE_3gqmDkuX15ACICwhRWTqKZIolvFm5ecRStA1wTFHkEKNr66IrrObiLaEc/w640-h480/IMG_5949.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So while ordering fabric to finish Summer Memories, I bought even more to make the Berrylicious Star! The dark blue is going to make the HSTs with all my left over whites, and then the teal blue is going to be the large areas behind the star. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPQmVehn4jsFGyqcUS9OHNpLKDM_8l7JDzicgNp_Bklo0RhYxIXl0IbDz35L7D3thbVpuo7izFT_MQTH2L8lmjJGFlukZkFKDhtwnFvBQNL8mmFn24TeBuwBvz0ghDn37PNgXCHakMIQZhIN2TsVr90NWqGrKZkZF-lwkJvh2Q0m_IP_wV2gWIGx9HsQ/s4032/IMG_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPQmVehn4jsFGyqcUS9OHNpLKDM_8l7JDzicgNp_Bklo0RhYxIXl0IbDz35L7D3thbVpuo7izFT_MQTH2L8lmjJGFlukZkFKDhtwnFvBQNL8mmFn24TeBuwBvz0ghDn37PNgXCHakMIQZhIN2TsVr90NWqGrKZkZF-lwkJvh2Q0m_IP_wV2gWIGx9HsQ/w640-h480/IMG_5948.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So out of one tiny box, with a table runner pattern I have managed to dream up a king size quilt and a large throw. My name is Carol, and I have a problem.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tTSgh5aVS5FY7mNP6MndUPMGapYBqcfocjd8ltLKL1kGXlc8z5z4cTN9QrVw2MQgDb362HIIPq8f7zdfNNJ990YJoEMD_wBvOXnLvGfBJY8LnWTmG89Zu5ZkB_4QRANo5MU3VjrVTdoQYFTZbIzHaWnQcf1SKyH-VX9gN98uDzN0EwxHEJ92qwA5AN0/s4032/IMG_5945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tTSgh5aVS5FY7mNP6MndUPMGapYBqcfocjd8ltLKL1kGXlc8z5z4cTN9QrVw2MQgDb362HIIPq8f7zdfNNJ990YJoEMD_wBvOXnLvGfBJY8LnWTmG89Zu5ZkB_4QRANo5MU3VjrVTdoQYFTZbIzHaWnQcf1SKyH-VX9gN98uDzN0EwxHEJ92qwA5AN0/w640-h480/IMG_5945.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> Can we all please say a prayer there isn't enough left for so much as a mug rug after all of this?</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> So nothing checked off this week for "FFOctober," but we do have a "New Projects" list!</span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">1. Large September Sew Sampler Box Throw</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2. Baby Ghost Table Runner</span></span><div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">3. Berrylicious Star</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In a moment of truth, the Bluebird of Happiness visited our bird feeder-- I am never as happy as when dreaming up new quilt projects and I've now redubbed the month "UFOctober!" </span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp08H1CQfAmFemVTPguPGMS7bHbBUXAGZS8KGKWnsGsN344j3eiaL1gL1TSDRgJuST2tBhimozLOVvQBqk6-cRfSVDWJUWOprVWcB8lDa0o58b79IVjqFzljg5stdpRfgDDr7rqTCJIjidFl_bmUmemLHh1_teAmuPMpxUxajaQdptjnnm16UO-UsyWoM/s4032/IMG_5931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp08H1CQfAmFemVTPguPGMS7bHbBUXAGZS8KGKWnsGsN344j3eiaL1gL1TSDRgJuST2tBhimozLOVvQBqk6-cRfSVDWJUWOprVWcB8lDa0o58b79IVjqFzljg5stdpRfgDDr7rqTCJIjidFl_bmUmemLHh1_teAmuPMpxUxajaQdptjnnm16UO-UsyWoM/w640-h480/IMG_5931.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Join me!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">xox</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Carol</span></div><p></p></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2759768018272219938.post-44286803527825682712023-10-12T08:05:00.001-07:002023-10-18T06:32:56.799-07:00First Week of FFOctober-- Check!<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Welcome to the first full week of FFOctober... ten finishes by the end of the month is my goal! First on my list, a brand new start... ambitious, huh! This is a junior jelly roll that came in my September Sew Sampler Box-- I plan to make short work of it before the Halloween box arrives. I picked out a super simple jelly roll pattern from Material Girl Quilts-- let's do it!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The first step is to sew sets of two strips together-- there's 24 in all. I had fun mixing and matching. There were a lot of brown strips, so I pretty much did one brown in each pair-- beyond that, there wasn't much planning. This pattern looks no fail to me.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqis7gjkuFJteGcqtVjNPYE4DRD2ey1rNTS_2zaQTDY7UUnLfZhxZfsfKWqDLV5pnkSmzHAIAvxuRFzOg3H3DpUOXmu5lZHZLajR6JQemlhzLzhHKhKLsgBg1YFZOcaES5M3UKuB61iMqoXCBA_tY41-gYTbFGhoKoD3aM-YC9zhw9dZ6S6adRVC84h0/s4032/IMG_5711.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqis7gjkuFJteGcqtVjNPYE4DRD2ey1rNTS_2zaQTDY7UUnLfZhxZfsfKWqDLV5pnkSmzHAIAvxuRFzOg3H3DpUOXmu5lZHZLajR6JQemlhzLzhHKhKLsgBg1YFZOcaES5M3UKuB61iMqoXCBA_tY41-gYTbFGhoKoD3aM-YC9zhw9dZ6S6adRVC84h0/w640-h480/IMG_5711.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In no time at all, I had them sewn together-- I really put the pedal to the metal! I ironed each strip to the dark side-- that actually took more time than sewing. But all good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2B0xZ8Uxx6R_FzCZq2FybdbNqOeRk4AK0fJs6F9A-SYuf5xtAwyfwE2MlRAuA39o2pU9dkmhgQUUKeA811_gm9YnfVseqvMXMQbOaY9PbysBSbRbDtqPmDyPziru2mfJ-FXI5nAvfatj30feM3BwJxM3UJfPtl_pQxCw-bg5OumJasn92T4yQQw17M3k/w640-h480/IMG_5710.JPG" width="640" /></div></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> Next, each strip was cut into three long pieces. I had a little 2-1/2" piece left at the end that I trimmed up, thinking I'd use it somewhere, so there is absolutely no waste in this project! Then, you sew the three like-colored strips together. The jelly roll is not my favorite pre-cut-- but I trusted if I lined up all those zaggy edges the same way for each piece, it would work out. I did pin the beginning, middle, and ending of each strip together at this point, to avoid the inevitable non-matching ends that can happen on long strips-- it worked. </span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV35pn7jdDsLSlVVSkCVrIkFdQMxhkTjut5E8p3l6iNm4X2bqpZCDnBQ2eu_HZiE6Ywz1dB3xD8pxTaEU_gOBf02psH7cJjv4Jxdh-hVYkTCOzQ8cyqGfkTIOJ9pC5EEqX9qdaDL05rR8P02_MVM6hbyT1oyVmZC4z2ArteX_A6nZnuRH8_x-sUZSpRI/s4032/IMG_5722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV35pn7jdDsLSlVVSkCVrIkFdQMxhkTjut5E8p3l6iNm4X2bqpZCDnBQ2eu_HZiE6Ywz1dB3xD8pxTaEU_gOBf02psH7cJjv4Jxdh-hVYkTCOzQ8cyqGfkTIOJ9pC5EEqX9qdaDL05rR8P02_MVM6hbyT1oyVmZC4z2ArteX_A6nZnuRH8_x-sUZSpRI/w640-h480/IMG_5722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The next step is to cut them in three pieces again, vertically this time.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span>The middle strip is then flipped upside down, and the blocks resewn together-- pretty cool, huh! <span style="text-align: left;">I'm really loving the fall feel of this piece-- the fabric is Fancy That Design House's "Dawn on the Prairie." A lot of my projects seem to be on the prairie lately-- if it's a metaphor for something, please let me know what it is!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuulHprp21tvLXBj3mmdqQ2bdYkdTNCz0QvFU1hbVVoPlwsPbdlENQS05JzpVQ2SuctT5ZkIF7jnWGMQyTEfy4Ln-E2Fbw5LpnYaFD1MfHU5F26d1xjNKWrkQxf1BJq3Mw7urmTkbSm9JCBezJcLogufl9TGwrrClNJsTXC75njdup0CfrA3FY3AIoNs/s4032/IMG_5724.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuulHprp21tvLXBj3mmdqQ2bdYkdTNCz0QvFU1hbVVoPlwsPbdlENQS05JzpVQ2SuctT5ZkIF7jnWGMQyTEfy4Ln-E2Fbw5LpnYaFD1MfHU5F26d1xjNKWrkQxf1BJq3Mw7urmTkbSm9JCBezJcLogufl9TGwrrClNJsTXC75njdup0CfrA3FY3AIoNs/w640-h480/IMG_5724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> Finally, you arrange your blocks and finish the quilt! I made sure I mixed them up well-- especially that the reds and pinks were separated. Item #1 easily crossed off the list...</div><div style="text-align: left;">well, um, about that...</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwMqP6q7Xn53h6IhuXK-jXJMNX2nKQ9bihOGhcYpYozP9OKSjAfY6U1xw28Hs2MDjFoBSAk_MG_AMhEQctOE3g91IPDz0OqGYXmXLzx7ePIc-D-X-gkdVH4prQx0tg43mUA8OjkF3ap0tyGaR7VE7kczcl70h16eRz-t-8wCCC0gWLe6OZSfURAgE7oQ/s4032/IMG_5725.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwMqP6q7Xn53h6IhuXK-jXJMNX2nKQ9bihOGhcYpYozP9OKSjAfY6U1xw28Hs2MDjFoBSAk_MG_AMhEQctOE3g91IPDz0OqGYXmXLzx7ePIc-D-X-gkdVH4prQx0tg43mUA8OjkF3ap0tyGaR7VE7kczcl70h16eRz-t-8wCCC0gWLe6OZSfURAgE7oQ/w640-h480/IMG_5725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> I decided I like it SEW much, I really want to add another two rows and make a bigger quilt size! Ha, ha-- will she finish anything this month? Anyway, I'm crossing it off for now and making it Item #11 to be done. The extra jelly roll is in my cart at Fat Quarter Shop but not checked out yet-- I will see how the list progresses and re-visit my decision later in the month. This whole project only took about three hours and was really enjoyable to make. I might just be friends with the jelly roll at this point!</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> But here IS a FINISH! I made my extra end pieces into a little placemat-- so cute. Just gonna do some quick quilting on it and use it somewhere in the house this fall. What beautiful fabrics...</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfad19ijJaYaEszQNqkFEg7wEr5oNcdnX1tUEHRWQljI0-2tmdf8C9ORuzWTkpMTeq0Evn5-IQ2neiAnU83yKUtjXCNJAlLh3oGt3b8FM1hiB4lOdHMawNn0EatPaj9k2ppq3IWH7pKPleCT1bEOe5Q7PyI7kvDKNlQ9XrnE9sTZUv0b3t0MrOYXa_d0/s3348/IMG_5712%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2520" data-original-width="3348" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfad19ijJaYaEszQNqkFEg7wEr5oNcdnX1tUEHRWQljI0-2tmdf8C9ORuzWTkpMTeq0Evn5-IQ2neiAnU83yKUtjXCNJAlLh3oGt3b8FM1hiB4lOdHMawNn0EatPaj9k2ppq3IWH7pKPleCT1bEOe5Q7PyI7kvDKNlQ9XrnE9sTZUv0b3t0MrOYXa_d0/w640-h482/IMG_5712%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">I also got another eight Summer Memories baskets completed-- <br />only eight more to go!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then a HUGE assembly job-- heehee! </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSph65kuDxWaZBe6mv4Pk8ESnsw6DBbKa-rmxRZyJ_m42W5UYLyymFYbASeEinDxBmyWMGDZU3mVmLe_gHJI5fTQ6Ju2KNO4aC4BjI2h3iFX2xpj9Gi-YKv-vRNKEIaVKf94W-eCVjIyCYYEbOoT6LjNkhTsNl5TJcEfBRXkRAFxJJZ2kLak_4_MRvio/s4032/IMG_5709%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3728" data-original-width="4032" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSph65kuDxWaZBe6mv4Pk8ESnsw6DBbKa-rmxRZyJ_m42W5UYLyymFYbASeEinDxBmyWMGDZU3mVmLe_gHJI5fTQ6Ju2KNO4aC4BjI2h3iFX2xpj9Gi-YKv-vRNKEIaVKf94W-eCVjIyCYYEbOoT6LjNkhTsNl5TJcEfBRXkRAFxJJZ2kLak_4_MRvio/w640-h592/IMG_5709%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I have cut the pieces for this month's Pressed Flowers block. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V1d-6TG5Be-KH_MXGDkbngZaMnU-HZiLbwAWloeNlty7q_xlYbJlb_Ye5_EnRtcIOKoTNFfutEb4vXQzWdp11IZeDvfDU8RK2nMkochFq_Tr5ZKkGv9sm04Tadpt0n_UBTifrKtS7S3bcrzwxKGZoMZNNsX7sCdPiFycuIQdcKXMoHK8-pJiyNn0tjs/s4032/IMG_5926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V1d-6TG5Be-KH_MXGDkbngZaMnU-HZiLbwAWloeNlty7q_xlYbJlb_Ye5_EnRtcIOKoTNFfutEb4vXQzWdp11IZeDvfDU8RK2nMkochFq_Tr5ZKkGv9sm04Tadpt0n_UBTifrKtS7S3bcrzwxKGZoMZNNsX7sCdPiFycuIQdcKXMoHK8-pJiyNn0tjs/w640-h480/IMG_5926.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> And I got the bindings started on the Corn Pop pillows. I'm going to show you how I am making these when they are done. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ48uJ3B3eHk7dXRTJKqtvGLSgB7duku5PGzOPEvoV3pMkY5cJTxo-szYbs7_NMPXfySNbarZDEDjWP3uMhFz4S9fcQHqiSyu9NZihH_s1_c-KC-2_Dxjl5aUYFaKyuicQRuYDvRlJ1A2-ziaIlaH-pNtkG-4x0edbnjxpKfUBmq5dZXr7mRf-_nv7_wE/s4032/IMG_5928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ48uJ3B3eHk7dXRTJKqtvGLSgB7duku5PGzOPEvoV3pMkY5cJTxo-szYbs7_NMPXfySNbarZDEDjWP3uMhFz4S9fcQHqiSyu9NZihH_s1_c-KC-2_Dxjl5aUYFaKyuicQRuYDvRlJ1A2-ziaIlaH-pNtkG-4x0edbnjxpKfUBmq5dZXr7mRf-_nv7_wE/w640-h480/IMG_5928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">So here's where I stand for a week of work-- I'm pretty satisfied with it, there were a lot of distractions last week, but the next three weeks are really free of extra-curricular activities. Most of the items on this list have very little work left in them. If I push, I think I could have ten finishes this month... eight is totally realistic.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><strike>1</strike></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><strike>. September Sew Sampler Box</strike><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times;"><span>2. Neighbor #5<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>3. Resilient Quilt <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>4. Corn Pop Pillows<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>5. Pressed Flowers Block 6<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>6. Oval Table Runner<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>7. Mod Flower Box<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>8. Tree Farm Table Runner. <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>9. Fruit Cocktail Table Runner-<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span>10. Spooky Box. <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">11. Sew Sampler Box Redux</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strike>* * Summer Memories Eight more blocks</strike></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Hope you were able to review your yearly goals and make a little forward progress this past week-- if not, there's always next week!</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">xox</span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Carol</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0XCgSx14HwU4i-6zq49ND_-1MDXX84qcC1O517qvvu4AIwlnmp0FYOiyFJG6TuACUD0WXInTAePAIz6yu0Yi9skqRQ7iWrgD4SbNBKRxflWuhNT9vEbjSonL9R-eyQ5eJA-3_S2smBrVhSq7eQLEyLw4kXD0_xzmKOahLXU5_UZEW132FYRvgy7hnMM/s4032/IMG_5756.JPG" imageanchor="1" 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/AVvXsEi-0XCgSx14HwU4i-6zq49ND_-1MDXX84qcC1O517qvvu4AIwlnmp0FYOiyFJG6TuACUD0WXInTAePAIz6yu0Yi9skqRQ7iWrgD4SbNBKRxflWuhNT9vEbjSonL9R-eyQ5eJA-3_S2smBrVhSq7eQLEyLw4kXD0_xzmKOahLXU5_UZEW132FYRvgy7hnMM/w480-h640/IMG_5756.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p></div></div>San Francisco Stitch Co.http://www.blogger.com/profile/15800667619160875862noreply@blogger.com1