tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77959225157613626962024-03-05T08:33:41.414-05:00Little Gray DogAdventures in Quilting, Knitting and a Little Gray Dog.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-85127834738066978462011-02-09T10:24:00.005-05:002011-02-09T10:35:55.441-05:00Over a Year With No Posts-But I'm Finally Finishing a Project!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_IYWeQZ_QfJgB53IJ3usvRposq-POVg7q6U8eNDBzSKcLY94jONi-XmvJ1tgQWWbFVwhACVo4oDYJeRG0mA1YCTAxr9vtRPbIMmXvZHBxJw1cHMV0Z0Q9Z1xMJ8Pc_e7FaVTILHAc_w/s1600/P2090004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_IYWeQZ_QfJgB53IJ3usvRposq-POVg7q6U8eNDBzSKcLY94jONi-XmvJ1tgQWWbFVwhACVo4oDYJeRG0mA1YCTAxr9vtRPbIMmXvZHBxJw1cHMV0Z0Q9Z1xMJ8Pc_e7FaVTILHAc_w/s320/P2090004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571713451820866162" border="0" /></a>Wow that just won't do, will it? I haven't been doing much crafting...OK I haven't been doing any crafting since I started my new job, over a year ago. It's been a crazy year, but I think I'm finally ready to start crafting again.<br /><br />Remember the quilt I <a href="http://littlegraydog.blogspot.com/2009/08/sun-is-finally-out.html">started a million years ago and never finished</a>? The one I planned to give to my best friend from college? Yes, the one that got married two years ago this summer...ekk. Well I'm finally finishing hand sewing on the binding and I should be done this weekend. You have 2 years to give a wedding gift right? Wrong, 1 year, so my sincere apologies my dear Mo, your gift is coming soon.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-41677944879411103242010-01-01T10:00:00.002-05:002010-01-01T10:24:10.399-05:00Happy New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGsBAMYFUl_C8SU3_qh1gftfBNuyTUuvIkyuPsU_sm-ew3dqNHodDArPY5GlJbRXpPxmjyFDC5hP1pSu4WQJaQXaFYhda0wj1ZHSogE1segraduQGg3EvjAmANxsjJiHY24piVaw7Nc/s1600-h/alg_times_sq-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYGsBAMYFUl_C8SU3_qh1gftfBNuyTUuvIkyuPsU_sm-ew3dqNHodDArPY5GlJbRXpPxmjyFDC5hP1pSu4WQJaQXaFYhda0wj1ZHSogE1segraduQGg3EvjAmANxsjJiHY24piVaw7Nc/s320/alg_times_sq-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421792515452840898" /></a><br />I love January 1st! Probably for two reasons. First, it's my Birthday and Second, there's something invigorating about beginning "over". Making goals for a new year, challenging myself to try new things, and pushing myself to live a simpler and better life. 2009 was a challenging year in some respects, but I've learned and grown a lot and am excited to try some new projects and learn some new skills in 2010.<br /><br />From Little Gray Dog to you: Peace, Love and Happiness and many successful new projects in the New Year!Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-38418345330965206132009-12-17T23:32:00.003-05:002009-12-17T23:38:08.680-05:00While Visions of Dingos Danced in Their Heads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SU1gsKfqrJ3Oqy2QfWhUof13vsmrB96F0F9Q35fH7TjdNBf5TLTxn2v7in4cSVLZHPjxDq-Nj9C2UAzao8c0ji-vC2i759njbURm5U29Z_hSq06Ky1njRDisIRK-S4oEUXnL9op3WFY/s1600-h/P1010014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SU1gsKfqrJ3Oqy2QfWhUof13vsmrB96F0F9Q35fH7TjdNBf5TLTxn2v7in4cSVLZHPjxDq-Nj9C2UAzao8c0ji-vC2i759njbURm5U29Z_hSq06Ky1njRDisIRK-S4oEUXnL9op3WFY/s320/P1010014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416429700132415570" /></a><br /><br />If you have a dog I'm sure you're well aware of dingos. Little gray dog has already put in his order with santa (his grammy in maine, shh don't tell he still believes) for a bag or two.<br /><br />Here's a shot of the tree this year. The theme is blue and silver. Little gray dog decided he (as always) needed to be the center of attention (even if he was asleep). Patrick the cat also decided to take part in the photo shoot. Don't mind the lack of tree skirt, the dog drinks the tree water and I decided putting presents under the tree wasn't a great idea, unless we wanted dog drool all over them.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-55267231110986996002009-12-09T12:47:00.006-05:002009-12-09T13:19:37.074-05:00Long Time No PostWhere have I been...Well I've recently discovered coupon shopping and I have to admit that I'm hooked. Hooked is probably an understatement. A good friend of mine sent me a video clip about a woman in Massachusetts who buys thousands of dollars of groceries for only pennies. After watching I did a little research and discovered that there are <span style="font-weight:bold;">tons</span> of bloggers out there explaining step by step how to save money. I got so engrossed in my coupon shopping that I literally haven't done anything else for about a month. It's like crack, in credit card form (but luckily you're never spending much). For the month of November I spent about $93.53 (minus rebates and rewards that I have left to spend next month) and bought everything in the photos below <span style="font-style:italic;">(over $900.00 worth of product)</span>. Now I have a ton of stuff to give away for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers (let's just say that everyone and their brother is getting a razor set this Christmas). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwKMqAZOZY41T2Vd4JiqQr8CTrYzw_WS7gFlJpk5Hb1NR45ruiqDfJw_xUFs5meoROHFYDzX-0SabKYwcb89APG6qAF7mYnTDdNVSQW4tws__G1sRA5yCRv_aHGwfCt_aZQGNKHeGyoU/s1600-h/grocery+4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwKMqAZOZY41T2Vd4JiqQr8CTrYzw_WS7gFlJpk5Hb1NR45ruiqDfJw_xUFs5meoROHFYDzX-0SabKYwcb89APG6qAF7mYnTDdNVSQW4tws__G1sRA5yCRv_aHGwfCt_aZQGNKHeGyoU/s320/grocery+4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413299580911359042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J_mB5XEGQkpvL0xcRU1LK8E3320b-p-wdu3RcDXCtzzRTRgbRLVEhnoMl3oui2eNBSeV82pbf81rdsQUM6418llOzNvxJ4YqFQl7oUlqTDjSfouvezr-4zg4Lm-hjKyy71r6bqcLUG0/s1600-h/grocery2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J_mB5XEGQkpvL0xcRU1LK8E3320b-p-wdu3RcDXCtzzRTRgbRLVEhnoMl3oui2eNBSeV82pbf81rdsQUM6418llOzNvxJ4YqFQl7oUlqTDjSfouvezr-4zg4Lm-hjKyy71r6bqcLUG0/s320/grocery2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413299458143605170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJquWSjmHwfMwpVibSzRBTC1LXuodEOANSD10WKf1ym9ngt-XoGWBTY0HDXR0zPO8PVaYPiXmWp1ZdI0hREIxNintxFCe3nkn-irByK2N-Go-hNlye6d3DidjnZ6FNDoj_ZNcQu2KuxHA/s1600-h/grocery+3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJquWSjmHwfMwpVibSzRBTC1LXuodEOANSD10WKf1ym9ngt-XoGWBTY0HDXR0zPO8PVaYPiXmWp1ZdI0hREIxNintxFCe3nkn-irByK2N-Go-hNlye6d3DidjnZ6FNDoj_ZNcQu2KuxHA/s320/grocery+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413299320004929858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAd0PI7sixZj5rwCRFCiXjDNRFrBgz9ofAFKuEU9OSkj1QV1Pxeg8qR93COX2jD4px80dHNyFW1vXUy0vcGuZYcVMFVyQDF7yzTkJFjQbwpFb_ti6dn7rZosQxMpr8qruLK4hPtEdJ_s/s1600-h/grocery.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAd0PI7sixZj5rwCRFCiXjDNRFrBgz9ofAFKuEU9OSkj1QV1Pxeg8qR93COX2jD4px80dHNyFW1vXUy0vcGuZYcVMFVyQDF7yzTkJFjQbwpFb_ti6dn7rZosQxMpr8qruLK4hPtEdJ_s/s320/grocery.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413298840684170850" /></a><br /><br />On a crafty note I did finish my bella mittens and my knitty cabled hat and will post those photos later today or tomorrow. Sorry for the long absence. I frequently get obsessed with things (be it crafts, or coupon shopping) and lose track of time.<br /><br />KKarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-80694946920348907302009-11-02T23:06:00.004-05:002009-11-02T23:22:58.947-05:00"The Squirrels Will Never Recognize Me Now!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWivxF5KtrpKUaQbdlm5vW1KpOiXv-MgxKI2HvEV7sV8FF7ylelQB_M5r6iVjt4wU-MtAKm4Pyr_MyUaSjntQoghe_ahMSeTlyyJ33acFB_n6kGHLs0AjJNKwOscdUw6xy1oJdAqP374M/s1600-h/PA210042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWivxF5KtrpKUaQbdlm5vW1KpOiXv-MgxKI2HvEV7sV8FF7ylelQB_M5r6iVjt4wU-MtAKm4Pyr_MyUaSjntQoghe_ahMSeTlyyJ33acFB_n6kGHLs0AjJNKwOscdUw6xy1oJdAqP374M/s320/PA210042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399727661195076018" border="0" /></a>Said the little gray dog to E and I while we were walking him around on Howl-o-ween. His costume was actually a 3 month old baby costume that I picked up the night before Halloween and altered to fit him. It was a little beat up and missing eyes so I asked the manager for 1/2 off, he agreed and I only ended up paying <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">$7 bucks</span>.<br /><br />I had the buttons on hand and used his lands end fleece jacket to measure fit. I think he was horribly embarrassed, but everyone else thought he was really cute. I thought the costume was especially appropriate since I'm originally from Maine. I thought about tying a sign around his neck that said Maine or Bust and sending a photo to my parents, but got sidetracked. Do I see a Christmas card in the works?...Am I turning into one of <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">those</span> people? Ekk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rXM33Kl3oeMVqDXPGCXUg2sELwxFWjQNOlooV3hsxzkclnQ72BWO-zqLHX3WThlJ5h0ZsCjvJLqu7UTAwi7QwNObwAeK6GRlOUHwKa1O0JHEj-A7QMugcD7xIORXj4WIA_hg0qVesLw/s1600-h/PA200006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rXM33Kl3oeMVqDXPGCXUg2sELwxFWjQNOlooV3hsxzkclnQ72BWO-zqLHX3WThlJ5h0ZsCjvJLqu7UTAwi7QwNObwAeK6GRlOUHwKa1O0JHEj-A7QMugcD7xIORXj4WIA_hg0qVesLw/s320/PA200006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399727817819999378" border="0" /></a>Yes, even the kitties wanted to get in on the "action".Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-31845448139974455092009-10-27T08:28:00.005-04:002009-10-27T08:46:52.953-04:00New GoodiesThis weekend I was cleaning when E took the little gray dog for his morning walk. He returned later with this adorable little quilt. It's all hand quilted and the woman selling it told E that it was made by her mother. It always amazes me that people can give away/sell handmade gifts. Perhaps it wasn't her style, but I guess <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I'm too much of a packrat </span>and/or too sentimental to give away something that was made specifically for me. I often find myself purchasing handmade items (quilts, afghans etc) at thrift shops and garage sales even if their color scheme isn't my taste.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tTDOxi6xsUq3V4gDfagWkLt9GWef4fyow0O2ibj9-E5OKxsPlyggPC2zchuRNF5_v16UslzhqKAG3LhEK39E2omIV0aloTjpDoX84N_ZkQBWn-PNHXfMmfONLhlnLBbmqU8pvBurf3I/s1600-h/PA150002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tTDOxi6xsUq3V4gDfagWkLt9GWef4fyow0O2ibj9-E5OKxsPlyggPC2zchuRNF5_v16UslzhqKAG3LhEK39E2omIV0aloTjpDoX84N_ZkQBWn-PNHXfMmfONLhlnLBbmqU8pvBurf3I/s320/PA150002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397259718405254626" border="0" /></a>Maybe I'm crazy (ok I know I'm crazy), but I know how much time and love when into making them and I'd hate to think they'd get sent to the dump. So to save them from an uncertain fate...they come to my house, which is exactly why I need a bigger place. Something with a space for my craft workshop, so I can finally hang all of these "misfits". I'm not sure exactly what I will do with it yet, since I don't have a studio, but I'm happy to have it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Meqv0cYZsRhh6AZBQaEzf43J0XVxUiYagYh0E9PwQeKCPrinujzoBsGMbRPGR9tpD2BZHw9zyEOly3BIHDgVVNfElQYlUFLKbyjf_CsHBlD_ZkQGhP15LlhMfP3AbrKhO631f1k9ULA/s1600-h/PA150004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Meqv0cYZsRhh6AZBQaEzf43J0XVxUiYagYh0E9PwQeKCPrinujzoBsGMbRPGR9tpD2BZHw9zyEOly3BIHDgVVNfElQYlUFLKbyjf_CsHBlD_ZkQGhP15LlhMfP3AbrKhO631f1k9ULA/s320/PA150004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397259465774940242" border="0" /></a>Here's a <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">kona color card</span> that I received in the mail from Karen. Her etsy shop North Country Quilts is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5330267">here</a>. She has a great selection of moda's precuts, some beautiful batiks, and a large selection of kona cotton solids. Now that I have the color card it will be much easier to purchase online and know the the "tangerine" I ordered from Hancock fabrics is WAY too bright to use on the front of the Halloween wall hanging that may or may not be finished in time for Halloween.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-65779071560036084402009-10-25T20:57:00.004-04:002009-10-25T21:22:28.551-04:00Take This Job and Shove It!Let's just say that my week was absolutely miserable. The job I started Monday turned out to be a <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">NIGHTMARE</span>. The people (who only spoke Hebrew because they knew I couldn't understand what they were saying), the work itself (which was nothing related to HR, which was the job I was hired to do), and the office itself (which didn't even have a bathroom...think using a key for a public restroom in the hall. I was basically treated like a secretary/personal assistant to 15 people (which would be fine if the pay was much more and that was explained to me in the beginning). I should have known when I asked for a job description and there wasn't one, or when I realized they didn't ask me for references, or perhaps when I was offered the position an hour after interviewing (I guess I just thought "man they must recognize how uber talented I am and want to scoop me up"). Which of course is probably true in some respects since the job was so encompassing and complicated that they would need to hire 5 different people to handle all the crap they were delegating. But enough of that...it's all in the past. For the first time in my life and very happily I must confess, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I resigned from a job </span>(and after only 5 days).<br /><br />In happier news, I took my licensing exam on Saturday and I PASSED!! woo hoo. Now I can officially add <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LMSW </span>to my name. I wasn't planning on taking the exam since my major was social enterprise not clinical, but I think in this economy having another credential can't hurt, right?<br /><br />So <a href="http://subliminalrabbit.blogspot.com/2008/12/bellas-mittens-updated-pattern.html">here's </a>what I've been working on this week.<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> Bella's mittens</span> by subliminalrabbit. I found the pattern on ravelry and immediately fell in love. I have to admit I don't know anything about the Twilight movie they were inspired by, but I really love how quick they work up and how professional they look. I don't know how long the first one took since I didn't know very much over the week, but the second one is working up much faster. I always save the thumbs for last, I guess that's because it's the part I like the least, well that and weaving in ends. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPHPu4GQE0UGKi1GX7QTTsRC6B7QGASBvmVO58sbGR_0kZOs6v9QtkdVSXU5f4zA8pfe0c8eMcaSWq73ucp2jOMv0n8oYRgzS2ZR-nnelYHxXcA3M1wmhk_k8D72mjvX6GImPgnoTkR8/s1600-h/PA150001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPHPu4GQE0UGKi1GX7QTTsRC6B7QGASBvmVO58sbGR_0kZOs6v9QtkdVSXU5f4zA8pfe0c8eMcaSWq73ucp2jOMv0n8oYRgzS2ZR-nnelYHxXcA3M1wmhk_k8D72mjvX6GImPgnoTkR8/s320/PA150001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396712185276220866" border="0" /></a>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-54598192338767394172009-10-19T20:41:00.011-04:002010-01-07T16:25:29.946-05:00One of These Things is Not like the OthersOk none of these these are like each other...In a logical time progression order, I give to you my weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxYQnnLN1WiHpDqmlQ4sw1nxDjekJd212CLdxvZrohlLOXjP8erkN65_ZhO2gfkz7PM9VCPS9iCxMlPPDUsQhm71NRkflLRAWQYbpKP45zQLLYrAyHHoWkr4paxHu2fgMDfW-jyIayF8/s1600-h/PA070007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxYQnnLN1WiHpDqmlQ4sw1nxDjekJd212CLdxvZrohlLOXjP8erkN65_ZhO2gfkz7PM9VCPS9iCxMlPPDUsQhm71NRkflLRAWQYbpKP45zQLLYrAyHHoWkr4paxHu2fgMDfW-jyIayF8/s320/PA070007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394478665546858258" border="0" /></a>Banana Bread bought at a rest stop in upstate New York, delicious and moist, yum!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30k2Z394vJz4xiRSV2Ez4jI5WOB6haYIbkCkzUX7qRzg6Wur-B19_ZlQXj_vqukuoPh53SNDhy4KNRlfeyhLRSeLrbshxUfmSk_cIsRNYDnJR502N8uO8m4_8t1WQ_pg2kPiA0_q5idI/s1600-h/PA070008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30k2Z394vJz4xiRSV2Ez4jI5WOB6haYIbkCkzUX7qRzg6Wur-B19_ZlQXj_vqukuoPh53SNDhy4KNRlfeyhLRSeLrbshxUfmSk_cIsRNYDnJR502N8uO8m4_8t1WQ_pg2kPiA0_q5idI/s320/PA070008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394478272841018434" border="0" /></a>Artichokes (deep fried with blue cheese and buffalo dipping sauce and sauteed in garlic and butter with parmesan cheese) I waited in line for an hour and 20 minutes to get these delicious treats. Luckily there were some friendly ladies also enjoying the <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/">New York State Sheep and Wool Festival</a> who kept me company. Shout out to Loraine if she's reading, and no my shih tzu is not a humper:)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XyIDMh4m8Zk37P1vbhwAFmQP2we4GYxELWIJhMdvxtLtRPrsa9ix00Mz3XgAMaN5FCIymKRDqyOBlppFBZ-YGva71EY0kFh0vWPifP0RMVXH-3PdhvY-g4HLB8Nu0UL92CaOha6Ix64/s1600-h/PA070009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XyIDMh4m8Zk37P1vbhwAFmQP2we4GYxELWIJhMdvxtLtRPrsa9ix00Mz3XgAMaN5FCIymKRDqyOBlppFBZ-YGva71EY0kFh0vWPifP0RMVXH-3PdhvY-g4HLB8Nu0UL92CaOha6Ix64/s320/PA070009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394478143723395858" border="0" /></a>Here are a few sheep at the sheep and wool festival. I wanted to take one home but had a strange suspicion my little gray dog wouldn't like them very much. He already has to show the kitties who's boss and doesn't need any more competition for mama's love.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUT1zVlaEnsVfE1WVrLcGHKHn8crFPcm90qumZvit9nr_gANxnhzO-KaWAh4CRqObHtNY6_P1jUY5VxO9nhJ7LeYzUT02e0no5kv5n78kllccweVKKUSRXRvm8tAjtGbkVQms19c1mdU/s1600-h/PA070017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUT1zVlaEnsVfE1WVrLcGHKHn8crFPcm90qumZvit9nr_gANxnhzO-KaWAh4CRqObHtNY6_P1jUY5VxO9nhJ7LeYzUT02e0no5kv5n78kllccweVKKUSRXRvm8tAjtGbkVQms19c1mdU/s320/PA070017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394478038021675634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_YkiIPUySHYCc9gVWV640Mg0mVU7RBgIspna0P5p_YM5Km1lxgm6T8Nuo-ITthx-F74gt3Jc8-F53382XF_tut3rL8K_VzREPxxW5QTelNaOAsQV_5oWPrdXb-K7NsmAzoj6oUX_YyI/s1600-h/PA070022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_YkiIPUySHYCc9gVWV640Mg0mVU7RBgIspna0P5p_YM5Km1lxgm6T8Nuo-ITthx-F74gt3Jc8-F53382XF_tut3rL8K_VzREPxxW5QTelNaOAsQV_5oWPrdXb-K7NsmAzoj6oUX_YyI/s320/PA070022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394477896533758610" border="0" /></a>And...a kangaroo! I saw kangaroo's last year at the festival and one of them had a joey, it was the most adorable thing I've ever seen. The owner of the kangaroo told me all about joeys and her farm last year, it was fascinating.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcd5djWpTfflzbsqkmiIc9-3qg_LDgoslvZu9YuavEovkmvUc9swj6cVdmpsyE0V2iJzaAY5nkVUrnQmN5u315Z1Tl-YDw8TMjfuv-Utkw_nhpgNAGYGsG85Ea4zIfv-ZSCWeTUUiosE/s1600-h/PA070025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcd5djWpTfflzbsqkmiIc9-3qg_LDgoslvZu9YuavEovkmvUc9swj6cVdmpsyE0V2iJzaAY5nkVUrnQmN5u315Z1Tl-YDw8TMjfuv-Utkw_nhpgNAGYGsG85Ea4zIfv-ZSCWeTUUiosE/s320/PA070025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394477778862941474" border="0" /></a>And on Sunday's trip to Fiesta Grill we drove by this adorable little hair salon selling...Doobies? Umm...it was right next to a police precinct so your guess is as good as mine. If anyone knows what a doobie is please please write me, I'm dying to know.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr73gXpEBE3h0AnnrQ2cSs3324DyiTCNHj2lXpEyYU2bPlA64Tqkkh8i4gA59IYzjo3oRkprcPlba_CDUC43qKLORFNFy_0ufdYPDpsgL4zjxBgnPWyLMlumm8PJnM66yi83Y4jFUzTc/s1600-h/PA080033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcr73gXpEBE3h0AnnrQ2cSs3324DyiTCNHj2lXpEyYU2bPlA64Tqkkh8i4gA59IYzjo3oRkprcPlba_CDUC43qKLORFNFy_0ufdYPDpsgL4zjxBgnPWyLMlumm8PJnM66yi83Y4jFUzTc/s320/PA080033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394477676646241858" border="0" /></a>That's all for today. It was a long first day at the office, but I'm so thankful to have a job.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-31389247028083747102009-10-15T23:32:00.007-04:002009-10-16T00:14:36.298-04:00Blogger's Quilt FestivalSo I've been looking at all the beautiful quilts listed on <a href="http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com/2009/10/quilt-festival-fall-2009.html">Park City Girl's</a> Blogger's Quilt Festival for a few days now and just noticed that the deadline to take part in the festival is tomorrow. So without further ado... I give to you Mardi Gras<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5wSqXoqlkXJcOzbe1B2EmMU0l8_B4yUyn0nu5iHPk7nT8wl3jWkwpsk5pBWJcxR1gJ_y7LH6rZcTNmefzFOFY8JAQ9lhzzizYlHl77b9VVU1rwTjU_knTuGMJIvFI7P2pkn_xyt7ioI/s1600-h/DSC01329.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5wSqXoqlkXJcOzbe1B2EmMU0l8_B4yUyn0nu5iHPk7nT8wl3jWkwpsk5pBWJcxR1gJ_y7LH6rZcTNmefzFOFY8JAQ9lhzzizYlHl77b9VVU1rwTjU_knTuGMJIvFI7P2pkn_xyt7ioI/s320/DSC01329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393036924021756386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvQr0VLMPLsbtbTW1cRnApjU5FnRr2g17mUpRd6phqhwAMqLiSkv32kk8dkCct0q-SNPgM8x9qLUp60bk3zahatVNa1WFDVwFMOqs2cOxK-wQYL7iUKRRmvDaWgS0j2at_OqpYMU3svc/s1600-h/DSC01326.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvQr0VLMPLsbtbTW1cRnApjU5FnRr2g17mUpRd6phqhwAMqLiSkv32kk8dkCct0q-SNPgM8x9qLUp60bk3zahatVNa1WFDVwFMOqs2cOxK-wQYL7iUKRRmvDaWgS0j2at_OqpYMU3svc/s320/DSC01326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393036817416109058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6Gj-31hY_CdhJwGiJhw2zhccEv5-PzAykhojXwRTj3cSkqXlXZH5LISBB49PNXeo1zSAlxKCz7wqVnh9wrpv_Glf8VeV9skw1EzZny3HiAG1LfclgBs75B5mcJJReu3jI9fdPmR9o4A/s1600-h/DSC01331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6Gj-31hY_CdhJwGiJhw2zhccEv5-PzAykhojXwRTj3cSkqXlXZH5LISBB49PNXeo1zSAlxKCz7wqVnh9wrpv_Glf8VeV9skw1EzZny3HiAG1LfclgBs75B5mcJJReu3jI9fdPmR9o4A/s320/DSC01331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393037122043128834" border="0" /></a>The pattern was based on <a href="http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item--i-TB-BENTO">bento box </a>by Tracey Brookshire. I didn't actually have the pattern so I just made up my own measurements. I purchased all of the batiks for 40-50% off at a local quilt store when I was living in Boston. At first I wasn't really sure I liked them, but when I was finished I was really pleased with the result. Normally I would choose a much more subdued color palate, but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone a little to make this quilt. It was my second "bed-size" quilt and was quilted on a long-arm machine by Debbie Allen in Utah. The quilting was done using an all over pano and variegated thread (the last photo shows the detail the best). When I first put the photos of this quilt on flickr another quilter said I should name it Mardi Gras because of all the bright colors, at the time it was unnamed, so the name stuck.<br /><br />A big thank you to <a href="http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com/2009/10/quilt-festival-fall-2009.html">Amy</a> for hosting such a wonderful festival. With so many talented and inspirational quilters, I look forward to looking through each of the entries.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-3458618890301620712009-10-15T16:32:00.005-04:002009-10-15T16:53:04.866-04:00Ask and Ye Shall Receive...Good News and Finished Projects<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Finally, finally I have a job!</span> Woo hoo I'm so thrilled to be among the gainfully employed again. I received an offer yesterday from a financial consulting company to be their Administrative and Human Resources Manager. I start Monday and I'm very excited about the possibilities.<br /><br />Here are a couple of projects I've been working on. The first one you'll remember from a few months ago. I couldn't get a decent photo in color so here's one in black and white:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmOdS1hWsPaIHyD-GYNDudzwVH5yaPTzMaJl1vKZ0lY4wpwU5chJONs8gJCCLpJ6k0uyn48NZICtQq6YMrYvL41NW2pymW3avNw1LFDnY1uMKa0OyWAT3I6Qolx9mF1LPoRt75q0JN2A/s1600-h/PA050033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmOdS1hWsPaIHyD-GYNDudzwVH5yaPTzMaJl1vKZ0lY4wpwU5chJONs8gJCCLpJ6k0uyn48NZICtQq6YMrYvL41NW2pymW3avNw1LFDnY1uMKa0OyWAT3I6Qolx9mF1LPoRt75q0JN2A/s320/PA050033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392930218059101266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Telemark Pullover</span> by Erika Flory-a pdf can be found on ravelry for free! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Modifications: </span>Made the collar and arm and waist bands in seed stitch. Made the sweater short sleeve instead of long. It sort of reminds me of a polo shirt. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Yarn: </span>Cotton Fleece in a chocolate brown colorway <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Needle: </span>Size 8 <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Other: </span>I love how quick this knit up (despite the fact I put off the sleeves for months). It's a well written pattern and makes an adorable little sweater. I would say it runs a bit small though so I would recommend making at least one pattern size larger then you normally would need.<br /><br />And a candle mat I made for my grandmother for Christmas<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BFwBU5_EMtVsHjYfWK1bPEbvz5HD9hrmV3PBCDcN94ZU2f-SYO4OUHyKQvbZFGhHzfNLdWoo4Y8BJ4B2_Ua2O23Ni4uD8SpSADBFxldmsueuoUApbiAugfFxhpNgSIlWh1dYXTIaN4w/s1600-h/PA050024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BFwBU5_EMtVsHjYfWK1bPEbvz5HD9hrmV3PBCDcN94ZU2f-SYO4OUHyKQvbZFGhHzfNLdWoo4Y8BJ4B2_Ua2O23Ni4uD8SpSADBFxldmsueuoUApbiAugfFxhpNgSIlWh1dYXTIaN4w/s320/PA050024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392930896804093346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern: </span>Inspired by a pattern by Barri Sue Gaudet<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Modifications:</span><span> </span>I didn't actually have the pattern, just saw one and decided to buy the materials to make one using my own guesstimates about how big the berries and flowers should be. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Materials: </span><span>Wool Felt and embroidery floss</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other:</span>I'm really pleased with how cute this came out. I think my grandma will really like this since her whole kitchen is strawberry themed. It took forever to stitch around every little piece, but it was a good project to do listening to tv on the couch.<br /><br />Off to clean up the apartment a little, since next week I'll be working:)<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-44969964524491128402009-10-08T19:35:00.003-04:002009-10-08T19:49:21.788-04:00I won! I won!So today I sat on the couch for most of the day sort of feeling bad for myself. I'm getting frustrated since I still haven't had any luck in my job search. I know the economy is bad and yada yada, but I guess I was sort of hoping all the money Obama promised would go to social services would add some jobs in my field. Anyway...so I'm sitting on the couch pouting and all of the sudden I notice my phone is blinking...an e-mail... a slight glimmer of hope that perhaps an employer is contacting me to set up an interview, but no...even BETTER!<br /><br />I won <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Karen's give away</span>. I've been reading <a href="http://karensquilting.com/blog/">her blog </a>for a while and admiring her "Dear Jane" quilt, so I decided that it couldn't hurt to enter, just in case. I'm not usually one to win contests or giveaways, so this is indeed a pleasant surprise, and perhaps a sign that things are going to get better. So, here's a shout out to any hiring managers in the greater NYC area who might be reading and have an job opening for me (who knows, maybe I'm on a lucky streak, right?)<br /><br />And a <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">BIG</span> thanks to Karen for making my day!! Stop by her blog and check out her projects, you'll be glad you did.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-9356391997615111822009-10-07T17:09:00.010-04:002009-10-07T17:28:16.048-04:00Christmas Quilt is Complete!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9BBsVROP32CybqenEIZnIMNJcDzw5hDxtNKko29NfwelLUoY7pZ20Z4ic_hg6ivz2b3WjCNmnDRpu13MbtDOdlfh2gjNoesuXxYBqdppuYRESAOZ5DDxgsnPpTavYRC-AXQ9VZFi7EM/s1600-h/P9270006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9BBsVROP32CybqenEIZnIMNJcDzw5hDxtNKko29NfwelLUoY7pZ20Z4ic_hg6ivz2b3WjCNmnDRpu13MbtDOdlfh2gjNoesuXxYBqdppuYRESAOZ5DDxgsnPpTavYRC-AXQ9VZFi7EM/s320/P9270006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389969114116484034" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBPYP13mWHYZAsIoCxSy9ZN_AGdgR8ttxDFlkm91-j-8MdCsqqVKSjmwXEUQN3dyUme7METDTKsYkq2R656qlIxsZnqBMdjcurQ7mrfTqhhg3oqfsXowHp3s2HdmTxyqDyJZ33uxNImE/s1600-h/P9270009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBPYP13mWHYZAsIoCxSy9ZN_AGdgR8ttxDFlkm91-j-8MdCsqqVKSjmwXEUQN3dyUme7METDTKsYkq2R656qlIxsZnqBMdjcurQ7mrfTqhhg3oqfsXowHp3s2HdmTxyqDyJZ33uxNImE/s320/P9270009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389968991212024242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnPGhrUd1pajhKs6FU2_G2hyphenhyphenX9TprBo0JdOd0RB6aluVZuFHMUe3myW17ieSkUJIY2tImyE7dALEH4ifDQsKIycqJX_4sPYr2oL9tK6ODjHHAN3OOypmITH4lchdQp7CAXXrMZcyaO_E/s1600-h/P9270010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnPGhrUd1pajhKs6FU2_G2hyphenhyphenX9TprBo0JdOd0RB6aluVZuFHMUe3myW17ieSkUJIY2tImyE7dALEH4ifDQsKIycqJX_4sPYr2oL9tK6ODjHHAN3OOypmITH4lchdQp7CAXXrMZcyaO_E/s320/P9270010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389968800526390578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18tOZkMakCKTCZzzQ7ItIdef9I8pGfIe0W6AqVNYYXKM_S3-r56rLqTB0Hu2EnkaGRYehEiRQuaaqR1Dl3hOYKIY1TMoK65LxJLW5ajZHCSqh_fHiswRWnF9YmHHhMuma30l-bC1_8ds/s1600-h/P9270012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18tOZkMakCKTCZzzQ7ItIdef9I8pGfIe0W6AqVNYYXKM_S3-r56rLqTB0Hu2EnkaGRYehEiRQuaaqR1Dl3hOYKIY1TMoK65LxJLW5ajZHCSqh_fHiswRWnF9YmHHhMuma30l-bC1_8ds/s320/P9270012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389968680769583058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoHq2tvch31bljQaCoQL5Luu0qIj2mPLKNT7WLUfdI6D_nKd7B5MaA891RjSXUpr9DNtW9iLTn1RdJangk43xD0mcdZjrHZUh7Oti9MGhd8MnESMppdun4oasMb3DDiv5cO9v9rahnp0/s1600-h/P9270012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoHq2tvch31bljQaCoQL5Luu0qIj2mPLKNT7WLUfdI6D_nKd7B5MaA891RjSXUpr9DNtW9iLTn1RdJangk43xD0mcdZjrHZUh7Oti9MGhd8MnESMppdun4oasMb3DDiv5cO9v9rahnp0/s320/P9270012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389968565714055426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabWTIJpcp2H0_jRnUhrNb4bxWpJCnJXGWnfqabm3cjlGLMAjqjMS42AAdMR0CwA79Q2tQEO-iZFF_16w__qahvbNnOoKZSvPifZUt1YaPxtMnQJ-YA2j2-JhoJGZ4Tex2lgoHXph9SqI/s1600-h/P9270013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabWTIJpcp2H0_jRnUhrNb4bxWpJCnJXGWnfqabm3cjlGLMAjqjMS42AAdMR0CwA79Q2tQEO-iZFF_16w__qahvbNnOoKZSvPifZUt1YaPxtMnQJ-YA2j2-JhoJGZ4Tex2lgoHXph9SqI/s320/P9270013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389968464951933458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOaZFB2ksIWl8WfiaJz3-E4_wnloDDk0na0li1WP5tqqQXX3wmxldufbgolMzR5wQWQ1ihK_jKRcJOeig1j-s5uNCwCDc_IYcw3x6gNNUgcwKZV_iWmynxp-0dnqS30ZUtBW0mwcOai8/s1600-h/P9270016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOaZFB2ksIWl8WfiaJz3-E4_wnloDDk0na0li1WP5tqqQXX3wmxldufbgolMzR5wQWQ1ihK_jKRcJOeig1j-s5uNCwCDc_IYcw3x6gNNUgcwKZV_iWmynxp-0dnqS30ZUtBW0mwcOai8/s320/P9270016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389968359793173474" border="0" /></a>Overall I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I love the red and white combination and I was able to use up a bunch of fabric from my stash. The only think I needed to buy was the backing (Kona Cotton:Snow). Luckily I saw a post from a fellow craftster member who mentioned that Hancock Fabrics was having a huge sale on Kona Cotton (52% off to be exact). I purchased 10 yards of snow and a few yards of other colors to make use of this wonderful bargain. Unfortunately they were out of many popular colors (which I didn't find out until I placed my order and got a call from customer service ugg). What I really need is a color card so that I know what I'm buying and don't have to guess what papaya "really" looks like. The shipping took a long time too, but I guess for 52% off I should stop complaining. I only wish there were a Hancock fabrics closer than 150 miles away.<br /><br />I didn't use a pattern for this quilt, but was inspired by<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/99202038@N00/3886502472/"> this quilt </a>that I saw on flickr (of course). The stars are just 5 inch squares cut into triangles and arranged accordingly.<br /><br />All of the quilting was done on my juki using a walking food and straight lines. I used Signature cotton quilting thread in a variegated red/pink colorway. The stitches aren't as perfect as I'd like, but it wasn't too bad for my first try at more "complicated" quilting i.e. I didn't just use painters tape this time to make a grid. Batting of course is warm and natural, for that well worn crinkly look. Binding was a bit smaller (2.25")then I usually make since this is a smaller size quilt. I actually rather like the 2.25" and might start using it on all my quilts.<br /><br />I haven't made a label yet (I know I said I'd be better about this...bad bad i know). I was so anxious to get it binded and in the washing machine I couldn't force myself to make up a label.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-5709856792779441862009-09-30T17:48:00.005-04:002009-09-30T17:58:52.061-04:00Snow Mum Finished<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh-XV8wYdlGTfkHMuklF8xCFdm2X1siCYz6zMf1Kx4amGP4KyF_yWKRq7uEDLAcYB81GmEe2cPI9wFWvZtvrUTYfyz_m9uzEbgZ_ABkc-1w6MWpgV0Te7b6jvuuHZ-6GWqqT_P8sQiDk/s1600-h/P9200003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh-XV8wYdlGTfkHMuklF8xCFdm2X1siCYz6zMf1Kx4amGP4KyF_yWKRq7uEDLAcYB81GmEe2cPI9wFWvZtvrUTYfyz_m9uzEbgZ_ABkc-1w6MWpgV0Te7b6jvuuHZ-6GWqqT_P8sQiDk/s320/P9200003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387382933576114930" border="0" /></a><br />I've been wanting to make one of these for so long and even had the materials but for some reason couldn't get the motivation. So finally here it is finished and I think it's rather cute. Simple and Elegant at the same time. The pattern was really easy to follow and I only made a few substitutions.<br /><p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="prbig"><strong>Pattern:</strong></span><strong> Amy Butler Snow Mum Pillow</strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong></strong><strong><br /></strong></span></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="prbig"><strong>Fabric Used: </strong></span>White Wool Felt Bought at Joann's with a 40% off coupon (wool felt is really expensive, I'd recommend saving your coupon)<br /></span></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Notions Used:</strong> WonderUnder, Interfacing and a button and embroidery floss from my stash.</span></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Pattern Alterations: </strong>Used 16″ instead of 18</span><span style="font-size:100%;">″ pillow and needed to add several petals to the second an</span><span style="font-size:100%;">d third "rings". Otherwise exactly as written.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlXUM-rN3VSmCPYn5q8Hk166tQuYT6PrNTDIpmf8fND-_Yk7cUHWwiR4qr2kZTQ6G9NEXhPjk8ha5dHFF7MvmDYcsd6Ja04H6ix-Z5JXQr_KyxKYEPbVGVPg8OSN2Jfifa-EQKGdgRjk/s1600-h/P9200011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlXUM-rN3VSmCPYn5q8Hk166tQuYT6PrNTDIpmf8fND-_Yk7cUHWwiR4qr2kZTQ6G9NEXhPjk8ha5dHFF7MvmDYcsd6Ja04H6ix-Z5JXQr_KyxKYEPbVGVPg8OSN2Jfifa-EQKGdgRjk/s320/P9200011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387383025711703922" border="0" /></a></p><p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">Patrick gives it his Himalayan seal of approval (where's my lint roller?)</p><p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">K-<br /></p>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-54992675669943522392009-09-29T16:11:00.008-04:002009-09-29T16:23:34.883-04:00Fabric Baskets and Snow Mum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTVtCTPV958LLzXWWk_MLnKkBgF_OWdNIWnSR5X8RJpTFzLYUSkcwOJn0LuF8lScXeny77JqGLErmfrCRSxcDAQqH2bpB-yLLppjSJxC82H1JU5ZehEHOIGl-shJCXswec7jG3E1YY74/s1600-h/P9190010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTVtCTPV958LLzXWWk_MLnKkBgF_OWdNIWnSR5X8RJpTFzLYUSkcwOJn0LuF8lScXeny77JqGLErmfrCRSxcDAQqH2bpB-yLLppjSJxC82H1JU5ZehEHOIGl-shJCXswec7jG3E1YY74/s320/P9190010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386985734009418802" border="0" /></a>I've been wanting to make one of these since I saw them a week ago on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/pinkpenguin/">flickr</a>. I used a great tutorial by Pink Penguin that can be found <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html">her</a><a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html">e</a>. I adapted the size a little to make mine larger. The blue print is Bohemian Rhapsody by Blue Meadow Designs RJR fabrics and the brown used for the bottom and lining is scraps from a new brown flat sheet that I had from another project (oh the joy I get from up-cycling). I might make a few of these for Christmas gifts. All total with the cutting and sewing it probably only took me an hour and a half to make. They would be a nice little gift with a bottle of wine tucked in, or maybe coloring books and crayons for little ones.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahvZFDD2L1NPNHn_uENARSpl81kHo4fKo8OCfoY1x-bNLTuije329dhIvAMRY-wfDXCQ7RYZnIkEhHT4oGp5dmzIhuDBXJiFGYuh4x1rxygMF0sOQl1jzhwhxl0J8prownfwck9BPvk4/s1600-h/P9130002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahvZFDD2L1NPNHn_uENARSpl81kHo4fKo8OCfoY1x-bNLTuije329dhIvAMRY-wfDXCQ7RYZnIkEhHT4oGp5dmzIhuDBXJiFGYuh4x1rxygMF0sOQl1jzhwhxl0J8prownfwck9BPvk4/s320/P9130002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386986760585787586" border="0" /></a>I also started making the Snow Mum pillow <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/me_patterns.php">(Free pattern from Amy Bulter)</a> that I've been wanting to make for forever. It's a little tedious with all the cutting (in fact I had to stop several times because my thumb was going numb), but I think it's going to be really pretty when it's finished. I'm using 100% wool felt in a snowy white color.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-16240936509096824772009-09-23T17:42:00.007-04:002009-09-23T17:58:28.619-04:00Apologies in AdvanceFor...<br />A- the terrible photography of these gorgeous quilts<br />B- not having written down the titles of the quilts and names of the quilt makers<br />C- the horrible lighting in the auditorium (this one wasn't my fault, thankfully)<br /><br />So as promised here are a few of the many photos I took at the <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza.</span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CO_pHqd5jz-5G1aa8Cc1Krk9tWMOoqN4gRFKLd8MFwQX0TkxwqCNqBhetchQL1ez89cXaBAngCoWG-7tRM_gwy8TS-6Hwblw40NHcfjMXubobj9Hr7IqYgSgANGKnkRSH9q3yX4CZNY/s1600-h/P9090012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CO_pHqd5jz-5G1aa8Cc1Krk9tWMOoqN4gRFKLd8MFwQX0TkxwqCNqBhetchQL1ez89cXaBAngCoWG-7tRM_gwy8TS-6Hwblw40NHcfjMXubobj9Hr7IqYgSgANGKnkRSH9q3yX4CZNY/s320/P9090012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384783269419730178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYa7KB32_5KoMQOonp4HvnNFPbZdCNyOkAYhv9KL5-qNDOnbWsUM7JFC3_sseKbuZshz2aWjfL07-EhBti__tukzibPNTrXb8QGSZl86-vk2nYYaABta0T7oXEnW-9EbEYwII12ZWT3I/s1600-h/P9090013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYa7KB32_5KoMQOonp4HvnNFPbZdCNyOkAYhv9KL5-qNDOnbWsUM7JFC3_sseKbuZshz2aWjfL07-EhBti__tukzibPNTrXb8QGSZl86-vk2nYYaABta0T7oXEnW-9EbEYwII12ZWT3I/s320/P9090013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384784893466091090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcycP69r7cyizb4m1ZGDgPMNeJTumUSOdN7_WkBRhx9gJkLyj3VdhFA32rsjKjdfKTxyF5zy9wi2ja574miATTSoc1OOocxYSFcVgSo8BZsaVj_2TdD_JNcMZH2qukoBfrVvJCPFvbO0/s1600-h/P9090011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcycP69r7cyizb4m1ZGDgPMNeJTumUSOdN7_WkBRhx9gJkLyj3VdhFA32rsjKjdfKTxyF5zy9wi2ja574miATTSoc1OOocxYSFcVgSo8BZsaVj_2TdD_JNcMZH2qukoBfrVvJCPFvbO0/s320/P9090011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384783142555099746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ_dYdRmo5PBVnMW6PwOU_46-vpgyDGrItvkLz71i_Ua9ckcuT_ipkwRIjLXIkJbi15wfEkgyDF8oznIcKQExSXa9GQqoF4g7Phd4w1bmgJmuD4e-VJGDWS_mjlSz4Oo7MlaO3qYqfeU/s1600-h/P9090005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ_dYdRmo5PBVnMW6PwOU_46-vpgyDGrItvkLz71i_Ua9ckcuT_ipkwRIjLXIkJbi15wfEkgyDF8oznIcKQExSXa9GQqoF4g7Phd4w1bmgJmuD4e-VJGDWS_mjlSz4Oo7MlaO3qYqfeU/s320/P9090005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384783023055186738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b9p25MzXKHkwCNhDEA6Qu85GhX00iuoncRfmSQNOW3mjHD92-3FmSgTbb2fYmlhdlSibJG3DR_25LJZo70Y4Qo_XYQO104ySXI7R9SRBjoqqfoRGRaLkZOerYr2LAQrJOqZo8gytpUs/s1600-h/P9090004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b9p25MzXKHkwCNhDEA6Qu85GhX00iuoncRfmSQNOW3mjHD92-3FmSgTbb2fYmlhdlSibJG3DR_25LJZo70Y4Qo_XYQO104ySXI7R9SRBjoqqfoRGRaLkZOerYr2LAQrJOqZo8gytpUs/s320/P9090004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384782897036471138" border="0" /></a>The last two I believe were made based on patterns from Kaffe Fassett's books. I wish I could have taken a photo of every quilt there, such inspiration!<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-9241531620640212932009-09-21T16:22:00.008-04:002009-09-21T16:34:42.764-04:00Two down-Many to GoHere's Jack's Finished quilt. I quilted this one in a two inch diamond pattern. The quilting is a little heavier than I did on Quinn's quilt and I really like how it turned out. I also used green cotton fabric scrap for the embroidered label and I like how it stands out a little more on the backing fabric. I'm glad to have them both finished and feel quite accomplished.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G-Y8VCvTomeLa76pZO2Vj9964PTY4whywyPQO01_0cNDjPDymCs_H10k1hiZEUaUJOcPEW62XKiDw7Y1nKEl43pmPReO5XxocaS7ahVRGiDnXuTTXVt6j4EX79aBrHfNiw9wkcFWYZU/s1600-h/P9110045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G-Y8VCvTomeLa76pZO2Vj9964PTY4whywyPQO01_0cNDjPDymCs_H10k1hiZEUaUJOcPEW62XKiDw7Y1nKEl43pmPReO5XxocaS7ahVRGiDnXuTTXVt6j4EX79aBrHfNiw9wkcFWYZU/s320/P9110045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384020777151255922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pMBgNatELivEgTwczSamqZuB7_MeWWcwpKjj79n-GLP7oH69oBg0XJtM5NquksXd_kMjaKMIV45bHiWHrkOXDvHvT1AKOuz2v-bVctx1gwi8VapSs6RbDMtbWzI1bzHavMKCZk0eCpA/s1600-h/P9110032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pMBgNatELivEgTwczSamqZuB7_MeWWcwpKjj79n-GLP7oH69oBg0XJtM5NquksXd_kMjaKMIV45bHiWHrkOXDvHvT1AKOuz2v-bVctx1gwi8VapSs6RbDMtbWzI1bzHavMKCZk0eCpA/s320/P9110032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384021169906394466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YMVjRZUEcPnM3r6yiRONQuHaTl2TR-uPY3OgkRLA1SfUVRc14gFVKVmZKh3dvpprn2m2EyABkZ1fUwPTo1R6AO8Cxsu_qnF2RyODcwq3riZR3kPuSUi0Giq1FbowlbP6IN0p7iH1Xp8/s1600-h/P9110029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YMVjRZUEcPnM3r6yiRONQuHaTl2TR-uPY3OgkRLA1SfUVRc14gFVKVmZKh3dvpprn2m2EyABkZ1fUwPTo1R6AO8Cxsu_qnF2RyODcwq3riZR3kPuSUi0Giq1FbowlbP6IN0p7iH1Xp8/s320/P9110029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384021048540247170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ8itro82ODdREs_pSgbyyEeuiYTJnoekyt3WBY0Z02FUxa4l3n8ySjibL1EpYM2d4qLSZoPwMJzWUECPj7eU91f8tAXlWe3RbpLx_zot5JuKmerDBz0VluVEyqkEn6Gg5M5YILvrKL4/s1600-h/P9110024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ8itro82ODdREs_pSgbyyEeuiYTJnoekyt3WBY0Z02FUxa4l3n8ySjibL1EpYM2d4qLSZoPwMJzWUECPj7eU91f8tAXlWe3RbpLx_zot5JuKmerDBz0VluVEyqkEn6Gg5M5YILvrKL4/s320/P9110024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384020921674127250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcqCymVJRDzN3u6EJeYZdcmlwt3x2SP_PrbAi73OGS2wgOMkLBWBxPqPUaigzE6VoFtLJXc6gaGdPArrnKgXKuChy92gsEFz4UTeOZEdPVWkyuHh7iaPGqxXVnp9zTtHZ0uwSms76Kjg/s1600-h/jack.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcqCymVJRDzN3u6EJeYZdcmlwt3x2SP_PrbAi73OGS2wgOMkLBWBxPqPUaigzE6VoFtLJXc6gaGdPArrnKgXKuChy92gsEFz4UTeOZEdPVWkyuHh7iaPGqxXVnp9zTtHZ0uwSms76Kjg/s320/jack.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384020620733126866" border="0" /></a>This weekend E and I went to the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza. It was really amazing and the quilts there were absolutely gorgeous. I took a bunch of photos that I'll upload in the next couple of days. Now I have so many ideas for new quilts I want to start, I hardly know where to begin. I bought some beautiful batiks and some wool felt that I plan on making into a strawberry candle mat for my grandmum. I also saw some fancy longarms which was pretty neat. When I have an extra 15-30k lying around I know where I can put it to good use.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-9115739473071116052009-09-18T22:45:00.004-04:002009-09-18T22:58:08.901-04:00Why Does it Take Me So Long to Take photos?<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Probably the same reason it takes me 2 months to sew buttons on an otherwise completed sweater. I finish the body and see what the sweater will look like and then the excitement is over. I make the first mitten or the first quilt block or figure out that complicated lace pattern and then I lose my attention span. One sock syndrome a fellow knitter once called it.<br /><br />In any case they are finally finished (buttons and all). All 100% wool and all top down raglan variations. I'm pretty sure they were all done on size 8 needles. The last one with toggles was wool purchased by my dad when he was in Ireland. You would think there would be wool everywhere in Ireland given it is a country known for its farms and sheep, but apparently my he had a horrible time finding yarn. France was also a difficult place to find yarn he tells me.<br /><br />Whenever he travels I ask him to bring back local yarn or fabric. It doesn't quite make up for the fact that he's traveling while I'm living the life of an impoverished grad student (even though I graduated in May and it's now almost halfway through September), but it is better than a crappy t-shirt or little knick nacks I'll never use.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX3ImluqQli-_yUlWfMC0VHn3DlZlM6DuafgrI2pJDnSCcQhX8uDFCNwEEQDo8Mj2YwFZBX1Ybp3ZubHt_S0DaH6iPRN08vg5OYXjO6jxCwweRDXM5eU1NqIseKUe38r65kf2SZlcCag/s1600-h/P9080052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCX3ImluqQli-_yUlWfMC0VHn3DlZlM6DuafgrI2pJDnSCcQhX8uDFCNwEEQDo8Mj2YwFZBX1Ybp3ZubHt_S0DaH6iPRN08vg5OYXjO6jxCwweRDXM5eU1NqIseKUe38r65kf2SZlcCag/s320/P9080052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383004719937908082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l3PxWFRU5KRoahKq7NSjnPNYh-dWlhakrg13YX9EdtdyFC3CPnocNSTT_qYH4ZbhjEWxc9xew08Vb6hScrw-kT5uZ2YlZHOM1m-cyq7yVCzTQIeHI9mXsm7GN7Nr-Eq_EC1mdKoDdzU/s1600-h/P9080038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l3PxWFRU5KRoahKq7NSjnPNYh-dWlhakrg13YX9EdtdyFC3CPnocNSTT_qYH4ZbhjEWxc9xew08Vb6hScrw-kT5uZ2YlZHOM1m-cyq7yVCzTQIeHI9mXsm7GN7Nr-Eq_EC1mdKoDdzU/s320/P9080038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383004624267900754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0HS8cfoc85t-J0mGAmdV8jC1NvdQz6tCojQNcrmvertgN5UezvIFlUCFlyqOTZ6TFEL5WZkN6xjGpY-3Qk9igjAHTDY5hgPS-bE4eBQriwjrY6lYMdTt1tt0dGslwH7YQ5gnOYzFE4c/s1600-h/P9070017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0HS8cfoc85t-J0mGAmdV8jC1NvdQz6tCojQNcrmvertgN5UezvIFlUCFlyqOTZ6TFEL5WZkN6xjGpY-3Qk9igjAHTDY5hgPS-bE4eBQriwjrY6lYMdTt1tt0dGslwH7YQ5gnOYzFE4c/s320/P9070017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383004484238879410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzmoXd5UgTjFC0_s-RIwbwQKTfiNIhn8sxFFcLuo0EoDxVMvqtyfTW2vAMWgJ80JrQ3ewIn2jTGXuby4uzBDQ1hb4jzHe0mN97FikgzIy7OcY0CAjElSIrTHqltFE6frBI1a4mw4TH6o/s1600-h/P9070007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzmoXd5UgTjFC0_s-RIwbwQKTfiNIhn8sxFFcLuo0EoDxVMvqtyfTW2vAMWgJ80JrQ3ewIn2jTGXuby4uzBDQ1hb4jzHe0mN97FikgzIy7OcY0CAjElSIrTHqltFE6frBI1a4mw4TH6o/s320/P9070007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383004298370139170" border="0" /></a><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-14410123884439241122009-09-16T14:46:00.006-04:002009-09-16T15:12:06.588-04:00Quinnie Done, Jack to Go!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FVAC35dSJNPEomRwZSXTSLCsBBYH4uodLeXIQQBT4Y8dr8L64kAOMLTdPYmJL4dxuViwQbSIi4PC9i0CY2prJTQpGeV4l4Sw701rGowMs0b9gUqyt8LMBlm6xy5p8pUNS4zMvbZ8pvM/s1600-h/P9060003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FVAC35dSJNPEomRwZSXTSLCsBBYH4uodLeXIQQBT4Y8dr8L64kAOMLTdPYmJL4dxuViwQbSIi4PC9i0CY2prJTQpGeV4l4Sw701rGowMs0b9gUqyt8LMBlm6xy5p8pUNS4zMvbZ8pvM/s320/P9060003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382143770117114306" border="0" /></a>This afternoon I finished up Quinnie Boo's quilt. I ever hand embroidered a little label to go on the back (this is the first quilt I've ever labeled, that's horrible, I know!). Sadly, if I had known how terribly simple it is to whip up one of this little labels I would have done it long ago. I just used a scrap of off white cotton and some red embroidery floss. I wrote the words on with a crayola washable marker and followed the lines.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqnPqKU-BN7NE4rL7dFxLvg4I_RgkZbQH2tFDPWxbtDRb8xPkzpgxlO6J2PFTKgwNVdGCkxB9ISQokS-fcDSRAv-BepgrKhuiLrG3g6D3HH3TdmdshyphenhyphenGPfj2MR6Nd2bcIxq7Ym2FLn4/s1600-h/P9060009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyqnPqKU-BN7NE4rL7dFxLvg4I_RgkZbQH2tFDPWxbtDRb8xPkzpgxlO6J2PFTKgwNVdGCkxB9ISQokS-fcDSRAv-BepgrKhuiLrG3g6D3HH3TdmdshyphenhyphenGPfj2MR6Nd2bcIxq7Ym2FLn4/s320/P9060009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382144031930378530" border="0" /></a><br />The solid colored cottons are mostly Quilter's only cotton from Joanns and were scraps from previous projects. Some of the prints I used (in various colorways) include: Henry Glass Gardenia by Linda Lum Debono, Dots by Cranston Village, Maywood Studio Bee's Knees by <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Glenna Hailey, Peas and Carrots </span>American Jane patterns by Sandy Klop and a few other 100% cotton polka dots and prints of unknown origins.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4lugxOAdqzZIN_2IAlT8orhEyBSqcn2fYFFjeAxkWT3CIMhpBHS4aIhVQx33OMxO12ytXp9lqsGauWc6BmTtkdI5IwLbgWhWAvBFkiV7ba4O7b_rT9Qt1Bp82-_BmRQasXWQl48nyvM/s1600-h/P9060007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4lugxOAdqzZIN_2IAlT8orhEyBSqcn2fYFFjeAxkWT3CIMhpBHS4aIhVQx33OMxO12ytXp9lqsGauWc6BmTtkdI5IwLbgWhWAvBFkiV7ba4O7b_rT9Qt1Bp82-_BmRQasXWQl48nyvM/s320/P9060007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382143883425672114" border="0" /></a>The batting is 80% cotton 20% poly. I typically use 100% cotton by warm and natural, but wanted to try something different to experiment with shrinkage. I love that wrinkly look on most of my quilts but would also like to find something that doesn't shrink for some of my bigger bed quilts. Wool perhaps?<br /><br />Backing is a precut 100% cotton Ikea print with various zoo animals that I've had in my stash for a while. The one large piece was big enough to be the backing for both baby quilts and If I remember correctly I bought it for under 10 bucks, what a steal!<br /><br />Quilting was done in straight lines with my walking food. This is the first quilt I've quilted with my new Juki and I am thrilled with the quality of the stitching. Now I just have to quilt and bind Jack's quilt and I can cross two Christmas gifts off my list (and it's only Mid-September). Maybe this terrible economy and lack of jobs does have some perks afterall :)<br /><br />K- <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span><b><a href="http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=80689161456398068&Store_id=718&page_id=23&Item_ID=3294"><span style="font-family:Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans Unicode, Lucida, Tahoma;font-size:85%;color:Black;"><b><span class="DetailedViewAccessoryName"></span></b></span></a></b></span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-29288202613526129502009-09-14T20:29:00.006-04:002009-09-14T21:01:54.313-04:00People Like Me+Dual Purpose School SuppliesProof is <a href="http://www.mrsmessy.com/2009/09/14/word-of-the-week-quilt/">here</a>! Mrs. Messy has featured a photo of Jack's Quilt (and her other favorites) as part of her photo montage for the word of the week "quilt". How exciting, thanks Mrs. Messy, blog shout outs are super sweet!<br /><br />The rest of this post brought to you by...Crayola Washable Markers and Elmer's Washable School Glue (Allow me to explain).<br /><br />This afternoon I finished quilting Quinn's quilt with a simple "diamonds" pattern using straight lines and my walking foot. I did the first set of lines using 1.5 inch painters tape and tried to do the second set of lines...unfortunately the tape wasn't cooperating. I think the stickiness wore off too much and I was too lazy to tear off more tape, so I decided to draw on the lines using crayola washable markers and my clear ruler.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UeTlCR52dQlfSaK23FQQXth9Yww0Elg9wQU8ZZFzJuD7iH1HLE2Tirlur8mV3X2QmUxjLx04AIPm4aUq_ZqVEyEhjWocKx0PNGt3XVYup4bCSfdEwnk55I-ygEWLOOG4w__XC1vGBX0/s1600-h/crayola_washable_markers_-_classic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UeTlCR52dQlfSaK23FQQXth9Yww0Elg9wQU8ZZFzJuD7iH1HLE2Tirlur8mV3X2QmUxjLx04AIPm4aUq_ZqVEyEhjWocKx0PNGt3XVYup4bCSfdEwnk55I-ygEWLOOG4w__XC1vGBX0/s320/crayola_washable_markers_-_classic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381487966572138690" border="0" /></a>Overall I think it was much easier. Although I like using tape because I don't go blind watching the drawn on lines, I think in the future I might just draw on my designs and not mess around with the tape. I've used these markers in the past and had no problem with them completely washing out (even after weeks of soaking into the fabric). I find them cheaper and easier to use then all of the traditional quilting pens that I've found a fabric stores.<br /><br />I also sewed binding strips together and put them on the front of Quinn's quilt with my machine. In the past I've had horrible frustration (OK, temper tantrums following by yelling and cursing) attaching the "ends" of the binding together and onto my quilts. Either I have too much extra and I end up tucking fabric (which makes me nuts) or I cut the tails too short and then I have to sew on another piece (which makes me even more nuts).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGVgqeuWd_06S13P_N8tgqGVhpgNr_VuMrlg9fevLRxxm2yUK9oBxloUQB4SN8ai1dV1ggXyRuFbBPsO5qoZpqfYwIk790nEy_youEOWjOF6lVQVFmiSB1ZvM-V08YA8EOD0gi4l7XQ4/s1600-h/GlueAll.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGVgqeuWd_06S13P_N8tgqGVhpgNr_VuMrlg9fevLRxxm2yUK9oBxloUQB4SN8ai1dV1ggXyRuFbBPsO5qoZpqfYwIk790nEy_youEOWjOF6lVQVFmiSB1ZvM-V08YA8EOD0gi4l7XQ4/s320/GlueAll.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381492405846082530" border="0" /></a>Finally, thanks to this fabulous video on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3vHI7rgZpw">utube</a> I made and attached a perfect binding! I'm so thrilled to have finally found such an easy solution (Elmer's glue to help attach binding, who knew?) I could dance around the room. Sharon Schamber's videos are excellent. If you haven't watched them yet, I highly highly recommend you take a gander.<br /><br />Back to hand stitching the binding to the back<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-43146266114479707432009-09-12T17:13:00.007-04:002009-09-12T17:53:57.344-04:009-12-098 years and 1 day after a tragedy our country will never forget. Feels like just yesterday I was walking home to my dorm after an uneventful and rather boring 8am math class. It was my first year of college and I had only been away from home for a few weeks.<br /><br />Still a little in shock about being alone and 6+ hours away from my family, September 11th felt like it was going to be a good day. The crisp fall air had warmed nicely by the time my class was over and the ocean's rhythmic pulse was soothing and reminiscent of home.<br /><br />I was in my own world, contemplating stopping for a bowl of cereal before the tiny dining hall overcrowded, when another student came running towards me. "Odd", I thought to myself... college student are not up at 8am, unless they have to be, and they certainly aren't running in their street clothes. "A plane hit the world trade center, go turn on your tv", she gasped as she ran by. So I walked faster until I reached my dorm.<br /><br />By the time I made it there everyone was awake and fixated on their TVs and computers as the mayhem unfolded. People were crying, cellphones wouldn't work, my roommate's dad was on a plane somewhere and we couldn't find out which flights crashed. It was a day, a week, a year I'll never forget. I'm thankful that President Obama has called for a day of service and hope that the compassion and love that people shared after 9/11/01 will be rekindled and remembered each 9/11 and throughout the year.<br /><br />On a more upbeat note, I present two very bright baby quilt tops that I made for my Nephews for Christmas. Funky and happy polka dots, bright primary solids, and a mishmosh of blocks and patterns. They are exactly the brightness I needed on this dreary day. Please excuse the blurry photography, I still can't manage to find a time of day when the lighting is right to take photos inside the apartment.<br /><br />Oh and the Ikea zoo fabric that the tops are lying on I plan to use as the backing. I wanted to make sure that the tops and backs were approximately the same size so I don't have to trim down the tops to fit on the back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdC_kRK8rLLQxH_jaytG2BY0oEJnyiu9qLOE1yQvNzph9QNHVZRbXOmlXIZFwZtrxiliqnJSdcrMl0pxkEN4bkgr56SilZwnbzlJdGMTy4kmj-qVRQAhhZUva1OoNGY4g1sW1epSF9r4/s1600-h/P8310001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdC_kRK8rLLQxH_jaytG2BY0oEJnyiu9qLOE1yQvNzph9QNHVZRbXOmlXIZFwZtrxiliqnJSdcrMl0pxkEN4bkgr56SilZwnbzlJdGMTy4kmj-qVRQAhhZUva1OoNGY4g1sW1epSF9r4/s320/P8310001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380699364732133842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rk4-vZMqnpT7XFlMzaNsmvwbjxASvM4prYuIKQXD8jChcpeV_kG2DCR_8iTHprgV3vyV8u9qWkPdYV3a1mRtKac72uaoLVTMPbyk7ZyTfvhKDj1ApRree2cDky_do6AziAfm40_dTqs/s1600-h/P8230004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rk4-vZMqnpT7XFlMzaNsmvwbjxASvM4prYuIKQXD8jChcpeV_kG2DCR_8iTHprgV3vyV8u9qWkPdYV3a1mRtKac72uaoLVTMPbyk7ZyTfvhKDj1ApRree2cDky_do6AziAfm40_dTqs/s320/P8230004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380699631906074162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSVW15Nted3quknj6hTaPtIJfOfcLcY3ufz5JCqg2124bKuzyIOAoj9oxE1qDujtmbRTzRpLyJ_mimx61hPyAGpOG7FYl3c9ChyphenhyphenIqgAxsdPLW3y524Dve0r_FsusxXBmD6J4zGzlZPaI/s1600-h/P8260027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSVW15Nted3quknj6hTaPtIJfOfcLcY3ufz5JCqg2124bKuzyIOAoj9oxE1qDujtmbRTzRpLyJ_mimx61hPyAGpOG7FYl3c9ChyphenhyphenIqgAxsdPLW3y524Dve0r_FsusxXBmD6J4zGzlZPaI/s320/P8260027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380699775743147954" border="0" /></a>Little Gray dog loves to help his mummy organize her quilt blocks. Thankfully he has a good eye for color.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-56171568317101407382009-09-09T17:47:00.006-04:002009-09-09T18:01:19.183-04:00Proof You Can BUY Happiness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItJqGxmyj7FgMvUk02ixchyphenhyphenWrhpHjVzWbPUK2aWLjOG3Dk0kC4IKaLfcOggyC9j-VjlhHqPdD8UMIWxd28L9Znisxujvi0Uveh4FfjnT9GuZ83ssIJ6Apgi79KADTnrI2Yyyb1UIv-GQ/s1600-h/P8300046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItJqGxmyj7FgMvUk02ixchyphenhyphenWrhpHjVzWbPUK2aWLjOG3Dk0kC4IKaLfcOggyC9j-VjlhHqPdD8UMIWxd28L9Znisxujvi0Uveh4FfjnT9GuZ83ssIJ6Apgi79KADTnrI2Yyyb1UIv-GQ/s320/P8300046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379588150348577394" border="0" /></a>My new Juki arrived less than an hour ago and I am thrilled. I'm on the tail end of finishing up my second quilt for the nephews and so far have been able to control my impulsive need to rip the packaging open and fondle the 98q. I've waited for so long it seems to have this machine in my possession and now that it's here it's almost too fabulous to open (almost). I told myself I couldn't start using it until I finish quilt 2, but since it's almost complete I might have to do an all nighter so I can open the box.<br /><br />E and I went to an arts and crafts festival this weekend in New Paltz (up state NY). Here are some of my purchases...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeALlksf8BoLQW1Pfmb6nyRxNWXd5sBcYs-7NNztpUxCTslrpNP6Dzufl7VPNPPO3VF8-ymNaMXq929Ga2mRAw6nhsx-7mgEV2J4rGpt98b7_pHPpuFpBeGvWKFNKEYo2fAbwEbr_yfM/s1600-h/P8270039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeALlksf8BoLQW1Pfmb6nyRxNWXd5sBcYs-7NNztpUxCTslrpNP6Dzufl7VPNPPO3VF8-ymNaMXq929Ga2mRAw6nhsx-7mgEV2J4rGpt98b7_pHPpuFpBeGvWKFNKEYo2fAbwEbr_yfM/s320/P8270039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379589620549496802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBIcv1NmIjtA9jxMc8g6Alg6KwbT1SWbZ7QtmuvWJ4X-HSpIzxfu2k-MK_HeUA4apuotuSpp-o75jgk7xthbbYLbSwhWntUN3M23JbZTTR71hGumMu1PbvggJHseSuLr3JvTMO9K_CQw/s1600-h/P8270041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBIcv1NmIjtA9jxMc8g6Alg6KwbT1SWbZ7QtmuvWJ4X-HSpIzxfu2k-MK_HeUA4apuotuSpp-o75jgk7xthbbYLbSwhWntUN3M23JbZTTR71hGumMu1PbvggJHseSuLr3JvTMO9K_CQw/s320/P8270041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379589852358939202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUwfFgjgY5LzCK6iSUIfNvbWxyg0_VgudW8FP4I93bCwd2JrnQfzZy6fT8vNTgcgMetJe5V53cvWfwOoI5c-DBaMexzZDvWEQmWKojKia3jbifi3iK2WcpYVyHEbhXfYlYAHlPGeX1TE/s1600-h/P8270034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUwfFgjgY5LzCK6iSUIfNvbWxyg0_VgudW8FP4I93bCwd2JrnQfzZy6fT8vNTgcgMetJe5V53cvWfwOoI5c-DBaMexzZDvWEQmWKojKia3jbifi3iK2WcpYVyHEbhXfYlYAHlPGeX1TE/s320/P8270034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379590915847416322" border="0" /></a><br />Unfortunately the third photo didn't come home with us. As much as I'd love to have an Alpaca, little gray dog and the himis say there isn't enough room in the apartment. Maybe someday when I buy that antique farmhouse I've been dreaming about.<br /><br />K-Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-60663591782794162202009-09-05T19:07:00.013-04:002009-09-05T19:53:59.841-04:00The Best Things in Life are Free<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3890439191/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3890439191_22fcf33ccf_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3890439191/">Little Italy</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/littlegraydog/">Little Gray Dog</a></span> <p>Or, $5 at Quickly. I actually had some crafty things to share last week and I totally forgot to blog about one of my favorite pastimes...wandering around Chinatown.<br /><br />E and I use to go much more frequently, but have been pretty busy this summer and haven't had much time to hang out in the city. Someone told me when I moved to New York that most of my time would be spent in the 10 block radius surrounding my apartment and I laughed at them. Well it turns out they were right. Most of the things you need (food, laundry, takeout etc.) are within a 10 block radius and as a result I don't explore as much as I did when I first moved here.<br /><br />So here is proof that I do actually leave my house...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3891230790/" title="Grand Street by Little Gray Dog, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3891230790_7822d13cef_m.jpg" alt="Grand Street" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><p>The corner of Grand street where the most wonderful fresh watermelon slush bubble teas are made at Quickly (no I don't work for them, but if my current unemployment streak continues perhaps I should put in an application, no?)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3890439911/" title="Quickly by Little Gray Dog, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3890439911_e5e95d4284_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Quickly" /></a><br />The wax paper bag is filled with cream cakes. I usually buy them at quickly but decided to give the little stand beside Quickly a go. While waiting in line I asked E if I thought the health department inspected the vendor's stand, he shrugged. I'm not sure why I even bothered to ask given E had congee with preserved egg and pork, with a fresh raw egg mixed in for lunch. Frogs and snail and chicken feet were all on the menu, I had spring rolls and dumplings.<br /><br />Progress on the boys' quilts will be posted soon</p><p><br />K-</p>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-81269086589061415112009-09-01T21:06:00.005-04:002009-09-01T21:21:57.543-04:00C'est Fini<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3880033084/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3880033084_5f9cae233a_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3880033084/">Ziggy</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/littlegraydog/">Little Gray Dog</a></span> <p>finally Ziggy is finished and photographed (albeit, poorly). I still can't manage to take a decent photograph with my camera inside, but I'm working on it. Inspired by Denyse Schmidt's Big Zig the chocolate brown fabric is Kona cotton and the florals are mostly Kaffe Fassett prints purchased at the <a href="http://mysite.verizon.net/%7Ebizzns27/default.shtml">Button Box</a> in Wellesley, MA. The backing is hot pink Quilter's Only cotton from JoAnns.<br /></p><p>The quilting is simple shadow quilting with Coats and Clark 100% cotton machine quilting thread and was sewn a quarter inch from the edge of the brown zigs. When the binding was finished I washed and dried and really like the wrinkly effect. The batting is warm and natural 100% that I picked up at JoAnns.</p><p>Now I'm working on a couple of Christmas Quilts for my nephews, photos to come soon.</p><p>K-<br /></p>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-10745641494343981622009-08-28T22:03:00.001-04:002009-08-28T22:03:14.528-04:00I Heart Organization...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3865782197/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3865782197_92418008c3_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlegraydog/3865782197/">I heart organized Thread</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/littlegraydog/">Little Gray Dog</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Organized thread is organization right? Here's a photo of my new thread holder, color coded of course, neutrals then brights. This is only half of my thread (the 100% cotton quilting), the rest is on the other side of the organizer. The best part is the little box snaps closed and has a handle so I can take it with me if I'm traveling somewhere to quilt and can't decide which color I want to use.<br /><br />I also finished the quilting on Ziggy (unoriginal name for a zig zag quilt, I know). It's just basic shadowing of the pattern a quarter inch inside the brown zig zags. I used my walking foot and the whole process only took about 2 hours. This is the second quilt I've done using my new walking foot and I have to say the process is getting much quicker and much easier. My only complaint is I wish my machine had a setting that would automatically stop the needle in the down position. All those stops and starts and having to manually put the needle down was a huge pain in the butt. I also machine sewed on the front of the binding and have been hand sewing the back while watching TV. Photos to come tomorrow if the sun ever comes out. I'm afraid Hurricane Danny has ruined my hopes for a sunny beach weekend.</p>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7795922515761362696.post-53928469959307570302009-08-27T13:26:00.004-04:002009-08-27T14:00:21.358-04:00Social Justice is Still Alive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0t3iJT9lobe2jRiK1CELEy2KSSM61lUku-E34DJxmC1VhrjxC2frpJtrBG74vM6OQKOo0J0q8ZCKb3jEFoXUv-Oz9sD82XS0riTDYCfnbIiLE2ZMYLClyP6969k1Bgl5wG2wAcx9P_8/s1600-h/Kennedy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0t3iJT9lobe2jRiK1CELEy2KSSM61lUku-E34DJxmC1VhrjxC2frpJtrBG74vM6OQKOo0J0q8ZCKb3jEFoXUv-Oz9sD82XS0riTDYCfnbIiLE2ZMYLClyP6969k1Bgl5wG2wAcx9P_8/s320/Kennedy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374704343658810722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">"Every American should have the opportunity to receive a quality education, a job that respects their dignity and protects their safety, and healt</span><span style="font-size:100%;">h care that does not condemn those whose health is impaired to a lifetime of poverty and lost opportunity."</span><br /><br />Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged and wonder why I do the work that I do. Being a social worker isn't glamorous, it isn't wealth building, and it isn't always gratifying. During graduate school I constantly debated whether I had made the right decision. Two years of an ivy league graduate program certainly puts a dent in your wallet and makes you a little cynical, "why am I paying thousands of dollars to an already wealthy institution, to surface in a horrible economy in a field that pays less then most entry level administrative assistant positions?", I should have just gone to law school I thought to myself.<br /><br />But when we lose a true social justice icon, like Ted Kennedy, I remember why I do what I do. Because I too believe that every child should receive an excellent public education that sets them up for success in whatever profession they choose, that the color of one's skin shouldn't determine the opportunities that are available for him/her, and that every individual should receive high quality low cost healthcare, regardless of ability to pay.<br /><br />Ted Kennedy got me my first paid job (well sort of). In 2002, an ear mark grant brought back to Massachusetts by senator Kennedy was given to the <a href="http://www.massleague.org/">Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers</a>. That grant funded my job and allowed the League to train entry level workers (those re-entering the workforce from welfare, layoffs, extended leaves from the workforce etc.) to work in administrative positions at health centers.<br /><br />Fast Facts... <span style="font-size:78%;">(courtesy of the League's website)</span><br /><ul><li>The first health center was established in 1965 at Columbia Point in Dorchester, MA (now Geiger Gibson Community Health Center) and was/is the model of care that Sen. Kennedy supported from the start. </li><li>Ninety percent of health center patients have incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level or $41,300 in annual income for a family of four.</li><li>Nationally, health centers total more than 1,000 and serve <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">16 million people.</span></li></ul>So a big thank you to Sen. Kennedy, not only for my job, but for your passion to social justice and the confidence to believe that the American dream can and does still exist, we just have to continue fighting for it!Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14826151173235598083noreply@blogger.com0