tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91999862404807108932024-03-14T08:27:20.853+13:00Kiwi Fi's WorldMy world to share with youFihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-31952878459663374092011-06-13T10:54:00.000+12:002011-06-13T10:54:58.192+12:00Eek - 2m later....Haven't been very regular with my blog. In fact I haven't been reading many blogs at all lately, so maybe thats why the motivation got up and left.<br />
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Life is OK. Kids are fine, I am fine, Shane is fine, Baby is fine.<br />
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I've been doing lots of knitting and sewing. Many finished projects on Ravelry.<br />
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More posts to come. And I need to get back into the Block of the Month Quilt-a-long for TNN. I've been a bit slack there. We'll have to do 3 blocks to catch up!!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-48388479359610782802011-04-05T16:51:00.000+12:002011-04-05T16:51:36.379+12:00How to achieve balanceIt never ceases to amaze me how hard it is to make the <i><b>right</b></i> decision. From lifestyle choices to what we eat and drink, it seems that its almost impossible to be perfect.<br />
What matters for one family doesn't seem so important for others, so as parents we all walk this tight rope of trying to do the best for our children.<br />
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A great example is organic food. Its expensive, but its supposedly good for you. Perhaps stops cancer forming. Better for the environment. If you are buying meat or poultry, perhaps a better life for the animals.<br />
Yet the price is restrictive for some, and lets face it - sometimes its nice to have a big perfect apple with no scars or animal marks.<br />
On the other hand you could feed your children a wonderfully balanced diet - not too much red meat, plenty of fish and their 5 plus a day of fruit and veges. Dairy - where to get the calcium from. Cheese, processed or standard? High fat or low?Buy milk from the farm gate - unpasteurised perhaps? Or maybe you want to go vegan and look at soy or rice milk. But then again, are lots of soy products good for your kids?<br />
When you give your children their veges, do you count potato as one of them? Are you ensuring they get leafy greens as well as those veges high in starch? Do you try to give your children a "rainbow" of food each day?<br />
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Do you give your kids juice - organic or not, or do you simply give them water? Are you filtering the water? Are you drinking from a fluorinated supply?<br />
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Enough of food, how about immunisations? Are you a conscientious objector believing that MMR causes austism? Or perhaps you think that the mercury will harm, or perhaps the monkey brains is not much trot? Do you accept that the HPV vaccine (gardisil) will actually prevent your daughter getting cervical cancer?<br />
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What about birth control. Rhythm or condoms? OCP or IUD? Vasectomy for him or tying tubes for her?<br />
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Schooling - private or public? Home school? Extend or hold back? Gifted and talented - encourage or mainstream?<br />
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Co sleeping? Controlled crying? Baby wearing?? Attachment parenting? Pram? Front facing, rear facing? Booster after 5 or in the front seat?<br />
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Sports, Music, Ballet, Speech and Drama.<br />
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Vege gardening at home?<br />
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Free range eggs?<br />
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Make your own clothes or buy them?<br />
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Electric car or walk? 4WD or motorbike?<br />
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I don't know about you, but all the choices we have in life, and all the inherent judgement associated with life choices bamboozles me. Of course I want to do the best for my family, but I get overwhelmed with the number of <i><b>right </b></i>decisions. I haven't got the energy to get it all right, so I look for balanced based on my perception of acceptable risk.<br />
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We vaccinate - Against pretty much everything (except that stoopid HPV one). We even pay for the flu jabs for adults and opted for Chicken Pox for the kids. I understand there is a bit of discomfort for the kids, but I do believe for the general population that vaccination is for the community.<br />
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My decision is right for me, but wrong for so many others. Sometimes though - I just don't have the energy to fight.<br />
Can't we all just get along? Accept others differences and leave it at that.<br />
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Now I'm off to feed my kids dinner. Its white rice cause they like that, and its cooked in the microwave cause thats how I get the best result. They are having devilled sausages from homekill sausies cause they are yummier and have less crap in them, and I made the sauce from scratch because I never quite know whats in those packets.<br />
I'll give them some veges, maybe some frozen beans and raw carrots - none of them organic or from the garden at the mo.<br />
And I'll probably give them water or low fat milk to wash it down. A piece of fruit for pudding.<br />
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Wow - all that decision making means I need a large glass of wine to recover.......Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-11312435090130232612011-03-27T16:47:00.001+13:002011-03-27T16:49:22.579+13:00March Block 1 - Turnstile PiecingSorry on a couple of fronts.<br />
Sorry for taking so long to get these instructions out....<br />
And double sorry for actually suggesting an incredibly tricky block this month!!<br />
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I've sewn my 3 blocks together, and they proved to be very tricky to get right - not quite what I was after this month. The biggest problem with this block is that the final seam results in a very precarious situation of trying to match multiple points. Not at all ideal for beginners!<br />
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My suggestion is that you pop this one aside until after you have done the Ohio Star. But - if you are still keen for a challenge (or maybe just a glutton for punishment!) read on....<br />
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<u><b>Step 1 </b></u><br />
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Lay your blocks out somewhere flat. You will keep coming back to this layout, so it needs to be on your sewing area.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXYElN6pNA8/TY6rbDZ4NKI/AAAAAAAAAw4/O4nVAYkLoXs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXYElN6pNA8/TY6rbDZ4NKI/AAAAAAAAAw4/O4nVAYkLoXs/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u><b>Step 2</b></u><br />
Fold the smaller triangles on top of each other and pin the seams that you need to sew. When you pin, make sure that every part of the triangle is matched. The pieces are the same size, and there shouldn't be any overlap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLoiPZJ5scU/TY6rb2hqaCI/AAAAAAAAAw8/gh9G2mPGttg/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLoiPZJ5scU/TY6rb2hqaCI/AAAAAAAAAw8/gh9G2mPGttg/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Step 3</b></u><br />
Sew the pieces together using your 1/4" seam allowance. As you sew, try to avoid stretching the fabric as it is on the bias and it will affect your final result.<br />
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The next image shows a good result when getting to the end of a triangle seam. Corners still matching!<br />
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Take a great deal of care when sewing the end of any triangles. This is where your pointy bits will open up, and if they do, it will affect the size of the square you are making (2 isosceles triangles make a bigger triangle, and then two more make a square.....)<br />
This image shows how the corners spread and its going to need some gentle manipulation to line them back up again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKPm7CeqoYI/TY6regRholI/AAAAAAAAAxU/-TKVuNTMmPY/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKPm7CeqoYI/TY6regRholI/AAAAAAAAAxU/-TKVuNTMmPY/s320/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is also an ideal block to practise your chain piecing - where you sew a number of pieces together in a chain, and then cut them apart at the end.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlkKK1KCXic/TY6reJmUw1I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/BohBQJaOcVM/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlkKK1KCXic/TY6reJmUw1I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/BohBQJaOcVM/s320/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I find with triangles its usually easiest to sew from the square side - not the pointy side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzADxS2sMHI/TY6rgI-jiOI/AAAAAAAAAxg/z1I1YlePcrE/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lzADxS2sMHI/TY6rgI-jiOI/AAAAAAAAAxg/z1I1YlePcrE/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Step 4</b></u><br />
Cut the pieces apart, and iron out flat. Usually press to the dark side. You can see that at the top of the triangle there is a piece sticking out. This isn't needed and you can cut it off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6UOW5gM5_Q/TY6rc_U_AQI/AAAAAAAAAxE/K_xNkgcIFqU/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6UOW5gM5_Q/TY6rc_U_AQI/AAAAAAAAAxE/K_xNkgcIFqU/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5G3-sYcV1U/TY6rd7hbmjI/AAAAAAAAAxM/21PJMYvxSHQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W5G3-sYcV1U/TY6rd7hbmjI/AAAAAAAAAxM/21PJMYvxSHQ/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you are interested in buying templates that avoid this step, I thoroughly recommend <a href="http://www.frommarti.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=FMM&Category_Code=PPT-B">Marti Michell's system of templates</a>. They are fabulous!!! I have a couple of sets, and they make piecing patchwork far more accurate than you can ever get using paper pieces.<br />
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<u><b>Step 5</b></u><br />
Return to your flat layout and look at the next pieces to sew. Here you will be sewing the larger triangle to the pieced triangle.<br />
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These pieces SHOULD be the same size. If they aren't, you have a problem.<br />
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Overlap them carefully. Ensure every side matches - they are all important when you are making a square. Pin in at least 3 places and sew. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1HVot7LWBs/TY6rgqw44NI/AAAAAAAAAxk/645JBdQKiww/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1HVot7LWBs/TY6rgqw44NI/AAAAAAAAAxk/645JBdQKiww/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Take a great deal of care when sewing these pieces. Not only are they possibly on the bias (so they are stretchy), they are also teeny tiny, and you need to keep them perfectly aligned. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Wp4_WW8bt8/TY6rhIsotcI/AAAAAAAAAxo/pflDC2z2Vlw/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Wp4_WW8bt8/TY6rhIsotcI/AAAAAAAAAxo/pflDC2z2Vlw/s320/13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Step 6</b></u><br />
Open your four pieces up and iron flat. You will see this time you have 2 little pieces that can be cut off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGv0Zl-ycfU/TY6rhrEj6GI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Qz4iV-2xZjw/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGv0Zl-ycfU/TY6rhrEj6GI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Qz4iV-2xZjw/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Check for their squareness. Look for any wobbly sewing. You could even measure the pieces here on a ruler and check for squareness if you are really worried.<br />
Return to your flat layout and assemble.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pc4tzqg2Wc4/TY6riNYEU2I/AAAAAAAAAxw/omNfeE3Lvvk/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pc4tzqg2Wc4/TY6riNYEU2I/AAAAAAAAAxw/omNfeE3Lvvk/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Step 7</b></u><br />
This is the tough bit. If you have made any mistakes before now, it will be blaringly obvious when you try to do this next seam!<br />
Now you will sew 2x2 squares. Its tricky because in the corner of one seam you have points to match. If you have ironed all your seams to the same side, you should be able to butt the seams against each other and ensure that your point will match.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5RzJmCTzqI/TY6rilkrViI/AAAAAAAAAx0/83jVwaZsD8g/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5RzJmCTzqI/TY6rilkrViI/AAAAAAAAAx0/83jVwaZsD8g/s320/16.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pin the corner, and then check the rest of the square.<br />
Remember - these squares should be identically sized, so its important that you align all the edges of the pieces.<br />
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From here you will end up with 2 rectangles, again they should be the same side, but mirror imaged.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTq54Q_NNkI/TY6rjVev9TI/AAAAAAAAAx4/A6jot2t3ht0/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTq54Q_NNkI/TY6rjVev9TI/AAAAAAAAAx4/A6jot2t3ht0/s320/17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Before you put the right sides together, have a close look at the centre of the block. There will be a point in the middle, and from there to the edge should be a perfect 1/4". When you seam these pieces together, your seam allowance will ensure that all the triangles meet in the middle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmWMXyevddM/TY6rj2roKDI/AAAAAAAAAx8/pmovdXDNJWc/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmWMXyevddM/TY6rj2roKDI/AAAAAAAAAx8/pmovdXDNJWc/s320/18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Often I find that one of my seams is slightly larger than the other. So I usually pull the seam open and double check what sort of overlap I might need to design into the sewing to ensure a nice match.<br />
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When you are happy that your final point is going to match, pin along the seam, ensuring that all sides of the pieces are aligned. If they aren't, you will need to ease the seam when you are sewing to get the best result.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lhiEgTrNsQ/TY6rkaM50BI/AAAAAAAAAyA/crLTqSOIZeM/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lhiEgTrNsQ/TY6rkaM50BI/AAAAAAAAAyA/crLTqSOIZeM/s320/19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When you are sewing the final seam, stop just before the middle. This is where the most impact comes from the design, so its important to get it right. <br />
In this picture, and on your block, you will see where the last 2 seams overlap. Its actually where you will see the point on the right side. So you need to stitch right on that cross (x marks the spot.....).<br />
Depending on the bulk of the fabric, sometimes you can sew a bit to the right of the cross, but never sew inside the cross otherwise you truncate your points.<br />
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Open out your block and see what the result is like! This was my first effort - I wasn't happy so I unpicked either side of the central line and resewed it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrVkiqT3560/TY6rlVkNUHI/AAAAAAAAAyI/_nXKSlWhPr4/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrVkiqT3560/TY6rlVkNUHI/AAAAAAAAAyI/_nXKSlWhPr4/s320/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u><b>Step 8</b></u><br />
Press flat and admire!<br />
If you get this right, big ups to ya! Its a tricky block, and I'm not sure why there are a number of seams where you sew on the bias and the grain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51G5Ruok7cA/TY6rmH8ykrI/AAAAAAAAAyM/wR83KGi2Lrk/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51G5Ruok7cA/TY6rmH8ykrI/AAAAAAAAAyM/wR83KGi2Lrk/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Out of my 3 blocks, I was actually only really happy with one. The pink one was the worst by far. Its WAAAAAAY out! I'm even too scared to measure the final dimensions in case its completely stuffed.<br />
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This last one I took alot of care sewing the seams and matching pieces very carefully before pinning. I'm pretty happy with it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d24sDWbsva0/TY6rnZxqDNI/AAAAAAAAAyU/DzeuP7tmdjo/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d24sDWbsva0/TY6rnZxqDNI/AAAAAAAAAyU/DzeuP7tmdjo/s320/24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So - sorry's all around. I'll get onto my Ohio Star this week in case some of you want a more gentle introduction to triangles.....<br />
Happy sewing, and please remember to ask any questions or leave any comments. I'm feeling a little lonely on this project, so I would love your feedback.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-6837354911997367062011-03-25T10:32:00.000+13:002011-03-25T10:32:47.885+13:00On being crazy.....So it's been a rough 6m, and understandably I'm still a bit fragile.<br />
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I think because it all happened so quickly (the brain tumour that is) I've probably got PTSD. Thinking that I really need to talk to someone, I decided to ask my GP for a referral to Maternal Mental Health at Campbell's 6 week check up.<br />
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She went through the questionnaire and because there were a couple of key questions I gave sensible answers for, it seems that I'm not quite crazy enough to qualify for the service. They rang yesterday, and went through the questionnaire again with me (but tried to be all subtle about it), but again because I don't lie awake at night, and because I don't think of self harm, I'm not crazy! And then she went on to say that she thinks the way I'm feeling is because of life, not having a baby. I love that they can distinguish between the different sorts of crazy.<br />
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I guess I'm a little frustrated with a system that makes it difficult to get help once you have asked for it. I don't have a history of depression, and I'm not into self harm, and all I really want is to have a good cry and get the crazies out of my system.<br />
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I'd like to be able to think about brain surgery without crying! I'd like to be able to talk to health professionals (Neurosurgeon's, midwives, GP's, Occupational Therapists, ENT people etc etc etc) without crying as soon as someone mentions what life was like about 6m ago.<br />
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Anyway, I'll just keep treading water, coping very well, but knowing that at any moment it could all come crashing down. Its hard when people look at you externally thinking that you are doing pretty well (which I am, I know) but inside its all a little fragile. There is nothing I would like more than to spend the whole day in bed, and not have to get up and take the kids to school.<br />
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I'm well over driving. We are planning a Sth Island 3 week holiday later in the year, and I'm a bit pissy that I have to do all the driving of the motorhome. The Marlborough Vineyards are going to be no fun at all when I have to drive. Although - I guess I could just park up the van for the night and really enjoy myself.<br />
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Roll on November when Shane can drive again!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-44885993561414368012011-03-14T18:50:00.001+13:002011-03-14T18:51:14.181+13:00Our new girls....Here they are having their first taste of freedom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u1VWL84bZdc/TX2r8ZIZgEI/AAAAAAAAAww/4Ns88GTUL5I/s1600/chooks+roaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u1VWL84bZdc/TX2r8ZIZgEI/AAAAAAAAAww/4Ns88GTUL5I/s320/chooks+roaming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
That big hole in the vege garden has resulted from the scallopini that got ripped out a few days ago. My goodness did that produce this year! We must have had 30-40 pieces from it. We were giving them away everywhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M_4atjDreHw/TX2sV1L72NI/AAAAAAAAAw0/J_xAyGHvb8g/s1600/chooks+roaming+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M_4atjDreHw/TX2sV1L72NI/AAAAAAAAAw0/J_xAyGHvb8g/s320/chooks+roaming+2.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
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We would like to let them out more often, but we have to ensure the cat and the dog are locked up inside before opening the cage. Jenna starting feeding them from her hand tonight, so hopefully they will become very tame in time.<br />
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They are only 15w old, so they start producing eggs in a week or two. Can't wait!!!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-65270214053981988492011-03-08T16:41:00.000+13:002011-03-08T16:41:57.387+13:00Log Cabin Finished<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h2_pJi1ZDhA/TXWk9zwTcYI/AAAAAAAAAwk/cefMZwLh-a4/s1600/complete+quilt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-h2_pJi1ZDhA/TXWk9zwTcYI/AAAAAAAAAwk/cefMZwLh-a4/s320/complete+quilt+3.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>I know I haven't put in the binding shots yet, and I haven't showed you how to do the batting sandwich, but its pretty unlikely that anyone needs to bind a quilt, and this baby is finished so I'm going to show it off!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E8Tdf6G5dXY/TXWk9EE_yoI/AAAAAAAAAwg/wlzwBYDuWfU/s1600/complete+quilt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E8Tdf6G5dXY/TXWk9EE_yoI/AAAAAAAAAwg/wlzwBYDuWfU/s320/complete+quilt+2.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Very, very, very happy with it!!!<br />
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I love the boldness of the red hearth in the centre of each block, and the blue border sets it off.<br />
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I didn't enjoy machine quilting it at all (I never do....) but its a simple job that looks OK.<br />
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I'm slowly getting used to my digital SLR. Some settings are still a mystery to me, I really need to do a course or something, but I am starting to play around a bit more to get different effects.<br />
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</a></div>And just to finish off, a gratuitous shot of the (not so) wee fella.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NdEujRTniCE/TXWlD06oP2I/AAAAAAAAAws/9DXNmFTCjI4/s1600/campbell+card+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NdEujRTniCE/TXWlD06oP2I/AAAAAAAAAws/9DXNmFTCjI4/s320/campbell+card+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-79296208175930511352011-03-08T16:23:00.000+13:002011-03-08T16:23:04.744+13:00March Block 1 - TurnstileWe are back! And ready to do the blocks for March.<br />
This month we are going to look at 2 blocks, and each one involves triangles.<br />
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The first one is called Turnstile and the template can be found <a href="http://www.jinnybeyer.com/quilting-with-jinny/design-board/detail.cfm?blockid=61">here</a><br />
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When you print off the 12" block template, set your printer to US letter, and ensure that its not shrinking to fit. When the page comes out, there is a scale thing on the side that you need to check measures 1". <b>REALLY important to check this!!!</b><br />
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So print the page out, cut out the templates and you are ready to select your fabric. If you were doing a whole quilt of this exact block, you would use something firmer than paper for your template. A good idea is to use the hard plastic stuff you can get from Spotlight (I can't remember the name of this stuff.... spot the one with baby brain!!!!) and then you use that to cut out everything.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IZEsty0RvmU/TXWf92HcrTI/AAAAAAAAAv8/NbtIqKO-JKc/s1600/brown+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IZEsty0RvmU/TXWf92HcrTI/AAAAAAAAAv8/NbtIqKO-JKc/s320/brown+fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NPZvodGuk3g/TXWgA8nhu8I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/pqhCoqrjWcw/s1600/pink+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NPZvodGuk3g/TXWgA8nhu8I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/pqhCoqrjWcw/s320/pink+fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here are my fabric selections. You need 3 fabrics, one feature, one dark and one contrast.<br />
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I'm going to do 3 blocks of each this month as I am hoping others will be keen to do a quilt for a charity - plenty of well-deserving recipients at the moment!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0T3mi3coUr4/TXWgAPu-8eI/AAAAAAAAAwM/hnYOwTkfXFI/s1600/cutting+out+grain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0T3mi3coUr4/TXWgAPu-8eI/AAAAAAAAAwM/hnYOwTkfXFI/s320/cutting+out+grain.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Iron your fabric, and put the template on the fabric, paying careful attention to the arrow. This arrow must be aligned with the grain. It can either be the cross grain or the selvedge grain, either one is fine. It only really matters which way you go if you have a directional pattern as opposed to an overall pattern.<br />
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Use your ruler carefully and cut around the template. You can see the seam allowance is allowed for, so you cut right on the edge of the paper. Be very accurate, and use pins to hold the template on.<br />
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I'm a bit of a scrooge when it comes to fabric. I have to use my fabric very carefully, and I try to maximise the fabric, and I try to leave big useable chunks of fabric, rather than little pieces.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ud6VDPy2oy8/TXWf_oCXvWI/AAAAAAAAAwI/2zHpywpIJyc/s1600/conserving+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ud6VDPy2oy8/TXWf_oCXvWI/AAAAAAAAAwI/2zHpywpIJyc/s320/conserving+fabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When you have cut all the fabric, you can lay it out and see what arrangement looks best. IN the sample, they use the dark fabric on the outside to frame the block, and I have to say I like it best like this. But there is nothing to say you can't arrange it whichever way you want to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--BiYASPx-Co/TXWf_E_pA-I/AAAAAAAAAwE/ozY3HVffgoQ/s1600/brown+layout+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--BiYASPx-Co/TXWf_E_pA-I/AAAAAAAAAwE/ozY3HVffgoQ/s320/brown+layout+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QthlhA3No3c/TXWf-oNMtbI/AAAAAAAAAwA/NAorXADtsvs/s1600/brown+layout+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QthlhA3No3c/TXWf-oNMtbI/AAAAAAAAAwA/NAorXADtsvs/s320/brown+layout+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6PRnc-wlzRc/TXWgBQnhMtI/AAAAAAAAAwU/AFIuX1XHXCs/s1600/pink+layout+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6PRnc-wlzRc/TXWgBQnhMtI/AAAAAAAAAwU/AFIuX1XHXCs/s320/pink+layout+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mckLjRkawUo/TXWgCIF3KuI/AAAAAAAAAwY/mGusM6MavPk/s1600/pink+layout+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mckLjRkawUo/TXWgCIF3KuI/AAAAAAAAAwY/mGusM6MavPk/s320/pink+layout+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'll do a post in a day or so on how to sew the triangles together. In time you will be able to look at these blocks and figure out how to do it. Normally you go from little pieces to big! So you will join the two smaller triangles, then attach them to the bigger triangle, and then you have a four patch to put together.<br />
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I've also finished my log cabin, and that's ready to give away to my midwife. Photos to follow!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-12159989822781586122011-02-12T08:11:00.001+13:002011-02-12T08:13:33.691+13:00Finishing off a Quilt - 1. BordersThis is my log cabin all sewed up from January. I'm quite happy with it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4r8KiHKsFIw/TVWGHYgSgqI/AAAAAAAAAvE/qDCJsHw_LrU/s1600/Final+sewn+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4r8KiHKsFIw/TVWGHYgSgqI/AAAAAAAAAvE/qDCJsHw_LrU/s320/Final+sewn+together.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So the next job is finishing the quilt by applying the borders. Borders really bring a quilt to life! Plus they give it alot more size. I didn't have the time to choose my own borders with the new baby, so I sent Shane into the local patchwork shop to a salesperson I really trust (who has impeccable taste) with a list, and this is what she sent out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ciaMFKD0_OU/TVWGPdh_pzI/AAAAAAAAAvs/L_54Ei5rnBQ/s1600/Selecting+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ciaMFKD0_OU/TVWGPdh_pzI/AAAAAAAAAvs/L_54Ei5rnBQ/s320/Selecting+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love it!<br />
I'm going for finished 2" borders of the blue (so cut 2.5") and 5.5" outer borders. If you take your finished quilt top into any patchwork shop they will be able to calculate your required meterage for borders. I also have enough of the floral to do the binding as well.<br />
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The first job is cutting the borders. I didn't iron first - very naughty!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIN1J8lYpI0/TVWGFXXLnvI/AAAAAAAAAu8/UYMlbx3Ekuk/s1600/Cutting+strips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIN1J8lYpI0/TVWGFXXLnvI/AAAAAAAAAu8/UYMlbx3Ekuk/s320/Cutting+strips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Depending on how much fabric you have, you can cut with the length, or across the length. In the case of the inner borders, I only have about 0.5m, so I need to cut my strips across the length. This means I'll need to join strips to get enough length across the quilt top. So I'm cutting 6 strips. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwjrgmtJcjo/TVWGQLcxYgI/AAAAAAAAAvw/EM6jPZFwzKI/s1600/Strips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qwjrgmtJcjo/TVWGQLcxYgI/AAAAAAAAAvw/EM6jPZFwzKI/s320/Strips.jpg" width="320" /> </a><br />
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Once you have sewn length on the strips, you iron them, and lay them across your quilt top - in the middle of the quilt. This is a really important step as it allows you to square up your quilt top.<br />
A log cabin is fairly easy to square up as there is a lovely line that runs through the middle of the quilt.<br />
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Trim the blue border on each side accurately. I usually do this with a cutting board under the quilt and use a ruler and a rotary cutter. This time I used scissors.... Not that good really.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGs6gQRKjbI/TVWGIKFhGOI/AAAAAAAAAvI/BgU6GnL1OuE/s1600/Inner+border+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGs6gQRKjbI/TVWGIKFhGOI/AAAAAAAAAvI/BgU6GnL1OuE/s320/Inner+border+cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pin on opposite sides of the quilt and sew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dsneRZpg5s/TVWGMlLV0pI/AAAAAAAAAvg/ylOlSgSZflA/s1600/Pinned+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6dsneRZpg5s/TVWGMlLV0pI/AAAAAAAAAvg/ylOlSgSZflA/s320/Pinned+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Iron out flat, and follow the same process with the other side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjRLMvmIYAk/TVWGO9XimgI/AAAAAAAAAvo/iLbRekLG948/s1600/second+inner+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjRLMvmIYAk/TVWGO9XimgI/AAAAAAAAAvo/iLbRekLG948/s320/second+inner+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This really makes a big difference. The idea is that when you cut the strips at the length of the centre of the quilt, both ends will be the same. So you can just sew it and cut off the extra - you need this to be square.<br />
Trim, pin and sew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yca9W362ISg/TVWGOOcXvCI/AAAAAAAAAvk/OFIC2It0sro/s1600/Second+inner+border+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yca9W362ISg/TVWGOOcXvCI/AAAAAAAAAvk/OFIC2It0sro/s320/Second+inner+border+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsff-iu_YKY/TVWGJgAgI5I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ttigS8pIX_U/s1600/Inner+second+border+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsff-iu_YKY/TVWGJgAgI5I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ttigS8pIX_U/s320/Inner+second+border+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Once you have completed the inner border, its time to do the outer border, and its just following the same process.<br />
Lay the strips out in the middle of the quilt.<br />
Trim, pin, sew and iron.<br />
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Repeat on the other side.<br />
One thing to be very cautious about is whether your print has a direction on it. If it does (like mine does) try to ensure that you get the print facing all the same way. <br />
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Once you have sewn the outer border on the quilt, you are done! Now its time to make the batting sandwich and quilt it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofXJuJylrGY/TVWJ_2fGt3I/AAAAAAAAAv0/p-gEq4E2pHc/s1600/Final+quilt+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofXJuJylrGY/TVWJ_2fGt3I/AAAAAAAAAv0/p-gEq4E2pHc/s320/Final+quilt+top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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What do you think of my finished product (or at least finished quilt top) ? Its amazing how the borders will really finish a quilt off. And once the padding is beneath it, there is a whole new effect to it.<br />
I really like it - its scrappy, but very pretty. I think Stephanie from Grandmother's Garden did a lovely job in her fabric selection! The blue is great.<br />
This quilt is going to my midwife to say thanks for giving me a healthy little baby boy. I'm hoping to have it done by Tuesday when she comes over, but machine quilting is not my forte! We shall see.<br />
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Next post - making the batting sandwich.<br />
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</a></div>Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-60960835896922345172011-02-04T10:35:00.000+13:002011-02-04T10:35:43.215+13:00February 9 Patch 12" - 3. Coordinated Double 9 PatchI whipped this up in a very short time on Wednesday, and here it is for you.<br />
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I'm really happy with how its turned out - The double 9 patch was lots more fun to sew than the single one. Maybe give both a go this month?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUsfYeskZEI/AAAAAAAAAu4/JLRlBq9ajEM/s1600/double+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUsfYeskZEI/AAAAAAAAAu4/JLRlBq9ajEM/s320/double+final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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On another front, I have pieced my scrap log cabin together, and I will be listing a tute for the application of borders, the batting sandwich, and machine quilting. I hope to have it done over the next week so I can give the final product to my midwife to say thanks :)Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-29310376463543265242011-02-01T18:53:00.000+13:002011-02-01T18:53:45.127+13:00February 9 Patch 12" - 2. Basic Scrap BlockThis is a great block as it can use up any 5" charm squares you might have lying around.<br />
I just happened to have these 4x 4.5" blocks in my stash from another project, and I decided that I would just use them.<br />
I needed a background to tie them all in, and thought I'd be ambitious with a stripe!<br />
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So - here are my fabrics:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePvrm28mI/AAAAAAAAAuI/d70xi120DBU/s1600/scrap+fabric+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePvrm28mI/AAAAAAAAAuI/d70xi120DBU/s320/scrap+fabric+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now the trick with stripes is to cut along the stripe, rather than with the grain. Because this is a woven stripe (meaning the stripe is part of the fabric body - its not just printed on) its easy to cut once you line your ruler up with the stripe. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUeQIElr7_I/AAAAAAAAAus/m3_Iz8akuT8/s1600/cut+background+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUeQIElr7_I/AAAAAAAAAus/m3_Iz8akuT8/s320/cut+background+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Cut your 9 squares, and lay them out:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePxMpvF3I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/PHNWf8q-dmM/s1600/scrap+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePxMpvF3I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/PHNWf8q-dmM/s320/scrap+layout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This way you can tell if the block is going to look OK or not. This is a verrrrrrry basic block - I'm hoping it will look OK once its in a quilt with sashings and the like.<br />
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Next job is pin. Now you can do multiple pieces at once - it saves getting up and down. So I pin them as soon as I put the right sides together, that way I know exactly where I need to sew my seams.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePyqewMcI/AAAAAAAAAuY/G6RM3uW7UoI/s1600/scrap+pinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePyqewMcI/AAAAAAAAAuY/G6RM3uW7UoI/s320/scrap+pinning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sew up using a 1/4" seam allowance. Don't sew over your pins like me.... I take my machine's life in my hands every time I do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePzbSLQAI/AAAAAAAAAuc/-SK8H6295tc/s1600/scrap+sewing+seams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePzbSLQAI/AAAAAAAAAuc/-SK8H6295tc/s320/scrap+sewing+seams.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you get to the end of the first piece, put your needle in the down position. Lift up your foot slightly and put the next piece under - then sew. This is called chain piecing. Its used when you are sewing lots of pieces, and saves loads of time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePu4oDiwI/AAAAAAAAAuE/CES3QD0Gb_I/s1600/scrap+chain+piecing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePu4oDiwI/AAAAAAAAAuE/CES3QD0Gb_I/s320/scrap+chain+piecing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I had a lovely image of the pieces all together once sewn, but it didn't download for some reason - but its kinda like a flag bunting. Snip between each of the pieces, <b><u>iron to the dark side</u></b> and return to your layout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePz1KDceI/AAAAAAAAAug/N1r_MNZxwMk/s1600/scrap+stage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePz1KDceI/AAAAAAAAAug/N1r_MNZxwMk/s320/scrap+stage+1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You can see how all the pieces are coming together now. This is an easy block to finish off in terms of the order of sewing. I'm going to sew the left 3 pieces together, and then the right single strip, and then attach the two together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUeP0u_GwtI/AAAAAAAAAuk/O9oOpMVkafY/s1600/scrap+stage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUeP0u_GwtI/AAAAAAAAAuk/O9oOpMVkafY/s320/scrap+stage+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From here we need to match our points. Remember how I said to iron to the dark side? Well if you did, you will have a situation a bit like this.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePt-uSfGI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Av5hJ7j_nnk/s1600/matching+seams+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePt-uSfGI/AAAAAAAAAuA/Av5hJ7j_nnk/s320/matching+seams+2.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You can see that the seams are ironed off to each side, and actually the middle part - or the line where you want to match up will sit snugly up against the other piece. Kinda like they lock together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePtGrk7YI/AAAAAAAAAt8/o3_bZN-veNE/s1600/matching+points+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePtGrk7YI/AAAAAAAAAt8/o3_bZN-veNE/s320/matching+points+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> You want this, and when you have them firmly locked, pin. Then pin each end of what you are going to sew, and sew it. When you get to the seams, make sure that the one on the bottom stays folded in the right way - if you have any movement of this at the needle your points wont match.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUeP1AKA_8I/AAAAAAAAAuo/sVwkmFjNWBY/s1600/scrap+stage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUeP1AKA_8I/AAAAAAAAAuo/sVwkmFjNWBY/s320/scrap+stage+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The next stage of your block will look like this, and this is the toughest part to get the points matching.<br />
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Fold the right sides together, and get the seams locking together. Work on one at a time. Pin each of the points, and then work on the sides. Its most important to get the points matched, and then if the sizes are different, you need to ease the remainder of the seam. So you stretch the short pieces and pin in lots of places to ensure that they all match up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePxnMZtKI/AAAAAAAAAuU/dcCAsLDTF8c/s1600/scrap+matching+seams+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePxnMZtKI/AAAAAAAAAuU/dcCAsLDTF8c/s320/scrap+matching+seams+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The more accurate your sewing and 1/4", the easier it is to line everything up! Obviously when you have loads of small pieces all together, the challenge is to make multiple seams correct so the final product is right.<br />
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Here's my final block - it really is incredibly simple, and not too challenging for an experienced patchworker, so I've decided to do something a little more tricky.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePwekPUfI/AAAAAAAAAuM/sjx8RQ-HGhU/s1600/Scrap+finished+product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUePwekPUfI/AAAAAAAAAuM/sjx8RQ-HGhU/s320/Scrap+finished+product.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This will be the one I seam up and show you tomorrow. Already cut out, ready to go!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUefwAODdZI/AAAAAAAAAuw/ILT1so_9daQ/s1600/double+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUefwAODdZI/AAAAAAAAAuw/ILT1so_9daQ/s320/double+layout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy sewing, and remember to leave a comment if you have anything you would like to pass on to me.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-55214397924164329852011-02-01T16:57:00.000+13:002011-02-01T16:57:12.271+13:00February 9 Patch 12" - 1. DetailsSo here we go for February!<br />
This is another basic block, but its important to get the skills right here. The purpose of this month is to learn how to match points so that when we move onto triangles and the like, you have a basic understanding of where to go.<br />
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I'm using these websites for info:<br />
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<a class="postlink" href="http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltblockconstruction/ss/patchwork_block_2.htm" rel="nofollow">http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltblock ... lock_2.htm</a><br />
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<a class="postlink" href="http://www.quiltingassistant.com/doubleninepatch.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.quiltingassistant.com/doubleninepatch.html</a><br />
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The fabric requirements are very small, and its easy to cut out. You just need 4.5" square pieces - 4 of colour A and 5 of colour B, and they go together like a checkerboard. <br />
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I'm going to be doing a scrap block and a coordinated block. The scrap block is a simple 9 patch, whereas the coordinated block will be a double 9 patch.<br />
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Because this is so quick to sew, all the instructions will be in the next post, and the only tricks you will learn are chain piecing and matching points (my way...)<br />
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As always - there are loads of patchwork experts out there, I'm not one of them, but I am happy to help where I can. If you have any suggestions for how to make life easier, please leave a comment so that we can all improve our skills!<br />
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So - on with the sewing.......Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-30006901579445265832011-01-27T07:54:00.000+13:002011-01-27T07:54:03.087+13:00Introducing.....Campbell Blair D-W.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUBs8OiMILI/AAAAAAAAAt4/V3XxxzJ778I/s1600/First+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TUBs8OiMILI/AAAAAAAAAt4/V3XxxzJ778I/s320/First+bath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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He was born at about 1am on the 25th January at home - just as planned. He was 8lb4oz, and while the labour wasn't super quick, it wasn't slow either. Just very painful! Definitely the last one from me.<br />
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So far he's doing everything perfectly.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-38211035268894401092011-01-24T13:20:00.000+13:002011-01-24T13:20:46.978+13:00FamilyHaving another baby makes you think about your own upbringing in so many ways. With this child being so late (11 days and counting......) it makes me think about my other two - one was induced 11 days late, and the other was on his due date.<br />
Their personalities are very different, the one who was late is very stubborn and determined!! Rushes headfirst into every situation, makes up stories, manipulates everyone around her.... She's hard work. But I admire her spirit and her fight. If we can keep ourselves from killing her, I think she will be a fine young woman who is very successful.<br />
The one who was on time is my little man. He's a squishy wee thing, and ever so clever. He's quicker to give up than J, she can be tricked into doing jobs whereas if H isn't interested, he walks away. He surprises us with his deep thinking, his understanding of how things work, and his patience.<br />
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I originally thought this one might be a boy, but now thats its late, I'm thinking its a girl! And I'm petrified that its going to be another stubborn minx like #1.<br />
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So I grew up in a family of 4 kids - and we are all very different!! This is our most recent photo together from April 2010 - its been a few years since we had one since we have at different times all lived in different countries! But we were all together at my younger brother's wedding. My brothers are wearing the Robertson tartan - one is a family kilt from my late uncle Adam, and the other was custom made in Edinburgh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTzCjdqwuyI/AAAAAAAAAt0/RwbDv1IweNU/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTzCjdqwuyI/AAAAAAAAAt0/RwbDv1IweNU/s400/family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When I think about personalities of my siblings I can summarise, but really we are all too complicated to make wide statements about.<br />
My older brother is sensible. He's intelligent, and he loves a good laugh. And a good bottle of wine. He's a family man and a career man, and I think his biggest challenge is to work the two together. He feels responsibility heavily, but he is a good friend since he has had the same close group of mates since high school - despite them living around the world. He misses NZ, which is good since he married a kiwi so I think they will be back to NZ eventually.<br />
My older sister is very talented in a creative way. She is extremely musical and a deep thinker - she probably over thinks most things truth be told. She is very protective of her family and her way of life, and I admire her tireless pursuit of contentedness. She's the sort of person who will be there for you if you ask her to.<br />
My little brother was the unsettled one, but that's changed some over the last few years. He likes his mates, his concerts and his travelling. He is an excellent provider, and will work almost anywhere doing almost anything to make sure that the required funds are raised. Like my older brother, he enjoys a good laugh, and a good drink, and a bloody good time. When he is on form, he is a blast to be around. He's married an Aussie girl, so I suspect he is there for good.<br />
I'm the practical one. I did the boring things (like savings, school, education, work, buying houses etc.....) when I was supposed to, and I guess I'm middle aged before my time. Getting divorced and having illegitimate kids to a much older divorcee with tatts and a harley threw a bit of a spanner in the works in terms of my reputation, but when they all realised how incredibly sensible Shane is, I think my boring nature was just cemented in stone!<br />
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I do wonder what my kids will be like in 30 years time. I'm pleased I'm having my third child because how nice to have siblings.<br />
(I just wish this baby would come soon!!!!!!!!!)Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-86910423937771369832011-01-22T17:07:00.000+13:002011-01-22T17:07:21.391+13:00January Log Cabin - 6. LayoutOK - so if you are like me, you too have sewn 18 of these blocks in January. Crazy I know, but when I see a dead horse I like to flog it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWaP1Q1sI/AAAAAAAAAtk/LDywKrf7x-8/s1600/final+16+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWaP1Q1sI/AAAAAAAAAtk/LDywKrf7x-8/s320/final+16+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWa5mG_WI/AAAAAAAAAto/dt0X2xJTXWQ/s1600/final+16+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWa5mG_WI/AAAAAAAAAto/dt0X2xJTXWQ/s320/final+16+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWbl5DFqI/AAAAAAAAAts/113ZAaqESeA/s1600/final+16+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWbl5DFqI/AAAAAAAAAts/113ZAaqESeA/s320/final+16+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWcRp9ltI/AAAAAAAAAtw/MYVmt4hXWdY/s1600/final+16+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TTpWcRp9ltI/AAAAAAAAAtw/MYVmt4hXWdY/s320/final+16+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here are some photos of my scrap 16 blocks. I have to decide how to put these together now, and what sort of arrangement or effect I'm going for. These 4 are not your only options - there are many ways you can put them together.<br />
Let me know what you think I should go for.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-69489782721110760922011-01-14T12:31:00.000+13:002011-01-14T12:31:49.238+13:00RAOK that was not so random, and was more like a swap....Two lovely ladies did something nice for me recently. <a href="http://rainbowchildcraft.blogspot.com/">Hannah </a>dyed up some lovely grey wool, and <a href="http://www.justonewip.blogspot.com/">Julia</a> knitted it into a gorgeous baby blanket.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS-JlhkEFsI/AAAAAAAAAtY/R_JYkzr_tD0/s1600/grey+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS-JlhkEFsI/AAAAAAAAAtY/R_JYkzr_tD0/s320/grey+blanket.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> Lovely isn't it? They are both very clever women.<br />
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I'm shocking at <u><b>not </b></u>returning kindness - its in my nature to repay in some way. Whether its a box of choccies, or something I can make - I aim to do something in return.<br />
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Julia has been doing some sewing lately, so I thought I'd whip her up a little cute pincushion, and a WIP bag. She likes brown - so this knit was dug out from the stash and matched with a cute japanese print.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS-Jm8cyRNI/AAAAAAAAAtc/oBQQQwfwerQ/s1600/bags+and+mousies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS-Jm8cyRNI/AAAAAAAAAtc/oBQQQwfwerQ/s320/bags+and+mousies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Hannah apparently likes brown, but it doesn't really matter cause she was getting this anyway - LOL.<br />
I was totally lazy - managed to change to a ball tipped needle for the knit, but didn't even bother to coordinate the thread, so its a dark navy. Slack huh?<br />
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All four knocked up in a couple of hours, and hopefully they show my appreciation to two lovely ladies. The link to make the mousies can be found <a href="http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/Creative-Idea-Craft-Fabric-Pincushion/v1">here</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS-JoXFJSXI/AAAAAAAAAtg/TRYgY35gELk/s1600/mousies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS-JoXFJSXI/AAAAAAAAAtg/TRYgY35gELk/s320/mousies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-88275866313630589802011-01-14T04:02:00.000+13:002011-01-14T04:02:22.885+13:00Our new life 3 months on.....Hard to believe, but its been just over 3 months leave since Shane had a huge chunk cut out of his brain. I don't think I posted images, so here we go.<br />
This was the toomah from the side. When they injected the contrast in, it really made the whole thing pretty obvious huh?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS8Oy33LdPI/AAAAAAAAAtU/t4b-UjH-LNE/s1600/brain+side.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TS8Oy33LdPI/AAAAAAAAAtU/t4b-UjH-LNE/s320/brain+side.PNG" width="306" /></a></div><br />
I think they cut a big chunk out, and then dissected around the light/dark boundary to ensure they only removed a very minimal amount of normal tissue.<br />
This image still scares the crap out of me (unfortunately it doesn't have the ability to scare the baby out of me....) and I am shocked at how well he is doing.<br />
The boy wonder (otherwise known as the neuro registrar) showed me this before I counter-signed the consent forms for surgery, as at the time Shane was only giggling, couldn't form a sentence, and couldn't really hold a pen.<br />
<br />
Now - you would barely recognise him from that pre-surgery guy. His hair has grown back, and the scar isn't that obvious. So people look really weirdly at him when we are doing the shopping, and I get everything out of the trolley. I'm sure they think he is a horrible man making his 40w pregnant partner do all that bending and lifting, but it really hurts his head so I have to.<br />
<br />
He looks pretty normal, but gets grumpy so quickly. This is softened in that he also gets rid of his grumpiness just as quickly, so thats a bonus.<br />
<br />
He is sleeping better at night, he pretty much goes from 10pm til 6-7am most nights, and doesn't need pain relief anymore through the night, although he is up first thing to dose up. And he still has to nap for 3-4 hrs a day, in between taking it really easy.<br />
<br />
His executive decision making is probably most affected. He doesn't think through situations as well, and can't really make good decisions on the fly. So unless we are well organised with a list, or a sequence of events, he flounders, gets frustrated, and then fatigued, and then grumpy. So I have to step in and be the grown up which is a total PITA. <br />
<br />
Tiredness makes everything worse - it magnifies all the little things by 1000%, but thankfully he hasn't had any seizures (that I know about.......) since his episodes about 8w ago. I'm hoping our impending arrival doesn't put too much pressure on his sleep.<br />
<br />
So - really, in a diabolical situation, we have really come out OK. I have someone I can live with until we are grumpy old people in a nursing home. He is able to look after himself really well, and in time, when the fatigue subsides, I'm sure I'll be able to leave him at home again with the kids. Hopefully in a year or so, but that will depend on when he is permitted to be behind the wheel.<br />
<br />
Life has changed. I'm a real live grown up. The buck totally stops with me, and thats scary. I never realised what it would be like to the only grownup in a relationship - and its exhausting. He does help, and thank goodness for that, but I know the grey hairs I know have are well-earned.<br />
#3 is due today, and I'm not getting any good niggles - I think its because I just really don't get a chance to relax, and the fight or flight reflex is strong in this one master.....<br />
So everytime Baby thinks it might be time, Hamish wee's on his sister, or Jenna throws something in a tantrum, or the cat brings in a dead animal, and reality kicks back in and I know that I just can't afford the downtime - so baby doesn't make an appearance!<br />
<br />
I don't know her, but Lori, from <a href="http://www.rrsahm.com/">http://www.rrsahm.com/</a> has just been through a terrible ordeal involving the loss of her husband, and it makes me realise how bloody lucky I am. I got through what she has gone through, and came out relatively unscathed (in that life is functional, and I can get used to the new normal). My heart breaks for her, and it still sends me into a panic about how close I came to being a "widow" with 3 young kids, or worse still a mother to three with a severely brain damaged other parent.<br />
I am lucky. And I do believe in miracles, but I don't think Shane's health is a miracle. I believe the strength I have been able to find through all this was really God's gift to me, and its more amazing than anything else. Because of all the prayers for our family, I have been able to hold it together and the little men in white jackets haven't had to come and get me, and put my kids into foster care.<br />
<br />
So 3 months on. Life continues with just as many emotional and spiritual challenges and this is the new normal.<br />
Now we just have to find a way for my body to let go, relax and let this new bubby come into our insane family.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-10393694967629698542011-01-10T17:43:00.000+13:002011-01-10T17:43:31.719+13:00Roll on babySo it worked.<br />
I have no idea what it was that worked, but something did, and the sweet little baby has swung around again!<br />
PHEW :)<br />
<br />
So roll on baby. Spicy curry for dinner tonight, taking dog for a walk when it cools down, and pineapple for pudding.<br />
Here we go.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-74145356471897600542011-01-07T04:04:00.001+13:002011-01-07T04:33:23.992+13:00Never a dull moment....Medically speaking, this pregnancy has been non-eventful for me and baby.<br />
Of course there has been loads going on all around me, but bubs has been pretty well behaved and my body has been quite reliable.<br />
<br />
Well that went and changed over the last week.<br />
<br />
I had my 39w midwife appointment today, and she commented that the bum was feeling very bony. I went straight away for a scan (thankfully a new radiology clinic has just opened in town with ultrasound facilities!!!) and sure enough, its not a bum.<br />
This pesky child has turned head up.<br />
<br />
At the moment, baby is looking something like this (but no idea on genitalia of course....):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSXWnGPdFQI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/xQdPHAosH9g/s1600/frankbreech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSXWnGPdFQI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/xQdPHAosH9g/s320/frankbreech.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Which is not at all ideal. Particularly when you have a planned home birth. So I'm now heading in for an "urgent" hospital appointment on Monday. Not sure what they think urgent means, but evidently at 39w you can wait 4 days for these things.<br />
<br />
So from here the options are:<br />
<ol><li>Deliver said breech baby at hospital (apparently very possibly given its my #3 and its legs are up)</li>
<li>Get baby to turn through myself between now and Monday's appointment and continue with the home birth.</li>
<li>Go to Monday's appointment, baby still breech and have a ECV which looks unpleasant, but will allow me to have the home birth.</li>
<li>C/section (least favourable option)</li>
</ol>Shane's reaction is hilarious. He's very serious and worried and actually wants me to have the c/s I think so its a known solution. The risk here for me is minimal, and actually in the current position bubs is in, its risk is fairly low too - its just the inconvenience of having to make the hospital delivery happen with me as the only driver and him somewhat incapable of running the household in my absence.<br />
But I think he is actually getting a taste of what he put me through over the last wee while! (And on that note I'm really enjoying my new diamond earrings too......)<br />
<br />
Why did baby turn? Well I have my own suspicions on that, and I actually think that while I have been sitting in a good position, I'm been sitting alot doing all this sewing. I wonder if bubs got sick of being head down in a little cramped pelvis while I sewed at my machine. Its the only thing that has changed over the last week, and I'm thinking its the most likely cause, so the sewing machine is switched off from here until delivery! Lucky all my log cabin stuff was done for Jan :)<br />
<br />
My Plan of attack.<br />
<ul><li>Lots of time with bum in air. We will do pillows, crawling around on all fours, handstands at the pool, lying on a plank. You name it, I'm going to try it!</li>
<li>Acupuncture booked in for tomorrow, he may do some dry needling, but its mainly going to be moxi and heat treatment.</li>
<li>NO MORE NATURAL INDUCEMENT!! We don't want this baby to come between now and Monday's appointment otherwise I am straight into hospital. </li>
<li>Lots of talking to bubs, and I'm trying to visualise a head locked into a pelvis.</li>
<li>Reduced sitting time, with no more sewing.</li>
<li>ECV I think on Monday if all fails. There is lots of fluid there, I'm nice and spongey with saggy uterine muscles, so I think it will work.</li>
</ul>On the positive side of things, bubs is confirmed to have an expected delivery weight of between 7-8lb, and I'm measuring bang on my dates.<br />
<br />
As I said - never a dull moment in this household!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-11613084384460372872011-01-04T20:51:00.001+13:002011-01-04T20:51:43.815+13:00January Log Cabin - 6. Lets sew!!!!OK, I'm assuming that you are ready to rock and roll!!<br />
Get your strips out, here we go.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 1: </b> Take your hearth and your smallest piece - both measure 2.5".<br />
Right sides together, pin the small piece on at each end, making sure the edges line up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMGRX2a1I/AAAAAAAAAsM/JT3QeTecElQ/s1600/Step+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMGRX2a1I/AAAAAAAAAsM/JT3QeTecElQ/s320/Step+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 2: </b> Sew all the way along - remember no backstitching and a 1/4" seam allowance. If you leave your threads longish here, your seam is less likely to unzip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMHB_z9gI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/PM613OCC4dM/s1600/Step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMHB_z9gI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/PM613OCC4dM/s320/Step+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 3:</b> Remove pins, open seam and press open. You should always press to the darkest side, but with this block I usually find it easier to press outwards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMIpU4ENI/AAAAAAAAAsU/JgxIuSqmB8o/s1600/Step+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMIpU4ENI/AAAAAAAAAsU/JgxIuSqmB8o/s320/Step+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 4: </b>Turn your block 90 deg clockwise (or anticlockwise, which ever way you like, just make sure you always to the same thing...) Pin the next sized piece on, right sides facing, ensuring edges line up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMJSIcFfI/AAAAAAAAAsY/cvWF4aash8g/s1600/step+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMJSIcFfI/AAAAAAAAAsY/cvWF4aash8g/s320/step+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 5: </b>Sew from one end to the other. You will notice here that my seam goes a little wonky here. Not ideal, but it doesn't seem to make too much difference in the middle of such a short piece, and its not at the ends, so I'm leaving it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMKBmS3WI/AAAAAAAAAsc/vPyd-xyWtHE/s1600/step+5+%2528Mistake%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMKBmS3WI/AAAAAAAAAsc/vPyd-xyWtHE/s320/step+5+%2528Mistake%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 6:</b> Press open. You can see the seam looks straight, so again - I wont unpick it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMLJBDOGI/AAAAAAAAAsg/o250h-NpStI/s1600/Step+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMLJBDOGI/AAAAAAAAAsg/o250h-NpStI/s320/Step+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 7: </b>Change stacks, and move to the other fabric/colour. Turn the block 90 degrees again (in the same direction you have done already). Right sides together, match edges, pin and sew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLML-DjHNI/AAAAAAAAAsk/xO3cjDPjCEM/s1600/Step+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLML-DjHNI/AAAAAAAAAsk/xO3cjDPjCEM/s320/Step+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 8:</b> Press open.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMMkTnbkI/AAAAAAAAAso/V3przstKN4o/s1600/step+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMMkTnbkI/AAAAAAAAAso/V3przstKN4o/s320/step+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Here you can see what the back is looking like - lots of nice 1/4" seams and pressing. I started off pressing to the dark side, but its just naturally easier to press outwards, so I went with it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMNS9JKTI/AAAAAAAAAss/duKjdTHqJcs/s1600/step+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMNS9JKTI/AAAAAAAAAss/duKjdTHqJcs/s320/step+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b> Step 9:</b> 2nd Dark piece, follow the system above. Right sides together, match edges, pin, sew and press open.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMOZOIN5I/AAAAAAAAAsw/qC2jn-5eJsU/s1600/step+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMOZOIN5I/AAAAAAAAAsw/qC2jn-5eJsU/s320/step+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b> Step 10: </b>Continue on with 2 pieces from each stack until you get to the end! I always look at my block to double check what the next step is. If you look below, you can see the creamy piece on the right hand side is bound on both sides. That means its next to get a top up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMPB_OwOI/AAAAAAAAAs0/rwNRu0c2Pfo/s1600/step+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLMPB_OwOI/AAAAAAAAAs0/rwNRu0c2Pfo/s320/step+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Its really important to keep an eye on your pieces and the length. If you are working inaccurately (or your strips were cut poorly) your block will get more and more out of proportion. Your next piece wont line up on the edges, and you'll introduce a skew. You can't fix this by chopping off the uneven end. You have to go back and fix your mistake to ensure your block stays square.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
<u><b>IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE..............................</b></u><br />
<br />
So you have made a booboo - want to see one of mine?<br />
<br />
In this case I pinned too far away from the edge. At some point you need to use 3 pins with this block, and I was being lazy. The fabric shifted as I got to the end, and the blue piece moved inwards. Worst place for it to happen - specially when you start doing small triangles in your blocks! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPM21DQfI/AAAAAAAAAs8/-cL4YqaTmHU/s1600/Fix+seam+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPM21DQfI/AAAAAAAAAs8/-cL4YqaTmHU/s320/Fix+seam+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So to fix this , I used my unpick and picked back as far as I needed to in order to realign the pieces. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPNZkbfSI/AAAAAAAAAtA/_YGOdMLn1YQ/s1600/fix+seam+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPNZkbfSI/AAAAAAAAAtA/_YGOdMLn1YQ/s320/fix+seam+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I put the block back on to my sewing machine, and started back an inch or two from where I had unpicked to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPOlKsBvI/AAAAAAAAAtE/mP1QZ50HBHM/s1600/fix+seam+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPOlKsBvI/AAAAAAAAAtE/mP1QZ50HBHM/s320/fix+seam+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sewing more carefully this time (with my tongue sticking out of course) I resewed the partial seam, overlapping the good sewing and merging into the new seam. I am totally confident this will hold, it won't look odd ironing because I did a clean overlap, and it saved me a couple of minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPPd312TI/AAAAAAAAAtI/WRBjzcv0RPY/s1600/fix+seam+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPPd312TI/AAAAAAAAAtI/WRBjzcv0RPY/s320/fix+seam+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So if you have done everything right, you can measure your completed block, and it should measure 12.5" by 12.5". If its a bit more, your seam allowance is too small, if its smaller than 12.5", your seam allowance is too large.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPLK_p7_I/AAAAAAAAAs4/PAJqCJf1fiU/s1600/final+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLPLK_p7_I/AAAAAAAAAs4/PAJqCJf1fiU/s320/final+block.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Voila!! You have finished the first block of your sampler. Now the tough decision.... Do you make more of these? Or do you sit back and wait for next month. It is such a quick easy block, and a brilliant stash buster, I reckon you might want to crack on with a few more this month. And if you make any you don't want to use, lets put them all together and make a charity quilt - as long as they measure 12.5".......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLRMZ2NJRI/AAAAAAAAAtM/wCz7eP_qN5I/s1600/LC+Finalblocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TSLRMZ2NJRI/AAAAAAAAAtM/wCz7eP_qN5I/s320/LC+Finalblocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Enjoy! And please remember to leave a comment if you have any queries or you want to point me to your finished product.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-33934983649260146722011-01-04T06:14:00.001+13:002011-01-04T08:22:40.494+13:00A sneak peak ahead...I'm so relieved!<br />
This morning I found a really good free online source of templates that we should all be able to refer to - without infringing any copyrights, and saving me the trouble of teaching pattern drafting, or copying and mailing out templates!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jinnybeyer.com/block-a-week/live/main.cfm">Jinny Beyer Design Studio</a><br />
<br />
(If this doesn't work - look at the free patterns and find the design studio)<br />
<br />
Fabulous stuff! Go and have a play. I've downloaded about 10 blocks in pdf. files - fairly simple ones, although in Jinny's fabric, nothing really looks simple.... The nice thing about this, is she allows you to chose what size block you want the templates for. I've selected all 12" blocks because thats what we will work with on this project.<br />
But if you decide to go ahead or make life more challenging for yourself away from the herd, there is nothing stopping you from doing it.<br />
<br />
The teacher can't stop coming out.... This is me allowing for extension of the more able students, or those that want to do more homework than I can be bothered setting!<br />
<br />
I think our next block will be a simple 9 patch, but I am thinking of a sawtooth/ohio star, or churn dash for the following month. Fun times!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-55324881254494517692011-01-02T16:28:00.000+13:002011-01-02T16:28:02.173+13:00January Log Cabin - 5. Sewing TricksSo hopefully by now you have figured out how you are going to manage the 1/4" seam allowance. Its time to practise and get that right.<br />
If you haven't managed to get a foot, you can try out some different techniques. A few websites talk about putting a piece of masking tape on your plate and using that as a guide. Here are some links to try it out:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-sew-a-quarterinch-seam-a58429">How to sew</a><br />
<a href="http://quilting.about.com/od/machinepiecingyourquilts/ss/seam_allowance_4.htm">About sewing </a><br />
<br />
Thats going to work OK for now, but it will need to be replaced on a regular basis, and lets face it - if this patchwork craze kicks off, you will probably want to buy a foot down the track.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Set up</b><br />
Despite the atrocious state of my sewing space (read junk room), clothing, 39w pregnant belly and triple chin, I have decided to show you a picture of my sewing room.<br />
Its very cramped.....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sY82vhuI/AAAAAAAAArs/fvdQcGjk1CA/s1600/Fiona+sewing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sY82vhuI/AAAAAAAAArs/fvdQcGjk1CA/s320/Fiona+sewing.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sYDWDD7I/AAAAAAAAAro/qZuIeatC6HI/s1600/Fiona+ironing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sYDWDD7I/AAAAAAAAAro/qZuIeatC6HI/s200/Fiona+ironing.jpg" width="200" /> </a><br />
But in a way it works because I don't have to leave my chair to iron! Given this block is ironed every single seam, it would kill me to keep getting up and down. So - I sew, swivle around, and iron. <br />
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Having a nice set up means that patchwork is more fun. Even if you clear off your dining table 1 night a week when the kids are in bed, you need to set up a station that works for you. My overlocker and sewing machine sit side by side. Behind my machines is my junk that doesn't have a home, and my thread drawers which also have notions like elastic and embroidery thread in them. It works for me - its not ideal!!! But it works ------ just.<br />
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<u><b>Conventions with thread and patchwork:</b></u><br />
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<b>Thread</b><br />
Normally a good quality cotton or polyester thread. I'm a bit of a snob and I only use molnlycke or guttermann or mettler threads. I tend to use 100% polyester, unless I am really making an heirloom in which case I use cotton.<br />
The colour used depends on the nature of the blocks. You can't go wrong with a nice off white colour. My thread of choice is col 111 or 1 in large rolls of Guttermann. I think I get this from spotlight for about $10 or so for a 500m (??) spool, it lasts forever. I use it on the bobbin and on the top thread.<br />
If you have darker fabrics, go with a matching thread. If you have a mix of dark and light, always go light. When you are doing patchwork you press the seams right open, and anything other than off white thread looks terrible.<br />
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<b>Stitching</b><br />
NO BACKSTITCHING!!!!!<br />
You never backstitch in patchwork. You are only working with a 1/4" seam, and any backstitching stuffs up the tension at the start of the piecing, as well as adding bulk. It also makes it harder to undo in a mistake, and you will damage the fabric.<br />
Everytime you iron a seam open there is a chance that the piecing will start to unravel, so be gentle with your pieces, and sew them back together quick smart.<br />
Your stitching will be overlapped the next time you do a seam, so there is never a need to backstitch. Save that for dressmaking.<br />
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Always pin each end. Even on little pieces like this you can get movement which will affect your accuracy. I fought pinning for such a long time, but got sick of crappy results. So now I pin.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_saTqQJXI/AAAAAAAAAr0/95ek4T-Zhio/s1600/techniques+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_saTqQJXI/AAAAAAAAAr0/95ek4T-Zhio/s320/techniques+1.jpg" width="249" /></a> <br />
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Start right at the beginning of the pieces, and finish off the end of the pieces. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sbpSavAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/w9rESRlMMJs/s1600/techniques+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sbpSavAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/w9rESRlMMJs/s320/techniques+3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Cut and iron.<br />
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<b>1/4" Seam Allowance</b><br />
My allowance works with the edge of the foot just inside the fabric. As shown.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sbDLU-yI/AAAAAAAAAr4/CRCaxT2eF8I/s1600/techniques+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sbDLU-yI/AAAAAAAAAr4/CRCaxT2eF8I/s320/techniques+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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You need to experiment with your machine until you get it right. The suggestion is that you cut 3 x 1.5" strips, sew them to each other and press open. The middle piece should be exactly 1".<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sbpSavAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/w9rESRlMMJs/s1600/techniques+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
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<b>How far is too far out from 1/4"?</b><br />
You need to work to exactly 1/4" seams. Obviously we aren't perfect. We will make mistakes. When do you need to worry about it?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_saTqQJXI/AAAAAAAAAr0/95ek4T-Zhio/s1600/techniques+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
Well it depends on the size of the pieces you are using. Large pieces - much more forgiving. Anything smaller than an inch finished size, and the eye can easily pick up mistakes.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_scYjXWHI/AAAAAAAAAsA/AhgNaimKBvQ/s1600/techniques+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_scYjXWHI/AAAAAAAAAsA/AhgNaimKBvQ/s320/techniques+4.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
I am comfortable working within a margin of error of a small fingernail, as shown above with the slight overlap. If you imaging clipping your nails back so there is no white, and then looking at them a few days later you can just start seeing the white - thats about my tolerance. Say 1mm?<br />
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<b>Pressing</b><br />
In patchwork, we press the seam to one side. Generally speaking, press to the dark side so that the dark pieces don't show behind any light fabric.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sc8OAFMI/AAAAAAAAAsE/EecW_WGQDbQ/s1600/techniques+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sc8OAFMI/AAAAAAAAAsE/EecW_WGQDbQ/s320/techniques+5.jpg" width="304" /></a> <br />
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</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sZjkmq7I/AAAAAAAAArw/ljoGI7M54-c/s1600/fiona+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sdiNinFI/AAAAAAAAAsI/md4uPSUVigU/s1600/techniques+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sdiNinFI/AAAAAAAAAsI/md4uPSUVigU/s320/techniques+6.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
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In this block however, I prefer to iron everything from the centre out.<b> </b>Use a hot iron, press firmly and open the seam out as far as you can (without pulling the stitches apart)<br />
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So I think thats about enough for today. The sewing takes no time. I have knocked out 8 log cabin blocks in about 2 hrs sewing over the last day, so I'm working at about 15mins per block.<br />
Once you get all this sorted - the actual sewing is no time!<br />
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And remember - this is supposed to be fun! I usually have a smile on my face when I get to shut the door to my sewing room and ignore the kids for an hour or two. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sZjkmq7I/AAAAAAAAArw/ljoGI7M54-c/s1600/fiona+smile.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR_sZjkmq7I/AAAAAAAAArw/ljoGI7M54-c/s320/fiona+smile.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Next post: Actually sewing!!!!!!!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-36095660066243674402011-01-01T12:30:00.000+13:002011-01-01T12:30:43.463+13:00January Log Cabin - 4. Scrap QuiltI know I said the next post was going to be about the actual sewing, but it seems that plenty of people are still going with their fabric selection and cutting, so this might be more help.<br />
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Crazy old me (blame the preggie hormones) decided to cut out a scrap quilt to sew this month too, just to show how the blocks can be arranged.<br />
It was actually very cleansing in a way, I sorted through all the scraps I had, the stuff I didn't like etc. I tried to keep mainly to florals - keeping away from medium tones and serious brights, and this was the pile I ended up with.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k8ZRiAII/AAAAAAAAArY/MWUsDMIWncA/s1600/LCQ+Scrap+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k8ZRiAII/AAAAAAAAArY/MWUsDMIWncA/s320/LCQ+Scrap+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In here there are some lovely fabrics, expensive etc, but there are also some real cheapies! Some of these are also 25y old - from when I first started patchwork when I was about 10. I'll save that story for another month.....<br />
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So:<br />
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Step 1 - iron everything.<br />
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Step 2 - cut into 1.5" strips, and put into piles of lights and darks. That whole pile turned into this lovely little ensemble.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k9Po3-hI/AAAAAAAAArc/2YB0Ejy7F8Y/s1600/LCQ+Scrap+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k9Po3-hI/AAAAAAAAArc/2YB0Ejy7F8Y/s320/LCQ+Scrap+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Step 3: Cut into the lengths. I'm doing 16 blocks (4 x 4) so I need to do everything on the cutting list 16 times. Arrange in pretty piles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k-lODzaI/AAAAAAAAArk/yMPLfD2iYo8/s1600/LCQ+Scrsp+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k-lODzaI/AAAAAAAAArk/yMPLfD2iYo8/s320/LCQ+Scrsp+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Step 4: Arrange into piles so each block is already organised. I then hold them together with a pin at the top. With a scrap quilt you want as much randomness as possible, so you will try to ensure each block has no repeats of any one fabric, or at the very least the repeats are far apart from each other.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k9_y7-oI/AAAAAAAAArg/ICVAiDoKeXE/s1600/LCQ+Scrap+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TR5k9_y7-oI/AAAAAAAAArg/ICVAiDoKeXE/s320/LCQ+Scrap+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Step 5: Sit back and admire. All that selecting, cutting and organising only took me about 4-5 hrs, and that will make a 48" quilt top which once you add borders to, will be a nice size quilt. It would sit on top of a queen bed, perfect for naps!<br />
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I don't have to cut anything else for this whole quilt now. Its completely precut! It might take me 4-6 hrs to sew it, I haven't bought anything for it, and it cleaned up my stash at the same time! What could be easier :)<br />
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You can see that overall there is a strong contrast between the left hand side and the right hand side. If you squint your eyes, it gives you a very good idea of what the overall effect will be.<br />
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Once I have pieced these together, I will be able to show you the different effects you can make with 16 blocks, so if you decide you quite like the log cabin block, you might decide to make a whole quilt from it, rather than using it as one of your sampler blocks. Its really up to you.<br />
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So tomorrow will be sewing shots, and I will help you out with chain piecing, 1/4" and ironing. Really - once you are at this point, the hard work is done.<br />
Happy New Year!!Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-35681021168451981072011-01-01T12:14:00.000+13:002011-01-01T12:14:41.696+13:00Giveaway Results :)Drawn by 3 very impartial people (DP, Miss 5.5 and Master 4), the winners are:<br />
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White Rose<br />
Donna (HuntD)<br />
and<br />
Darny<br />
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Well done you guys, please send me your addresses via PM on TNN and I will get these straight out to you! They are in envelopes ready to go now, so there wont be much waiting for them at all.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-69000551553265406122010-12-29T16:58:00.002+13:002010-12-29T17:07:01.509+13:00January Log Cabin - 3. Cutting and Giveaway!The next job is cutting the 1.5" strips. The key here is to cut accurately. Ironing is a must!! Use a hot iron with steam and your life will be much easier.<br />
A ruler and rotary cutter makes a big difference with strips, but you can definitely do it with scissors and a pencil.<br />
There are very few straight edges on scraps, but if you have a selvedge, or its been cut well at the shop, you can be on a winner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRp_eoXH8WI/AAAAAAAAAqw/VYkMqtIQcEY/s1600/LC+cutting+fabric.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRp_eoXH8WI/AAAAAAAAAqw/VYkMqtIQcEY/s320/LC+cutting+fabric.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Use your straight edge as a guide, and cut from there. <br />
Try to cut with the grain. Being slightly off grain is not a big deal as with patchwork its all locked into place. But you must never cut on the bias unless you are told to!!! This will completely stuff your whole block up.<br />
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If you have a geometric print (like stripes)you need to cut with the pattern rather than the grain of the fabric. <br />
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So now cut strips. You need 1.5" strips. Not too many of them, only about 2m in total length of each colour.<br />
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Here is my scrappy block all laid out with the strips. Doesn't it already look nicer? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRp_cyZWbkI/AAAAAAAAAqs/deuV6JKO4Pg/s1600/final+strips.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRp_cyZWbkI/AAAAAAAAAqs/deuV6JKO4Pg/s320/final+strips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And here is my coordinating block laid out the same way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvT4M-vlI/AAAAAAAAArA/kQB8zhE2LiY/s1600/LC+Coord+strips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvT4M-vlI/AAAAAAAAArA/kQB8zhE2LiY/s320/LC+Coord+strips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pretty right? The different length of strips is due to the way I cut it off the piece of fabric. Some came from scraps, some from fat quarters, some leftovers, and some from 20cm full pieces.<br />
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Ok - now you need to follow the cutting instructions on the tutorial found <a href="http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/LogCabin/LogCabin.html">here <span id="goog_1715579414"></span><span id="goog_1715579415"></span></a><br />
Essentially you need one 2.5" square for the hearth, then Fabric A has 2.5" up to 11"5" strips, and Fabric B has 3.5" up to 12.5" strips.<br />
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When its all cut out it will look like this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvVdyfESI/AAAAAAAAArE/I9D6Pl9K8GA/s1600/LC+cut+into+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvVdyfESI/AAAAAAAAArE/I9D6Pl9K8GA/s320/LC+cut+into+pieces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And then you can rearrange to make it look all organised like this.... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvYfvavZI/AAAAAAAAArI/RD2LldliLqQ/s1600/LC+ready+to+sew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvYfvavZI/AAAAAAAAArI/RD2LldliLqQ/s320/LC+ready+to+sew.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>And if you are feeling game, you can now lay your blocks out - overlapping each piece slightly so you see what the finished product will look like!<br />
<u><b>Scrap block:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvaafETcI/AAAAAAAAArM/USeLMoHHYH0/s1600/LC+scrap+assembled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvaafETcI/AAAAAAAAArM/USeLMoHHYH0/s320/LC+scrap+assembled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u><b> Coordinated block:</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvc4fRsOI/AAAAAAAAArQ/uhrvaVL_NYU/s1600/LC+coord+rough+assemble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqvc4fRsOI/AAAAAAAAArQ/uhrvaVL_NYU/s320/LC+coord+rough+assemble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And because I had too much time on my hands today, I decided to do an extra 3 blocks with the leftovers. These will be giveaways! If you would like me to send you an already cut out set, please leave a comment below, maybe telling me why you are keen to give this a whirl, and I will draw on New Years Day. You will save the time of cutting for now, and can concentrate on sewing perfectly..... Or maybe you can work on finding a 1/4" quilters foot for your machine?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqveBDiGeI/AAAAAAAAArU/HTrYGlv85ss/s1600/LC+giveaway+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqveBDiGeI/AAAAAAAAArU/HTrYGlv85ss/s320/LC+giveaway+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Next post:<br />
Sewing, and the magic 1/4" seam allowance.Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9199986240480710893.post-84311051436355321562010-12-29T16:41:00.000+13:002010-12-29T16:41:52.428+13:00January Log Cabin - 2. Fabric choice (Coordinating)So you can't handle the idea of a scrap quilt. Thats really OK. Honest it is!!<br />
What you need to do is pick out a central theme. Walk into a fabric shop and find something you like. Find something cheap that you like. Find an old cotton dress you want to use and base it all around that!<br />
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Whatever you do - find a theme fabric and get at least 1m of it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqtWVt5bNI/AAAAAAAAAq8/fdKihy-K-d8/s1600/LC+theme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqtWVt5bNI/AAAAAAAAAq8/fdKihy-K-d8/s320/LC+theme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A couple of years ago (actually more like 4-5 years now....) I found this fabric at Spotters on sale. It was only $8/m and I really liked it, so I bought about 5m of it. I bought that much so I could use it for borders for a quilt. Borders chew up the fabric, so when you find something you like for a good price, allow 3-4m for borders.<br />
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From the central fabric you want to look through your stash first, and find what you have that works with it. Then go to a shop and buy 20cm pieces or some fat quarters that also match. This photo shows you some of what I have in my stash I could use with this fabric.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqtQes-2MI/AAAAAAAAAq0/JJkvZKdK96k/s1600/LC+coordinating+theme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqtQes-2MI/AAAAAAAAAq0/JJkvZKdK96k/s320/LC+coordinating+theme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sometimes with fabrics there are the matching prints that go in the series. Its a good idea to buy these, but if you make your whole quilt from them, someone else out there is likely going to have the same quilt as you! So its good to be brave and splash out a little.<br />
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When you have decided on your central fabric, and the block you wish to make, its time to select the fabrics for that block. Edit essentially. You need to think about what sort of balance you are going for, and how you will fit it in with the rest of your quilt. I decided for this block to go green and background prints, with a yellow hearth.<br />
So I whittled down to get this selection.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqtSFjOyPI/AAAAAAAAAq4/3-YFymFUp1k/s1600/LC+coord+final+choice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fIzltfohRXU/TRqtSFjOyPI/AAAAAAAAAq4/3-YFymFUp1k/s320/LC+coord+final+choice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The red is not going to feature in this block at all. I could have used it for the hearth I suppose, but I'm still leaving it while selecting my fabric to ensure that it all works. I need 5 darks and 5 lights for the arrangement I'm using.<br />
I like it, but I know already that it is going to be hard to get into the quilt as it will be quite contrasty, quite light, with no red. Ah well........Fihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966527328708692582noreply@blogger.com0