tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61387378856535191682024-03-14T07:20:13.105-04:00MintBasilLeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-30379129556035094362014-08-15T12:24:00.000-04:002014-08-15T12:24:32.468-04:00Birdwatcher Pillows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A sewing project completed! I have had these two lumbar pillow forms f.o.r.e.v.e.r with plans to make covers. I made one a long time ago and the other was left naked a ridiculous amount of time. One reason is that I ran out of fabric to make the second. I finally ordered the remaining yard of <a href="http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/richloom-birdwatcher-summer-fabric-.htm" target="_blank">Richloom Birdwatcher Summer fabric </a>from OnlineFabricStore.com. The Summer print has a nice white-ish background. The Meadow print has a beige background. I accidentally ordered the wrong colorway the first time around. My bad but not really. This print would make a great tote bag too. It felt so good to sew something and enjoy the finished project. :)<br />
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<br />LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-7717620616019981572014-08-06T13:06:00.000-04:002014-08-06T13:06:50.840-04:00Progression of the Front Garden 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQGcK7bY_P6rD5EHNk7JLeBNoGGAvMcpjTzuaR4IMWShVQSTH84LTDvcj1AWpwxIxPaWTT5CjKyOTZLdKkt4uP47iSehUvgCIXeEOXUBhhN925DZH-WzkG2FRf19INyAM2h5GTEv_IZIy/s1600/front+house+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQGcK7bY_P6rD5EHNk7JLeBNoGGAvMcpjTzuaR4IMWShVQSTH84LTDvcj1AWpwxIxPaWTT5CjKyOTZLdKkt4uP47iSehUvgCIXeEOXUBhhN925DZH-WzkG2FRf19INyAM2h5GTEv_IZIy/s1600/front+house+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscaping 2009- Move In Day. Lots of Hostas!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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When we purchased our home there wasn't much landscaping established. Which can be good if you love gardening (which I do!) but bad if you are indecisive (which I am!). The other morning I stayed up after the 5:30 am feeding for Lillian and decided to take advantage of the coolness of the morning and enjoy some outside time to myself while my husband was still home. I grabbed a cup of tea and my gloves and headed outside for some long overdue weeding. <br />
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But before we get to that, I had some fun looking through old photos to see how the landscaping is progressing.<br />
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A year after we moved in I dug up all the hostas. They all desperately needed split. The lime green ones overgrew the space and the variegated variety were constantly being eaten by beetles. Some plants made it to the neighbors and the rest were re-homed to the woods. I moved a weigela bush that was planted outback to the spot in between the garage windows. There were two azalea bushes already there. It stayed like this for a season before I found a handful of hydrangea bushes for $2ea at Lowes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbX5O0SjpyI5TeLDRHmlf-ITJph4Fu7K-azP8fD4Qi6rKfbm6QhBRYPF9I-IxZUGYPes2ArSAK9WgYl5ETW7dBwNIX-5J5JpEALGsOnUl0f9twyJKcoYMfSKvlX_swtzee8VqLptiTdGH/s1600/Front+bed+relocating+bush.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbX5O0SjpyI5TeLDRHmlf-ITJph4Fu7K-azP8fD4Qi6rKfbm6QhBRYPF9I-IxZUGYPes2ArSAK9WgYl5ETW7dBwNIX-5J5JpEALGsOnUl0f9twyJKcoYMfSKvlX_swtzee8VqLptiTdGH/s1600/Front+bed+relocating+bush.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2011 Front Garden</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy8o60fVcYG6HnpaNoT2_te69c8OdF6aQjvuoPF9pmDeYTezSJBaxu39bjHn6_a3NTZsBHpjFsPkUSkucvnPsktM8OD2p1Bgx2JHDsUMclNJRroyisnFkGMoGNhdCsB41ye3QSTGdVbN2/s1600/May+2013+front+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy8o60fVcYG6HnpaNoT2_te69c8OdF6aQjvuoPF9pmDeYTezSJBaxu39bjHn6_a3NTZsBHpjFsPkUSkucvnPsktM8OD2p1Bgx2JHDsUMclNJRroyisnFkGMoGNhdCsB41ye3QSTGdVbN2/s1600/May+2013+front+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2012</td></tr>
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The fall of 2011 I tore everything out again. Moved the azaleas and weigela bushes over by the front step and centered under the window and planted 150 tulips bulbs. I also started a row of coral bells along the front edge. Four hydrangeas were placed under the windows of the garage. At $2 each for gallon plants I knew I could plant them here and move them elsewhere in a couple of years if they outgrew the space. <br />
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Last year (2013) I didn't make any changes. But sadly only a dozen tulips or so came back. :( <br />
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Now this year. With a new baby. I mulched this spring at 30 some weeks pregnant and did nothing else. So last week I stepped outside into the morning light and set to work. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkhmh0mDnjqcfyQPkIcdPIjdjTDkvM3kC9HoRRrlYLJESWhetZaLgXoObuwJ2Y65hlm7X22GHoSrhCjn2vcgwtpNV2zKieKRQAo06pMdg419wZky5NZa8taUpy9TDCR3GHSmEygJHaNQu/s1600/P1000193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkhmh0mDnjqcfyQPkIcdPIjdjTDkvM3kC9HoRRrlYLJESWhetZaLgXoObuwJ2Y65hlm7X22GHoSrhCjn2vcgwtpNV2zKieKRQAo06pMdg419wZky5NZa8taUpy9TDCR3GHSmEygJHaNQu/s1600/P1000193.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer 2014</td></tr>
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The hydrangeas are going crazy. Crazy beautiful, but all of them can't stay here for another season. One of the plants has a very strong central leader. I am thinking of pruning that one into a tree. I hope it works out. I know I will have to keep it trimmed up but it could turn into something unique and beautiful. Two others are going to be relocated to the edge of the potager garden once that is finished. One will stay.<br />
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I only weeded half the garden before my little Lily-putian started calling.<br />
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This is the other half that needs completed. But you can see how the weigela has completely outgrown itself, even with harsh trimmings each year. I need something else for the space. Preferably evergreen. And my coral bells need split again (yay!). I will continue to plant those further down the walk. And the azaleas are still there. Turns out they are a dwarf variety. I need a better spot for them or they will get re-homed into the woods as well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiyMNlPWsJ24Q-Nw9GpvcYIxlAM3oL_t-wuYcCV6lCKThasALfojC8PzHGHztjecz3sShxsysTvwAqrXHCAYRmoSnaHFB14NhU6u3QBSaurNykXia92c7cVvzFYmwzBYdAORTjVviEf3h/s1600/P1000197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiyMNlPWsJ24Q-Nw9GpvcYIxlAM3oL_t-wuYcCV6lCKThasALfojC8PzHGHztjecz3sShxsysTvwAqrXHCAYRmoSnaHFB14NhU6u3QBSaurNykXia92c7cVvzFYmwzBYdAORTjVviEf3h/s1600/P1000197.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tea cup</td></tr>
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I am so glad I decided not to put in a vegetable garden this year. If I had it would have been hopelessly abandoned by now. My summer has been a summer of A/C with nursing Lillian. It felt so good to get outside and work. After Lillian was fed the second time that morning, I slipped back outside to finish my tea and eat some breakfast. I felt so accomplished and my mug gave me the positive affirmation I needed that day. LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-60772717684252588672014-07-09T12:48:00.001-04:002014-07-09T12:48:21.966-04:00One month later.... introducing... Lillian Ruth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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AND ONE MONTH LATER.... we are still alive. And can I say how excited I am for a baby girl!<br />
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Think of the sewing! Actually, at the moment I can't even begin to think about sewing but in the future I see adorable little diaper covers and dresses. :)<br />
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I am just starting to feel like I have some sort of handle on my day. It was quite an adjustment. I told her when she was born that she was our guinea pig and since she didn't object I think she is OK with that. I had one month photos taken last week. I am looking forward to seeing them when they get back from the photographer.<br />
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But I have been spending a lot of time on Pintrest since I've been breastfeeding, so I am sure something creative will occur sooner or later.<br />
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:) It's A GIRL! LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-50888321538085544082014-05-30T10:21:00.001-04:002014-05-30T10:50:47.496-04:00New projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15H5aISxyT7nJDIq_bV7ldkraDGzJItSsh1jJz9KWNl-1YCAjT8ok1N-eH6sx0Iyizk-MhH-vZaZu-JfsuiUcUUiciqb90JVXLaC_V-HSv4Vz8NKG4C2vhZsMdDNfPKuq8zexYBFtg39e/s640/blogger-image--1351055931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15H5aISxyT7nJDIq_bV7ldkraDGzJItSsh1jJz9KWNl-1YCAjT8ok1N-eH6sx0Iyizk-MhH-vZaZu-JfsuiUcUUiciqb90JVXLaC_V-HSv4Vz8NKG4C2vhZsMdDNfPKuq8zexYBFtg39e/s640/blogger-image--1351055931.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have a few projects in the works I thought I would document. In April of last year, I documented the start of these feedsack cross blocks. I also noted at that time that I had these fabric scraps for 2 years previously. Thanks blog for confirming my hoarding tendencies! This week I had the itch to work on this project again. I have learned a lot about vintage fabrics and how delicate they can be. I decided that I need to make my little showcase/print sampler quilt and pass on the remaining scraps. I doubt I would use this quilt full time once completed but I know I will love looking at it. I am drawn to the history of these fabrics, the way they helped market common goods, how women searched and sought out prints to sew with them in their own homes, and the beautiful cotton texture of each feedsack. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">74 blocks later I have them laid out on the spare bed. Each block measures 6.5"x6.5". I think I need to add an extra row before adding the boarders. I plan on backing the quilt with a pieced backing of plain off white feedsacks that have words of the former contents printed on them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But this is #3 on the list of WIP quilts. I need to finish two baby quilts before I spend more time on this one. I have a deadline on the other two quilts.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW-DSJoTg690YnqnWd1nT_c3Kk3dDJBiz-vbrWnBteLC7YflPH6HdvAT6IkVSdrLeFvMnTSg-uEZy_svz82cbK7YW3xPKJMVXjqhMfuQkkbS6xZyzu99qmnNIcg6peQ93o9mY9Quj3Ur-/s640/blogger-image--667266088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW-DSJoTg690YnqnWd1nT_c3Kk3dDJBiz-vbrWnBteLC7YflPH6HdvAT6IkVSdrLeFvMnTSg-uEZy_svz82cbK7YW3xPKJMVXjqhMfuQkkbS6xZyzu99qmnNIcg6peQ93o9mY9Quj3Ur-/s640/blogger-image--667266088.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">39 weeks pregnant today! We didn't find out the gender so I made a boy and a girl quilt. Both tops are done and are ready to baste and quilt. I haven't mentioned a thing on this blog about our struggles with pregnancy, but after years of infertility we are beyond excited to welcome this joy into our lives. I am currently on maternity leave (I travel quite a bit for work so I get to start my leave two weeks prior to the due date) so between cleaning, organizing, resting, and sewing I may actually be on here more often. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">:) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-35492881344910289052014-02-14T15:39:00.001-05:002014-02-14T15:41:12.421-05:00A Hot MessValentine Confession: I have started a sewing project that I am completely out of love with now.<div><br></div><div>It started off well. Good intentions. Using up scraps. Trying a new technique. I have seen so many other quilters turn scraps into improv quilt blocks (ala Denise Schmidt) into gorgeous works of art. They always say, "don't edit" and "just pick a piece of fabric and sew." Well, my friends, I am here to tell you I stink at it and can't stand to look at what I have sewn together. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipttcz05vEH0PhdvP-IwgY85P17qYGmYWQc8PCg0JTN1TXl9SW2IISBwIN0Y8V-xSkeHR1BOFo2wn-qJkzhg_40jHbm19epdQ26J_xBEGweRsTlj-QJjSI34cb1iX-fKMnojCreg9RXho_/s640/blogger-image-2015641825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipttcz05vEH0PhdvP-IwgY85P17qYGmYWQc8PCg0JTN1TXl9SW2IISBwIN0Y8V-xSkeHR1BOFo2wn-qJkzhg_40jHbm19epdQ26J_xBEGweRsTlj-QJjSI34cb1iX-fKMnojCreg9RXho_/s640/blogger-image-2015641825.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I even got together with a sewing friend recently and she helped me sew up a few more blocks. Loved the time we had together, but when I got home and spread all the blocks on the floor my husband's response just confirmed my fears. He just stared at the haphazard arrangement on the floor and asked if I intentionally made this because (in his words) it looked like a "crafting disaster." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And it does. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So now I have 20 or so 12x12" blocks and I don't even want to keep them. Can you help me see the beauty in this mess? What would you do with them? Would you just sewing them together and be done with it? Maybe hack the blocks apart and pair them with a solid?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can this be saved? Can I fall back in love with this project? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love is a fickle thing. And I am ready to call it quits!</div><br></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-2967983051304662582014-02-07T09:25:00.001-05:002014-02-07T09:25:24.034-05:00Selfish sewing- travel garment bagNext week I leave for a business trip to GA. (Please, no bad weather on the east coast going to or from!) <div><br></div><div>Every time I travel I wish I had a garment bag. Either to place an extra pair of shoes or to bring dirty laundry home in. Every time I travel I usually end up swiping the dry cleaning bag from the hotel closet for these purposes. They work, but they are not as cute as this (excuse the iPad photos): </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQNgd6Acund-mTbzCzMQ1eaNzT_fQcX20QP8MOrqjVAD3_ezYrJfsz0l6H6yIq_atHCtmsYeQVoRRq7KfIjZ7EoNOq_q66_OsyY60eKjxzcXmt8Q-6jp9yhlCZybjR7lJmrvGoMk_7ZcJ/s640/blogger-image--554832024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQNgd6Acund-mTbzCzMQ1eaNzT_fQcX20QP8MOrqjVAD3_ezYrJfsz0l6H6yIq_atHCtmsYeQVoRRq7KfIjZ7EoNOq_q66_OsyY60eKjxzcXmt8Q-6jp9yhlCZybjR7lJmrvGoMk_7ZcJ/s640/blogger-image--554832024.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioJD2OvcYIdQ_XrNAzrgiKpy7m3lfYGrj10KblZju7DdN01rW3Ekkc9Hb_4QLd8cW266RWqDxIXtdn0HhOZlv1FmqPmg7IyBjVraujTFmhbqjbK9XBRmaaEU9_UItw9IjklHOWl_4wBpB/s640/blogger-image-402053348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioJD2OvcYIdQ_XrNAzrgiKpy7m3lfYGrj10KblZju7DdN01rW3Ekkc9Hb_4QLd8cW266RWqDxIXtdn0HhOZlv1FmqPmg7IyBjVraujTFmhbqjbK9XBRmaaEU9_UItw9IjklHOWl_4wBpB/s640/blogger-image-402053348.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is fairly large (17x20''-ish) with a zipper top. Lined with an ivory poly lining found at a thrift store ages ago. The exterior fabric is called Wash Day Washing Line Blue designed by The Henley Studio for Andover fabrics. (Find it onsale here- https://www.fabric.com/buy/0301941/wash-day-washing-line-blue?cm_vc=756b1813-cbc1-43b3-84bd-29889bf8fb7b) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I used a half yard for the exterior. For a more spacious interior and to keep that slippery poly lining in place, I boxed the corners and tacked the flap to the exterior with little yellow buttons. I probably have thousands of buttons, but do you know how hard it was to find two yellow buttons the same size?! Remarkably so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Reorganizing my fabric stash definitely has had a positive effect on my creative output. Next on the sewing to-do list are some clothing makeovers. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-69969795632677709972014-01-31T16:35:00.001-05:002014-01-31T16:35:34.079-05:002014 quilt top and back done!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This week I finished the quilt top AND finished the pieced backing for a small quilt. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_c6FahSLQGSyPF1RRDYRiA2HvtrYrhYW7BL7IOr9h0epxRcuHbr35hwOpQDuk1GsBDfB1Vs1JZMaWJUyBpPAFrZeo62PF5I2YTZq5u1OW_zGPqTonGkM3mQBUtLIsQeF-BT2c4RDBHch/s640/blogger-image--606102533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_c6FahSLQGSyPF1RRDYRiA2HvtrYrhYW7BL7IOr9h0epxRcuHbr35hwOpQDuk1GsBDfB1Vs1JZMaWJUyBpPAFrZeo62PF5I2YTZq5u1OW_zGPqTonGkM3mQBUtLIsQeF-BT2c4RDBHch/s640/blogger-image--606102533.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fabrics included in quilt top: border print from Kate Spain's Terrain collection. Kona 'snow' used as the white sashing. And the prints are a mix of Bonnie and Camille's 'Bliss' fabric and Olive Tree Textiles 'Fandango'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISSC9hPxSEAdEZPgtWfi6hNPv89NwLUCG5InTbSLoM24vUosvfSgYGxXXslFo7LnRDNQk6YngJrS_QyJMFE-EVKXvyTGoPhy4e4RUWhQW146WSM8QUJASBxNZRvqF0ldcmthFytj1qvcP/s640/blogger-image-923432009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISSC9hPxSEAdEZPgtWfi6hNPv89NwLUCG5InTbSLoM24vUosvfSgYGxXXslFo7LnRDNQk6YngJrS_QyJMFE-EVKXvyTGoPhy4e4RUWhQW146WSM8QUJASBxNZRvqF0ldcmthFytj1qvcP/s640/blogger-image-923432009.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The back is pieced because my math skills failed me, but I still am a fan. I knew I was going to have a hard time locally sourcing either a Fandango or Bliss print for the back. But I have to give a high five to Bonnie and Camille for coordinating their fabric lines because the large floral print is from their 'Scrumptious' line and it works really well! I know the background color of this print reads blue on screen but in person it is on the green side of aqua but too blue to call a mint. I wonder what they call this color? The red polka dot is from their 'Bliss' line and the small print on the end is also a 'Scrumptious' print. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love shopping for fabric online, but I am really proud to say all the fabrics for this quilt I found at my Local Quilt Store. I hope to get this sandwiched together with some batting this weekend. I may attempt to quilt this myself in something other than straight lines. I am not much of a football fan. More of a "I'm just here for the food" kind of fan. So hopefully I can tackle this while the game is on instead. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-16220030895389522962014-01-23T08:18:00.001-05:002014-01-23T08:18:59.940-05:00Show and Tell<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcf267bdJPGlJ20rzh3_kKtPrxxsN_7irRlD6IyQVLj1USTDU-ZeK58_XsPmiYhyNMYmopZsWVqUHgAHO9fUhZ9uoG1H6Eh7Jei84-bWYBjMZ1RQs0g-JN4E_vlrTVI3c8PRFyOJ3JQgm/s640/blogger-image--1038683655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcf267bdJPGlJ20rzh3_kKtPrxxsN_7irRlD6IyQVLj1USTDU-ZeK58_XsPmiYhyNMYmopZsWVqUHgAHO9fUhZ9uoG1H6Eh7Jei84-bWYBjMZ1RQs0g-JN4E_vlrTVI3c8PRFyOJ3JQgm/s640/blogger-image--1038683655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hello January! Where did you come from? I think the snowy weather we have been getting in Pennsylvania has put me in the sewing mood. Over Christmas I attacked my sewing room. Sewing old WIPs, sorting, donating, installing shelves in closets, and folding fabric neatly. All that fabric sorting made me fall back in love with some of my stash. Maybe two years ago, my local sewing store started stocking Moda fabric and during a sale they has precuts available. I purchased what I think they call a candy bar? It had little 2x4 inch rectangles of 4 different fabric lines. Cute, but I never could figure out what to do with with them. That is until this week. I pulled them out and in an instant two little packs turned into the photo above. I don't sew too many blankets but this one is coming along nicely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZiad7MUWUtymmekP1-sXNjC27tnel6mrF9E7SeJqomn54uC4y_OGF4nsLAyGyE9mhH3O-dC5Unp7ahlRca5rmpASybXVGqy-IfWovrugf6NqWJfCP29tBMhdMKvDPR5D7iUFHXNqBgrJ/s640/blogger-image--705050203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZiad7MUWUtymmekP1-sXNjC27tnel6mrF9E7SeJqomn54uC4y_OGF4nsLAyGyE9mhH3O-dC5Unp7ahlRca5rmpASybXVGqy-IfWovrugf6NqWJfCP29tBMhdMKvDPR5D7iUFHXNqBgrJ/s640/blogger-image--705050203.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Over Christmas I accomplished some selfish sewing. I finally got around to sewing the Emily bag from Ithinksew.com. Amy Butler used this pattern to highlight her laminate fabrics last year. That is where I saw it first. I used some older Ikea fabric and made leather handles. It is huge! The directions are pretty good. I constructed the handles slightly differently that printed and if I make the bag again I would add 2'' to the handle length. As they are right now, it is a tight fit to wear this bag over the shoulder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESrffjtzbZgNbW36ZXa5wtS2tMj9m2wScjQ0cMEADaQXDney1EInTzQBM9VX88_UStkUtaLH4vxaxXBLfNpW3MW-pkx6Tfsg9Hfoc7mv1j7hIClID53wCCnIy_s-KopZewmltut9ziWxu/s640/blogger-image--328539932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESrffjtzbZgNbW36ZXa5wtS2tMj9m2wScjQ0cMEADaQXDney1EInTzQBM9VX88_UStkUtaLH4vxaxXBLfNpW3MW-pkx6Tfsg9Hfoc7mv1j7hIClID53wCCnIy_s-KopZewmltut9ziWxu/s640/blogger-image--328539932.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A couple of old WIPs were all cut out and interfaced. Just needed some sewing time! I made a couple of leather fold over clutches. This one is my favorite. I also did some painting over Christmas. I now have a black wall in my home. I'm really liking it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLneReDRjG_ZWP1GAKpZZySa2oMjoTJgxk9ORKs-uDzSCnaMWXaE8_2wcdGay38VY9ZpBXJUPGqeY4vGvEbX0-41AFiiaQamWKryc9EbpLAZdSNATVujyAxZDhOd9yM-02XrOq-2v8r9_/s640/blogger-image--1812759079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLneReDRjG_ZWP1GAKpZZySa2oMjoTJgxk9ORKs-uDzSCnaMWXaE8_2wcdGay38VY9ZpBXJUPGqeY4vGvEbX0-41AFiiaQamWKryc9EbpLAZdSNATVujyAxZDhOd9yM-02XrOq-2v8r9_/s640/blogger-image--1812759079.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finished these zipper pouches using scraps. The strip fabric is a beautiful linen cut on the bias. I bought the whole bolt. I want to use it in everything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I still have some sewing organizing to finish. When I am done EVERYTHING needs to fit in the closet. Nice and tidy. That is the plan anyways.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-41741029225315997602013-09-20T08:22:00.001-04:002013-09-20T08:22:12.052-04:002013 Garden<div>This years garden was almost non-existent. We have the garden project which has been slow going and is just going to take more time than originally planned. I did pick up a fig tree this year and I was rewarded with a handful of fresh figs!</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeBswHNlg3ol-tkpu6J3kq0QlUdsOf7r2RQDFpPsKjFkE2haqbedK_IzDK6VnIDgkCgEt6D6-QsLDdgbUiP2whAJOdqLRdJPCF5QcVriP95m1x3kmDIRERSUV397ZlrP6H8f8XVG71sbU/s640/blogger-image--1303173145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeBswHNlg3ol-tkpu6J3kq0QlUdsOf7r2RQDFpPsKjFkE2haqbedK_IzDK6VnIDgkCgEt6D6-QsLDdgbUiP2whAJOdqLRdJPCF5QcVriP95m1x3kmDIRERSUV397ZlrP6H8f8XVG71sbU/s640/blogger-image--1303173145.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K2xH0XCSbMqer-JbLeQ-IMEKU0mJq1V5fPwNM4ndx499Tmy5bh-CD6zsXIkjjqiZgHKYXOTSy2g5qMccWPbEqLcF9NDTwgLhPvnrNMdFV5LXrRQIMfuDGhgs7yJgYbtDtRfONEWWo3yh/s640/blogger-image-225803698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K2xH0XCSbMqer-JbLeQ-IMEKU0mJq1V5fPwNM4ndx499Tmy5bh-CD6zsXIkjjqiZgHKYXOTSy2g5qMccWPbEqLcF9NDTwgLhPvnrNMdFV5LXrRQIMfuDGhgs7yJgYbtDtRfONEWWo3yh/s640/blogger-image-225803698.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I threw a couple of 2012 zinnia seeds in the ground later in the spring and have been rewarded with a few blooms this fall. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvZxpW9lGbK26a5vjdLeTHgYLWsE2Jc5Ep4gILePkJJcC_dgU5o2YJ0z1ZHqdtnfFJBlNVqdjvTekFRgp6-TJNVO0eckp1MZh3R1QpgW8Oy6jtOjKiJbLeKsl7q3nfU0nU671sgFQrh9H/s640/blogger-image--291464705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvZxpW9lGbK26a5vjdLeTHgYLWsE2Jc5Ep4gILePkJJcC_dgU5o2YJ0z1ZHqdtnfFJBlNVqdjvTekFRgp6-TJNVO0eckp1MZh3R1QpgW8Oy6jtOjKiJbLeKsl7q3nfU0nU671sgFQrh9H/s640/blogger-image--291464705.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the 2013 Parks Seed catalogue, one plant caught my attention. It was a grass called Bunny Tails. Now I am not a crazy gardener. There was no way I was going to plant an unknown grass in my perennial bed and have it become an invasive species. So it was planted in a pot. It is a very common looking grass and at first I wasn't sure it wasn't a "weed". And my cat loved to chew on its leaves. It was mowed down most of the summer. Which when I think about it, is he does have an affinity for baby bunnies (sadly) so eating a planted named Bunny Tails seemed appropriate. It just started producing these super soft and fluffy seed heads. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjst2lO_4_gJhXrWtYkQoMhgFQAPgrrgSM5-nCbb3aZ9uJg7HyOmVq1AnB4DfGKtQeji8at7kDL62Hb7IrXJETlbbJ1Lm2xxNSajyBmUFML0MuptXeUjp426Br4TBDuG4Fl12XfQ8kR2ERt/s640/blogger-image--231987781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjst2lO_4_gJhXrWtYkQoMhgFQAPgrrgSM5-nCbb3aZ9uJg7HyOmVq1AnB4DfGKtQeji8at7kDL62Hb7IrXJETlbbJ1Lm2xxNSajyBmUFML0MuptXeUjp426Br4TBDuG4Fl12XfQ8kR2ERt/s640/blogger-image--231987781.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCuRtPLefcro_645-oSmCoSRGblH5lmKvr1HlZiVhmg-fXhiRNM2mYa_eWJms7Yt2ZCE6eFy2JAT3DdVFqGSMJdncXSHW_KxT4XpWLIhw989AHDtkTVkeKPy4lRvP8w4rTthSot3JuEIr/s640/blogger-image--1923815085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCuRtPLefcro_645-oSmCoSRGblH5lmKvr1HlZiVhmg-fXhiRNM2mYa_eWJms7Yt2ZCE6eFy2JAT3DdVFqGSMJdncXSHW_KxT4XpWLIhw989AHDtkTVkeKPy4lRvP8w4rTthSot3JuEIr/s640/blogger-image--1923815085.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My holly hocks are in there second wind. New fall blooms!</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPOzMe5FsfCnMFK774QyKuU-HCn2zwTUhrteOmqCUJ9lvbcurYjf3ybgJMNPBTghlv2iLaJD_w22Dw5NZnZY3WVx8Axr11Kmulm2a6cungW5lptbCorHgPA1-9ZtDlVKdWh5d1r0Ot6R7/s640/blogger-image--2080292363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPOzMe5FsfCnMFK774QyKuU-HCn2zwTUhrteOmqCUJ9lvbcurYjf3ybgJMNPBTghlv2iLaJD_w22Dw5NZnZY3WVx8Axr11Kmulm2a6cungW5lptbCorHgPA1-9ZtDlVKdWh5d1r0Ot6R7/s640/blogger-image--2080292363.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUoerQSC8qavheAW1X2vcTXiS2xDQQyU64089AnXxsUrqqI9DJq229ZrJcJf3h2JxFAf5n66-bW52LWanAWerO7PX_Twm9mdhHv_R67uGPlRxvqnK2Irc1EVmLqo0ig8UYtGLjII9CWZu/s640/blogger-image-1285115657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUoerQSC8qavheAW1X2vcTXiS2xDQQyU64089AnXxsUrqqI9DJq229ZrJcJf3h2JxFAf5n66-bW52LWanAWerO7PX_Twm9mdhHv_R67uGPlRxvqnK2Irc1EVmLqo0ig8UYtGLjII9CWZu/s640/blogger-image-1285115657.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The ever present Garden project. Hey, it takes me five years to finish a quilt. I hope this doesn't follow suit. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ4c3PGg4zVE6cZNo8RwAYxTk-pS3LMJ_u2bmlFLV65aXk26bntC081IJpoXLz7jwt_NwwZuFxX5nj2grPQ8uQL797JK3HCtqwmPDd51EJ6zFqnHQHatt7mIctT6Q1ETGphquZ8ZsZgCO/s640/blogger-image--987928052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ4c3PGg4zVE6cZNo8RwAYxTk-pS3LMJ_u2bmlFLV65aXk26bntC081IJpoXLz7jwt_NwwZuFxX5nj2grPQ8uQL797JK3HCtqwmPDd51EJ6zFqnHQHatt7mIctT6Q1ETGphquZ8ZsZgCO/s640/blogger-image--987928052.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lime light hydrangeas planted Dec 2012. Purchased these beauties for $2 each.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJyLDK_fJlJt2QZg0C75IsD6cksfdVn7pMiTfgLSdmqIweF_JS3NB9tPzdaHhQXfPWWkxlpOpmwVXDsDTJKimdhqRcvZ17Syd4Fq1ib1KTu2-A5bqfPfCANtUeYk92nEm4v64SVm0Dmq9/s640/blogger-image--1841230308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJyLDK_fJlJt2QZg0C75IsD6cksfdVn7pMiTfgLSdmqIweF_JS3NB9tPzdaHhQXfPWWkxlpOpmwVXDsDTJKimdhqRcvZ17Syd4Fq1ib1KTu2-A5bqfPfCANtUeYk92nEm4v64SVm0Dmq9/s640/blogger-image--1841230308.jpg"></a></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VHYk06zRbdE-SrU1lNiRUQIv3hHmqzUQ_yjRQAZB8U-HE4NznKa-Gb9cdAJfm9kMpC3tEpU4hjBDDg6z2fR5YNLT-qBpBQ-yf_TVhhF00gs1zUkl6Q9U60PsDMY9NAjyWOBUn0KJrslY/s640/blogger-image-639782653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VHYk06zRbdE-SrU1lNiRUQIv3hHmqzUQ_yjRQAZB8U-HE4NznKa-Gb9cdAJfm9kMpC3tEpU4hjBDDg6z2fR5YNLT-qBpBQ-yf_TVhhF00gs1zUkl6Q9U60PsDMY9NAjyWOBUn0KJrslY/s640/blogger-image-639782653.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before I know it the frost will be here again. This summer seemed to fly by faster than any other summer in recent memory. Next week I plan on slowing down and enjoy an extended weekend away with my husband to celebrate 7 years of marriage! Can't wait!</div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-60620644607678508962013-09-17T19:46:00.001-04:002013-09-17T19:46:38.039-04:00SeptemberMy real job has been keeping me busy. But some days I can use my lunch break to see some great local events as I travel around a seven county area. The other week I caught a local dahlia show. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_99K57ScT5bNUNYhBB6KUtNc4U7B6Gs36R2juWiw1mjQaNBYS6_GR0Easdy2V0bOv4ndDuLJs07um8D2w79v41JxvpIUqcmDX8l_xLsUeBPlxek16NdcNVff1aw40VseUZUxsVo2R_LX/s640/blogger-image--1009116432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_99K57ScT5bNUNYhBB6KUtNc4U7B6Gs36R2juWiw1mjQaNBYS6_GR0Easdy2V0bOv4ndDuLJs07um8D2w79v41JxvpIUqcmDX8l_xLsUeBPlxek16NdcNVff1aw40VseUZUxsVo2R_LX/s640/blogger-image--1009116432.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>It was held in a public library and was quite the pick me up to walk into a room lined with these beautiful plants. Last year I had over 30 planted. With the ongoing garden project this year, I planted 7 and they haven't been doing great. Bugs are eating them up and I typically do not care to spray. My biggest reason is to protect the bumble bees that visit. One of my favorite things to do on a summers evening is to walk my garden and see a few bees taking up residency in the petals for the night. They will burrow in between the ruffly petals to make a bed. Can you imagine waking up in between the petals of these beautiful flowers in the morning light? Amazing, I bet. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTtjz6WkO2HlN6vWOGPEjq27V3W93ABUTTAuQtf14037wpdBqu_J5FifDJWrZfLSlspMiAZYuniIT7QXYigpAWim4QYwP7Vwo8j5S9bOzCpzN_TRsAL0VWhTD6VaXAN-Cf1p1CXTrBPem/s640/blogger-image--32343611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTtjz6WkO2HlN6vWOGPEjq27V3W93ABUTTAuQtf14037wpdBqu_J5FifDJWrZfLSlspMiAZYuniIT7QXYigpAWim4QYwP7Vwo8j5S9bOzCpzN_TRsAL0VWhTD6VaXAN-Cf1p1CXTrBPem/s640/blogger-image--32343611.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>This flower was my favorite of the show. It didn't win a big award, but to me it was perfect. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NApYctN1ORjVju7UoyneqzPtonhNizhV2wJMoRL6q8qu6-VTnaBPRGd-kZq53IVNsWe-JiyKR7OpJPWER4rZie4-BN_ylvMuvVkvvxpbgH3TCuv2hNDP_sddH17ugWchv53eNJ4XiZdp/s640/blogger-image--152780243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NApYctN1ORjVju7UoyneqzPtonhNizhV2wJMoRL6q8qu6-VTnaBPRGd-kZq53IVNsWe-JiyKR7OpJPWER4rZie4-BN_ylvMuvVkvvxpbgH3TCuv2hNDP_sddH17ugWchv53eNJ4XiZdp/s640/blogger-image--152780243.jpg"></a></div>I'm lucky most days that I don't run into traffic while driving. Wildlife is probably a more common road hazard. However, last week I had to yield to a gander of geese that were protecting their spot of the road. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqdfQaXhzfz25-nD7QOKr1WFMi2AtfZ3Asr65hs3Ue-PZmc-Ke8dNgO1kBHN-woAicakXdm3d_YrxiF3KNwWY88B1UXDO0ioW-Uj4z3gVJXttlIsTFoIji9u7RoEEho81l3tKeMCHtSf0/s640/blogger-image-476767931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqdfQaXhzfz25-nD7QOKr1WFMi2AtfZ3Asr65hs3Ue-PZmc-Ke8dNgO1kBHN-woAicakXdm3d_YrxiF3KNwWY88B1UXDO0ioW-Uj4z3gVJXttlIsTFoIji9u7RoEEho81l3tKeMCHtSf0/s640/blogger-image-476767931.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And tonight I enjoyed a lovely 65 degree evening. This is a view from my side porch about 20 min after sunset. Perfect night to eat a dinner of a rosemary artichoke polenta goat cheese tart and a wilted spinach salad. Mmmm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next time, sewing projects!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-76124211278967508412013-07-19T20:56:00.004-04:002013-07-19T20:56:30.187-04:00Whoa. Long time no blogging. I'm still kicking! I was taking some time cleaning off photos from the digital camera and realized I needed to document a few things here.<br />
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My latest sewing adventures have included sewing with leather! I also discovered that I do not need a special Teflon sewing foot to be able to sew leather. My Pfaff 2038 with its IDT feature gets the job done nicely. A leather sewing needle is a must though. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EkxmYhx73dGwQ49yNFPRhxx2gpAjWXmP1BxVgWVInl-2F8RwH7RqFv-srASd_UeZaiMy_hqfdKBlIlLAWCM7hH_Ijgjh72hHbxKS5XRthLCYNAhbFPfwgtA-uji2hFkaQ_8V-Y9p9qjH/s1600/Leather+tote+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EkxmYhx73dGwQ49yNFPRhxx2gpAjWXmP1BxVgWVInl-2F8RwH7RqFv-srASd_UeZaiMy_hqfdKBlIlLAWCM7hH_Ijgjh72hHbxKS5XRthLCYNAhbFPfwgtA-uji2hFkaQ_8V-Y9p9qjH/s1600/Leather+tote+corner.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I recently started visiting one of the locations for the <a href="http://www.pafabric.com/">PA Fabric Outlet</a><a href="http://www.pafabric.com/" target="_blank"> </a>in Lemoyne, PA. Here I can sort through a bin of leather remnants and pay by the pound. I have been experimenting with all different kinds of leathers and weights. I am really enjoying it! Adding leather to totes was a no brainer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgOr8b72dCqoXSSe7gk4XrtGctET-4eI-Sj0t3LtQOB1exYRr3duM9NRzhTOLxwHNR0TcXHvqEwbNqyllazXTTy54yEnT7SM8_WKS5LsOjGltKHvDEVyovGop8vecFWdLGTEsQ4iKrVDq/s1600/leather+wallet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgOr8b72dCqoXSSe7gk4XrtGctET-4eI-Sj0t3LtQOB1exYRr3duM9NRzhTOLxwHNR0TcXHvqEwbNqyllazXTTy54yEnT7SM8_WKS5LsOjGltKHvDEVyovGop8vecFWdLGTEsQ4iKrVDq/s1600/leather+wallet+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I occasionally like to go purse-free, especially while exploring new urban areas. I have made <a href="http://mintbasil.blogspot.com/2008/11/etsy-on-brain.html" target="_blank">fabric wallets in the past</a> but decided to experiment with a leather version. Super simple, but effective. The leather is super buttery too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XKrHQQ3q5OyPwBTWGJ7OzAvpvwFub0bNTgq7EquAjD1Da75GIVXyZa32hgYmaSfcTaFVohjoPRp4V3K-kVIuwaM0hP3Q_ROwtlaJcJi2AQms9OzUOlLvSAzYYV2o-4WVuZJZO2u2Rsa7/s1600/leather+wallet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XKrHQQ3q5OyPwBTWGJ7OzAvpvwFub0bNTgq7EquAjD1Da75GIVXyZa32hgYmaSfcTaFVohjoPRp4V3K-kVIuwaM0hP3Q_ROwtlaJcJi2AQms9OzUOlLvSAzYYV2o-4WVuZJZO2u2Rsa7/s1600/leather+wallet+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm also still best friends with my seam ripper. I had to purchase a new one recently. I had no idea how dull my old one had gotten until I misplaced it and got a new one. Big difference! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQHfkXu0Oj0vvznJNQsNKQJLrEJKBRXuoQM-hEiHnHV5OUXC808X85i-GtnYkKZMTurblWj6jNXGvhMHq1eWdn_JG0tb0YRnyhV60tDOZhw71M5uwoaP28zCCox_xfb3eLHZEi-PViMmk/s1600/making+mistakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQHfkXu0Oj0vvznJNQsNKQJLrEJKBRXuoQM-hEiHnHV5OUXC808X85i-GtnYkKZMTurblWj6jNXGvhMHq1eWdn_JG0tb0YRnyhV60tDOZhw71M5uwoaP28zCCox_xfb3eLHZEi-PViMmk/s1600/making+mistakes.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Some time ago, I ordered a stamp from Etsy seller: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/modernartstamps" target="_blank">ModernArtStamps</a>. I picked some fabric safe ink up at Michaels and have been experimenting with labels. I don't like stamping on twill tape. It's not as crisp as I would like it to be, but I do like stamping the wrong side of a quilting cotton print. I like the washed-out subtle design and the stamped image results are much clearer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBa3BFDnA2uozvDyXk7ppOQhkE3WGqMoE-WcYKZ94j52jLV8EnFeZpxylrt1BYVq0TKwn0gNzFHwhvQfUZscPvzW2teaw5GxQAahZRHXZrqPbc9mHCS4XOzpbS1iZkdcjc6vViPGyjHYKD/s1600/new+stamp+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBa3BFDnA2uozvDyXk7ppOQhkE3WGqMoE-WcYKZ94j52jLV8EnFeZpxylrt1BYVq0TKwn0gNzFHwhvQfUZscPvzW2teaw5GxQAahZRHXZrqPbc9mHCS4XOzpbS1iZkdcjc6vViPGyjHYKD/s1600/new+stamp+labels.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
This is my most recent bag favorite. I scored this delicious taupe/ivory striped linen at a local Mennonite fabric store. I cut it on the bias to make the pattern. It's lined with a purple vintage feedsack and leather corners!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz8FT4NV8yxa_4fAPQh_ZCtB0_uO31w7zcbiFEu-wJjaeFo4Ce0nO6-B0uDSCZRUJdUF7eN89dpDE6hyphenhyphenQN56iyjwseuJvTgjNmsEOqPDd3iCVRhSSvs3JRPBiD8KjQAkDXuNelsX1dWnB/s1600/Tote+with+leather+corners+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz8FT4NV8yxa_4fAPQh_ZCtB0_uO31w7zcbiFEu-wJjaeFo4Ce0nO6-B0uDSCZRUJdUF7eN89dpDE6hyphenhyphenQN56iyjwseuJvTgjNmsEOqPDd3iCVRhSSvs3JRPBiD8KjQAkDXuNelsX1dWnB/s1600/Tote+with+leather+corners+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And some other projects not quite finished. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbQpKyEdTxBjuZRRZFLEYj8ejdBtjChnWtHlfnbHoUPm_89q-KvS-ixQDChkxzel_XPEqkMF9Y60MzuXg8fTXyfjfkPswRcXOSRK7WSg896_ysNkfK_nSkzvcVatM8FoNq8KRjmDzPx1w/s1600/working+with+leather+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbQpKyEdTxBjuZRRZFLEYj8ejdBtjChnWtHlfnbHoUPm_89q-KvS-ixQDChkxzel_XPEqkMF9Y60MzuXg8fTXyfjfkPswRcXOSRK7WSg896_ysNkfK_nSkzvcVatM8FoNq8KRjmDzPx1w/s1600/working+with+leather+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a> I really miss writing on here. I just haven't make photography a priority lately. I need to get back into the habit because this blog has been such a great record of fun things for me. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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<br />LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-32078396304937070202013-01-03T21:29:00.000-05:002013-01-07T17:47:09.892-05:00Baby Boot UpdateRemember the <a href="http://mintbasil.blogspot.com/2012/12/baby-gifts.html">Charlie boots I made</a> for my nieces for Christmas? As I suspected they didn't fit. :( Their little feet couldn't make the turn from the ankle into the bootie. Neither the size 3 or 4 would go on. My one SIL decided a zipper would make these puppies fit and she was right! She doesn't have a sewing machine but was able to put these in by hand. I am super impressed. A simply little addition got two little feet moving in furry baby boots. Check out these chubby legs. I.die.of.squishable.cuteness! <br />
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I just need to fix the other pair and get them back before winter is over!<br />
<br />LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-16757428674925428172013-01-01T21:25:00.000-05:002013-01-01T21:25:19.880-05:00New Beads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is not sewing but just as fun. It has been awhile since I played with some beads. I recently went on a girl date to a local bead store and was immediately smitten with these beautiful cornflower blue glass beads. The smaller ones have bronze edges. I don't think I will ever outgrow wanting to immediately wear a new thing added to my wardrobe. I go back to work tomorrow after having 2 weeks off. Maybe wearing this necklace will make my re-entry to the real world more bearable? Here's to hoping!LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-73108438941490170692012-12-29T15:05:00.003-05:002013-01-07T17:46:50.050-05:00Baby Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I first laid eyes on the pattern to make these adorable "fur" lined boots, I squealed with delight. The pattern is from the company I Think Sew and the pattern is called <a href="https://www.ithinksew.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pgProductID_int=72">Charlie Baby Boots</a> (now on sale for $2!) <br />
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I knew immediately that these were going to be Christmas gifts for my two new nieces. The entire process from purchase, to print, to sewing was quite easy. Though I will say the smaller an item is the more tricky it is to sew completely by machine. The little rosebud boots were sewn up in a US size 3. Any smaller of a size and I would have resorted to hand stitching the top edge of the boots, due to the small circumference. <br />
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For my older niece (almost a year old!) I made the boots from two prints. The upper portion is from the Cameo collection from Amy Butler. I needed a whole fat quarter just to match prints. The sole was a random scrap but it was the perfect shade of pink to match. And my SIL loves frogs, so that was a win-win. <br />
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I love how the lining can be folded down. I can't wait to see how these fit. I have my doubts that the boots uppers will fit around chubby little baby legs, but folded down shouldn't be a problem. <br />
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This niece's birthday is Dec 31st, so I made a matching soft ball out of the remaining Cameo prints I had on hand. The boots took me on average of 4 hours to make. It was a little time here and there. The ball was done from cutting to stuffing in an hour.<br />
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I also quickly sewed together two burp cloths out of the remaining "fur" lining. I think this is a chenille purchased at JoAnns. After spending so much time with the Cameo fabric, I guess my brain was programed to reach for another Amy Butler (Daisy Chain collection) print. <br />
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When I purchased this boot pattern I also got the <a href="https://www.ithinksew.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pgProductID_int=108">Emily Bag</a> too! I am hoping to get this sewn before my winter break is finished. LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-5519444115210913552012-10-12T16:17:00.001-04:002013-01-07T17:46:32.437-05:00October FrostToday was the first frost. Just a gentle one, but one none the less. I quickly cut this arrangement. The plants remained in good condition so I'll get a few more flowers, but I am really enjoying these while I can.<br />
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I recently found this brass stag and his doe (not shown) at the thrift store this month. I don't generally "decorate" for seasons, but this pair will fit in nicely on my mantel this fall and winter.<br />
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I am kind of in love with these dahlias. I picked all purple and yellow for this arrangement. Some of the plants have grown so large that they have fallen over and the flower stems bend as they grow against gravity. I need to plan on better support systems next year.<br />
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I filled in with an assortment of cosmos. They are so bright and cheery with their sunny centers! They don't make great cut flowers, only lasting 3-4 days in a vase, but they add some movement and whimsy. <br />
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And with the turn of the season, I turn back to my sewing. My sewing area is a mess. But I cleared enough space to start playing with some fabrics. This summer I won a flat quarter pack of Amy Butler's Cameo fabric from <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/amybutler.html">FabricWorm</a>. :) Some of that is pictured in the photo. My two favorite prints are <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/amybucafomen2.html">Forget Me Not Sugar</a> and <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/amybucatearo1.html">Tea Rose Sugar</a>. This whole collection is very eclectic with many different styles of prints. I have a few prints pulled for a special project, but I am hoping to decide on a project that includes a bit of all the designs. Maybe a pillow? I also just noticed that some of AB Caravan prints are 40% off at FabricWorm. <br />
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AND when I come across a recipe that is fantastic as-is, I always like to share. So if the words Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll make you spontaneously drool, please check out<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/10/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/"> Smitten Kitchen's recipe</a>. You won't be sorry. I may make another batch this weekend! Adding the cardamon is a must! <br />
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<br />LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-74731024172257616952012-09-15T20:30:00.001-04:002012-09-15T20:31:27.144-04:00Flower Garden September 2012I have done a poor job at photo documenting my garden this year. Truth be told, the veggie garden went by the wayside while I spent most of my time with the flowers. :) I am OK with that. <br />
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Zinnias remain my favorite summer flower. They are so reliable to produce large, colorful, plentiful blooms all summer long.<br />
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This past week the weather turned cooler and this was the reminder I needed to realize my flowers will soon be gone. *sniff sniff* I had a friend hosting a fundraising event this weekend and last minute took 10 bunches of flowers to be sold proceeds benefiting her event. I used my pint canning rack to transport all the bunches quite successfully.<br />
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There is a mix of zinnias, cosmos, dahlias, sunflowers, and the foliage of my pink cosmos. I'm going to miss this garden when frost comes. LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-69914386493237930212012-07-20T10:29:00.001-04:002013-01-07T17:45:58.868-05:00Oliver + S Tea Party Sundress and BloomersTwo years ago, my very good friend gave birth to her daughter. I quickly made up the <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2008/04/free-itty-bitty-baby-dress-pattern/">Itty Bitty Baby Dress</a> but made a rookie mistake by not making sure my printer scaled and sized the pattern correctly. Thus the dress was too small for the newborn. Disappointing! The fabric was so sweet too. A soft swiss dot with little orange flowers. It matched her nursery. I had purchased the fabric at a local-ish store called <a href="http://www.woodedhamlet.com/about_us/index.html">Needle and Thread</a> in Gettysburg, PA. I went back to the store to see if they still had some fabric to remake the newborn dress, but I was out of luck.<br />
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Then 2 years later the fabric showed up again! My opportunity for a second chance! It has been awhile since I sewn any clothing, so I opted for my Oliver + S Tea Party Dress Pattern (<a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS001TP.html">Digital Pattern Available</a>). To my surprise the 2T size was already traced! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkLNe0oJZOEG5cVj6pfuKZeQGz9uWceCOYV9KqcB5uUq06b1PgQ0L3JPhLje3msb92J5ulntBM795Lxn4_PB_Ib_r_KxopttvonAt3_xlRVL0qH4EOxXv3DO1eUCT9r-79wT4_krKN9O6/s1600/Abigial's+tea+party+dress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkLNe0oJZOEG5cVj6pfuKZeQGz9uWceCOYV9KqcB5uUq06b1PgQ0L3JPhLje3msb92J5ulntBM795Lxn4_PB_Ib_r_KxopttvonAt3_xlRVL0qH4EOxXv3DO1eUCT9r-79wT4_krKN9O6/s400/Abigial's+tea+party+dress+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
This pattern is rated as a beginner pattern (or one scissor rating as noted on the pattern.) I remember sewing this dress up when it was first released several years ago. I did an OK job, but it was very nice to return to this pattern and fly right through it! I made the pattern per the instructions with the exception of lining the skirt and opted out of the piping. The swiss dot is semi-transparent. To do this, I stacked my lining (a white cotton voile also purchased at Needle and Thread) with my swiss dot and cut them together. I also used a machine blind hem stitch for the hem instead of sewing it by hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oIpwdCK5CfwgCCTmc9PVM6dAv6B6vuFOWUzHO8cAxmO7FpwL7dgoEpsmpbK4R9CcE-gtA-66vGpQpI_AMllHHc_mUUxRZaNQyXyP0JNzZhTlz5qXV3ALdtJ25eULZn-fn1weg3dkGqmA/s1600/Abigial's+tea+party+dress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oIpwdCK5CfwgCCTmc9PVM6dAv6B6vuFOWUzHO8cAxmO7FpwL7dgoEpsmpbK4R9CcE-gtA-66vGpQpI_AMllHHc_mUUxRZaNQyXyP0JNzZhTlz5qXV3ALdtJ25eULZn-fn1weg3dkGqmA/s400/Abigial's+tea+party+dress+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
When I was searching for a coordinating print for the bodice, I ran into JoAnn's and was immediately drawn to the new Denise Schmitt collection for Fabric Traditions (purchased in 2012.) Perfect! It was only after the fact, did I realize that I pretty much copied the illustrated dress on the pattern envelope. At least I knew the end result would look awesome. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQInKl5J2OnfZeuvcQ3nJG98tJG4rDxeqZ_lIWitHg9NhlB932LeHiJsOCcNKmSpmGCAIGKXCK2oXTqfLVBirQCoOi7i_1BQwqC_bMhMaqvUPOKSmlaUBzv-GuZ1vYSfpuawR-A3iN7KcS/s1600/Abigial's+tea+party+dress+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQInKl5J2OnfZeuvcQ3nJG98tJG4rDxeqZ_lIWitHg9NhlB932LeHiJsOCcNKmSpmGCAIGKXCK2oXTqfLVBirQCoOi7i_1BQwqC_bMhMaqvUPOKSmlaUBzv-GuZ1vYSfpuawR-A3iN7KcS/s400/Abigial's+tea+party+dress+3.jpg" height="331" width="400" /></a></div>
The bloomers were new for me. I didn't make them the last time around. I have since come to realize that active little girls need something to cover their diapers/underwear when playing. Again, I made no alterations to the pattern (cut the 2T size). The only change I made was to use pre-made bias tape instead of making my own for the leg openings. Not only did it speed up the sewing process but I was also running low on the DS fabric. <br />
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My favorite part is the little ribbon I used to denote the back of the bloomers. Gah! So adorable! <br />
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I gifted this new dress to the mother/daughter a week before she turned 2. And it FIT PERFECTLY! As soon as the daughter saw the dress she exclaimed "Pretty!" and stripped down to her diaper to put it on. I couldn't have gotten a better compliment. :D This was such a motivating sewing project. I can't wait to get back in my sewing room. <br />
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<br />LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-14652390104605599562012-07-11T22:24:00.001-04:002012-07-11T22:29:33.038-04:00Giftable sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4FTCICmsOe7-DykJrszh5gQhrIOfCj8aG_7GtOGmHFUYmnpBw38PcJMK9Z5LIZqWhPBi5AHYp11pzsHSZWkPbe1gm0skrhW1e1yHt549cLQDHty2nsRHbDAg4JjjKNrUZHZYCto_Lgz-/s1600/del+sol+pollenless+sunflowers+2+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4FTCICmsOe7-DykJrszh5gQhrIOfCj8aG_7GtOGmHFUYmnpBw38PcJMK9Z5LIZqWhPBi5AHYp11pzsHSZWkPbe1gm0skrhW1e1yHt549cLQDHty2nsRHbDAg4JjjKNrUZHZYCto_Lgz-/s400/del+sol+pollenless+sunflowers+2+july+2012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Burpee Del Sol Pollenless sunflowers. Picked and ready to be gifted to friends. I couldn't help but think of this verse while picking these the other day.</div>
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<i> "<span class="text Ps-90-17" id="en-NKJV-15396">And let the beauty of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> our God be upon us,</span> <span class="text Ps-90-17">And establish the work of our hands for us;</span> </i><span class="text Ps-90-17"><i>Yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17</i></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-90-17">When I picked these flowers I really couldn't think of anything more beautiful. That was until I picked the next bouquet for my home. I only wish the work of my hands was in the garden on these beautiful summer days. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5FFhr3z2NF22qxAUiN84NwPI7gRPD3Ylih_PXUFeJse80Mya1kCSWFW7TrbWIQ9rWjaJJDUFKhS0UHDh1ltb05tvZCP2iwlKbvNcAUtZtK3hrIhiT9BTgahLxea1JuDeAqt8DfUfgnXw/s1600/del+sol+pollenless+sunflowers+3+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5FFhr3z2NF22qxAUiN84NwPI7gRPD3Ylih_PXUFeJse80Mya1kCSWFW7TrbWIQ9rWjaJJDUFKhS0UHDh1ltb05tvZCP2iwlKbvNcAUtZtK3hrIhiT9BTgahLxea1JuDeAqt8DfUfgnXw/s400/del+sol+pollenless+sunflowers+3+july+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These flowers are sitting on our new outdoor table. I found the chairs last year used for $10 a piece and waited this long trying to find a used table to meet our desires (heavy, no glass or tile, seats +6 people). No dice, so we got the table we had our eye on to enjoy for the remainder of summer. I find that when I do purchase something retail I am always astonished at the price. My new normal is 1/2 off Wednesday's at the Community Aid Thrift Store. Anything more than that and I have mild heart palpitations. :P </div>LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-43819384206472084522012-07-09T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-09T09:00:17.619-04:00The rewards of gardening- Vegetables<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L3r6pPXluNTbrMDFnaSgm_TDvmnqpH3HrGNidLif5JgDO5K7dia7OPz6VzzbAZ3pcJBTmin5NQh5Z8AAAq96cNXIzZnnGmFmuMP8X242ys0tjxndYZdDmSjFXsuChD9m0WYrO8MorQOF/s1600/veg+garden+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L3r6pPXluNTbrMDFnaSgm_TDvmnqpH3HrGNidLif5JgDO5K7dia7OPz6VzzbAZ3pcJBTmin5NQh5Z8AAAq96cNXIzZnnGmFmuMP8X242ys0tjxndYZdDmSjFXsuChD9m0WYrO8MorQOF/s400/veg+garden+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2012 Vegetable Garden</td></tr>
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I've just shown you my flower garden and I admit I'm slightly embarrassed to show my vegetable garden. It clearly has been treated like a second class citizen! For the month of June I was pretty much not at home, so it got away from me. And our spring started really early and it got hot quick, so many of my "spring" crops bolted and turned bitter fast. I had poor germination with my spinach too. *sigh* Second year in a row. <br />
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The far side of the garden is where we started many of our spring crops. Most, if not all, are done for the season. We will be pulling out the plants and tilling it over again to plant for fall. The summer garden plants (peppers, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, squashes, and cucumbers are growing like weeds amongst weeds. :)<br />
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Yesterday, I harvested the remaining spring crops. A handful of snap peas, the secondary broccoli stalks, green onions, and kale. I was really upset with my kale harvest (or lack thereof) and went to double check the variety so I could take note and not purchase it again. It was then that I read the seed packet more carefully and noticed it was a dwarf variety. Doh! Silly me. I'll replant most of these for a fall crop.LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-64713433248358990082012-07-07T21:43:00.000-04:002012-07-11T22:29:44.578-04:00The rewards of gardening- the flower edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All fall and winter my main hobby is sewing, but when spring and summer roll around my attention is completely on my gardens. I have gotten some gentle reminders recently that I haven't updated my blog, and if you've been wondering what I have been up to, well, take a look. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY9HJ6tIVhD5GebRsn_e41qvT9ALBrqJJvD_6Yeyu-SltNNhD3L2Z5SR6zYL94WIp9L6qzylf9MMON8JsjvkWpk0Gsj2-oycDezd_wELv8r9pAz8HhmemgWTViKLJcHw3RVjLFJHDgExU/s1600/cosmo+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY9HJ6tIVhD5GebRsn_e41qvT9ALBrqJJvD_6Yeyu-SltNNhD3L2Z5SR6zYL94WIp9L6qzylf9MMON8JsjvkWpk0Gsj2-oycDezd_wELv8r9pAz8HhmemgWTViKLJcHw3RVjLFJHDgExU/s320/cosmo+july+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Cosmos- the original seeds came in the mail as some sort of free enticement to make a donation to some organization. I collect and replant the seeds every year with stunning results.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fbEFjoGIhD9TPSndqXDm0Xi0oPF4ZwEDQL9DauqlUwqqz1PJPikk18A7WdPVD6b_CP2i6wR8W9TqiRMXwd_3z4t5x9lQ2vZExbu1X865BvQLeLYLg6rxpdzer0eWrgyq3QqJbvDU29QT/s1600/dahila+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fbEFjoGIhD9TPSndqXDm0Xi0oPF4ZwEDQL9DauqlUwqqz1PJPikk18A7WdPVD6b_CP2i6wR8W9TqiRMXwd_3z4t5x9lQ2vZExbu1X865BvQLeLYLg6rxpdzer0eWrgyq3QqJbvDU29QT/s320/dahila+july+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Dahlia from a mixed bag of tubers purchased in 2012. </td></tr>
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Last year I purchased two dahlia bulbs on clearance at Walmart and stuck them in the ground not knowing what to expect. As soon as the first blossom bloomed it was love at first sight. I saved the tubers and *I think* one of them grew back. I tried to keep accurate records of what dahlias I planted, but this year I planted over 40 tubers. I did have some issues with some tubers I purchased online surviving, and I'll share that story once I get it straightened out. So I have been replanting with some tubers I purchased locally. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1E-soSe0iQwEfbGzCe4OpulxEPAEKD_cpQBq7vyarHl7ZtBIA_go-FqdDcEZmih6ADPqikk-FRkiQpVs1Ey7ZNODL2bPF3qKoo9F7FqpkrLHyccrwY_UpLHEyFsCZhBqWz_rf2X3Iyw5/s1600/yellow+dahlia+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1E-soSe0iQwEfbGzCe4OpulxEPAEKD_cpQBq7vyarHl7ZtBIA_go-FqdDcEZmih6ADPqikk-FRkiQpVs1Ey7ZNODL2bPF3qKoo9F7FqpkrLHyccrwY_UpLHEyFsCZhBqWz_rf2X3Iyw5/s320/yellow+dahlia+july+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Dahlia from 2011 given to me by my Mom. I have since learned that I need to debud some of the plants in order to get really big blooms. I do admit that I have a hard time pinching off those flowers! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxODlDxo6hx90NtpgwWMUyWF7q0SG5jUQoANPaPtbWHB3MfqmNuv73BSy0sMwNHFtIl1WJ28aRZ_99b0XvW8Zi0scIoeiYk-f2OFIFNxwjCXMel2AIYR0SXq4Yet1XVDmy-Sl_oQd-CUD/s1600/del+sol+pollenless+sunflowers+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxODlDxo6hx90NtpgwWMUyWF7q0SG5jUQoANPaPtbWHB3MfqmNuv73BSy0sMwNHFtIl1WJ28aRZ_99b0XvW8Zi0scIoeiYk-f2OFIFNxwjCXMel2AIYR0SXq4Yet1XVDmy-Sl_oQd-CUD/s320/del+sol+pollenless+sunflowers+july+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Burpee Del Sol Pollenless Hybrid Sunflower</td></tr>
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I experimented with different varieties of sunflowers. The sunflowers pictured above where planted May 5th and bloomed July 1st. This is a new variety for me. Del Sol grows a single flower on each stalk. I did have a couple of plants that sent off an additional shoot or two. I do tend to like sunflowers that branch and have multiple flowers on each stalk (more blooms to pick!) but I really enjoyed these flowers. Some centers where up to 8 inches across. So big and bright! They make such a statement. And I LOVE that they are pollenless and leave no residue on the kitchen counter when cut. Will I grow these again next year? It depends. I'm not counting them out just yet. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q6PL6Uk2xEtHd6Hqfpr8sXSIFp4tyrDHUEL_0is7n0FJu1iqc0otkiIQ6qG6yDewV-teOzylq0kjJp-Tck8dU7Kp4oQT7L4u9uruVJACPwJKl6r-0UlMPfzucvbkh-AZCnhezaYk2jnr/s1600/hollyhocks+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Q6PL6Uk2xEtHd6Hqfpr8sXSIFp4tyrDHUEL_0is7n0FJu1iqc0otkiIQ6qG6yDewV-teOzylq0kjJp-Tck8dU7Kp4oQT7L4u9uruVJACPwJKl6r-0UlMPfzucvbkh-AZCnhezaYk2jnr/s320/hollyhocks+july+2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of the hollyhock blooms. Grew these from seed in 2010. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC2YsruXa4GXbU2BuqVpSOGchn-BdrbeJWugPmFqIaEEmg4ZsersyngGX1ge_TWkNxDrqV3hq_NL4jsfajONgMUFi3F_x8Ag5TGM_4UEOBATdxaTUY8Fkv-Z8bRXL_HIk9GiWakM8FVX_/s1600/zinnia2+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC2YsruXa4GXbU2BuqVpSOGchn-BdrbeJWugPmFqIaEEmg4ZsersyngGX1ge_TWkNxDrqV3hq_NL4jsfajONgMUFi3F_x8Ag5TGM_4UEOBATdxaTUY8Fkv-Z8bRXL_HIk9GiWakM8FVX_/s320/zinnia2+july+2012.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/view/1261/Zinnia-Art-Deco-Seeds/page:10/category:flowers/filter:27">Botanical Interest- Art Deco Zinnias</a> 2012</td></tr>
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My all time favorite flower to grow is the zinnia. So easy to start from seed with great results. I picked up several new packets of seeds this year. These where also planted May 5th and started to bloom the last week in June. This Art Deco mix gave me some interesting colors. From coral to Crayola purple. I have been getting some large blooms on long stems, which is always a plus!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb7cQLZemZCroYsbupT6woTBvODuUUYz6mMavuUlPM3L2xkxf1bdhLLE_Kw1nmBCwDfTuAjv6zkvqypl9iV2mfIvtMAvfU7g6K6gYF9Ccb3M9u932cDRezSlTlfq9N8ADJvMR6FQct4AG/s1600/flower+garden+july+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb7cQLZemZCroYsbupT6woTBvODuUUYz6mMavuUlPM3L2xkxf1bdhLLE_Kw1nmBCwDfTuAjv6zkvqypl9iV2mfIvtMAvfU7g6K6gYF9Ccb3M9u932cDRezSlTlfq9N8ADJvMR6FQct4AG/s400/flower+garden+july+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2012 Cut Flower Garden</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I am ALMOST done weeding this garden. The next step is to lay down some newspaper and mulch with straw. Anyone know where I can find some minions to help weed my vegetable garden? <br />
<br />LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-54251383759887269052012-04-27T17:28:00.000-04:002012-07-11T22:29:59.083-04:00I mustache you a question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jb_zm1NjGePej0rqojRHM65br_MDC_NI34wczJB2fVMusCF7qUD7SZHpdXa2r35Om-6s6GaotMrd9UPfi6Op-D3gjxqK3wkU4Y0Tf8Mlx8mjgHbrfozuX5sYvRw1uY_dWaKDiPHtgMyS/s1600/curvey+bottom+clutch+mustache+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jb_zm1NjGePej0rqojRHM65br_MDC_NI34wczJB2fVMusCF7qUD7SZHpdXa2r35Om-6s6GaotMrd9UPfi6Op-D3gjxqK3wkU4Y0Tf8Mlx8mjgHbrfozuX5sYvRw1uY_dWaKDiPHtgMyS/s400/curvey+bottom+clutch+mustache+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Same clutch pattern as my <a href="http://mintbasil.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-first-draft-is-final-draft.html">last post</a>, but made with linen and a really pretty print from JoAnns (picked up this Spring.) I think it is called "winter berries." I wish it came in other color ways besides mustard. A pretty robin blue and grass green would be nice. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRrdhYvSOFE8JPAgBaxHD1Hgufiio0UDP1aDd7HP1b0x2_8TySNhqHrsuQkEXJlG6BfhqqZpEuwHT-hN8r5mZrfV_H4_Fi7859wpCN4slYjsi9vY5mdK5ZFVXc_b2aBiq3_4HkNSfpdCa/s1600/curvey+bottom+clutch+mustache+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRrdhYvSOFE8JPAgBaxHD1Hgufiio0UDP1aDd7HP1b0x2_8TySNhqHrsuQkEXJlG6BfhqqZpEuwHT-hN8r5mZrfV_H4_Fi7859wpCN4slYjsi9vY5mdK5ZFVXc_b2aBiq3_4HkNSfpdCa/s400/curvey+bottom+clutch+mustache+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zjy7jWU3yrhFx1mcso-obxSvIabLozDXKGB-5MYgtiDkPkJ9IOEJg9z9RruKogHUJ2ncXx4nX8HPW2WMcMLBNRNY_U5A4EKF4PtG-gIHUBmZuryLDkBro2IZXd4ldMbnPLA40Yd253qU/s1600/curvey+bottom+clutch+mustache+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zjy7jWU3yrhFx1mcso-obxSvIabLozDXKGB-5MYgtiDkPkJ9IOEJg9z9RruKogHUJ2ncXx4nX8HPW2WMcMLBNRNY_U5A4EKF4PtG-gIHUBmZuryLDkBro2IZXd4ldMbnPLA40Yd253qU/s400/curvey+bottom+clutch+mustache+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
You can see in this photo that I started to add labels to my things. About time, huh? I purchased the custom stamp through the etsy seller: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/modernartstamps">modernartstamps</a>. I found permanent fabric ink pads and have been practicing stamping different ribbons/fabric to get the look I want. It's not perfect (yet), but with the right base and more practice on my part I should be able to get a clean look.<br />
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I donated this clutch to a silent auction that benefited the organization <a href="http://www.younglife.org/us">Young Life</a>. When I was making this clutch I was trying to appeal to the young adult crowd. Something trendy but slightly grown up. It was popular. It wasn't until after I made it did I discover the local t-shirt for the kids has this saying on the front: I mustache you a question... Kind of perfect. :)LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-19159916800920587352012-04-14T13:50:00.000-04:002012-04-14T13:50:10.537-04:00When the first draft is the final draft!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JlNy_LqYZzadkTgOcp0lxS0LGIkwG8VPkfWRWxlz-M6eOvC4HF63b20R0anUnd7J1EsXyQe-feaFdZ44n0xq4zzX5tYqBZkpM4tuxyEurpN74VUiXV5pBJrId8Dg5mY5dUsNgS-Webwt/s1600/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JlNy_LqYZzadkTgOcp0lxS0LGIkwG8VPkfWRWxlz-M6eOvC4HF63b20R0anUnd7J1EsXyQe-feaFdZ44n0xq4zzX5tYqBZkpM4tuxyEurpN74VUiXV5pBJrId8Dg5mY5dUsNgS-Webwt/s400/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{front}</td></tr>
</tbody></table> While I am working (my real job) and have some mental downtime, I sometimes work through how to create a pattern in my head. One of the reasons I like sewing, is that it is mentally stimulating for me and allows me to creatively problem solve. Being a visual thinker, I can sometimes mentally take apart something I want to make and work through the whole pattern making/sewing process before I cut into fabric. <br />
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I have seen plenty of these cute round bottom clutches with flaps around the internet and thought they were adorable. Most of what I have seen, only had a magnetic or button closure at the flap. That didn't seem practical for me. One toss into the back seat of my car would result in lost lip gloss and phone. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6wGIw8kwvFfZNvqNfGm9cHYNcpEQvm1Plz8WIqSLR3EAWQaqN7xqz9AcOTQbdPQQmiES-w4W2LBgC_d6XmvqUzIlUMQLZVnmT3reAB_72QIL-GSoOQjLuvKKDpbxvJGnLo5NbbhAiUd8/s1600/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6wGIw8kwvFfZNvqNfGm9cHYNcpEQvm1Plz8WIqSLR3EAWQaqN7xqz9AcOTQbdPQQmiES-w4W2LBgC_d6XmvqUzIlUMQLZVnmT3reAB_72QIL-GSoOQjLuvKKDpbxvJGnLo5NbbhAiUd8/s400/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{flap completely covers the zipper and is secured with a hidden magnetic clasp}</td></tr>
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I wanted to add a zipper, but still have it follow a slight curve at the top of the bag. So after a week of thinking through this process, I sat down over lunch on a Friday and wrote out everything that was floating around in my head. That night I decided to use a vintage calender towel to make a first draft. I first drew out my pattern on paper, trued up all my drafting, and cut into the fabric. One towel and fat quarter of cotton was more than enough to make this sweet clutch/wristlet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLBxXpCx-50sDm6tDF08r0MYx_mRKyxmCWheR8ASbQ1M68Lby8_XoRvc1hRACwFDJStfseMtDPi1PdZZaemmYFoV-Bffkkploi99oTijNyOvBjkpJSYLezui5kGBmKfLyCI_qTGnuFP-P/s1600/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLBxXpCx-50sDm6tDF08r0MYx_mRKyxmCWheR8ASbQ1M68Lby8_XoRvc1hRACwFDJStfseMtDPi1PdZZaemmYFoV-Bffkkploi99oTijNyOvBjkpJSYLezui5kGBmKfLyCI_qTGnuFP-P/s400/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{back}</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I have been successful at finding some great thrift store purses (half off Wednesdays!!) to reuse for their leather, handles, zippers, and hardware. I reused the small D-ring and clasp from a $.50 purse to quickly turn this clutch into a wristlet. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6qtMYAUQ3l_eE-Zau2BJwOWC_FnD9r_KQXLjwE_5UoVLVz0PUkFNcbfxHUgBTpEZxoKSJ5iB4JPtWZoX3g39Z_vKDdpX7Kig27nagx36WgH7aVAsGQdvExosIxokv5ZDlaHxdFeO_uft/s1600/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6qtMYAUQ3l_eE-Zau2BJwOWC_FnD9r_KQXLjwE_5UoVLVz0PUkFNcbfxHUgBTpEZxoKSJ5iB4JPtWZoX3g39Z_vKDdpX7Kig27nagx36WgH7aVAsGQdvExosIxokv5ZDlaHxdFeO_uft/s400/curvey+bottom+clutch+calendar+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{interfaced black and white printed gingham for the interior. and a slightly crooked magnet sewn in.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It is a simple little design, but I was smitten with myself when the first draft was exactly what I imagined in my head. I by no means designed a completely original purse (these little round bottom purses seem to be a dime and dozen now) but this purse was a great exercise for my mind. Continually building a foundation of knowledge that leads to me to be more creative and flexible in other areas of my life. What a great hobby!LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-45559287366186274792012-04-12T19:50:00.000-04:002012-04-12T19:50:45.700-04:00Scrappy Goodness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbxHrE-PTgGYhp5RAtxGfEIhszwCtlJrtrYwCUf1dki3Jr9gZf5XW2IAV_pMdN5dqkZqJWnNRyDj-2_En7thAlCKRBwUSSjCjnF9CtaF0HiXH7yeLiWVWttCRkfazp7omcVwcVijsdTRN/s1600/Molly's+Baby+Quilt+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbxHrE-PTgGYhp5RAtxGfEIhszwCtlJrtrYwCUf1dki3Jr9gZf5XW2IAV_pMdN5dqkZqJWnNRyDj-2_En7thAlCKRBwUSSjCjnF9CtaF0HiXH7yeLiWVWttCRkfazp7omcVwcVijsdTRN/s400/Molly's+Baby+Quilt+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> This ol' blog might not show it, but I have been keeping myself busy with some sewing projects lately. Less than a month ago I hosted a baby shower for my SIL who is expecting a little girl this May. Is there anything better than sewing for little girls?! ***As a side note- I picked up several yards of clearance Lisette cotton lawn (<a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/fabric/L0211">Spring 2011 collection</a>) from JoAnn's earlier this spring. I have three little nieces to sew {matching}summer dresses for!***<br />
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Ok, back on topic.... sewing for the baby shower. Waaaaay back in Sept 2008, I participated in a <a href="http://mintbasil.blogspot.com/2008/09/vintage-square-swap.html">vintage fabric swap</a>. I think the premise of the swap was to cut through our stash of vintage bed linens and make 6xx6 inch squares, bundle them together and mail them out. I wish I would have noted more detail about the swap in my post, because I know some amazing woman collected, sorted, and remailed everyones loot. But, hey, that was like FOUR YEARS AGO! Where did that time go? Seriously. Anyways, some of the blocks were passed along, others I kept and when it came to making a baby blanket I immediately remembers this great stack of blocks! I rummaged through my own vintage scrap pile to cut a dozen more blocks and sewed this together in an evening. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzU0DE2PnUFC9zkIUuDl_qNd_GeVk4QP3eCEUcV7S0P9CNiDU5rRpq2GnKYG31RL7-mWYza30G-HMKehpEgs5nh2UbwdUf9ePDUT6a3PoZrQ2w-NyQQaYh5nAYJO4SxekLx4jZXjxcrpa/s1600/Molly's+Baby+Quilt+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzU0DE2PnUFC9zkIUuDl_qNd_GeVk4QP3eCEUcV7S0P9CNiDU5rRpq2GnKYG31RL7-mWYza30G-HMKehpEgs5nh2UbwdUf9ePDUT6a3PoZrQ2w-NyQQaYh5nAYJO4SxekLx4jZXjxcrpa/s400/Molly's+Baby+Quilt+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I was so smitten with myself when I finished piecing the top! So girl-y and spring-y! And I had the perfect backing thanks to a wonderfully sweet and generous blog reader/customer of mine. She was cleaning out her closets and found these older sheets and sent me a box to see if I could use them instead of throwing them away (If you are reading this now, THANK YOU AGAIN!). A green and white gingham was the perfect piece to pair with the front. To finish the quilt I sewed right sides together and turned it. I top stitched the outside edge. Instead of tying the quilt with yarn, I found a neat little stitch on my Pfaff 2038 that bound the quilt together. I stitched a little pink diamond in the middle of each 6x6 square. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyn7KtSEkq58jYEFYZqWoT4hqZC-Yva4BKuMvj2CyXGh2hSo785zk_glYx5aPVbXXuKJ7MAdQNzdtL87E1ypBhXvJwUd2Ptm_In-wYo8ijLaLcEl75xUaedcMokGmcVhyvKHdglNHvHTye/s1600/Molly's+Baby+Quilt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyn7KtSEkq58jYEFYZqWoT4hqZC-Yva4BKuMvj2CyXGh2hSo785zk_glYx5aPVbXXuKJ7MAdQNzdtL87E1ypBhXvJwUd2Ptm_In-wYo8ijLaLcEl75xUaedcMokGmcVhyvKHdglNHvHTye/s400/Molly's+Baby+Quilt+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>And after I had finished the entire quilt, I had this nagging thought that someone might be grossed out that I cut up old bed sheets and made a blanket out of them. I mean, not everyone is cool like my readers or fellow seamstresses. The blanket was well received and I know it will get plenty of play time when the baby is born, but what are your thoughts on reusing certain vintage fabrics for new-er sleeping items? LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-87488022745061713392012-04-03T10:15:00.000-04:002012-04-03T10:15:18.502-04:00WIP- Vintage Feedsack Cross Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPQ001fkFtsu8CaX5-Qd8tY8SG-DldEQx3PUFJ2nv8a8v2BBBqdw-N6YUNt83BiAqzxtE6HlbFtc37nLSoPHs6Ogsd6U_ANQ5GBbXplxxY84mPQxNB7kbWk1vSo4oY8DyEASbOvPxCoff/s1600/feedsack+blocks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPQ001fkFtsu8CaX5-Qd8tY8SG-DldEQx3PUFJ2nv8a8v2BBBqdw-N6YUNt83BiAqzxtE6HlbFtc37nLSoPHs6Ogsd6U_ANQ5GBbXplxxY84mPQxNB7kbWk1vSo4oY8DyEASbOvPxCoff/s400/feedsack+blocks+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sewing has been sporadic as best lately. And now that the weather is definitely heading in the direction of spring, my sewing days are even more numbered! But I wanted to document the start of this quilt so in like 5 years when I am finishing it up, I have a date to refer back to. That is what a blog is for right? To show how slow I am in completing things? :) Two years ago I was given a bag of feed sack scraps. I knew then I wanted to turn them into a beautiful scrappy quilt. But what do I pair this vintage fabric with? Any modern fabric didn't match the weave of the older scraps. I thought I would find some old white feed sacks and use the two together. I did find and collect those feed sacks but I love the prints on them so much I want to feature them in their own project.<br />
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Then early this winter I was "cleaning" my sewing room (basically re-stacking fabric from one spot to another) and I found a stash of linen garments I picked up at the thrift store. Well worn, well washed. The texture of the fabric was a perfect pairing to the pretty vintage prints. This was the solid I was looking for! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkYPMtFeLvw0P9sWD7GWmPEh0kzYalylMNLJNHVKG7xEXzSmE5gISLJ4N1lajQqEdjIjkVRqcqTj4iEZfKITXcBl3z7YDqtd1XYjEIk0w1zx3p7BHG6tDlwTLoxc6GUEKpZK8Mrc3rcgq/s1600/feedsack+blocks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkYPMtFeLvw0P9sWD7GWmPEh0kzYalylMNLJNHVKG7xEXzSmE5gISLJ4N1lajQqEdjIjkVRqcqTj4iEZfKITXcBl3z7YDqtd1XYjEIk0w1zx3p7BHG6tDlwTLoxc6GUEKpZK8Mrc3rcgq/s400/feedsack+blocks+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I've had my eye on making a "cross" quilt for a long time. Most of my feed sack scraps are the negative cuts from someone making clothes and crafts, so this block allows me to use every scrap I can cut a 2''x2'' square from. The best part about this project, beyond the visual prettiness, is that I finally purchased my first rotery cutter and mat. Love, love, love. Such a nice tool for making quilts. I am hoping this quilt fits a queen bed. Right now, I am not thinking about how many 6.5'' blocks I need to make to get that done. Just one block at a time.LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6138737885653519168.post-80619770116821120072012-02-17T22:06:00.000-05:002012-02-17T22:06:31.961-05:00Before and After- Corner Cabinet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipOBibBPY46WpNLQ8sTv0sbrMmCozE2MISKJr0GbzUQwO85JIJ0gPvUMoL3RC54xrxYUnOpJgjnHhrL0wGsP9WJzGHYyfI2uB3rBFvYQZysx3vFiTPg_yzeLrVeUvmlbGfHVGok_O_-BM/s1600/before+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipOBibBPY46WpNLQ8sTv0sbrMmCozE2MISKJr0GbzUQwO85JIJ0gPvUMoL3RC54xrxYUnOpJgjnHhrL0wGsP9WJzGHYyfI2uB3rBFvYQZysx3vFiTPg_yzeLrVeUvmlbGfHVGok_O_-BM/s400/before+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This project was a long time coming. I purchased this cherry cabinet at an auction two years ago with the best of intentions. I had been looking for a corner cabinet since we moved into our house, but I couldn't find one I liked for less than $200. I paid $70 for this one, but it had one huge strike against it. It came from a smoking home. I thought with scrubbing, sunshine, and time I could get it cleaned up. No dice. Then I decided paint would cover it up. All last year I had been reading about <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/index.html">Annie Sloans Chalk Paint</a>. I was even able to buy it locally at a store in MD called <a href="http://repurposedandrefined.com/store/">Repurposed and Refined</a> to save on shipping! This paint is expensive. But with all the claims of no sanding, no priming and one coat coverage I thought why not! I could get this project done in a weekend! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pbWV9BxGA376IB6YPRVVUS7Lnue1StB2JQ5lkGIUdT6_UopSoBHdPdcTjD21kxWedEsc1JYPXXZRkLQicaA2zNYkQZLqX_45eHcoBE7A2FQQIH1zNZ8jip5FtGiS5tFog5x9i0iAC6GI/s1600/during+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pbWV9BxGA376IB6YPRVVUS7Lnue1StB2JQ5lkGIUdT6_UopSoBHdPdcTjD21kxWedEsc1JYPXXZRkLQicaA2zNYkQZLqX_45eHcoBE7A2FQQIH1zNZ8jip5FtGiS5tFog5x9i0iAC6GI/s320/during+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Let me also make the disclaimer that I have only painted a handful of furniture and I am not claiming that I am any good at it. Also, I searched around on the internet for some quick how-tos, read through the product website, and got some pointers from the vendor of the paint. I fell in love with the idea of painting the inside a fun bright color. I have seen a few vintage cupboards/cabinets painted on the inside and felt like it would work for this project. I was immediately smitten with Antibes Green for the inside. In my opinion, this is the perfect spring green color. For the exterior I choose Old White and used a clear wax to finish it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Yq_UaJSkfqBPOchHJ-_pQw0P7z6QJBaf6hNhemf8ZEELLarF1mnyIsP44as1fKODudE3LGaxj16yY6nxr_l_aPwIPLXbQdB__-wR_xeBT_x_-Q9n6R7-wxZXwBfOAxbUXltiWCcQOXGI/s1600/during+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Yq_UaJSkfqBPOchHJ-_pQw0P7z6QJBaf6hNhemf8ZEELLarF1mnyIsP44as1fKODudE3LGaxj16yY6nxr_l_aPwIPLXbQdB__-wR_xeBT_x_-Q9n6R7-wxZXwBfOAxbUXltiWCcQOXGI/s320/during+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I used my 2'' Purdy brush to paint the entire piece. Because of the smoke issue I knew I needed to cover every square inch with paint to seal it up. I used an entire quart of green to paint the inside. It took two coats to get it looking even. In the photo above, you'll see what one coat will look like covering a cherry finish. Very streaky. The exterior also has one coat. The white had much better coverage, but if you look closely I got an unexpected crackle finish. I was a bit upset at first. It wasn't the look I was going for. The crackle appeared almost immediately. My best guess is the paint interacted with the nicotine. There is no cracking on the inside or where the doors had been closed. By the time I had finished painting the exterior my first brush strokes were dry. So I got out some fine grit sandpaper and sanded a portion to see if a second coat would cover the crackle. I packed up for the night and the next day everything got a second coat. The crackling was still there but not as apparent. I applied two coats of wax and put the whole thing together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqZZOj0zrJyxLG-ac88bdvjmNCmIJ6yCQ3D8syNNL62X3s4qwhhd8fvswxCjTkrQRfFgXYmYS5WZMbTcDTGePYt0r8-_U8R0tISyWtQXi9vx7gOhjWtF2lAwnhS9BLns2MT2d_1A1XESY/s1600/after+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqZZOj0zrJyxLG-ac88bdvjmNCmIJ6yCQ3D8syNNL62X3s4qwhhd8fvswxCjTkrQRfFgXYmYS5WZMbTcDTGePYt0r8-_U8R0tISyWtQXi9vx7gOhjWtF2lAwnhS9BLns2MT2d_1A1XESY/s320/after+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Once in the house, I loved how the cabinet filled the room! I love how my white and silver dishes pop with the green. The hand blown glass on the top shelf doesn't stand out as much as I'd like, but I'll have to come up with a different display for them. The freshness of the green makes me very happy! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfD121QrUXGe5Ot4coMn5HBpMFH056w_MJ348zGjFVtJIepuZLyvHN29vDKNhifms28OKAIsw-q9sdmFrlrSNZj5yV6BOXcQZ0aKa_B5sgCFQOicx8s5aOjYs8cTIm8TK8YW48pxyLDhq/s1600/after+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfD121QrUXGe5Ot4coMn5HBpMFH056w_MJ348zGjFVtJIepuZLyvHN29vDKNhifms28OKAIsw-q9sdmFrlrSNZj5yV6BOXcQZ0aKa_B5sgCFQOicx8s5aOjYs8cTIm8TK8YW48pxyLDhq/s320/after+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAftNpff0Wa8cllUbqqwhavVqL2-MRp9ozdNX4FCdvIFGKSiUFRutMo4fhtI2I1C8OTXBaXT3CET-f90PfyIuXuDzb-_Cdw2DawqSwGza3sf9zqUxkVQF5lTIKayIu3m9i9uP8Yt1ILNQE/s1600/before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>I did a very light distressing with a sanding block and came to terms with the crackle finish. Overall, I do love the results. I didn't expect to use the amount of paint I did, but the results are great. The green is vibrant. The Old White is a soft white with no yellow. It distressed beautifully and the wax was easy to apply (I used a lint free rag.) What I wasn't expecting is that the cabinet still has a faint smoke smell. Total disappointment. My husband has a more sensitive sniffer than I do, but there is no mistaking it when you open the doors. And after sitting in the house for 4 months I decided it can't stay. :( I'm really bummed. There is the whole financial loss of the project and then having the whole experience not meet my expectations. I'll list it on craigslist. Maybe I can get some money back on it and start the search for something else. You only need one buyer right?!LeeAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12353955432153587658noreply@blogger.com6