tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33481330829836950242024-03-13T15:05:44.838-07:00Victory and PeaceNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-85288975017267122762013-05-19T23:27:00.000-07:002013-05-19T23:27:34.716-07:00Where Have I Been?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8XmFHrYcJM/UZm_o-v35nI/AAAAAAAAA2A/JA8JJhCDwhc/s1600/2013+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" pua="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8XmFHrYcJM/UZm_o-v35nI/AAAAAAAAA2A/JA8JJhCDwhc/s320/2013+016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
First there was this. It happened last May. I was very tired. Not much sewing or quilting happened in the last year.<br />
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Now there is this. My little peanut was born at the end of January and I've been so busy taking care of him!<br />
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I hope that one day I will be able to continue blogging about my quilting, but for now there are other things taking up my time. Thanks for reading my blog and I hope that we can reconnect soon.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-69648846987317249012012-05-25T20:16:00.001-07:002012-05-25T20:16:26.903-07:00Owl House for L.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9d0hiWGuDYU/T8BFQe0T0wI/AAAAAAAAA0w/CXax8Yma6eM/s1600/quiltie+221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9d0hiWGuDYU/T8BFQe0T0wI/AAAAAAAAA0w/CXax8Yma6eM/s400/quiltie+221.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I didn't forget about my promise to show you the Owl House quilt for L. I finished it up some time ago now, but I'll try to remember some details. It turned out to be approximately 65"x85" I think. Large enough for a twin size bed anyway. It was a heavy monster to wrestle with, but <i>so</i> worth it.<br />
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I started out by choosing the cute owl print by Alexander Henry, and then I added in a variety of reds, greens, blues and browns, with a hit of orange. I built the blocks around a few different sized owl squares, adding strips of colour in log cabin formation. It wasn't very planned, just things that I thought looked nice together.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKruoD5GpT0/T8BFbSBebYI/AAAAAAAAA1A/cJKr4Ds5Drc/s1600/quiltie+206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKruoD5GpT0/T8BFbSBebYI/AAAAAAAAA1A/cJKr4Ds5Drc/s400/quiltie+206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I squared the blocks up to 15.5" and originally planned just to mash them all together. Once I had some made, I thought that it looked better with some sashing. I found a nice latte colour in my stash that I purchased in Egypt. It suited the blocks nicely.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjd6i8qSCy4/T8BFgpHG17I/AAAAAAAAA1I/0RBrDLi8qWg/s1600/quiltie+207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xjd6i8qSCy4/T8BFgpHG17I/AAAAAAAAA1I/0RBrDLi8qWg/s400/quiltie+207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I thought it would be fun to fussy cut some owls to make into cornerstones and I love the touch of whimsy that they add. Plus cornerstones make it easier to sew sashing on well. I won't say no to that!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgiVAgUTozY/T8BFmEInUnI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/wi-VoOEt20w/s1600/quiltie+213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgiVAgUTozY/T8BFmEInUnI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/wi-VoOEt20w/s400/quiltie+213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I ended up quilting it in a sort of boxy meander. My edges were mostly rounded, but I love the texture that it adds. (Too bad I had that <a href="http://victoryandpeace.blogspot.ca/2012/02/confound-it.html">problem</a> in the middle of quilting it. Good thing that I didn't forget the motions to finish it off.)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxADNN_CCjI/T8BFrA51BBI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/iNXcSfxrqdo/s1600/quiltie+226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UxADNN_CCjI/T8BFrA51BBI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/iNXcSfxrqdo/s400/quiltie+226.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I really had fun with the back. I did one large chunk with some fabric that I picked up at Ikea awhile ago, and the other large chunk is a solid grey I had stashed. My favourite part is the strip of the owls bordered with the fun red Momo print.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-kO2SNuLoY/T8BFwcDTvDI/AAAAAAAAA1g/Gc_wwQoqyy4/s1600/quiltie+230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-kO2SNuLoY/T8BFwcDTvDI/AAAAAAAAA1g/Gc_wwQoqyy4/s400/quiltie+230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love a scrappy binding. I used up some leftover strips from the log cabins in blue and greens, and pieced them on the diagonal. I machine finished the binding with a turquoise thread so that it would kinda blend in with both colours.<br />
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L. loves his quilt and it looks fantastic in his room - the walls are painted a similar shade of light brown. He sleeps under it every night and I hope that he will for many more years!<br />
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I'm working on another quilt. (What else is new?) Maybe I'll give you a sneak peek or maybe you will only see the finished quilt. Depends when I blog next.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-14007876908020477062012-04-26T21:20:00.001-07:002012-04-26T21:20:17.274-07:00Churn Dash Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToKmTEMPw14/T5oZVzxNPeI/AAAAAAAAA0E/XMuTI8uKLTc/s1600/quiltie+182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToKmTEMPw14/T5oZVzxNPeI/AAAAAAAAA0E/XMuTI8uKLTc/s400/quiltie+182.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yay!! I received my doll quilt in the mail last week. I am thrilled with the little quilt that was made just for me. It came all the way from California, made by <a href="http://bethadeezoo.blogspot.ca/">Wendi</a>. Isn't the design so cool? I just love churn dashes and stars, so this just works in so many ways. (It also reminds me of a block that I like that was in my <a href="http://victoryandpeace.blogspot.ca/2011/08/bee-quilt.html">bee quilt</a>.) Check out the binding. She aligned it with the colours in the block!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HblXjH3YvQg/T5oZaBdAMoI/AAAAAAAAA0M/VsCqFltU68Q/s1600/quiltie+183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HblXjH3YvQg/T5oZaBdAMoI/AAAAAAAAA0M/VsCqFltU68Q/s400/quiltie+183.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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She sent along some wonderful goodies. I got some great text fabrics that look like typewritten words and some yummy chocolate. I am so spoiled!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGJvh1TKOGg/T5oZfAXIiOI/AAAAAAAAA0U/IUq9L2tX-s8/s1600/quiltie+184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGJvh1TKOGg/T5oZfAXIiOI/AAAAAAAAA0U/IUq9L2tX-s8/s400/quiltie+184.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And let's not forget about this wonderful zippy pouch. I really like it a lot! The colours are just awesome. I keep meaning to make myself one, but that hasn't seemed to happen yet.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNaqaBO3s4k/T5oZgpSV2EI/AAAAAAAAA0c/m7ByFUibjb4/s1600/IMG_5398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNaqaBO3s4k/T5oZgpSV2EI/AAAAAAAAA0c/m7ByFUibjb4/s400/IMG_5398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The back is just great too, with lots of lovely handwriting fabric and a cute label. Also, Wendi made some hangers for it. Very practical for hanging on my wall.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHneh_0bTdk/T5oZhhYaNFI/AAAAAAAAA0k/AP63KDbNKcM/s1600/IMG_5400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHneh_0bTdk/T5oZhhYaNFI/AAAAAAAAA0k/AP63KDbNKcM/s400/IMG_5400.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here it is on the wall behind my sewing machine with the doll quilt that I got last year! I'm so excited to have a collection now. Maybe I should make something to go up there too. (If I ever get around to it.) Maybe I'll just participate in some more swaps!</div>
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I haven't forgotten that I need to show you the completed Owl quilt. I'll get to that soon.</div>
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xo Nicole</div>NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-61459419376710064602012-04-21T21:05:00.000-07:002012-04-21T21:05:43.712-07:00Beginner's Luck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7p10fcDdnw/T5N9OF7YlhI/AAAAAAAAAzc/4QZGrg-vHVo/s1600/IMG148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7p10fcDdnw/T5N9OF7YlhI/AAAAAAAAAzc/4QZGrg-vHVo/s400/IMG148.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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I did finish it! It's all quilted and bound (in a fabulous orange nonetheless) and hanging in its new home at the quilt shop. I just love the Amy Butler peony fabric that I based it on and I am so pleased with the outcome. Too bad that I can't cuddle with it at home.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg0LtSj1Ii4/T5N9QTouWdI/AAAAAAAAAzk/Pcy5tqaxrDg/s1600/IMG149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg0LtSj1Ii4/T5N9QTouWdI/AAAAAAAAAzk/Pcy5tqaxrDg/s400/IMG149.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
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Isn't the middle block so wonderful? I love how part of the shoo-fly blocks make it look like the centre star has a second star around it.</div>
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I don't know why, but stars and shoo-fly blocks are two of my faves. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVabt1IdUMI/T5N9UDrvpjI/AAAAAAAAAz0/4AlqSeTT00A/s1600/IMG151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVabt1IdUMI/T5N9UDrvpjI/AAAAAAAAAz0/4AlqSeTT00A/s400/IMG151.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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I am also very happy with the final sashing choice, since it wasn't my original choice. I had originally chosen a rich brown and a soft lavender for the cornerstones. They ended up being totally wrong and too harsh for the blocks. Luckily, at the time that realized I needed to find something better, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katjas-Quilt-Shoppe/356250385819">Katja</a> had just brought in some wonderful Pat Bravo fabric that worked perfectly with my colour scheme. I'm so delighted that the colours were exactly as I had originally pictured in my mind.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nDgxcde3hk/T5N9WiVqS8I/AAAAAAAAAz8/y9OiFze2pIU/s1600/IMG152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8nDgxcde3hk/T5N9WiVqS8I/AAAAAAAAAz8/y9OiFze2pIU/s400/IMG152.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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Here is the quilt in its current location above the wide backings and flannels. (Oh, and look to the left - you see <a href="http://www.carla-graceandfavour.blogspot.ca/">Carla's</a> cute birdie quilt and my little <a href="http://www.victoryandpeace.blogspot.ca/2012/02/happy-twisters.html">twister quilt</a>. And in the foreground is a glimpse of my placemats and <a href="http://www.victoryandpeace.blogspot.ca/2011/08/sixteen-again.html">Sixteen Again</a> quilt.)<br />
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If you (or someone you know) are interested in making a Beginner's Luck quilt, contact <a href="http://www.katjasquiltshoppe.com/index.html">Katja's Quilt Shoppe</a>. The first class begins on May 22 at 6pm.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-25609055421883722442012-04-10T20:43:00.002-07:002012-04-10T20:43:51.739-07:00Doll Quilt Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhdR9h3V3fY/T4T6iOqI4fI/AAAAAAAAAy8/Yc6_Zdu4yRY/s1600/quiltie+234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhdR9h3V3fY/T4T6iOqI4fI/AAAAAAAAAy8/Yc6_Zdu4yRY/s400/quiltie+234.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I managed to finish up my doll quilt for the Doll Quilt Swap 12 on Flickr. I am so thrilled with the results. It was rather difficult to send it off after all that work!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FF2rRu1FIA/T4T6lgTyFkI/AAAAAAAAAzE/1aN4AHcyfxk/s1600/quiltie+235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FF2rRu1FIA/T4T6lgTyFkI/AAAAAAAAAzE/1aN4AHcyfxk/s400/quiltie+235.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I have always maintained that I hate foundation paper piecing, but I thought that I would try it again with some special paper. I found that the paper made a good difference, and I think that my machine being serviced and the tension being so much better helped out a great deal as well.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36rQjK28jqk/T4T6oF_5JKI/AAAAAAAAAzM/TpoAlEhcC0I/s1600/quiltie+237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36rQjK28jqk/T4T6oF_5JKI/AAAAAAAAAzM/TpoAlEhcC0I/s400/quiltie+237.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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I designed this quilt on EQ6 and printed out 5 papers. Then I grabbed my test fabrics and tried it out. It worked quite well and came together just as I had hoped. I dove in with my chosen fabrics for the swap and made up the blocks over 2 weeks or so. I think it took me about 1.5 hours for each block.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uufDeu8DVz4/T4T6vZaD0NI/AAAAAAAAAzU/QzN6pnkP5b8/s1600/quiltie+236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uufDeu8DVz4/T4T6vZaD0NI/AAAAAAAAAzU/QzN6pnkP5b8/s400/quiltie+236.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then I still had to take all the paper off - ugh! I still hate that part of paper piecing, although my pointy tweezers helped me out in some tricky spots. After basting the layers together, I decided to hand quilt it with some matching red embroidery floss. I think that the design pops! I also added in some green quilting, kinda in the ditch to secure the outer part of the quilt.</div>
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I hope my partner loves it. I expect that she will get it sometime this week. She doesn't know this is coming from me, so hopefully it will be a lovely surprise.</div>
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I am still waiting to receive a little quilt, but I have no idea which one will be mine. There are some absolute stunners in the photo pool!</div>
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-54218369951474976402012-04-09T20:22:00.000-07:002012-04-09T20:22:30.033-07:00Slowly Finishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZXdiWwm6A4/T4OlTzCU_jI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/Xb_ah-QFkPU/s1600/quiltie+180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZXdiWwm6A4/T4OlTzCU_jI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/Xb_ah-QFkPU/s400/quiltie+180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I managed to meet and even exceed one of my goals for the last week. I really wanted to finish the quilting on this Beginner's Luck quilt. I did that, and I am almost done sewing on the binding.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXnsNsf70Ig/T4OlVjI4nkI/AAAAAAAAAyY/lFxNqJu1rL4/s1600/quiltie+181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXnsNsf70Ig/T4OlVjI4nkI/AAAAAAAAAyY/lFxNqJu1rL4/s400/quiltie+181.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used a light aqua thread and stitched in the ditch. It made me realize that I really don't like stitching in the ditch. It matters if you go off the lines. With free motion quilting, its a lot more forgiving. I'm going to focus on the positive though, and take delight in the fact that I'm not perfect. It's much more fun that way.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOvFcGPQDKI/T4OlWxRU6mI/AAAAAAAAAyg/XhJ1jELjOmY/s1600/quiltie+182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOvFcGPQDKI/T4OlWxRU6mI/AAAAAAAAAyg/XhJ1jELjOmY/s400/quiltie+182.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I am super happy that its done because I started sewing this quilt before Christmas I think. I was planning on having it done by the end of January, so that I could run a Quilting 101 evening class this spring.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7t4yg77plDk/T4OlYN4ysoI/AAAAAAAAAyo/Ti_EiFfEHRk/s1600/quiltie+183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7t4yg77plDk/T4OlYN4ysoI/AAAAAAAAAyo/Ti_EiFfEHRk/s400/quiltie+183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That didn't really work out, but it will be offered for the end of May through June. More details to follow when I get some good pictures of my completely finished project.</div>
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I also have some other fun stuff to share that will be coming to this blog very soon.<br />
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What have you finished lately?<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-24068301203410465942012-03-14T21:41:00.003-07:002012-03-14T21:42:23.332-07:00Up and Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I forgot to let you all know that my machine is up and running again. I actually got it back very quickly from the shop (only one day!). It seized up because the last place that serviced it oiled it instead of greasing it apparently. Anyways, it now runs way better than it did even after the last time it was serviced. The tension is just perfect as well!</span> On Monday I finished quilting the quilt that I was working on when it died. In fact, the quilt is completely finished, but I need someone to help me to take some photos. It's pretty big.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHPaWqG1KH4/T2FoyX4BdgI/AAAAAAAAAyA/6LHDNFmj24c/s1600/quiltie+174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHPaWqG1KH4/T2FoyX4BdgI/AAAAAAAAAyA/6LHDNFmj24c/s400/quiltie+174.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also quickly stitched together this little baby quilt on the weekend. It's nothing intricate, but I do love a simple patchwork in pretty colours. I'm going to finish it off next week with some simple quilting. It's for my cousin who had a baby girl on March 1. You can also see the Rambling Rose Meets Jamestown blocks that I've finished so far. I need to get back into making some, as I haven't done any in awhile.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xEtVo0dOHA/T2Fo0PhcAlI/AAAAAAAAAyI/jC-JMoNoh7Q/s1600/quiltie+179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xEtVo0dOHA/T2Fo0PhcAlI/AAAAAAAAAyI/jC-JMoNoh7Q/s400/quiltie+179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also tried out my first New York Beauty block. I designed in in EQ6 and it's really little - only 4" finished. I had a difficult time with the inner curve. I think I should have practised with something a little bigger. Maybe I'll turn this little guy into a pin cushion or something. </div>
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Oh, and <a href="http://www.carla-graceandfavour.blogspot.com/">Carla</a> recently gave me the Liebster Blog award. It goes to some inspiring little blogs with less than 200 followers. I'm supposed to nominate 5 other blogs, so here they are, in no particular order.</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.quiltingbarbie.blogspot.com/">Quilting Barbie</a> :: I was in a Canadian quilting bee with Barb a couple of years ago and she make some really beautiful stuff. I admire how she manages to create with 3 little ones at home.</div>
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2. <a href="http://cynthiaf.ca/">Cynthia F</a> :: Cynthia is a fabulous artist and designer. I won a Spoonflower print from her awhile back and I love seeing her current 'quaintings' (quilt paintings). She is also a fellow Canadian and member of the Fraser Valley Modern Quilt guild, and I am currently in an improv bee with her.</div>
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3. <a href="http://hollysredbike.blogspot.com/">Holly's Red Bike</a> :: She is the founder and current president of the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild. Holly has some wonderful ideas and also recently did some cross stitch.</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.venusdehilo.com/">Venus de Hilo</a> :: Stephanie is a quilter in Hawaii. Her amazing and colourful work is very inspiring, and I am pretty sure that she is heavily influenced by her environment.</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.kristinawilberg.typepad.com/">Sew Domestic</a> :: Kristina has exquisite taste in fabrics and colour combos. I pretty much love everything that she makes.</div>
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I hope you enjoy visiting some new blogs!</div>
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xo Nicole</div>NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-2690131620670219532012-03-08T23:30:00.000-08:002012-03-08T23:30:01.122-08:00Some WIPS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwfk4qemFuE/T1g_k7k3IHI/AAAAAAAAAxA/d9IcIHjcSjM/s1600/quiltie+124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwfk4qemFuE/T1g_k7k3IHI/AAAAAAAAAxA/d9IcIHjcSjM/s400/quiltie+124.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is a very terrible picture that I snapped on Saturday evening. I spent my day making up these improvised blocks to make a toddler quilt for a friend's little girl. It has progressed further than this. All the pieces are now filled in and sewn together. Unfortunately, it's a little bit smaller than what I was aiming for, so I need to add a border. I don't think I can add a regular style border due to the nature of the quilt. It calls for something created in the same manner as the piecing. I also have run out of some of the fabrics, so it will not be an easy task. I hope to get this finished completely next week. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mceC5N_KQAM/T1hBCRY59_I/AAAAAAAAAxY/Y25nmNlNfy4/s1600/quilts+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mceC5N_KQAM/T1hBCRY59_I/AAAAAAAAAxY/Y25nmNlNfy4/s400/quilts+004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This quilt is something that was started a year ago. It is all sewn together and then I was waiting to find the perfect backing fabric. I found it and then basted it. It has been sitting ready for quilting for a few months now. I'd really like to just finish it up! I'm a little stuck on what to do for the quilting. I think I want to try something new and a little fancy. I just need to work up my courage. This probably won't be finished next week, but sometime this spring. I think its a great spring quilt.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai7iGMWxNFM/T1hCyMdAW2I/AAAAAAAAAxg/h5FuwL38bcw/s1600/quiltie+131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai7iGMWxNFM/T1hCyMdAW2I/AAAAAAAAAxg/h5FuwL38bcw/s400/quiltie+131.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
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My sample for the Quilting 101 class I'm going to be teaching is just about done. I basted it on Friday and now just need to get it quilted and bound. I will be getting that done in the next week as well. I was planning on it being done at the end of January. </div>
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I think that I have more time in my mind than what actually happens. We'll see if that is the case next week. I do have two weeks off from work at school and I plan on sewing for a large chunk of that time. Most of what I want to do is finish off projects that are nearly done. I think that is attainable. I'll check in again later and let you know how that all works out.</div>
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xo Nicole</div>NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-32407219262562839852012-03-07T21:09:00.001-08:002012-03-07T21:09:38.156-08:00A New Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I joined the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/">Doll Quilt 12 swap</a> on Flickr last month. I'm going to make a little quilt for a secret partner for whom I get some information about, but she has no idea that I'm making a quilt for her. In return, I will be getting a great little quilt from someone else. We have some specific rules to follow, like it must have at least 6 pieced blocks and one of them must be a churn dash, New York beauty, log cabin, drunkard's path or flying geese. It is also required to have a solid in it, but not white or any derivative of white.</div>
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I <a href="http://victoryandpeace.blogspot.com/2011/08/beach-huts.html">participated</a> in <a href="http://victoryandpeace.blogspot.com/2011/10/doll-quilt-swap-11-received.html">round 11</a> last summer and it was so awesome!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucHDVv8Ctqc/T1g6vS7bsWI/AAAAAAAAAww/BdjiWnsDg-o/s1600/DQS+12+Mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucHDVv8Ctqc/T1g6vS7bsWI/AAAAAAAAAww/BdjiWnsDg-o/s320/DQS+12+Mosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my inspiration mosaic. I made it up to let my partner know what kind of things I would love in a mini quilt. Check out<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pentax29/"> my Flickr photostream</a> for the credits of these pictures. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a5vvkOoDkc/T1g63rch_VI/AAAAAAAAAw4/vK9Gnoe3VGg/s1600/quiltie+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a5vvkOoDkc/T1g63rch_VI/AAAAAAAAAw4/vK9Gnoe3VGg/s320/quiltie+127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are some possible fabrics that I put together last night for the quilt that I will make for my partner. I'm not 100% sure that they will be the best, but I'm going to try them out. I also have made it my personal goal to include a New York beauty block in my quilt. I have never made one and feel a bit intimidated by them. This is a great opportunity to conquer my fear! I sketched out some ideas on paper and in EQ6 last night. I'll have to think on it a little more before I decide what exactly to do. I have until April 5 to send it out, but I hope to finish it up by March 29.<br />
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Its so awesome to see what everyone else is up to in the group. That's one of the most fun things about being in a swap. There are some super talented people in our group!<br />
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I'd love to know what is inspiring you right now!<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-82483522553647934102012-02-12T17:35:00.000-08:002012-02-12T17:35:48.367-08:00Happy Twisters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EJld5pRWEM/TzhjPYzc9JI/AAAAAAAAAvs/x5Ss70LFzT4/s1600/quiltie+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EJld5pRWEM/TzhjPYzc9JI/AAAAAAAAAvs/x5Ss70LFzT4/s400/quiltie+081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before my machine broke, I finished a quilt last week. It's called Happy Twisters and I used the Lil' Twister tool to make the centre. This has been a work in progress for quite some time, maybe October. Not because it takes a long time to make it, but because of life.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxO7TkrqhNs/TzhjUvoyIwI/AAAAAAAAAv0/Y3rWkURlo8g/s1600/quiltie+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxO7TkrqhNs/TzhjUvoyIwI/AAAAAAAAAv0/Y3rWkURlo8g/s400/quiltie+085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used a charm pack from Moda called "Happy" (hence Happy Twisters). I thought it would be fun for a baby quilt. I sewed the centre together and then stalled. I wasn't loving it and it was a weird size. Too big for a doll quilt and too small for a baby quilt. I also didn't really know how I should quilt it. I began to work on other things.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF4Wg15mTuc/TzhjZ9dtLPI/AAAAAAAAAv8/973zErQoqZ8/s1600/quiltie+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF4Wg15mTuc/TzhjZ9dtLPI/AAAAAAAAAv8/973zErQoqZ8/s400/quiltie+094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was poking around blogland and saw a <a href="http://lovelylittlehandmades.blogspot.com/2012/01/ode-to-atsuko.html">quilt</a> that looked like it had the same centre. I liked this one however, and it had a triple border around it. I decided that was what my little quilt needed. It would add what I felt was missing and make it big enough for a baby quilt.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYGoScIJ8Z0/TzhjfFGqpLI/AAAAAAAAAwE/MMSOMNaHpfA/s1600/quiltie+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYGoScIJ8Z0/TzhjfFGqpLI/AAAAAAAAAwE/MMSOMNaHpfA/s400/quiltie+086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted to outline each pinwheel for the quilting, but that would be too much work. I decided to outline just part of each one and I like the zigzag lightning bolt thing it has going on now. I stitched in the ditch on both sides of the skinny border and did a large meander in the outermost border. I think it has the perfect amount of quilting.<br />
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<a href="http://katjasquiltshoppe.blogspot.com/">Katja</a> just got in some new fabrics from the same designers called Twirl. There was a wonderful wavy stripe that was just calling out to be the binding for this quilt. I sewed it on by machine and had a finish! Now it is in the <a href="http://www.katjasquiltshoppe.com/index.html">Shoppe</a> on display and I wrote up a little info sheet. If you like the pattern, you can just make a $2 donation to <a href="http://www.hope-international.com/index.php">HOPE International</a>, and get the instructions.<br />
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I hope you have a lovely day.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-78322628073189686482012-02-11T20:56:00.000-08:002012-02-11T20:56:47.624-08:00Confound It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVEvw377pJE/TzdC-zWyLbI/AAAAAAAAAvU/zQ2nYSyHUSk/s1600/quiltie+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVEvw377pJE/TzdC-zWyLbI/AAAAAAAAAvU/zQ2nYSyHUSk/s400/quiltie+112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Imagine a lovely Saturday afternoon with loads of time to work on a quilt that you want to finish before next weekend. You have some tunes to jive to, no hubby at home to worry about, and piles of laundry and vacuuming to ignore. You set up your machine and grab your quilt that has been prepared since the end of December. Finally. Let's quilt it!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9dJb4DCQu0/TzdDEJ_aa-I/AAAAAAAAAvc/8rb9l9slw-8/s1600/quiltie+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9dJb4DCQu0/TzdDEJ_aa-I/AAAAAAAAAvc/8rb9l9slw-8/s400/quiltie+113.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You even decide to try out a new quilting design. It isn't perfect, but it sure looks cool. Somehow you manage to wrangle your giant quilt through the itty bitty space in your machine to achieve this awesomeness. You use up almost 4 bobbins of thread and are quite pleased with yourself with how this is turning out.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCAUYnvtBt4/TzdDJq8EdkI/AAAAAAAAAvk/5b6krEOSB_E/s1600/quiltie+115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCAUYnvtBt4/TzdDJq8EdkI/AAAAAAAAAvk/5b6krEOSB_E/s400/quiltie+115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Suddenly, your machine makes a terrible noise and jerks to a halt. The screen reads: STOP FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. Oh no! It is jammed up. Not the thread. The mechanics inside! You manage to get your quilt out from the machine and see if you can figure out what is wrong. You turn the hand wheel and nothing happens. Confound it! <br />
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It. Is. Broken. That means that your quilt will not be finished for next weekend, nor will the birthday gift or the bee block (from November). Nor anything else.<br />
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I sure hope the shop can fix her up. <br />
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I guess that means I have to clean the house now.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-90529106263866539952012-02-02T22:19:00.000-08:002012-02-02T22:19:52.261-08:00On Hex-A-Thons and Winning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A7SYl5zciw/Tyt2yvnc9yI/AAAAAAAAAus/tTWM3nOrh6g/s1600/quiltie+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6A7SYl5zciw/Tyt2yvnc9yI/AAAAAAAAAus/tTWM3nOrh6g/s400/quiltie+102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I joined in with the crowd at <a href="http://www.katjasquiltshoppe.com/index.html">Katja's</a> for the Hex-a-thon. We are English Paper Piecing 3" hexagons; one each week in 2012. I decided to use an older layer cake called Patisserie by Fig Tree and Co. It has some wonderful soft colours and prints.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAc68w0u6ho/Tyt24G_MkQI/AAAAAAAAAu0/VYTOxAkgeKw/s1600/quiltie+098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAc68w0u6ho/Tyt24G_MkQI/AAAAAAAAAu0/VYTOxAkgeKw/s400/quiltie+098.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is week 1. Fairly straight forward, but some of my points were off. Hopefully I will improve in this area as the year goes by.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZlsMBkzQm8/Tyt2-Eu994I/AAAAAAAAAu8/I1-61gSqF-k/s1600/quiltie+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZlsMBkzQm8/Tyt2-Eu994I/AAAAAAAAAu8/I1-61gSqF-k/s400/quiltie+096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Week 2. I liked doing this one. The fussy cutting turned out pretty well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJZBZLzOHNk/Tyt3Db-1rcI/AAAAAAAAAvE/QRttGhdr3nU/s1600/quiltie+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJZBZLzOHNk/Tyt3Db-1rcI/AAAAAAAAAvE/QRttGhdr3nU/s400/quiltie+093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Week 3. This one gave me a lot of grief. It doesn't even lay flat. Hopefully once the papers are removed it won't be too noticeable.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGsLdRVl8lI/Tyt3Hm8O8VI/AAAAAAAAAvM/R6UnnckfOvc/s1600/quiltie+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGsLdRVl8lI/Tyt3Hm8O8VI/AAAAAAAAAvM/R6UnnckfOvc/s400/quiltie+076.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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I also won a prize over at <a href="http://cynthiaf.ca/">cynthia f</a>. Cynthia designed this piece of fabric herself and it was printed at <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome">Spoonflower</a>. (You can even <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/843525">buy one</a> for yourself if you want.) It is a super cute calendar for 2012. I better hurry up and make something with it before too much more of the year passes by. I was thinking about sewing on some bright borders and making it into a wall hanging for my sewing room - a mini quilt of sorts. (It is fat quarter size, so it will be on the larger side.) I really love it and I am so thankful for Cynthia's generosity. I will delight in this all year - and even after that!<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-84717169151888306122012-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:00:35.521-08:00Reminder to self....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6x-iPWQp8gA/Tya-KqUBqpI/AAAAAAAAAuk/BlPk3Ki_L6c/s1600/quiltie+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6x-iPWQp8gA/Tya-KqUBqpI/AAAAAAAAAuk/BlPk3Ki_L6c/s400/quiltie+073.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remove pins before sewing over them!<br />
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Happy Monday.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-58156151137654702702012-01-28T17:05:00.000-08:002012-01-28T17:05:36.142-08:00Make Life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V9X870tjsE/TySXGA47FCI/AAAAAAAAAt8/vYVNbLZ2ShQ/s1600/quiltie+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V9X870tjsE/TySXGA47FCI/AAAAAAAAAt8/vYVNbLZ2ShQ/s400/quiltie+077.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><br />
Hooray! I have finished my first quilt of 2012. It's made from a charm pack of Sweetwater's Make Life, some Moda Bella Snow for the background, and polka dots from Make Life for the border and binding. It's a lovely size for a baby quilt, so good thing that it has a new home with a sweet baby.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9uY-dW_RgM/TySXL41kBEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/0ImN0HMVZk4/s1600/quiltie+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9uY-dW_RgM/TySXL41kBEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/0ImN0HMVZk4/s400/quiltie+075.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I made it for the daughter of a teacher that I work with. I picked out the fabrics before I knew what the gender of the baby would be, but I knew that it would be perfect. I used a pattern that I got from <a href="http://www.carla-graceandfavour.blogspot.com/">Carla</a> at Moda Club last year. It's super easy and quick to put together. I really love the graphic quality of it too. I may just have to make another one day! It would also be fun to do with a layer cake.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33f69DDPWfM/TySXQ3ehnfI/AAAAAAAAAuM/yAt8bMotirI/s1600/quiltie+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33f69DDPWfM/TySXQ3ehnfI/AAAAAAAAAuM/yAt8bMotirI/s400/quiltie+079.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><br />
For the backing I used a sweet Japanese print that I got on sale that has little soldiers and cats and dogs and trees marching in rows. The colours are a fabulous match with the charm pack. I had thought that I had enough to do the whole back, but it turned out that I was short a bit. Luckily I had just the perfect amount of red dots left over from the border and binding. I can't believe how perfectly that it worked out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6gV5aMO_pI/TySXWQnaSCI/AAAAAAAAAuU/ETBwF7kqSAY/s1600/quiltie+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6gV5aMO_pI/TySXWQnaSCI/AAAAAAAAAuU/ETBwF7kqSAY/s400/quiltie+080.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I quilted it 1/4" away from the seams; a kind of echo quilt, I guess. It took quite awhile to get it all quilted. I used my walking foot and did have some problems with the stitch tension. Most of the quilting looks okay after I washed it. I really love how crinkly and soft this quilt got after it came out of the dryer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCionipv7co/TySXbnSO6gI/AAAAAAAAAuc/OBu--nnPqRE/s1600/quiltie+089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCionipv7co/TySXbnSO6gI/AAAAAAAAAuc/OBu--nnPqRE/s400/quiltie+089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My new favourite way to do binding on baby quilts is by machine. It is so much faster and it will hopefully hold up better to frequent washings. I am becoming better at it with each quilt I make.<br />
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It feels good to get something done. I can take delight in that! I have been feeling a little overwhelmed by all my projects that are piling up. Hopefully I can finish some other things up in the next little while. I'll try to make up a blog post soon featuring some things I am working on. Then you can keep me accountable to finishing them!<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-49567212758615605832012-01-16T18:36:00.000-08:002012-01-16T18:36:21.978-08:00In Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqUa23nMIyg/TxTajWhqdvI/AAAAAAAAAtc/FwO1CWRLe1o/s1600/quiltie+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqUa23nMIyg/TxTajWhqdvI/AAAAAAAAAtc/FwO1CWRLe1o/s400/quiltie+125.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><br />
I am piecing a quilt called Rambling Rose Meets Jamestown for a local quilter. It's going to be a big one - queen size in fact. I've got the first three blocks done, but have many more to go. Nine more sample style and 23 log cabins. The pattern uses templates for cutting out the pieces. It's the first time that I have used templates and I quite like them. The only pain is when they slip a little in the middle of a cut! I think I figured my way around that now though.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhU9D3AFW9w/TxTan_sDkPI/AAAAAAAAAtk/WUC72WHc-vg/s1600/quiltie+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhU9D3AFW9w/TxTan_sDkPI/AAAAAAAAAtk/WUC72WHc-vg/s400/quiltie+126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I worked on this block in the past week. It took longer than I anticipated, but it came together well enough. It is called Roanoke Island. I like the fussy cut flower center.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fb8oOgOIJVI/TxTarr5XGKI/AAAAAAAAAts/OIeZuXwaiPA/s1600/quiltie+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fb8oOgOIJVI/TxTarr5XGKI/AAAAAAAAAts/OIeZuXwaiPA/s400/quiltie+127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This block gave me some troubles. I'm not really sure why, but I misunderstood the directions and had to do a bunch of ripping out. Oh, my old friend, seam ripper. This block is called Discovery.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4ayTvoCsRI/TxTaxrlK2RI/AAAAAAAAAt0/SSqoSUju2MQ/s1600/quiltie+128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4ayTvoCsRI/TxTaxrlK2RI/AAAAAAAAAt0/SSqoSUju2MQ/s400/quiltie+128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Lastly, I have been working on a sample for my Beginner's Quilt class in the spring at <a href="http://www.katjasquiltshoppe.com/">Katja's</a>. I miscalculated how much background I needed and had to buy some more last week. Good thing there's lots of it! I also was not thrilled with my original sashing choice, so I bought a new fabric today for that. I think it's going to be lovely!<br />
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xo Nicole<br />
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PS. Sorry about the terrible photos. Night time lighting is the pits.NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-61751409420542948742012-01-11T19:41:00.000-08:002012-01-11T19:41:14.894-08:00Addison's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtqDS4uwsYU/Tw5ST16m9CI/AAAAAAAAAs8/s4ex3wt2rOs/s1600/quiltie+099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WtqDS4uwsYU/Tw5ST16m9CI/AAAAAAAAAs8/s4ex3wt2rOs/s400/quiltie+099.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Last October/November I sewed up a little quilt for a baby shower for my friend. I used blocks from my month from The Maple Leaf Bee 2 quilting bee. I was originally planning to add an off white border around each block and then some scrappy sashing, but in the end it was a perfect quick project for a baby.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RGAZpmHKHg/Tw5SYzUuGDI/AAAAAAAAAtE/KfwRiu-BEt4/s1600/quiltie+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RGAZpmHKHg/Tw5SYzUuGDI/AAAAAAAAAtE/KfwRiu-BEt4/s400/quiltie+100.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I had each of my bee mates sew up some scrappy log cabin blocks a la Denise Schmidt drunk love in a log cabin style. I sent them out a lovely selection of green, pink, orange and brown prints and solids and I am so pleased with the results. The hardest thing is capturing the colours accurately on camera. I tried my best to doctor up the pictures a bit to get you a better idea of what they look like. However, it just doesn't measure up to seeing it in person.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5yKG_o1SNc/Tw5Sd29wxPI/AAAAAAAAAtM/-NUtrSxPF5k/s1600/quiltie+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5yKG_o1SNc/Tw5Sd29wxPI/AAAAAAAAAtM/-NUtrSxPF5k/s400/quiltie+102.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I quilted it with an all over stipple loop and machine sewed the binding. I love the bright pink of the binding. It adds just a little more girly-ness without being over the top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sy-fylUVnd4/Tw5SjJ7uePI/AAAAAAAAAtU/fEaMATHp4sg/s1600/quiltie+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sy-fylUVnd4/Tw5SjJ7uePI/AAAAAAAAAtU/fEaMATHp4sg/s400/quiltie+108.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I pieced the back together with some left over bits of fabric and sewed on a label in an oval shape from a piece of Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party line. I think it may be my favourite part of the quilt! I hope my friend and her baby girl will enjoy this quilt for many years.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-70340023203610151722012-01-01T16:57:00.000-08:002012-01-01T16:57:06.070-08:00Welcoming 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYOVD3marJM/TwD5bEbfcDI/AAAAAAAAAss/G82XGkDxghc/s1600/quiltie+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYOVD3marJM/TwD5bEbfcDI/AAAAAAAAAss/G82XGkDxghc/s400/quiltie+044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I know that it's a little cliché to review the last year and make goals for the coming year, but it feels satisfying somehow. In the past year there have been many accomplishments and some difficulties. <br />
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I have a faithful God who loves me and will always be with me. I have a loving and supportive husband. My family relationships and friendships have been deepened and strengthened. I am blessed with two great jobs and wonderful colleagues. My health is good and is even improving. We are home-owners and have been blessed with everything that we need.<br />
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Even in the midst of unexpected difficulties and hardships, I can be joyful and filled with hope for the future. I know that my character is being stretched and grown. I am becoming more of the person that God wants me to be and I am so thankful for this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9lJWmW_OPo/TwD5wBjd07I/AAAAAAAAAs0/mh1gza1MeEk/s1600/quiltie+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9lJWmW_OPo/TwD5wBjd07I/AAAAAAAAAs0/mh1gza1MeEk/s400/quiltie+047.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
In the coming year I have a lot of goals, hopes and dreams. Some of them are small and some are large. Some are public and some are private. I'll share some with you.<br />
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:: to make relationships a priority<br />
:: to visit family and friends regularly<br />
:: to teach a quilting class<br />
:: to finish many of my unfinished projects from 2011 (I have three quilts basted that are waiting to be quilted!)<br />
:: to do some of the quilts on my long list<br />
:: to use up lots of my fabric that I already have<br />
:: to be wise with my time<br />
:: to finish crocheting a couple of baby blankets<br />
:: to significantly cut down my sugar intake<br />
:: to make myself do things 'now' rather than 'later'<br />
:: to purge my house of unnecessary clutter and stuff<br />
:: to be a peacemaker<br />
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I have heard of people choosing a word to remind them of their top priority for the year and I'd like to do that too. I'm just not sure what that one all encompassing word would be. Maybe the word <b>delight</b>. It has the conotation of being content and joyful and thankful. It makes me feel happy. I want to take delight in what life offers me. I want to delight in the Lord. Yes, that will be my word for the year. Delight. <br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-47646722365457843692011-10-22T20:41:00.000-07:002011-10-22T20:41:21.965-07:00Grandma's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished sewing Grandma's quilt up last weekend and sent it off to her on Monday. She received it Friday and is so thrilled with it. She says that it matches her decor perfectly. I am so happy that she loves it, because by the time that I was finished with it, I wanted to keep it for myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoPISdfj2y0/TqOIGPh0R_I/AAAAAAAAArY/uT5rsJ9O6g8/s1600/fall+2011+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BoPISdfj2y0/TqOIGPh0R_I/AAAAAAAAArY/uT5rsJ9O6g8/s400/fall+2011+042.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I ended up inserting a little strip in it to make it longer. When I originally cut up the squares I had decided on a certain dimension, but when it came time to sew the squares together, I didn't remember what I'd decided. So I just guessed, and it turned out wrong. I had wanted to do 9 squares by 12 squares, but I sewed them together in 10 by 11 (and I had to cut a few more). Then the quilt was too short and I had no more scraps to add in. I was thinking about just adding a top border, but when I mentioned my problem to <a href="http://katjasquiltshoppe.blogspot.com/">Katja</a>, she suggested adding in a strip instead. So I did, and I really liked the way it turned out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e6OlrEr3YAg/TqOJbHyMdJI/AAAAAAAAAro/ZA1O023B4GA/s1600/grandma%2527s+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e6OlrEr3YAg/TqOJbHyMdJI/AAAAAAAAAro/ZA1O023B4GA/s400/grandma%2527s+quilt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I ended up quilting it in a zigzag pattern in the squares, and did a little stipple in the floral strip section. I bound it in a peach check that was perfect for the quilt. After I washed it up, it was so crinkly and soft and even better than I imagined. I know that it will keep Grandma company through many evenings of TV watching. <br />
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I better go get going on my next quilt! I have a long list of quilts to make....<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-19710563217735145612011-10-18T17:41:00.000-07:002011-10-18T17:41:49.802-07:00I'm Teaching!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6258745125_ce540bdc73_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6258745125_ce540bdc73_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This quilt is called Reversed Rainbows and I will be teaching a class on November 1st. If you want to make one of your own, please sign up this week at <a href="http://www.katjasquiltshoppe.com/contact.html">Katja's Quilt Shoppe</a> in Kamloops. Hope to see you there!<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-13823735510438850802011-10-13T21:13:00.000-07:002011-10-13T21:13:34.708-07:00Placemats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfF6x_YoV-U/Tpe02JpkIbI/AAAAAAAAArA/IC7slns7nw0/s1600/summer+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfF6x_YoV-U/Tpe02JpkIbI/AAAAAAAAArA/IC7slns7nw0/s400/summer+2011+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I made up a set of four placemats for my cousin for a wedding gift. She just got married on the September long weekend. I had some fun fruit fabric (alliteration anyone?) and combined it with some other fabrics in my stash. I enjoyed putting in some colours that didn't match exactly, but I thought they spiced it up a bit. When I tried adding colours that were a little closer match to the fruit fabrics, it looked really dull.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uueovAtlksg/Tpe03vDkRfI/AAAAAAAAArI/3cv09LMXEVU/s1600/summer+2011+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uueovAtlksg/Tpe03vDkRfI/AAAAAAAAArI/3cv09LMXEVU/s400/summer+2011+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I added a fun striped fabric to the back so they can be reversible. I quilted straight lines about 3/8" apart and a solid green binding was machine stitched on. Once washed up they still look great. The only thing that I am not so happy about is the way that the fabric looks like it has chevrons from the quilting. Oh well, next time will be better.<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-4970627829909623252011-10-07T15:38:00.000-07:002011-10-07T15:38:02.520-07:00Doll Quilt Swap 11 Received!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKrdUOBYa4Y/To98dmA_kTI/AAAAAAAAAqw/CtGBGKXGNzg/s1600/quiltie+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKrdUOBYa4Y/To98dmA_kTI/AAAAAAAAAqw/CtGBGKXGNzg/s320/quiltie+074.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I actually received it about a month ago, but forgot to blog about it! I don't know why because I really love it. It was made for me by a lovely woman, Wendy. On Flickr, she is known as <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wenswhimsies/">On a Whim / Little Whimsies</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKj85LiNTaY/To98n0jxUwI/AAAAAAAAAq4/kf1mvOMU8cM/s1600/quiltie+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKj85LiNTaY/To98n0jxUwI/AAAAAAAAAq4/kf1mvOMU8cM/s320/quiltie+059.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She posted some sneak peeks during the construction phase, and I had commented that I really loved it and the colours were awesome. I never dreamed that I would be receiving it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPsankMOtYQ/To98jJg-UwI/AAAAAAAAAq0/KkA4sXyF-Co/s1600/quiltie+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPsankMOtYQ/To98jJg-UwI/AAAAAAAAAq0/KkA4sXyF-Co/s320/quiltie+058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
She also included a couple extra goodies - magnets covered in coordinating fabrics, some fun pins and a little sticky note pad. I love these too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNV0xj2CS6Q/To98tjA5QfI/AAAAAAAAAq8/l92cz13xiT8/s1600/quiltie+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QNV0xj2CS6Q/To98tjA5QfI/AAAAAAAAAq8/l92cz13xiT8/s320/quiltie+062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
She called the quilt "Teddy Bear's Picnic" possibly because in one of my comments I mentioned that the tiny bear paws could be teddy bear's paws. Whatever the case, I sincerely love it and it's hanging up behind my sewing machine now. It inspires me everyday with it's tiny loveliness.<br />
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Have you ever made a mini quilt or a doll quilt? You should - it's fun and fast!<br />
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xo NicoleNiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-57416405991099815922011-09-20T17:19:00.000-07:002011-09-20T19:32:31.477-07:00My Beet Soup<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVRnhKeLCv4/TnlMA5MR9eI/AAAAAAAAAqs/GBo4uoPTn-k/s1600/summer%2B2011%2B130.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVRnhKeLCv4/TnlMA5MR9eI/AAAAAAAAAqs/GBo4uoPTn-k/s400/summer%2B2011%2B130.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654634385376409058" /></a><br />I can't say that I know how to make Beet Borscht or anything. This is just my made up recipe and I think it tastes good! This is a great time of year to make things with beets.<div><br /></div><div>1 onion</div><div>2 stalks celery</div><div>2 cloves garlic</div><div>5 or 6 beets</div><div>2 carrots</div><div>1/2 head of cabbage</div><div>1 large can diced tomatoes</div><div>farmer's sausage</div><div>bullion cube</div><div>s & p</div><div>dill</div><div><br /></div><div>I start with onions, celery, and garlic. Chop 'em up and throw 'em in a pot with some olive oil and cook them while you are preparing the next stuff. I chop up the beets into small cubes and add them into the pot. Same thing with the carrots and cabbage. Then I throw in the canned tomatoes and some water and a bullion cube. I turn up the heat to make them boil, then turn it down to simmer. I also cut up some farmer's sausage and add it. Totally optional, but it tastes really good. Then I just cook it up until it's done, maybe one and a half hours. Before serving, I throw in the dill and when it's in the bowl I blob in some sour cream or plain yogurt. You can even sprinkle in some more dill if you like. Eat it up with some fresh bread. Yum!</div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty simple and very tasty. Let me know if you try making it sometime or if you have any questions.</div><div><br /></div><div>xo Nicole</div>NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-55429686575828825752011-09-17T22:02:00.001-07:002011-09-17T22:15:46.103-07:00One of my Works in Progress<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AysdN83c5G8/TnV78kWV47I/AAAAAAAAAqk/HuydXckR7yY/s1600/quiltie%2B058.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AysdN83c5G8/TnV78kWV47I/AAAAAAAAAqk/HuydXckR7yY/s400/quiltie%2B058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653561187713278898" /></a>This weekend I started with a pile of fabrics that are leftovers from a quilt I made for my mom and added in some solid peach fabrics. I'm making a quilt for my Grandma V.<div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iduKIMZgwjs/TnV78ULTU6I/AAAAAAAAAqc/ZkfGKW30rJU/s1600/quiltie%2B062.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iduKIMZgwjs/TnV78ULTU6I/AAAAAAAAAqc/ZkfGKW30rJU/s400/quiltie%2B062.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653561183372006306" /></a>I recently visited her and she was showing us her new digital cable box and trying to figure out how it worked. I thought that she would enjoy having a quilt to keep her warm while watching her favourite shows this winter.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvEPalTsghc/TnV7720qf5I/AAAAAAAAAqU/ViS8VMb250c/s1600/quiltie%2B063.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvEPalTsghc/TnV7720qf5I/AAAAAAAAAqU/ViS8VMb250c/s400/quiltie%2B063.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653561175492427666" /></a>Her favourite colour is peach and I thought that it would go well with these florals. I think that it makes a lovely simple patchwork. My stack quickly was cut and began to be pieced in a few evenings. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBgGDxshKyM/TnV77rfkrdI/AAAAAAAAAqM/Q6VbGtP9szM/s1600/quiltie%2B065.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBgGDxshKyM/TnV77rfkrdI/AAAAAAAAAqM/Q6VbGtP9szM/s400/quiltie%2B065.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653561172451175890" /></a></div><div>I currently have all the rows sewn together and will hopefully finish the top tomorrow. The squares are cut 5" and the quilt will measure about 45"x 50", big enough for a lap quilt on her recliner. The colours are better in real life, but that's what happens when you sew at night and have a crappy camera. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm generally not a huge floral fan, but there are some prints in this quilt that I really love. I hope that my Grandma will love them too.</div><div><br /></div><div>xo Nicole</div>NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-29817444244202987162011-08-31T10:46:00.000-07:002011-08-31T11:02:19.034-07:00Beach Huts<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15r-J3u6JoI/Tl5z7xblUOI/AAAAAAAAAqE/Mz6U3hBgilo/s1600/quiltie%2B047.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15r-J3u6JoI/Tl5z7xblUOI/AAAAAAAAAqE/Mz6U3hBgilo/s400/quiltie%2B047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647078453487685858" /></a>I recently participated in a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/">Doll Quilt Swap</a> on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. This is the first time that I have participated in this swap. Basically I get a secret partner and make her a mini quilt and in return, someone else makes me a mini quilt in secret. It is fun to find out information about what your partner likes and would want, and then make the perfect quilt for her.<div>
<br /></div><div>The rules are fairly simple. It had to be between 9"x9" and 18"x18". It needed to have a least six pieced blocks and be a miniature version of a bed quilt, ie. no art quilts. And you have to send it on time, or you are not allowed to participate in future rounds.</div><div>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9tqWM5CM04/Tl5z7kpUJiI/AAAAAAAAAp8/FckAX9Hdjbs/s1600/quiltie%2B049.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9tqWM5CM04/Tl5z7kpUJiI/AAAAAAAAAp8/FckAX9Hdjbs/s400/quiltie%2B049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647078450055620130" /></a>I started out making <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pentax29/5952290394/in/photostream">something</a> with a colour palette that I hadn't used before, but it just didn't seem to be calling out to be sent to my partner. So I tried again. I came up with this idea of using lots of fun, bright scraps and making beach huts. My <a href="http://www.agirlinparadise.blogspot.com/">partner</a> lives in Florida, so I thought this would be perfect. I added a fun rainbow scrappy border and hand-quilted it with a variegated thread. I haven't really hand-quilted before, so it's a little puffy. I think that next time I would use a hoop to keep things a little more flat. It's not perfect, but I really like it and my partner loved it too! I sent her some scraps and a little notebook for extras. She received it last week. (I am still waiting for my little package to arrive!)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>xo Nicole</div><div>
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<br /></div>NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3348133082983695024.post-52281671748496581882011-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:002011-08-24T20:15:20.020-07:00Sixteen Again<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYZ_VAmLkW0/TlW8_hYeXYI/AAAAAAAAAp0/UvjfhJUBPJw/s1600/quiltie%2B039.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYZ_VAmLkW0/TlW8_hYeXYI/AAAAAAAAAp0/UvjfhJUBPJw/s400/quiltie%2B039.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644625507457588610" /></a><div>I mentioned in a post recently that I will be teaching a couple of quilting classes in the fall. This is one of the quilts that I made for a sample. I wanted to do something fun and easy with solids that looks very striking.</div><div>
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqOTqM9Xjzo/TlW8oCr57JI/AAAAAAAAAps/rgA8mi7d4Kk/s1600/quiltie%2B041.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqOTqM9Xjzo/TlW8oCr57JI/AAAAAAAAAps/rgA8mi7d4Kk/s400/quiltie%2B041.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644625104080596114" /></a>I won't go into a lot of detail about how I made it, but it turns out to be a very nice lap size quilt, perfect for snuggling up with on the couch. I always like a nice big quilt to keep me warm in the winter.</div><div>
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOpvl-SOpSE/TlW8n9dljSI/AAAAAAAAApk/DcJytMDPjgA/s1600/quiltie%2B044.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOpvl-SOpSE/TlW8n9dljSI/AAAAAAAAApk/DcJytMDPjgA/s400/quiltie%2B044.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644625102678363426" /></a>I decided to quilt diagonal lines on it and used 5 different thread colours since I just couldn't decide on one. I actually really like how it looks! The binding is my extra bits of fabrics and I think it looks pretty cool. Hopefully some people will sign up for my class!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>xo Nicole</div>NiCoLehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05722976852183201002noreply@blogger.com0